The Trans Bhutan Trail dates back at least to the 16th century when it connected fortresses called Dzongs and served as the pilgrimage route for Buddhists in the east travelling to the most sacred sites in western Bhutan and Tibet.
Hike some of the most memorable sections of the Trans Bhutan Trail without sacrificing comfort by staying in some of Bhutan’s finest luxury properties, whether it's Aman, Como Uma Paro or Le Meridien Thimphu.
Take in remote mountain passes, ancient temples, and majestic dzongs (fortresses) on your way as you traverse the heart of Western Bhutan on this 6-day itinerary.
Below is a detailed example itinerary:
Day 1 - Thimphu
On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be met by your guide. You will be driven by private vehicle towards Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu. With elevations ranging between 2,248 metres (7,375 feet) and 2,648 metres (8,688 feet) above sea level, Thimphu is the fifth highest capital city in the world by altitude; and it is also the only capital city in the world without any traffic lights. The city offers a unique blend of the modern world alongside striking Bhutanese tradition.
Check in to your hotel, where the remainder of the day will be at leisure.
Accommodation: Amankora Thimphu Lodge (5*)
Day 2 - Thimphu – Thinleygang – Punakha
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred east towards the Dochula Pass. At 3,100 metres (10,200 feet) above sea level, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan range to the north from Dochula at clearer times of year. Mountain passes are some of the most sacred places in Bhutan and so it is customary to burn incense as an offering in places such as this. You may also wish to join locals in hanging colourful prayer flags as a sign of respect to the Gods.
While at Dochula you may visit the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple), built in honour of His Majesty the Fourth King Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck and to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Bhutanese Monarchy. The paintings in this temple are unique insofar as they combine modern flourishes with century-old techniques. The Temple hosts a yearly tshechu (festival) which pays tribute to the wise leadership of His Majesty the King and the ongoing efforts of the Royal Bhutanese Army in protecting Bhutan’s sovereignty. You should also visit the Druk Wangyal Chorten (stupa), also known as the ‘108 Chortens’, and its nearby meditation caves.
Head down into the adjacent valley and join a section of the Trail known as the ‘Divine Madman Trail’. You are now following in the footsteps of the Divine Madman himself, Drupka Kuenley, when he came to Bhutan from Tibet in the 16th century to fulfil his destiny of suppressing evil energies. Over the coming days, you will come across a number of important cultural sites and extraordinary stories related to the life of Drupka Kuenley.
Make a stop at the pleasant village of Thinleygang, where you will enjoy a traditional, hot Bhutanese lunch, served in a local farmhouse. After lunch, visit the Thinleygang Lhakhang (temple) before rejoining your vehicle for a transfer to your hotel in Punakha. On arrival, you will have the remainder of the day to relax and enjoy the facilities.
After breakfast at your hotel, you will visit the Nalanda Monastery, home to a group of monks who are pursuing higher Buddhist studies and learning English as well. You will be able to interact with the monks and chat with them. They will be more than happy to practice their English language skills with you!
After the visit, you will be transferred to Sew Drangsa, where you will find a clearing marked with prayer flags, which is where the monastic body stops for lunch when they transfer between its winter residence in Punakha and summer residence in Thimphu. From here, you will rejoin the Trans Bhutan Trail and descend towards Punakha Dzong (fortress), enjoying spectacular views of the Punakha Valley on the way.
After lunch at a restaurant in Punakha, enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing around the charming town of Punakha. Start off at the Bazam (bridge) across the river from Punakha Dzong (fortress), where you will need to be wearing formal Bhutanese dress, including a gho for men and a kora for women, in order to cross on foot. Once on the other side, enjoy a tour of the Dzong (fortress), which was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in around 1637 at the confluence of the Phochhu (male river) and the Mochhu (female river). Arguably, it is the most beautiful Dzong in the country. The Dzong guards Bhutan’s most treasured relic, the Rangjung Kharsapani, an image of Chenresig kept away from the public in the utse (tower). It has survived Tibetan invasions, numerous fires, floods and a glacial lake burst. The Dzong served as the capital and seat of the Bhutanese Government until the early 1950s; and the coronation of His Majesty the First Druk, Gyalpo Ugyen Wangchuck, took place here. The building currently serves as the winter residence for the monastic body.
Today, you will be heading towards Gangtey, a home to the rare Black Necked Cranes migrating from the Tibetan plateau to escape the harsh winter. An estimate of 200 to 300 cranes reside in this valley during the winter months and the Royal Society for Projection of Nature (RSPN) take extreme measures to ensure the safety of the Cranes.
Stop on route at Pelela: at 3,407 metres (11,177 feet) above sea level, the Pelela Pass is one of Bhutan’s highest and is traditionally considered to mark the boundary between west and central Bhutan. Local craftspeople often sell fine yak-hair products at the pass. At Pelela join the Trans Bhutan Trail heading east: as you descend through the meadows below Pelela, keep an eye out for the remote yak herder camps which can be seen scattered around the valley. Stop in a traditional farmhouse in the village of Rukubji to enjoy a hot lunch, before visiting Rukubji’s village Lhakhang (temple), also known as Kuenzang Choling. It is thought that this temple was built some 300 years ago by a Lama named Tshendhen Duelwa. Unlike most temples, it is not built on a ridge with a view out over a valley, but rather on an extended plateau and close to two rivers: the reason for this is that the Lama is said to have built the temple on top of the head of a snake-demoness which he subdued in the same location. Rukubji is also famous for its unique local language, and you will have the chance to learn about it from the villagers over tea. The dialect, called Ngyen-Kye, is a mix of other dialects from across Bhutan and even some English words, and is now only spoken by a dozen or so households.
Afterwards, rejoin your vehicle for a transfer to Gangtey. On arrival, visit the 17th century Gangtey Gonpa (monastery), an important monastery in the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism and the main seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition. After your visit, head to your hotel where you will enjoy dinner.
After breakfast, rejoin your vehicle for a transfer back to Paro. A stop will be made for lunch en route.
On arrival in Paro and after checking in to your hotel, head out for a final cultural visit to Ta Dzong and Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress). The Ta Dzong, or the ‘watchtower’, was originally built in 1649 to protect Paro Dzong from the Tibetan military. In 1968, Ta Dzong became Bhutan’s National Museum, and is now home to a number of exhibitions including sculpture, painting and artefacts depicting Bhutan’s magical past. Afterwards, head to Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress), meaning ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels”. The original construction of this dzong is believed to have been completed in 1458 and it was restored to its present glory by His Majesty the Third of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, to mark his royal wedding in 1951.
Dinner will be served at your hotel.
Day 6 - Paro
After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your international departure flight.
Accommodation: Uma Como Paro Hotel (5*)
Price available on enquiry
More information available upon request. Minimum duration may apply. Please read our terms and conditions before booking.
If you're an art lover looking for a good time, Miami Art Basel is the perfect destination. With 250 galleries from 35 countries, Art Basel is more popular than ever.
During the Royal Meeting, a limited number of Private Boxes can be reserved within the Grandstand, offering guests privacy, exclusivity, and impeccable service at the heart of the action. With the flexibility to tailor your Royal Meeting experience to your tastes and timings, a Private Box is the perfect way to enjoy the event with friends, family, or clients.
Due to take place from the 16-27th May 2023 is the 76th edition Festival de Cannes. Experience the glitz and glamour, surrounded by a sparkling collection of high-profile guests and A-list celebrities at the iconic Cannes Film Festival in the stunning Cote d’Azur. Glamorous outfits, champagne on tap, Lamborghini's and yachts galore – if you want to mingle with the elite then this is the event to be at.
For those who enjoy eating and cooking real Greek food, this cooking workshop is the real deal. Awarded the best cooking workshop in Santorini for 3 consecutive years, we invite you to create a traditional Greek menu in an informal atmosphere through a home-style culinary approach.
Overcrowded destinations like Bali or Phuket don’t do it for you? You expect more from your holidays than a sunbed? Looking for emotions,
discoveries, and adventures? Then you’re no tourist, you’re an explorer, and Cap Karoso is the place for you.
Ever wanted to visit Peru with guides that are true experts in their field? This bespoke, 10-day itinerary is the perfect way to explore the country and visit some of its most historic and phenomenal sites.
Uncover the cultural and artistic beauty of Rome, Florence and Venice in this well-thought out 8-day Itinerary put together here at The Sybarite together with our Italian Experts. !
This contemporary seafront villa located minutes from the town of Bandol on the French Riviera is the perfect place to rent out especially for those attending red carpet events in the area such as the Cannes Film Festival.
Located in the Tabanan Regency, the south-western coast of Bali and an area of lush rice terraces and wonderfully rich black-sand beaches stretching across into the Indian Ocean, lies Soori. The Sybarite is pleased to offer their Childhood Wanderlust Experience perfect for families looking to immerse their children in back to nature activities.
This is Safari at a slower pace. Respecting nature and its animals in a remote and exclusive paradise in South Luangwa that offers timeless design, carefully curated spaces, and transformative experiences. Rewilding of the soul and sense of
freedom will take over. To say this is a bucket-list experience is an understatement. Book this truly one of a kind Safari to treasure for years to come.
Book this safari-style wildlife experience aboard a historic luxury yacht for 16 guests, expertly guided by knowledgeable and entertaining Galapagos guides.
Take to the sea & sky in this intimate itinerary for Capri & the Amalfi Coast. This Sybarite Original experience is guided by experts, so you're able to discover Capri in all its unique and beautiful glory.
Ever wanted to visit Peru with guides that are true experts in their field? This bespoke, 10-day itinerary is the perfect way to explore the country and visit some of its most historic and phenomenal sites.
This is Safari at a slower pace. Respecting nature and its animals in a remote and exclusive paradise in South Luangwa that offers timeless design, carefully curated spaces, and transformative experiences. Rewilding of the soul and sense of
freedom will take over. To say this is a bucket-list experience is an understatement. Book this truly one of a kind Safari to treasure for years to come.
Due to take place from the 16-27th May 2023 is the 76th edition Festival de Cannes. Experience the glitz and glamour, surrounded by a sparkling collection of high-profile guests and A-list celebrities at the iconic Cannes Film Festival in the stunning Cote d’Azur. Glamorous outfits, champagne on tap, Lamborghini's and yachts galore – if you want to mingle with the elite then this is the event to be at.
Connect with Icelandic traditions. Relax your mind, body and soul. Try something new. Step out of your comfort zone. All of these are possible with this unique Icelandic Ritual, a truly unique journey that's at the heart of Iceland's newest geothermal experience.
Health is indeed wealth, so arrange your next getaway at one of our partner's four medical wellness retreats. You have the option to select individual or combined courses that will reactivate your energy and feed your body and soul.
After being the first hotel to host the YUJ yoga and Hava Pilates retreats and to inaugurate its private
Pilates Studio in France, Villa Calvi is launching its tailor-made retreats this autumn: La Parenthèse
Immortelle. Book this unique retreat where its aim is to reset the body for 5 days, including relaxation, treatments, walking and targeted practices.
The Pavilions Himalayas Lakeview satellite resort is made up of eight tented villas delivering an ideal mix of luxury meets adventure. The very definition of glamping, you get the best of both worlds – the comfort and elegance of a villa combined with the beauty and wonder of camping in nature. We are pleased to offer attractive rates exclusively for Sybarites. Get in touch now.
Nestled in the natural paradise of a lushly forested valley and set against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayan mountain range, The Pavilions Himalayas The Farm is a truly eco-sensitive luxury resort that gives back to the local community. We are pleased to offer attractive rates exclusively for Sybarites. Get in touch now.
The Light Salon, London's leading skin expert, known for offering distinctive, results-driven LED treatments, is adding Full Body and Head-To-Toe LED light treatments to their extensive offering.
Learn more about luxury lifestyle by signing up for free
For our latest experiences and editorials, be the first in the know. You'll learn about upcoming experiences happening worldwide and the secrets and lifestyle of a sybarite.
