Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I book a trip with Trans Bhutan Trail?

As the official website of the Trans Bhutan Trail, booking with us offers a Trail experience like no other. Most importantly, all proceeds from treks and journeys with us will be reinvested into ensuring a sustainable future for the Trail. Furthermore, because it was our own team which led the restoration of the Trail, we are the experts on all that the Trail has to offer. Each international guest will also receive one year’s free Trans Bhutan Trail membership, as well as having a tree planted on their behalf.

What is the Trans Bhutan Trail?

The Trans Bhutan Trail is an ancient pilgrimage and communications route connecting Haa, in the far west of Bhutan, with Trashigang in the east. The Trail dates back at least to the 16th century and played a major role in uniting the region’s many kingdoms, repelling foreign incursions, and eventually in the birth of Bhutan as a nation in 1907. In 2018, with the vision of His Majesty, The Fifth King and supported by the Tourism Council of Bhutan, the Bhutan Canada Foundation led an initiative to restore the Trail to make it accessible once again for locals, pilgrims, and travellers.

How long is the Trans Bhutan Trail?

The total length of the trail is 403 kilometres (250 miles) from Haa, in the far west of Bhutan, to Trashigang, in the east. It crosses 27 gewogs (villages) and nine Dzongkhags (districts) of Bhutan.

Do I have to walk the whole Trail?

Not at all! Whilst we welcome guests wishing to complete a through-hike over 28 days or longer, the Trans Bhutan Trail is broken down into smaller, highly manageable sections with frequent access points. Guests may therefore walk a shorter series of sections over multiple days, or, alternatively, enjoy day or half-day hikes as part of their cultural tour of Bhutan.

Is trekking the Trans Bhutan Trail difficult?

Trekking the Trans Bhutan Trail need not be difficult. The Trail has been broken down into a series of accessible sections with varying levels of difficulty. Some of those sections are largely downhill, meaning that day or a half-day hikes should be accessible to the vast majority of international visitors. Altitude is generally moderate at most, with the highest point of the Trail between 3,900 and 4,000 meters (12,795 and 13,123 feet) above sea level. Many sections of the Trail are at considerably lower average altitudes. Please contact one of our travel consultants to discuss your requirements and to have a programme tailored to your particular needs.

Is walking the Trans Bhutan Trail a sustainable experience?

Yes, absolutely. The Trans Bhutan Trail is a path which has existed for many centuries and, since its restoration, we have already seen locals revert to using the Trail for communication and trade between villages, rather than relying on motor roads. One of the goals of the Trail is to encourage better understanding, particularly amongst Bhutan’s children, of the unique value of the nation’s ecosystems, and to promote a greater interest in protecting them for future generations. Our treks and journeys are designed to be sustainable and low-impact, with vehicle use minimized where possible, no single-use plastics, and meals at our signature campsites made from locally sourced, organic produce.

What accommodation is available along the Trail?

From homestays and guesthouses to campsites and luxury hotels, resorts and retreats, there are plenty of accommodation options along or nearby the Trail. Trips for international guests include minimum 3-star hotel accommodation where available, with the option to upgrade to more luxurious accommodations at an additional fee. In addition, Trans Bhutan Trail offers a number of signature campsites in strategic locations along the Trail, where guests can spend a night in comfort in the great outdoors, enjoying locally-sourced, organic foods and relaxing with hot showers or traditional Bhutanese hot stone baths.

I have a special dietary requirement. Are you able to accommodate this?

We are able to cater to a variety of specialist diets including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.

How is the Trans Bhutan Trail different to other trekking routes in Bhutan?

The Trans Bhutan Trail differs from Bhutan’s more remote routes in that it is considerably more accessible. This allows for more supported trekking, with the potential for vehicle support and therefore for homestay and/or hotel accommodation along most of the route. In some areas of Bhutan, itineraries can even combine trekking and luxury resort accommodation. Additionally, the Trans Bhutan Trail experience is considerably more culturally immersive than other trails: although some sections of the Trans Bhutan Trail are remote, the Trail also passes through countless communities of all sizes, inviting guests to sample the world’s best-preserved traditional culture along its way.

Is the Trans Bhutan Trail like any other trails around the world?

The Trans Bhutan Trail is undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest walks and so there are of course many similarities with other trails across the globe. Nonetheless, it is our belief that the Trans Bhutan Trail offers a truly unique experience in terms of the diversity of its climate zones; its blend of urban, rural and remote settings; the range of accommodation options on offer, from camping to standard and luxury hotels; and the richness of experience our guests will enjoy as they immerse themselves in the world’s best-preserved traditional culture.

What else can I do on the Trail?

In addition to trekking, we offer itineraries for mountain bikers, marathoners, bird watchers, pilgrims, spiritualists, photographers, and more. See our itineraries for further inspiration.

What are some of the highlights along the Trail?

The initial Trans Bhutan Trail survey identified over 400 cultural sites along its route, including countless dzongs (fortresses), lhakhangs (temples), and chortens (stupas). Almost every section of the Trail boasts the remnants of the extraordinary work of Bhutanese ancestors, and every day on the Trail has its unique highlights. From views out over the Paro Valley or north towards the snow-capped Himalayan range, to the Divine Madman Trail or the Samtengang ridge walk; from the Trongsa Bazam (bridge) or Mebartsho (the burning lake) to the unforgettable rhododendrons of Phrumsengla National Park; from the ruins of Zhongar Dzong to the warm hospitality of the villages of eastern Bhutan: the Trans Bhutan Trail has something for everyone, every day.

What is the weather like in Bhutan?

The Trail is open throughout the year and because of its varying altitudes, it can offer very pleasant conditions in the winter and summer alike. The spring (February to May) and fall (September to November) are beautiful and usually mild, dry and sunny.

Bhutan has four distinct seasons:

Winter begins in late November and lasts through February. Snow and frost are only common above elevations of 3,000 metres (9,843 feet). At a lower altitude, days are warm and dry with plenty of sunshine.

Spring starts in early March and lasts through June and is typically warm, dry and sunny.

Summer, which is from June to early September, brings the monsoon and rain typically in the afternoons. With it comes green and lush conditions, but rarely temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) even in the lower altitudes.

Autumn, September through to late November, offers slightly cooler temperatures and lots of sunshine.

How has Bhutan responded to the COVID-19 pandemic?

The Bhutanese government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been extremely successful. A high percentage of the population are fully vaccinated and cases have remained extremely low throughout. Please contact us to discuss the latest entry requirements for Bhutan.

Is the Trans Bhutan Trail accessible?

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