End to End Bhutan Trek

This morning, after breakfast, take an acclimatization trip around town with your guide.

On your orientation walk (fortress), you will stop at Lhakhang Karpo, also known as 'White Chapel,' just south of Haa's dzong.

In the central chapel of the Lhakhang, sculptures represent the Tse-la-nam Sum triad.

As part of your visit to the Lhakhang Karpo, you will have the opportunity to receive a traditional blessing prior to embarking on your Trans Bhutan Trail adventure.

There is time for you to relax or go on another gentle acclimatization walk in the afternoon.

This morning, after breakfast, rejoin the Trans Bhutan Trail and travel east. The route climbs gradually from Lamgong Settlement into the Paro Valley's extensive rice farms before slicing around the northern peak and down into Dopshari, a traditional village.

Enjoy a cooking demonstration and traditional Bhutanese lunch at a rural home in Dopshari. After lunch, you'll get the chance to try your hand at archery, Bhutan's national sport, and play a game of traditional 'khuru' (darts).

After lunch, return to the route for one more ascent to Upper Dopshari, where you'll be rewarded with beautiful views of the Paro Valley. 

You will be picked up from Upper Dopshari and driven back to Paro. Visit Ta Dzong, or the 'watchtower,' on the way, which was erected in 1649 to guard Paro Dzong from Tibetan soldiers. Ta Dzong became Bhutan's National Museum in 1968, and it currently houses a multitude of displays portraying Bhutan's mystical history, including sculpture, painting, and relics. After that, see the majestic Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress), which translates to "Fortress atop a Heap of Jewels." This Dzong is said to have been built in 1458, and it was restored to its current splendour in 1951 by His Majesty the Third of Bhutan, King Jigme DorjiWangchuck, to commemorate his royal wedding.

Following your tours, return to your hotel, where we recommend relaxing and relaxing in a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath before dining with your guide at a local restaurant.

After breakfast at camp, continue your journey east towards Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city. With heights ranging from 2,248 meters (7,375 feet) to 2,648 meters (8,688 feet), Thimphu is the sixth tallest capital city in the world. The city is also the only one without traffic lights in the world. The city offers a unique combination of modernity and Bhutanese heritage.

The Trail begins at Tsalunang and then ascends through fir, blue pine, dwarf rhododendron, and yak meadows before reaching Pumola Pass. To escape the summer heat of the Punakha valley, Punakha herders used to move their livestock here.

Continue on the Trail as it meanders through picturesque meadows, with dramatic views of the Thimphu Valley from a long ridge after a picnic lunch and great mountain views at Pumola. You will be able to see your path for the next several days beyond Thimphu in the distance from here.

The Buddha Dordenma, Thimphu's most famous monument, is located at Buddha Point near the end of the day. The 51-meter tall gilded bronze statue, which has 125,000 miniature figurines, stands atop a three-story base as a guardian of the Thimphu Valley, guarding a church and thousands of donor statuettes. The statue was commissioned to commemorate Jigme Singye Wangchuck's 60th birthday, and was made in China before being shipped to Thimphu in parts.

After checking into your hotel, meet your guide for dinner at one of the many great restaurants in the capital.

Among Bhutan's most spectacular sunrises can be found on Dochula Pass. As the sun rises, the Himalayan range is visible in the distance when the weather is clear.

You can join the Divine Madman Trail in the nearby valley after breakfast. As a descendant of the Drukpa Kuenley lineage, Drukpa Kuenley arrived from Tibet for the purpose of repressing demonic spirits in Bhutan in the 16th century. Over the next few days, a variety of fascinating anecdotes and cultural sites will shed light on Drukpa Kuenley's life.

Then you'll go down to Toeb Chandana after having lunch at Thinleygang Lhakhang (temple). If you arrive in Toeb Chandana Lhakhang, referred to as Chandana Lhakhang (meaning "where the arrow fell"), you must get up close to see it. Toeb Chandana is said to have been struck by an arrow during the time of Drukpa Kuenley. It was built in the 15th century to ward off demons and served as the residence of Ngawang Chogyal, the spiritual leader of Tibet. Ngawang Chogyal was believed to have owned two knee-shapknees, which were believed to belong to Ngawang Chogyal.

Toeb Tshewang's dwelling is believed to have been struck by Drukpa Kuenley's arrow when he landed next to the Temple. In a jealous rage, Tsewang pulled a sword that Drukpa Kuenley tied mysteriously, after wearing a beggar's outfit while courting Tshewang's wife. Tshewang gave Kuenley's wife as a gift to help him fulfill his predictions due to Kuenley's heavenly power. Including the wooden ladder Kuenley's arrow is said to have struck, Tshewang's family has preserved the home for fifteen generations as a memorial.

A hot shower and a hot stone bath will be waiting for you at your campground afterward. Dinner will be prepared using organic, locally sourced ingredients at camp.

Accommodation: At Signature Trans Bhutan Trail Camping
Meals: B,L,D

Bid farewell to Toeb Chandana after breakfast when you depart this morning for Sew Drangsa. Monastic bodies have used this route for winter travel to Punakha and summer travel between Punakha and Thimphu in recent years. You will find a clearing marked with prayer flags at Sew Drangsa, which is where the monks stopped to eat on their way, just as you will today. During the descent, spectacular sights of the Punakha Valley can be seen along the way, including Punakha Dzong (fortress).

Punakha is a beautiful town, and there will be some time to go sightseeing in the afternoon. You need official Bhutanese clothing, including the gho for men and the kora for women, to cross the river on foot. You need to start at the Bazam (bridge) across the river from Punakha Dzong (fortress). On the opposite side, you will see the Dzong (fortress) built by ZhabdrungNgawang Namgyal in approximately 1637, where the Phochhu, a male river, meets the Mochhu, a female river. (the female river). In my opinion, it is the most beautiful Dzong in the country. In the utse, there is a picture of Chenresig, known as Rangjung Kharsapani, guarded by the dzong (tower).

A glacier lake crumbled as a result of Tibetan invasions, fires, flooding, and the destruction of several fires. Dzong served as the capital and seat of the Bhutanese government until the early 1950s; Gyalpo Ugyen Wangchuck, the First Druk, was crowned here. The monastic body currently resides in this building during the winter.

Following check-in at your hotel, your guide will take you to a local restaurant for dinner.

Accommodation: Zhingkham Resort or other three star Hotel (3*)
Meals: B,L,D

Following breakfast at your hotel, rejoin the Trail heading east towards Lingmukha. We will wind through rice fields and climb steeply to the highest point of the day, a Chorten (stupa). Picnics can be enjoyed here while admiring the magnificent views of the valleys to the north.

Leaving the Lingmukha valley after lunch, the path descends to the feeder road for the final hour or so of today's climb. You'll go to the Lingmukha Lhakhang (temple) that was founded by Terton Dorjee Lingpa, the famous treasure hunter, because of the vast rice fields that lie beneath the mountains on either side. The valley is known as Lingmup Sher GZhom, which means "golden bowl." Oral tradition indicates that Dorjee Lingpa resided in Lingmukha with his disciples for some time following the construction of the Lhakhang. According to legend, the village's Great Master found many treasures.

When you're done with your temple tour, come back to your campsite to take a hot shower and a peaceful hot stone bath. An organic, locally sourced dinner will be served at camp.

Accommodation: At Signature TBT Camping
 

After breakfast at your accommodation, return to Buddha Dordenma to rejoin the Trans Bhutan Trail. As you descend the Debsi Valley from here, you will follow the old east-west road that connected Thimphu with Punakha, and, beyond it, the east, until the National Highway was built. After crossing the river on the motor road bridge (fortress), you will reach Simtokha Dzong via the ancient east-west road via Babesa. It is said that the stronghold was built in 1629 by ZhabdrungNgawang Namgyal on a rocky outcropping where a demon vanished previously. The Simtokha Dzong is considered Bhutan's first dzong (fortress) built to accommodate both governmental and monastic occupants, as well as the oldest to have been intact for so long. In addition to a three-story utse and several chapels, the Dzong has several beautiful paintings, sculptures, and tapestries.

In Simtokha, you will pass through orchards, strawberry farms, and market gardens as you climb slowly. You will stop for a picnic lunch at a lovely location along the way while passing through lush forest and over meadows to Hongtsho. The trail will eventually reach the Dochula Pass at 3,100 meters (10,200 ft) above sea level. Mountain passes are sacred in Bhutan, and incense is often burned as an offering there. In honor of the local Gods, you could also hang colorful prayer flags.

During the Bhutanese Monarchy's 100th anniversary, the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang was built in honor of His Majesty the Fourth King Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck. This temple's paintings are one-of-a-kind in that they combine modern flourishes with century-old methods. In recognition of His Majesty the King's wise leadership and the Royal Bhutanese Army's continued efforts to preserve Bhutan's sovereignty, the Temple organizes an annual tshechu (festival). It is well worth stopping by the Druk Wangyal Chorten (stupa), which is commonly called '108 Chortens,' and its associated meditation caves.

Bid farewell to Toeb Chandana after breakfast when you depart this morning for Sew Drangsa. Monastic bodies have used this route for winter travel to Punakha and summer travel between Punakha and Thimphu in recent years. You will find a clearing marked with prayer flags at Sew Drangsa, which is where the monks stopped to eat on their way, just as you will today. During the descent, spectacular sights of the Punakha Valley can be seen along the way, including Punakha Dzong (fortress).

Punakha is a beautiful town, and there will be some time to go sightseeing in the afternoon. You need official Bhutanese clothing, including the gho for men and the kora for women, to cross the river on foot. You need to start at the Bazam (bridge) across the river from Punakha Dzong (fortress). On the opposite side, you will see the Dzong (fortress) built by ZhabdrungNgawang Namgyal in approximately 1637, where the Phochhu, a male river, meets the Mochhu, a female river. (the female river). In my opinion, it is the most beautiful Dzong in the country. In the utse, there is a picture of Chenresig, known as Rangjung Kharsapani, guarded by the dzong (tower).

A glacier lake crumbled as a result of Tibetan invasions, fires, flooding, and the destruction of several fires. Dzong served as the capital and seat of the Bhutanese government until the early 1950s; Gyalpo Ugyen Wangchuck, the First Druk, was crowned here. The monastic body currently resides in this building during the winter.

Following check-in at your hotel, your guide will take you to a local restaurant for dinner.

Following breakfast at your hotel, rejoin the Trail heading east towards Lingmukha. We will wind through rice fields and climb steeply to the highest point of the day, a Chorten (stupa). Picnics can be enjoyed here while admiring the magnificent views of the valleys to the north.

Leaving the Lingmukha valley after lunch, the path descends to the feeder road for the final hour or so of today's climb. You'll go to the Lingmukha Lhakhang (temple) that was founded by Terton Dorjee Lingpa, the famous treasure hunter, because of the vast rice fields that lie beneath the mountains on either side. The valley is known as Lingmup Sher GZhom, which means "golden bowl." Oral tradition indicates that Dorjee Lingpa resided in Lingmukha with his disciples for some time following the construction of the Lhakhang. According to legend, the village's Great Master found many treasures.

When you're done with your temple tour, come back to your campsite to take a hot shower and a peaceful hot stone bath. An organic, locally sourced dinner will be served at camp.

Following breakfast at camp, you may want to stop by the nearby Lhakhang Thangkha Temple. KunkhyenLongchenRabjam supposedly built this temple as one of his eight lings (meditation and teaching venues).

Afterward, travel along a section of the Trail that was first utilized by legendarily important messengers GarpLunghiKhorlo and Chamberlin PemiTshewang Tashi. In addition to its remoteness, this region passes by no human settlements, allowing you to spend the whole day immersed in nature. The initial stretch of the path from Samtengang has an elevation, before flattening out until the road descends to Razawo at the end of the day. The Chorten (stupa) in Razawo, which is an ancient stupa believed to have been built during the reign of Buddha Kashyapa, is also one of Bhutan's most historic sites.

Return to your campsite after visiting the Chorten for a hot shower and relaxing hot stone bath. There will be an organic, locally sourced dinner served at your campsite.

Breakfast at your camp should be followed by a return to the Trans Bhutan Trail. If you descend into the meadows below Pelela, keep an eye out for the yak herder settlements scattered across the valley. Take a break in a typical Rukubji farmhouse for a tasty meal before visiting the village Lhakhang (temple), also known as KuenzangCholing. Temples like this one are usually built in a valley with a view of a ridge or on a high ridge, but this one is built on a plateau between two rivers. This temple is built on a plateau with a view of two rivers instead of over a ridge overlooking a valley. In the same spot, the Lama is said to have defeated a snake demoness, upon which he built his temple. During your stay in Rukubji, you will have the opportunity to learn its native language over tea with the locals. Currently, the dialect Ngyen-Kye is only spoken in a small number of homes in Bhutan. It is a combination of several Bhutanese dialects and some English phrases.

In the afternoon, you will rejoin the trail for a gentle climb out of the valley and through a forest before returning to Chendebji village, where you will camp. Its location is said to be where the three ridges and three edges of the sky meet, so be sure to stop by the Chorten (stupa) in Chendebji. In order to establish peace in the Chendebji Valley, Lam Ngedup Tshering Wangchuk constructed the Chorten in order to slay Nyala Dudm, a local monster.

The campsite offers hot showers, hot stone baths and organic dinners sourced locally.

After breakfast at your tent, return to the Trail and ascend via UgyenCholing and TsangkhaSheydra for a short, steep ascent out of Tshangkha. A short descent follows, culminating in crossing the National Highway at Trongsa viewpoint.

In addition to being the geographical center of Bhutan, Trongsa also has a strong connection to Bhutan's Royal Family: two of Bhutan's first three monarchs were born in Trongsa Dzong (fortress), and the crown prince now serves as Penlop (Governor) before ascending to the throne. Trongsa Dzong was once directly on the Trans Bhutan Trail, which still runs through Trongsa. You will replicate the experience of arriving at the mighty city on foot in the same way garps (messengers) would have done so centuries ago as you descend down the steep valley below the viewpoint and enjoy amazing views of the Dzong (fortress) on the opposite side. After crossing over the Mangde River, you'll be on the other side of the valley and through the Western gate of Trongsa Dzong (fortress).

Spend the afternoon at Trongsa Dzong (fortress), which was built by Ngagi Wangchuck in 1541 after discovering the self-confirmed footprints of PeldenLhamo on the same site. Trongsa sprang up around the construction site, meaning "new village" in the local dialect. Located in Bhutan, the current Dzong is a 17th-century fortress built-in 1644. Around 450 district monks live in Trongsa during the winter and in Bumthang during the summer. You will see an assortment of the Trongsa Ta Dzong's 23 Lhakhang (temples) before heading to the fascinating Royal Heritage Museum.

After relaxing for a while, your guide will take you to a local restaurant for dinner early that evening.

Your morning will begin with breakfast at your hotel, followed by a gentle ascent up to Kewathang. We will cross several natural zones on today's hike, which will be beneficial to birdwatchers. From Kewathang, Yotongla Pass can be reached by traversing deep forests. Have a picnic lunch on the way.

In addition to meadows and open woodlands, the trail descends to the Geytsa River from Yotongla. The final leg of today's walk is along the riverbank towards Geytsa.

When you arrive at your Geytsa campsite, enjoy a hot shower, a hot stone bath, and an organic meal sourced locally.

Bumthang is known as the spiritual center of the kingdom because it is filled with Buddhist temples and shrines. There are many sacred sites and monasteries in Bumthang, one of Bhutan's most historic districts.

There is a rock with the imprint of Guru Rimpoche's body in this valley, where the scared jampa and Kurje monasteries are located.

This valley still preserves its religious culture because it is inhabited by descendants of Pema Linga. The only brewery in Bhutan can also be found here.

Today is leisure day in the beautiful town of Bumthang. 

Bumthang is known as the spiritual center of the kingdom because it is filled with Buddhist temples and shrines. There are many sacred sites and monasteries in Bumthang, one of Bhutan's most historic districts.

There is a rock with the imprint of Guru Rimpoche's body in this valley, where the scared jampa and Kurje monasteries are located.

This valley still preserves its religious culture because it is inhabited by descendants of Pema Linga. The only brewery in Bhutan can also be found here.

Today is leisure day in the beautiful town of Bumthang. 

Continuing southwest towards Ura, rejoin the Trail after breakfast. Shortly after following the ancient East-West route, the trail dips back into the rolling countryside and goes through buckwheat fields. We recommend a picnic lunch near Tangsiji, where you can recover before you climb to the Sheytangla Chorten (stupa), which offers breathtaking views of the Ura valley. You will spend the night in Ura after you descend from the Chorten. When you arrive at the campsite, you can take a hot shower, take a hot stone bath, and enjoy a locally sourced organic meal.

After breakfast at camp, continue climbing through the Phrumsengla National Park towards the Thrimshingla Pass for another tough day. The trail ascends through rhododendron trees from Gayzamchu, so keep a watch out for the elusive and endangered red panda as you travel. After a picnic lunch, descend from Thrimshingla through deep woodland and through herders' camps to Sengor, where you may take in the breathtaking views of the valley.

You'll spend the night camping at Sengor, where you'll be treated to a hot shower, a traditional hot stone spa, and a locally produced organic meal when you arrive.

Join the Trail again after breakfast for a steep descent through dense forest. Today, you will experience a downward gradient of around 2 kilometers (1.25 miles) over a 10-kilometer (6.21 mile) stretch, and you will notice the climate getting significantly warmer as you walk. Dry stone staircases built by the ancestors can be found in many sections of the descent. These are a reminder of a time when there would have been traders, pilgrims, and messengers all along the Trail.

Additionally, the Trail passes through the mystical ruins of Zhongar Dzong (fortress). During the days that followed, there was an earthquake and fire that destroyed the Dzong. However, according to myth, the city's downfall was caused by a curse transmitted by its own architect, ZochhenBala. According to legend, the King killed Bala, fearing that he might try to duplicate the design he had commissioned elsewhere; however, Bala was reborn as an evil serpent who resides beneath the fortress's foundations today.

Lingmithang is the campsite where you will spend the night camping. Once you arrive at the campsite, your crew will invite you to experience a hot shower, a traditional hot stone bath, and a locally-sourced organic dinner.

After breakfast at your hotel, head east out of Mongar towards Ngatshang. Today will be spent climbing up towards the Korila Pass, passing through the villages of Wengkhar and Themdangbi on your way.

At Korila, stop for a picnic lunch at a sacred place known as Wadipa Nye, just above the pass. There is a statue of Guru Rinpoche here to commemorate the spot where, in the 7th century, a cow herder spotted Guru meditating, and offered him milk. An annual festival is held at this location, during which locals will place their hands underneath a rock: if their hand emerges holding animal fur, it is believed they will be blessed with great prosperity.

Tonight, you will spend the night camping near Korila – on arrival at the campsite your crew will invite you to enjoy a hot shower, a traditional hot stone bath and a locally-sourced organic dinner.

After breakfast at the camp, cross the old suspension bridge and follow the Trail back up through forested ridges with breathtaking views and through pine and lemongrass forests.

You will stop at Baginla for lunch before continuing on to Drametse, where the Trail gently ascends. If you have the time, visit Drametse Lhakhang (temple), built in the 16th century by Ani ChetenZangmo, Terton Pema Lingpa's granddaughter. The Tibetan refugee Ani ChetenZangmo fled here to escape the marriage proposal of the local king in Bumthang and found this site suitable for meditation. It has been named Drametse, meaning 'the peak without enemies'. Terton Pema Lingpa's lineage is based in Drametse, which is also the cultural and religious center for eastern Bhutan.

Enjoy a homestay experience in a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse tonight with a local Bhutanese family. Bhutanese homes typically serve meals on the floor, so you'll be able to enjoy your meal seated on the ground as is customary in Bhutanese homes.

Begin your final day of trekking on the Trans Bhutan Trail after breakfast at camp, having covered nearly 400 kilometres since you set out from Haa one month ago!

Through a number of small villages, the Trail descends from the JarongKhashor Stupa at Gongthung to the Chazam bridge, which crosses the Dangmechhu River and leads into Trashigang. Throughout the journey, you will see Trashigang Dzong (fortress) in the distance.

On this incredible journey from west to east, you will arrive at Trashigang. After checking into your hotel, you can visit the Trashigang Dzong (fortress). Located on a ledge surrounded by steep cliffs on three sides, it overlooks the Dangme and Gamri rivers, built in 1659. According to legend, ZhabdrungNgawang Namgyal prophesized the construction of this fortress and told Trongsa PenlopMinjurTempa to engage local chieftains to do so. According to local stories, the Tibetan army fled when it saw the Dzong when it reached the Dangme River's banks.

You will celebrate your incredible achievement at a local restaurant in the early evening with your guide.

Once you've enjoyed breakfast at your hotel, you'll head to the nearby Yonphula airport for your flight back to Paro. Upon arrival at your hotel in Paro, you can enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

This morning, after breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your international departure flight.

Here is the conclusion of our Bhutan Tour today. You will be dropped off at Paro Airport by our Bhutanese agent. With a final farewell, you will be flown to your respective country.

With the End-to-End Bhutan Trek, you will have the chance to travel in a landscape filled with breathtaking mountains, architectural wonders, and colorful countryside that is distinctly Bhutanese and rich with its culture. 

If you wish to inquire about Western and central Bhutan Tour prices and departure dates, please contact the Himalayan Circuit.