Camping am Trans Bhutan Trail

Camping am Trans Bhutan Trail

• Trip code: 4B4X003
• Dauer: 11
• Stil: Active

Es gibt nicht oft die Gelegenheit, einen geschichtsträchtigen Weg zu gehen, der tausende Jahre lang von Königen, Mönchen und Händlern benutzt wurde. Tatsächlich ist das jetzt die erste Gelegenheit seit 60 Jahren. Bis in die 1960er Jahre war der Trans Bhutan Trail der einzige wirkliche Weg durch das gebirgige Königreich Bhutan. Danach wurde er dem Verfall preisgegeben, doch nun wurde er wieder in Schuss gebracht und auf dieser 11-tägigen Reise kann jetzt die ganze Welt sehen, was sie bislang versäumt hat. Dieser Trip führt über einige der besten Abschnitte des 403 km langen Trails und zu Fuß durch atemberaubende und abwechslungsreiche Landschaften und Dörfer wie aus einer anderen Zeit. Mit malerischen Campingplätzen und Übernachtungen in komfortablen Privatunterkünften bekommst du auf dieser Reise einen echten Einblick in das alltägliche und spirituelle Leben im ländlichen Bhutan, wie es nur abseits der ausgetretenen Pfade möglich ist. Also schnall die Wanderschuhe an – der Trans Bhutan Trail wartet auf dich!

Übersicht

Checklist

Cold weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Hiking/Trekking:
• Gloves
• Hat
• Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
• Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)
• Snacks (Protein bars, chocolate, dried fruits, candies, energy sweets)
• Socks (Trekking socks — woollen or synthetic, not cotton)
• Thermal base layer (Woollen or synthetic, not cotton)
• Walking poles (Highly recommended)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Bitte beachte: During the colder months (Oct-Apr) the mountains can be very cold, so please make sure you pack warm clothes

Group Size Notes

Max 15, avg 12

Introduction

Es gibt nicht oft die Gelegenheit, einen geschichtsträchtigen Weg zu gehen, der tausende Jahre lang von Königen, Mönchen und Händlern benutzt wurde. Tatsächlich ist das jetzt die erste Gelegenheit seit 60 Jahren. Bis in die 1960er Jahre war der Trans Bhutan Trail der einzige wirkliche Weg durch das gebirgige Königreich Bhutan. Danach wurde er dem Verfall preisgegeben, doch nun wurde er wieder in Schuss gebracht und auf dieser 11-tägigen Reise kann jetzt die ganze Welt sehen, was sie bislang versäumt hat. Dieser Trip führt über einige der besten Abschnitte des 403 km langen Trails und zu Fuß durch atemberaubende und abwechslungsreiche Landschaften und Dörfer wie aus einer anderen Zeit. Mit malerischen Campingplätzen und Übernachtungen in komfortablen Privatunterkünften bekommst du auf dieser Reise einen echten Einblick in das alltägliche und spirituelle Leben im ländlichen Bhutan, wie es nur abseits der ausgetretenen Pfade möglich ist. Also schnall die Wanderschuhe an – der Trans Bhutan Trail wartet auf dich!

Meal Budget

Optional Activities

Paro Airport
- VAST Airport Experience

Start / Finish

von Paro

What's Included

Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Dorjibee Weaving Centre, Jakar
Dein Welcome-Moment: Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting, Thimphu
Dein Local-Living-Moment: Bhutanese Homestay. Nach der Ankunft Transfer. Gebühren für nachhaltige Entwicklung. Besuche von Buddha Point und Gedenk-Chörten in Thimphu. Ganztägige Wanderung am Trans Bhutan Trail von Pelela nach Chendebi. Wanderung am Trans Bhutan Trail von Chendebi nach Tsangkha. Mittagessen unterwegs in einem Bauernhaus in Tangsibji. Ganztägige Wanderung am Trans Bhutan Trail von Tsangkha nach Trongsa. Besuch von Trongsa Dzong und National Heritage Museum. Ganztägige Wanderung am Trans Bhutan Trail von Trongsa nach Gyetsa. Ganztägige Wanderung am Trans Bhutan Trail von Gyetsa nach Bumthang. Besuch der prachtvollen Festung Jakar Dzong in Bumthang. Übernachtung bei einer bhutanischen Gastfamilie in Bumthang. Besuch von Punakha Dzong. Übernachtung bei einer bhutanischen Gastfamilie in Punakha. Besuch des Ta Dzong Nationalmuseums in Paro. Besuch der Festung Paro Rinpung Dzong. Besuch von Ta Dzong in Paro. Wanderung zum Taktsang-Kloster (Tigernest) in Paro. Transfer zum Flughafen. Alle Transfers zwischen inbegriffenen Aktivitäten

Packing Note

During the colder months (Oct-Apr) the mountains can be very cold, so please make sure you pack warm clothes

Accommodation

Hotels (5 N), Gastfamilien (2 N), Campingplatz (3 N)

Transport

Privatfahrzeug, zu Fuß

Group Leader

CEO während der ganzen Reise, lokale Guides

Highlights

Zelte und übernachte am Bauernhof an einigen der abgelegensten und schönsten Orte in Bhutan, wandere einen speziell ausgewählten Abschnitt des uralten Trans Bhutan Trails, lass dir köstliches Essen in Bauernhäusern und bei Picknicks schmecken, wandere hinauf zum Taktsang-Kloster (Tigernest), einem der größten Schätze Bhutans

Internationale Flüge

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport

Meals Included

10 Frühstück, 10 Mittagessen, 10 Abendessen

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Paro nach Thimphu

Nach der Ankunft in Paro gibt es einen inbegriffenen Transfer ins Hotel in Thimphu, wo du den Rest der Gruppe und den einheimischen Reiseleiter triffst. Wenn du Zeit hast, kannst du am Nachmittag noch Buddha Point besuchen, mit der bekanntesten Sehenswürdigkeit von Thimphu, der Buddha-Dordenma-Statue. Danach geht es zum Gedenk-Chörten, ein 1974 errichteter Stupa im tibetischen Stil und eine der beeindruckendsten religiösen Stätten in Thimphu. Abends hast du beim gemeinsamen Essen in einem örtlichen Restaurant die erste Gelegenheit, die bhutanische Küche zu verkosten

Day 2 Thimphu nach Chendebi

Today, your trek continues as you depart from Thimphu and drive to the village of Hongtsho to begin your trek. Your first major milestone is the climb to the Dochula Pass, situated at 3,100 meters (10,170 feet). Here, you will visit the 108 Stupas (Druk Wangyal Chortens), built to honor Bhutanese soldiers and the leadership of the Fourth King. On clear days, the pass offers spectacular panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.

After exploring the pass and the nearby Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, you will continue trekking along the "Divine Madman Trail," a historic route named after the legendary 16th-century monk Drukpa Kuenley. The path descends through lush ecological corridors into the Royal Botanical Park at Lampelri, where you will stop for a scenic picnic lunch amidst a forest famous for its many species of rhododendrons and diverse birdlife. Your day concludes with a final trek to your campsite in Thinleygang, where a locally sourced dinner will be served under the stars

Day 3 Chendebi nach Tsangkha

The group will transfer eastwards with packed breakfast to Pelela for the start of the hike at 3,410 metres (11,187 feet) above sea level. Arrive to Pelela Pass for a picnic lunch before starting the trek. As you descend through the meadows below Pelela, keep an eye out for the yak herder camps which can be seen scattered around the valley. Visit Rukubji’s village, famous for its unique local language called Ngyen-Kye, and have the chance to learn about it from the villagers over tea.

After visiting Rukubji, drive down to the village of Chendebi, where the group will camp for the night. A delicious organic, locally sourced dinner will be served at the campsite in the evening

Day 4 Tsangkha nach Trongsa

Head back to the Trans Bhutan Trail after breakfast at your camp. On today's trek, recreate the experience of past royals as you descend as a group into the steep valley below. See spectacular views of the Dzong (fortress) and cross the old cantilever bridge over the Mangde River before climbing the other side of the valley to reach Trongsa Dzong via the Western gate. After arriving to our hotel, the rest of the day is yours to relax and explore before joining back together for dinner at a local restaurant in the early evening

Day 5 Trongsa

Nach einem schnellen Frühstück besucht ihr an diesem Vormittag die Festung Trongsa Dzong, die um einen 1541 erbauten kleinen Meditationsraum gewachsen ist. Ihr besucht einige der 23 Ihakhangs (Tempel) der Festung und danach den Trongsa Ta Dzong (Wachturm), in dem sich heute das interessante königliche Museum befindet. Den Rest des Tages kannst du Trongsa nach Lust und Laune erkunden

Day 6 Trongsa nach Gyetsa

Wave farewell to Trongsa today and head back out on the Trail for some more hiking. Drive to Yotong La Pass to join the trail. Trek through a stretch of dense forest and cross through meadows, through open forest until the trail reaches the Gyetsa River. Arrive at Gyatsa Youth Community Cafe after lunch and enjoy a hands-on cultural activity with the youth. Once the group arrives at camp in Gyetsa you’ll be able to enjoy a hot shower and a locally-sourced organic dinner at the campsite

Day 7 Gyetsa nach Bumthang

Today after breakfast the group will trek through the most historic section of the trail. This section was used by the royal family when they travelled between their winter and summer residences. You’ll travel through Kikila Pass before descending into the Bumthang Valley. We’ll stop along the way for a picnic lunch, enjoying the scenery.

Once you arrive in Jakar, visit the majestic Jakar Dzong (fortress), also known as the ‘Castle of the White Bird’. Observe unique features like its fifty-meter utse (tower) and a sheltered passage with two parallel walls, interconnected by fortified towers, which guaranteed the fortress’s inhabitants access to water during a siege. Visit the Red Panda Brewery after for a well-deserved rest. This evening, enjoy a special experience as you settle into your local homestay accommodation. Spend the evening with a few of your fellow travelers in the home of a local Bhutanese family who will be your hosts for the evening. Share a meal and exchange stories while learning about what life is like for your local hosts

Day 8 Bumthang nach Punākha

Nach dem Frühstück bei deiner Gastfamilie geht es zurück in das charmante Punakha, das ihr einen Tag lang erkundet. Unterwegs gibt es Mittagessen und dann einen Besuch der Brücke (Bazam), die zum Punakha Dzong führt. Wer die Brücke zu Fuß überqueren will, muss formale bhutanische Kleidung tragen, wie Gho für Männer und Kora für Frauen. Auf der anderen Seite des Flusses besichtigt ihr die Festung. Abends wartet eine weitere Übernachtung bei einer bhutanischen Familie. Lass dir ein köstliches hausgemachtes Essen schmecken und ruhe dich dann aus für den nächsten unglaublichen Tag

Day 9 Punākha nach Paro

Nach dem Frühstück geht es heute nach Paro, wo nach dem Einchecken ins Hotel ein Mittagessen wartet. Danach geht es zu einigen der beliebtesten Sehenswürdigkeiten in Paro, darunter der Ta Dzong („Wachturm“), heute Bhutans Nationalmuseum mit einer ganzen Reihe von Ausstellungen, darunter Skulpturen, Gemälde und Artefakte aus der magischen Geschichte des Landes. Dann geht es weiter zum atemberaubenden Paro Rinpung Dzong (übersetzt etwa „Festung auf einem Juwelenhaufen“) und abends gibt es ein leckeres Essen mit dem CEO und der Gruppe

Day 10 Paro

Lass dir das Frühstück schmecken und mach dich bereit für die Wanderung zum legendären Kloster Taktshang Goemba, besser bekannt als „Tigernest“, im Nordwesten Paros. Das Kloster liegt atemberaubend an einer steilen Felswand 900 m über dem Tal und ist zweifellos das berühmteste religiöse Bauwerk in Bhutan. Bereits der Weg zum Tigernest bietet spektakuläre Aussichten und führt vorbei an einem kleinen Chörten, einem einfachen Kloster und einem Wasserfall. Nach der Ankunft im Tigernest kannst du die Höhle besuchen, in der Guru Rinpoche meditiert hat, sowie die zahlreichen Lhakhangs mit Bildern, Wandgemälden, Chörten und einer heiligen Quelle. Falls Zeit ist, kannst du auf dem Weg zurück vom Kloster noch kurz den Machig-phu Lhakhang besuchen. Den restlichen Nachmittag kannst du dich im Hotel entspannen oder Paro auf eigene Faust erkunden. Abends gibt es ein letztes gemeinsames Essen in einem örtlichen Restaurant, bei dem ihr eure Reise nochmal so richtig feiern könnt!

Day 11 Paro

Lass dir ein letztes Frühstück schmecken vor dem Transfer vom Hotel zum Flughafen für deinen Rückflug

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Paro nach Thimphu

With elevations ranging between 2,248 meters (7,375 feet) and 2,648 meters (8,688 feet) above sea level, Thimphu is the fifth highest capital city in the world by altitude. It is also the only capital city in the world without any traffic lights. The city offers a unique blend of the modern world with Bhutanese tradition. In order to have time for a visit to Buddha Point please plan to get to Bhutan by noon so that you can reach Thimpu by late afternoon and have enough time to do an orientation before going to Buddha Point. Most flights arrive to Paro in the morning

Day 2 Thimphu nach Chendebi

This section of the Trans Bhutan Trail connects the modern capital of Thimphu with the historic spiritual centers of the east, following a route once used by high-ranking clergy as they moved between their summer and winter residences. The Dochula Pass serves as a powerful spiritual landmark; its 108 memorial stupas are arranged in three concentric circles to symbolize spiritual completion and the removal of 108 human desires to reach enlightenment. The nearby Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple is unique for its modern murals that blend traditional Buddhist imagery with scenes from 21st-century Bhutanese history.

As you move toward Lampelri, you enter an important biological corridor that links two of Bhutan’s national parks. This area is a haven for biodiversity, home to rare species like the red panda and over 46 varieties of rhododendron. The trail itself is steeped in the folklore of the "Divine Madman," Drukpa Kuenley, whose unconventional methods of teaching have left a lasting mark on Bhutan’s cultural and religious identity. Your day ends in the quiet valley of Thinleygang, offering a peaceful immersion into the rural landscapes that the restored trail was designed to protect and celebrate. During the hiking portion of this trip the Trans Bhutan Trail Team will be carrying any additional belongings that travellers have with them from location to location. You will only need to worry about carrying your day pack. There isn't a specific weight limit for luggage, but keep in mind that someone will be carrying it for you along the trail. There will be a vehicle carrying the big bags to sites. Bottled water will be supplied through out the trek

Day 3 Chendebi nach Tsangkha

This ancient route, which runs 403 kilometres from Haa in the West of Bhutan to Trashigang in the East, dates back at least as far as the 16th century, when it would have been the only means of communication between the strategically located dzongs (fortresses) along the route. The Trail’s Garps (messengers) were quite legendary, travelling with vital messages between Dzongs at great speeds with little food or rest. Over time, the Trail came to play a major role in uniting the region’s many kingdoms, culminating in the birth of Bhutan as a nation in 1907. With the advent of Bhutan’s National Highway in the 1960s, the Trail fell into disrepair but was restored in 2019 thanks to a partnership between the Royal Bhutanese Government, the Tourism Council of Bhutan, and the Bhutan Canada Foundation. The Trail now receives visitors from across Bhutan and the world. When stopping the the village of Rukubji learn more about the local language from the locals. 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. On days when you will be hiking it’s recommended that you have your own day pack to carry during the long hiking days. In the pack you should have any daily, personal medicine you may need, sunscreen, cameras, a water bottle, and any valuables such as cash or passports.

During the trekking itself the camping crew will provide all travellers with boiled water. You can fill your water bottles with this water provided during the hiking days. But it is highly recommended that you bring your own water bottles

Day 4 Tsangkha nach Trongsa

Trongsa is Bhutan’s geographical center point and is very closely linked to the Bhutanese Royal Family: the first two hereditary Kings ruled from Trongsa Dzong (fortress) and the crown prince still traditionally serves as the Penlop (Governor) of Trongsa before acceding to the throne. The Trans Bhutan Trail still passes directly through the middle of the city of Trongsa and, in centuries gone by, the trail would actually have passed right through Trongsa Dzong itself. On days when you will be hiking it’s recommended that you have your own day pack to carry during the long hiking days. In the pack you should have any daily, personal medicine you may need, sunscreen, cameras, a water bottle, and any valuables such as cash or passports.

During the trekking itself the camping crew will provide all travellers with boiled water. You can fill your water bottles with this water provided during the hiking days. But it is highly recommended that you bring your own water bottles

Day 5 Trongsa

Day 6 Trongsa nach Gyetsa

On days when you will be hiking it’s recommended that you have your own day pack to carry during the long hiking days. In the pack you should have any daily, personal medicine you may need, sunscreen, cameras, a water bottle, and any valuables such as cash or passports.

During the trekking itself the camping crew will provide all travellers with boiled water. You can fill your water bottles with this water provided during the hiking days. But it is highly recommended that you bring your own water bottles

Day 7 Gyetsa nach Bumthang

On days when you will be hiking it’s recommended that you have your own day pack to carry during the long hiking days. In the pack you should have any daily, personal medicine you may need, sunscreen, cameras, a water bottle, and any valuables such as cash or passports.

During the trekking itself the camping crew will provide all travellers with boiled water. You can fill your water bottles with this water provided during the hiking days. But it is highly recommended that you bring your own water bottles

Day 8 Bumthang nach Punākha

Day 9 Punākha nach Paro

Day 10 Paro

Day 11 Paro