Tour overview

This 11-day trip walks sections of the restored Trans Bhutan Trail, an ancient route that once linked the kingdom's dzongs, with a local leader and a group of up to sixteen. You stay ten nights in comfortable hotels, with all meals included and the government's Sustainable Development Fee covered.

From Thimphu you hike to Buddha Point and over the Dochula Pass, then rejoin the trail at Pelela Pass for the descent towards Trongsa and its huge dzong. In Bumthang you explore the secluded Tang Valley and enjoy a farmhouse lunch.

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Back west you walk the Divine Madman Trail near Punakha, hike from the Dochula Pass again on a different section, and follow the trail from Tsendona towards Paro.

The finale is a long hike up to the Tiger's Nest. The physical rating is medium, with several long walking days at altitude.

Trip highlights

  • Buddha Point hike (Day 2)
  • The Dochula Pass (Day 3)
  • Pelela Pass to Trongsa (Day 4)
  • The Tang Valley, Bumthang (Day 6)
  • The Divine Madman Trail (Day 7)
  • Tiger's Nest (Day 10)

Your route

9 stops from Paro to Taktsang

11-day route: Thimphu – Lobesa – Trongsa – Bumthang – Punakha – Paro
  1. Paro Days 8–11
  2. Thimphu Days 1–2
  3. Dochula Pass Day 3
  4. Lobesa Day 3
  5. Chendebji Day 4
  6. Trongsa Day 4
  7. Bumthang Days 5–6
  8. Punakha Day 7
  9. Taktsang Day 10

Why choose this tour

Hike the restored Trans Bhutan Trail. All meals and the Sustainable Development Fee included.

Best suited to

  • Keen walkers
  • Culture and Buddhism enthusiasts
  • Solo travellers
  • Returning Himalaya visitors
The Punakha valley and its river

Day-by-day itinerary

11 days from Paro, Bhutan to Paro, Bhutan

  1. Day 1 · Paro, Tachogang Lhakhang, Thimphu Thimphu

    Welcome to Bhutan.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Lunch, Dinner
  2. Day 2 · Buddha Point Thimphu

    Buddha Point hike.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  3. Day 3 · Dochula Pass, Lobesa Lobesa

    Over the Dochula Pass.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  4. Day 4 · Pelela Pass, Trongsa Trongsa

    Pelela to Trongsa.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  5. Day 5 · Trongsa Dzong, Bumthang Bumthang

    To Bumthang.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  6. Day 6 · Tang Valley Bumthang

    The Tang Valley.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  7. Day 7 · Divine Madman Trail, Punakha Punakha

    The Divine Madman Trail.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  8. Day 8 · Dochula Pass, Paro Paro

    A trail from the pass.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  9. Day 9 · Tsendona, Paro Paro

    Trail to Paro.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  10. Day 10 · Tiger's Nest Paro

    Tiger's Nest.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  11. Day 11 · Paro Paro

    The trip ends.

    Meals
    Breakfast
A traditional house in a mountain valley in Bhutan

Where you stay

  • Thimphu (2 nights) Hotel
  • Lobesa (1 night) Hotel
  • Trongsa (1 night) Hotel
  • Bumthang (2 nights) Hotel
  • Punakha (1 night) Hotel
  • Paro (3 nights) Hotel

Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation 10 nights in hotels
  • Meals 10 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 10 dinners
  • Sustainable Development Fee
  • Airport transfers and private transport
  • Guided hikes on the Trans Bhutan Trail
  • Local leader throughout

Not included

  • Flights
  • Bhutan visa
  • Drinks
  • Travel insurance and personal spending
A waterfall and prayer flags in a Bhutan forest

This trip might not be for you if…

Honest disclaimer — please read

  • You dislike long hiking days
  • You want luxury hotels
  • You find altitude difficult
  • You want flights included — they are not

Good to know

Meals by day Breakfast: Days 2–11 · Lunch: Days 1–10 · Dinner: Days 1–10
A mountain valley in Bhutan in autumn

In pictures

Departures & prices

From £3,175 per person, twin share, tour only. 53 upcoming departures.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book this tour?

Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.

What financial protection do I get?

Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.

Do I need a visa for Bhutan?

Yes. Bhutan issues a visa linked to this group tour, and a daily Sustainable Development Fee applies; send your passport details when you book.

How hard is the hiking?

Medium: several days of four to seven hours on mountain trails, some at over 3,000 metres.

Which meals are included?

10 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 10 dinners.

Can I have my own room?

A single supplement may be available; otherwise solo travellers share with someone of the same gender.

How many people travel together?

No more than sixteen travellers, with a leader.

Can you tailor the trip?

Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.

What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.

ATOL protected 100% financially protected in a Trust bank account PTS 6035 4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option

Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.

If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.

Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary
From £3,175
See dates & prices