Ancient Trans Bhutan Trail Opens for First Time in 60 Years 

In March 2022, following two years of extensive restoration, the Kingdom of Bhutan will reopen the historic and sacred Trans Bhutan Trail for the first time in 60 years.

The trail will be officially inaugurated by His Majesty the King of Bhutan, whose vision it was to restore the ancient route for tourism, adventure and connection, with visitors able to walk the trail from April.

Community tourism pioneer G Adventures will be the first group adventure operator when the trail launches to the public, offering two new trekking itineraries: the 11-day Camp the Trans Bhutan Trail trip, which features camping and homestays, and a 12-day Highlights of the Trans Bhutan Trail itinerary with accommodation in homestays, locally-owned guest houses and hotels.

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The Trans Bhutan Trail’s origins go back thousands of years to when it was part of the ancient Silk Road. Official records can be traced to the 16th century when it was the only route between the east and west of the country, connecting fortresses – or Dzongs – deep in the remote eastern Himalayas. It also served as the pilgrimage route for Buddhists in the east to travel to sacred sites in western Bhutan and Tibet, and legendary Garps –  trail runners – would travel the trail at great speed by foot with mail and important messages, often making their journeys without food or water.

In March 2022, following two years of extensive restoration, the Kingdom of Bhutan will reopen the historic and sacred Trans Bhutan Trail for the first time in 60 years.
Credit: Nick Walton

When construction of the national highway began across Bhutan in the 1960s, the trail’s ancient stairways and footpaths gradually fell into disrepair. To prepare for the reopening, in March 2020, the team of surveyors restoring the ancient route began clearing jungles, fording rivers and reconstructing bridges to their former glory. As they worked, communities provided hospitality and assistance, elders shared stories of the past, and children marvelled at this unusual group, even as Bhutan and the world were enveloped in the emerging Covid crisis.

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The operator’s two tours focus on trekking specially selected parts of the 403-km (250-mile) trail and connecting with local people to learn about Bhutanese life and culture, thus combining active travel and cultural immersion with the benefits of community tourism.

The 11-day Camp the trans Bhutan trail will show the world what it’s been missing during the years the trail has been closed. Covering some of the best portions of the trail, travellers use their own two feet to experience breathtaking, diverse landscapes and timeless villages from a different era. Featuring idyllic camping spots and overnights in comfortable local homestays, this tour provides a glimpse into Bhutan’s rural and spiritual life that is only possible off the beaten path.

In March 2022, following two years of extensive restoration, the Kingdom of Bhutan will reopen the historic and sacred Trans Bhutan Trail for the first time in 60 years.
Credit: Nick Walton

Alternatively, the 12-day Highlights of the Trans Bhutan Trail allow travellers to explore the country while walking along the same path used by royals, monks, and traders for thousands of years. On this 12-day tour, travel and trek along the best portions of this historic trail, venturing from east to west, hiking high mountain passes across lush river valleys and through villages from a different era, stopping to soak in local history, culture, and customs along the way.

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It is expected that Bhutan’s borders will reopen to tourism ahead of the Trans Bhutan Trail’s official opening ceremony in March 2022. The two new G Adventures trips on the Trans Bhutan Trail depart from May 01, 2022.

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Ultimate Encounters staff writers and contributors are made up of seasoned travel journalists and expedition leaders who have travelled the globe seeking thrilling new experiences for our readers.

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