Highlights of the Trans Bhutan Trail

Day 1 Thimphu  
Welcome to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. Transfer from Paro airport to your hotel in time for a welcome meeting this evening.      

Day 2 Thimphu  
Start your day with a visit to the Choki Traditional Art School, an institution offering free education to underprivileged youth, in the scenic Kabesa valley. Continue to Pangri Zampa Monastery to enjoy a private reading with a monk astrologer. The rest of the day includes a visit to Thimphu Dzong fortress, Buddha Point and a final stop of the day, the Memorial Chorten, a Tibetan-style stupa.  

Day 3 Thimphu to Punakha  
After breakfast you will be transferred towards the Dochula Pass to join the Trans Bhutan Trail. Upon reaching an altitude of 3,100 metres enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayan range and join in with the locals in hanging colourful prayer flags as a sign of respect to the Gods. When heading down explore the ‘Divine Madman Trail’ and the Toebchandhana Lhakhang temple, before returning to Punakha for the evening.  

Day 4 Punakha
Take a walk around the charming town of Punakha and visit the Bazam Bridge. If you wish to cross over on foot you must be wearing formal Bhutanese dress, including a gho for men and a kora for women. On the other side head out on a tour of the Dzong fortress, before enjoying a local cookery demonstration and a traditional Bhutanese outdoor lunch. In the afternoon perhaps go on a gentle rafting expedition down the Mo Chhu River.  

Day 5 Punakha to Chendebi  
Transfer to Pelela to rejoin the Trans Bhutan Trail. Descend through meadows below Pelela, before stopping at a traditional farmhouse in the village of Rukubji to enjoy a lunch and learn about a unique local language, called Ngyen-Kye. Continue with a gentle climb out of the valley to the village of Chendebi where you camp for the night.

Days 6 - 7 Chendebi to Trongsa  
Rise early to transfer towards the town of Trongsa to rejoin the Trans Bhutan Trail. Recreate the experience of past royals as you descend into the steep valley below while taking in the spectacular views of the Dzong fortress. Cross the old cantilever bridge before reaching Trongsa Dzong via the Western Gate. The rest of the day is at leisure. On day 7 head out for a tour of Trongsa Dzong fortress. Visit a selection of the Dzong’s 23 temples and the fascinating Royal Heritage Museum.    

Days 8 - 9 Trongsa to Bumthang  
This morning head to the city of Bumthang, where you visit the majestic Jakar Dzong fortress also known as the ‘Castle of the White Bird’. The rest of the day is free to explore the town before settling into your local homestay accommodation. On day 9 head out on your next trek on the Trans Bhutan Trail. Along the way stop at the Pema Choeling Nunnery, which was created to increase opportunities for Bhutanese girls, coming from rural or vulnerable backgrounds. Continue to the sacred Mebartsho, also called Burning Lake. After a typical Bhutanese lunch return to Bumthang and visit its Brewery, producers of Bhutan’s celebrated Red Panda Beer. Finish your day with a delicious homemade meal and enjoy another homestay experience.  

Day 10 Bumthang to Paro  
This morning catch a flight to Paro. Later in the afternoon visit Ta Dzong which is now Bhutan’s National Museum and stunning Rinpung Dzong fortress. The evening is free to discover more of Paro.  

Days 11 - 12 Paro
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Taktshang Goemba, which is undoubtedly Bhutan’s most famous religious building and offers stunning views from the ridge. Once you have reached the Tiger’s Nest Monastery you will have a chance to visit the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated.    
Your adventure comes to an end on day 12.