Get ready for the upcoming record-breaking longest East meets West trekking trail in Bhutan

Email

With the revival and restoration of the historic east-west trails, long-distance trekking is going to be a new tourism product in the pipeline.

Get ready for the upcoming record-breaking longest East meets West trekking trail in Bhutan

Trekking Trails in Bhutan

Bhutan has some of the most grueling yet most breathtaking trekking trails in the world. These trekking trails will take you through gorgeous natural landscapes of blue pine forests, high ridges, and pristine lakes. It also offers trekkers the opportunity to visit some ancient temples, fortresses, and villages.

Snowman Trek I and II in Bhutan are one of the most challenging and gruelling trekking routes in the world.

Trekking trails at the higher elevations are usually adorned with a multitude of pristine crystal clear lakes. Enroute Jomolhari trek, trekkers will be treated to one of the most stunning glacier lakes.

The ten most popular trekking trails in Bhutan are mostly concentrated in the Western and Northern regions. Some of the popular trails in Bhutan include Druk Path Trek, Jomolhari Trek, Laya- Gasa Trek, Dagala Trek, Nuptsonapata Trek, and several others.

Some of these trekking trails roots back to the ancestral trail. The most beautiful Dagala Trek connects people of the west (Thimphu ) to the Dagana District. In the past, forefathers used the trail to trade iron ores. Dagala Trek connects people from Paro and Haa. Traditionally, peasants from Haa took the trail to commute to Paro during paddy plantation. Thus, the trail is also known as the Rice Trail.

If long treks are your thing, get excited as Bhutan is currently developing the longest trek in the country, known as Trans Bhutan Trail. It is currently in the third phase of development.

The Revival of Ancestral Trail

Trans Bhutan Trail (TBT) started with a vision to restore the centuries-old historic East-West path that runs across Central Bhutan, “connecting Bhutan from Yesterday to Today". Not only will the trail provide connectivity for the local communities, it will also be an educational opportunities for youths. The team also aims to create an accessible, unique cultural and nature-based tourism experience while the detailed mapping is still to be completed. The TBT project will rejuvenate 430km of trail from Haa in the west to Trashigang in the east.

For hundreds of years, these trails served as an important link between the two regions of the country. However, with the construction of the national highway in the 1960s, the use of the trails slowly discontinued. But with the revival and restoration of the historic east-west trails, long-distance trekking is going to be a new tourism product in the pipeline.

The Revival of Ancestral Trail

Trans Bhutan Trail is unique as it travels through communities and villages along the way. TBT team hopes that people who love long-distance trekking and those who aspires to hike all the long trails in the world would come to Bhutan and trek this trail. Until now Trans Bhutan Trail has also engaged a total of 32 ambassadors in 23 gewogs to provide services along the trail. The development of the trail will not only help in creating employment opportunities for the people involved in the tourism industry of Bhutan but it will also boost the economy of the local communities.

tbt-aug-bridge

Many stakeholders are working in collaboration to build the trail. For instance, with support from the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB), the restoration of the traditional bazam (wooden bridge) leading to the Trongsa Dzong is completed. The bazam is historically significant and a critical component of the TBT. It was last restored in the 1980s with support from the Austrian Government.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRANS BHUTAN TRAIL

  • This trail dates back to the 16th and 17th century or even earlier.
  • For the first time in 60 years, people will be able to walk the historic route along the Wangchhu from Thimphu to Dochula, completely off the National Highway.
  • Bhutan Trans Trail will be the longest trekking trail that connects West to the East through Central Bhutan.
  • Trekkers will get to delve into the local communities and experience authentic traditional Bhutanese lifestyle.
  • In collaboration with National Land Commission, TBT completed mapping of full 430km trail including the recording of over 400 cultural and ecologically significant sites along the route.
  • Amid the lockdown and COVID-19 Crisis, the team of TBT continues to work on the development of the trail.
  • The project is funded by Bhutan Canada Foundation. The trail is expected to be restored and ready for use before the Gyalsung (national service) program begins in 2022.

To book a Trans Bhutan Trail Tour, kindly contact Druk Asia.

HOMESTAY EXPERIENCE IN BHUTAN
HOMESTAY EXPERIENCE IN BHUTAN


Related Posts

Mt. Jomolhari in Every Trekkers Bucket list Around the World

Hundreds of tourist’s trek to wake up at the base of Jomolhari (Jangothang) to see the most spectacular Mt. Jomolhari,...

Nov 26, 2020 12:21

October the Peak Trekking Season in Bhutan- Where are you...

The mountains are the most prominent natural geography features of Bhutan. located on the southern end of the Eastern...

Oct 30, 2020 17:10

Changi Airports International and BIG Team Up for Bhutan’s Next...

Changi Airports International (CAI) of Singapore has been chosen to collaborate with the renowned architectural firm...

Oct 08, 2024 10:49

Bhutan Reduces SDF for the First 15,000 Bangladeshi tourists

This special scheme will be valid until 2027.

Jun 05, 2024 10:09

Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future: Bhutan's Tourism Turns...

Bhutan is set to commemorate the golden jubilee of its tourism industry, marking 50 years since the nation first...

Jun 03, 2024 20:34

Bhutan Removes Mandatory Travel Insurance for Tourists

Bhutan's Department of Tourism has announced the elimination of the compulsory travel insurance obligation for tourists.

Apr 26, 2024 10:03

Latest

News

From Ruins to Glory: The Restoration of Lingzhi Yugyal Dzong

The historic Lingzhi Yugyal Dzong, a key fortress along Bhutan’s northern frontier, has been restored to its former glory after being...

Oct 11, 2024 15:03

Former Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dasho Dr Lotay Tshering Appointed Governor of Gelephu Mindfulness City

Dasho Dr. Lotay Tshering, former Prime Minister of Bhutan, has been appointed Governor of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).

Oct 04, 2024 10:40

Features

Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck Receives Inaugural Smile Asia Philanthropic Visionary Award

Over 230 children in Bhutan have received free surgeries for facial deformities through a partnership between Smile Asia, a Singapore-based...

Aug 19, 2024 14:15

Rifles and Rituals: Satire and Societal Shifts in Bhutan as Portrayed in 'The Monk and The Gun

Pawo Choyning Dorji, whose film "The Monk and the Gun" offers insight into the Himalayan nation's modernization process.

Feb 20, 2024 11:04

Business

Brand Bhutan: Karma Yangchen

Karma Yangchen, a distinguished artisan from Bhutan exemplifies a profound commitment to the art of handwoven textiles.

Dec 14, 2023 10:22

Brand Bhutan: Bhutan Herbal Tea

Bhutan Herbal Tea is the brainchild of two Bhutanese individuals who first crossed paths in New York during a Bhutanese New Year gathering...

Nov 25, 2023 13:56

Sports

Bhutan Cricket's New Milestone: The Inaugural Indoor Cricket Academy

The Bhutan Cricket Council Board (BCCB) inaugurated its inaugural indoor cricket academy on 20th December, with the objective of ensuring...

Dec 21, 2023 14:57

Paro FC Clinches Third Consecutive Victory in BOB Bhutan Premier League

Paro FC has once again claimed the BOB Bhutan Premier League championship, marking their third consecutive title victory during the season's...

Dec 12, 2023 10:26

Travel

Changi Airports International and BIG Team Up for Bhutan’s Next Regional Hub

Changi Airports International (CAI) of Singapore has been chosen to collaborate with the renowned architectural firm Bjarke Ingels Group...

Oct 08, 2024 10:49

Bhutan Reduces SDF for the First 15,000 Bangladeshi tourists

This special scheme will be valid until 2027.

Jun 05, 2024 10:09

Lifestyle

Chunipa Losar: Bhutan's Timeless Celebration of Traditions and Offerings

Chunipa Losar is a day of offerings, a moment when communities come together to express gratitude, seek blessings, and strengthen bonds.

Jan 12, 2024 12:31

Bhutan's Time-Honored Tradition: Exploring the Nyilo Season and the Lolay Ritual

Approximately 750 children recently took part in the traditional practice known as "lolay" in Bhutan, marking the beginning of the Nyilo...

Jan 04, 2024 14:18

Subscribe to our newsletter

Never miss out on new happenings and news stories!

newsletter

Download Daily Bhutan Mobile App

Connecting with us just got easier!

android app
apple app