Bhutan

Trans Bhutan Trail

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Trans Bhutan Trail: Active Holiday & Cultural Trek

A heritage trail rebuilt with modern homestays

Experience Bhutan actively on the Trans Bhutan Trail. Trek, cycle, and immerse in culture on this historic route. A dynamic way to explore the Dragon Kingdom.

220-250KM

Total Trekking Distance

3,980M

Highest Altitude

Sep-Nov

Best Season

12-16

Group Size
Experience Host

Key Highlights

TBT Adventure

Relish the adventure of passing by multiple mountain passes connecting various valleys

Mountain Villages

Trek past multiple mountain villages, some of which have just a couple of houses

Unique Culture

Experience the Bhutanese way of life intimately as you criss-cross over multiple towns on the trail

Your Journey

Day-by-Day Itinerary

A detailed breakdown of each day's adventure, from the moment you arrive in Bhutan to your final departure.

Highest Point:

Pele La (3,980 m)

Region:

Central Bhutan

8

Day 8: Fly Home

After a memorable journey through Bhutan’s mountains, valleys, and sacred sites, transfer to Paro International Airport for your flight home. Depart with lasting memories of the kingdom’s serene landscapes and timeless spirit.

n/a

n/a

7

Day 7: In the Heart of Paro

Travel from Thimphu to Paro through scenic mountain landscapes, with the option to hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery perched high above the valley. The day blends movement and reflection, set against one of Bhutan’s most striking and spiritual settings.

Personal stay

Lunch

6

Day 6: From Valleys to the Capital

Drive from the open landscapes of Phobjikha to Thimphu, passing through varied mountain scenery and traditional settlements. Arrive by afternoon and spend the rest of the day exploring Bhutan’s capital at your own pace, experiencing its blend of heritage, everyday life, and modern energy.

Yarkey Hotel

All meals included

5

Day 5: From Streamside Paths to the Valley of Cranes

Complete the final walk on the Trans Bhutan Trail with an easy forested hike to a village and onward to a small town. Drive to the open valleys of Phobjikha and end the journey with a restorative hot stone bath, marking a calm and satisfying close to the trail.

Gangtey Pinewood Resort, Phobjikha

All meals included

4

Day 4: Through Forests to a Streamside Haven

Set out early for the longest day on the trail, climbing steadily from camp through forests, meadows, and ridge paths. By late afternoon, reach a secluded village and settle into a quiet campsite beside a stream, surrounded by untouched wilderness.

Campsite by stream

All meals included

3

Day 3: Meadows, Passes, and Hidden Villages

Begin with an easy walk across open meadows before ascending through dense forest to a scenic mountain pass at around 2,550 metres, offering expansive valley views. Descend to a remote hillside village, followed by a short transfer to a quiet campsite for a relaxed evening in nature.

Forest campsite

All meals included

2

Day 2: Walking Into Bhutan

Walk a section of the historic Trans Bhutan Trail, crossing the Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge and continuing through forests, farmlands, and village settlements. The steady 13 km hike ends in a quiet rural village, where camp is set for a peaceful night in Bhutan’s countryside.

Village campsite

All meals included

1

Day 1: Arrival in the Valley of Happiness

Arrive in Paro and drive through scenic mountain landscapes to Punakha, Bhutan’s former royal capital. Visit the iconic Punakha Dzong at the river confluence before checking in and unwinding in the quiet valley, easing into Bhutan’s calm, unhurried pace.

Dhensa Resort, Punakha

All meals included

Key Notes

The Trans Bhutan Trail is a multi day mountain route linking valleys, monasteries, and remote villages, combining steady ascents, forest paths, and cultural immersion, best suited for those comfortable with sustained walking and varied terrain.

What to Expect

Inclusions & Exclusions

Everything you need to know about what's covered in your trip and what you'll need to arrange separately.

Included

Accommodation on a twin sharing basis at curated hotels, lodges, camps, or homestays as per the itinerary

All meals as per itinerary

Private vehicle for all transfers and internal travel

Experienced tour leader & local guides

All permits and entry fees for treks and cultural sites

Not Included

International flights to/from Bhutan

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for US passport holders (100$ per person per day)

Bhutan visa processing and applicable fees (40$ per person)

Personal expenses

Travel insurance (mandatory for all participants)

GST 5%

Is This Trek Right For You?

Who This Trek Is Ideal For

The Wild Rodung La Trek is designed for fit beginners and intermediate trekkers seeking an authentic Eastern Himalayan experience without committing to extreme expedition-level terrain.

Who Can Do This Trek

Experienced trekkers with prior multi-day Himalayan trekking background who are comfortable with long-duration journeys.

Challenges to Expect

Long daily walking hours, repeated ascents and descents, changing weather, remote villages, altitude fatigue, and multi-week physical strain.

Fitness Expectations

High endurance, strong legs, and the ability to walk 6–8 hours daily for multiple weeks with a backpack

FAQs

Do I need travel insurance to join a Juniper Outdoor trip?

Yes — travel insurance is mandatory in Nepal or for trips rated 4 or 5 (difficulty rating), especially those in remote or high-altitude areas. Your policy should include coverage for emergency medical evacuation, high-altitude trekking (if applicable), trip cancellation, and baggage loss or delays. While the chances of needing evacuation are rare, in the Himalayas, even minor health issues can require airlift or medical care, which is costly without coverage. We recommend policies from providers familiar with adventure travel, and we’re happy to share a list of trusted options depending on your country of residence. Please read your policy terms carefully and share your insurance details with our team before departure. For international destinations like Nepal or Bhutan, border officials may also ask for proof of insurance. Having the right protection brings peace of mind—for you and for us—so that we can focus on creating an unforgettable experience, not logistics in crisis.

Are your trips suitable for beginners or families?

Yes - we offer a curated selection of beginner-friendly and family-oriented trips that prioritize comfort, safety, and immersive learning. These trips typically involve shorter walking days, lower altitudes, and culturally rich experiences that engage both adults and younger travelers. We’ve guided families with kids as young as 7 and first-time trekkers in their 60s. Each trip page will indicate whether it’s suited for beginners or families. Our team provides age-appropriate gear checklists, acclimatization guidance, and pacing that suits the slowest walker. Activities like village walks, nature spotting, campsite games, or storytelling sessions around the fire make the experience more than just a trek — it becomes a memory for life. If you’re unsure which trip is best, reach out, and we’ll tailor a recommendation. Whether it’s your first step into the mountains or a way to introduce your kids to nature, we’ll make sure it’s magical.

What kind of gear do I need to bring for the trek?

We provide a detailed packing list tailored to each region, season, and difficulty. Generally, you’ll need sturdy trekking shoes, a daypack, weatherproof outerwear (like a rain jacket or down jacket), layered clothing for cold and warm conditions, a headlamp, refillable water bottles, sun protection, and personal toiletries. For multi-day treks, we recommend moisture-wicking base layers, gloves, a warm hat, and trekking poles. Juniper provides all group camping gear — tents, sleeping bags, mats, and technical equipment (ice axes, crampons, if needed). We also help connect you with rental services if you’re missing something, especially for big-ticket items like jackets or sleeping bags. Packing light but smart is key. We’ll send you a downloadable checklist in your pre-departure kit, and our team is happy to review your packing plan with you before you arrive. Good gear means more comfort, confidence, and joy on the trail.

What’s included in the cost of a Juniper Outdoor trip?

Our trip cost includes nearly everything you’ll need for a seamless experience.Typically, this covers all accommodations (lodges, campsites, or guesthouses),meals during the expedition, support staff (guides, cooks, porters), permits, transport during the trip (like internal drives or local transfers), and group equipment such as tents, sleeping bags, and technical gear. Each trip page has a detailed “What’s Included” section, and we encourage you to review it carefully. What’s not included are your travel expenses like flight tickets to and from the trip start point (unless stated), personal trekking gear(clothing, hiking boots, backpacks), insurance, and incidental personal expenses like snacks or souvenirs. For some international trips or expeditions, flights, visa fees, and extra nights before/after the trip may be additional.Transparency is key at Juniper, so we’re always happy to walk you through the cost breakdown or advise on gear rentals or purchases if needed.

Key Highlights

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