Trans Bhutan Trail

• Walk the western section of the historic Trans Bhutan Trail
• Learn about the culture and history of Bhutan
• Interact with local communities and enjoy few traditional meals
• Hike to Taktsang monastery

Photos

Day 1: Bagdogra to Phuntsholing                                       154 kms; 4.5 hours

Pickup from Bagdogra airport and commence our drive to Phuntsholing , the border town in Bhutan . Relax for the remainder of the day.

Day 2: Phuntsholing to Thimpu                                                   177 kms; 5.5 hours

Commence our drive to the land of Gross National Happiness . A 45 minute drive from the hotel will get us to Phuntsholing our entry point into Bhutan . On completing our entry formalities , we drive up the picture perfect verdant mountains of Bhutan.

Time permitting we will do some sightseeing around Thimpu like visiting the Buddha Dordenama statue, Memorial Chorten and the Textile museum. In the evening walk around the vibrant streets of Thimpu. O/n at a hotel in Thimpu

Day 3: Dochula – Toeb Chandana to Punakha

Start early in the morning for our short drive to Dochula pass which connects Thimpu to Punakha. On a clear day one can get grand views of the Eastern Himalayas from where . Pay homage at the 108 chortens , after which we drive to the village of Toeb Chandana from where we will commence our Trans Bhutan Trail. This village has a rich history linked to Lama Drukpa Kuenley popularly know as ‘The Divine Mad Man’ .

The trail gradually ascends from Toeb Chandana until Sew Drangsa offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys . The central monastic body used this route while migrating between their winter residence in Punakha and summer residence in Thimphu, making Sew Drangsa as the lunch point . From there the route will descend down the valley offering stupendous views of the Punakha valley and later of the imposing dzong . O/n at a hotel in Punakha

Day 4: Punakha to Lingmukha

Our route today heads East to Lingmukha valley. Initially the trails winds through paddy fields, climbing up relatively steeply until we reach a chorten which marks the highest point for the day . After lunch the trail descends down the picturesque Lingmukha valley with the last hour or so of the hike being along the feeder road . The valley is commonly referred to as Lingmup sher gi zhom which translate as the golden bowl on account of the many paddy fields which line both the flanks. O/n in tents

Day 5: Lingmukha to Samtengang

Our trail today  rises up from Lingkukha valley, climbing steeply through dense forest until we reach a small pass. From the pass we descend sharply, enjoying panoramic views of the Shar valley . On the way visit the Chungse Azhe Gyalzom Lhakhang , which is built on  the place where a chan- do ( a small disclike stone ) thrown by the divine madman Drukpa Kunely from sha Kuenzangling on the other side of the valley , is said to have  landed . After lunch the trail will pass by a small farming village perched on steep slopes climbing up towards Samtengang. O/n in tents

Day 6: Samtengang to Razawo

Today we head out on  what is a historically very significant section of the trail, once used by the famous messenger Garp Lunghi Khorlo. Being an isolated  section passing through no human settlements, the walk today allowing you to be at one with nature for the duration of the day . As you head out of Samtendang , the first section of the trail is an ascent , after which the trail flattens out before dropping down towards Razawo. O/n in tents

Day 7: Razawo to Noobding to Phobjikha

Head out on the trail which follows the river for a short while after leaving Razawo . From here the path is a steady climb up , all the way till Noobding . The trail initially follows a farm road before crossing over into open meadow and forest of oak and walnut. From here a stiff 2 hour climb will get you to Noobding, the end point of our trek.

Have lunch at a local restaurant after which we drive to Phobjikha, the most picturesque valley in Bhutan. O/n at a hotel

Day 8 : Phobjikha to Paro                                        171 kms; 5 hours

In the morning explore this glaciated valley on foot as we set out on an easy hike on the Gangtey trail . By late morning commence our drive to the quaint town of Paro. O/n at a hotel

Day 9 : Taktsang hike

After an early breakfast set out for our last hike to Bhutan’s most iconic monument, Taktsang monastery. It is one of the most sacred places in Bhutan due to its association with Guru Rinpoche, who reputedly flew to ParoTaktsang cliff in the form of Guru DorjiDrolo, mounted on a flaming dakini-tigress in the 747 A.D., where he meditated and subdued evil spirits. Hence it is also referred to as Tiger’ Nest.

Day 10: Paro to Madarihat

By late morning commence our drive down to Phuntsholing and further to Madarihat in West Bengal. Relax for the remainder of the day.

Day 11: Madarihat to Bagdogra                                                      123 kms; 3 hours

After breakfast drop to Bagdogra airport

Cost per person(for Indian nationals only): Rs.94,500/- (+ 5% GST)