Trekking Through Time: The Revived Trans Bhutan Trail

The Trans Bhutan Trail is more than just a hiking path; it is a rich historical and cultural corridor that connects the heart of Bhutan. This trail, which spans 250 miles from Ha in the west to Trashigang in the east, has been recently restored after being abandoned for decades.

Originally a vital route for monks, traders, and royal messengers, the trail offers a unique opportunity to walk through stunning landscapes while experiencing the deep traditions of Bhutanese culture. As we explore this extraordinary trek, we will discuss its significance and the wildlife that can be encountered along the way, including the elusive clouded leopard and the charming red panda.

Join writer Chin Liang Teh as we delve into the journey of revitalizing this sacred path, guided by insights from Dorji Draj, former Director General of Bhutan's Tourism Council.

Chin Liang Teh

Teh Chin Liang is a long-time travel journal contributor to Dave’s Travel Corner and Global Travel Insider. Besides travel journals, he loves writing prose and poetry. When he is not writing, he enjoys reading and traveling to get inspiration for his writing. He lives in Penang, Malaysia, a scenic island city that is also a UNESCO heritage site.

Episode Transcript

(00:11):
Today on Go Nomad, we'retaking you on an extraordinary trek
to the cultural core of theKingdom of Bhutan, a land tucked
into the eastern Himalayas.
But unlike some ruggedHimalayan routes, this trail is refreshingly
gentle.
But don't let its ease fool you.
It's a path rich in heritage,spirituality and stories.

(00:31):
Go Nomad writer Qin Liang Taytook this walk.
The Trans Bhutan Trail is asacred thread that once united the
country's religious, culturaland political centers.
And now it's open again.
Joining us is Dorji Draj,former director General of Bhutan's
Tourism Council, who willguide us through this powerful journey
across the land of the Thunder Dragon.

(00:52):
Spanning 250 miles from ha inthe west to Trashigang in the east,
this trail weaves through 27villages and nine districts, linking
temples, fortresses, forestsand farmlands.
It's Bhutan's originalhighway, long before cars and pavement
ever came along.
Back in the 1500s, this wasthe country's main artery.

(01:14):
Monks traveled between dzongs,merchants carried goods across valleys,
pilgrims walked to sacredsites, and royal messengers delivered
decrees.
This was Bhutan's lifeline,its heart.
But by the early 1960s, motorroads arrived, and over time, the
trail slipped into obscurity.
It was forgotten, overgrown,until 2018, when His Majesty the

(01:39):
King of Bhutan launched anational movement to restore the
trail.
Georgi was appointed to leadthe effort in partnering with the
Bhutan Canada foundation torevive what was once a sacred path.
And on September 22, 2022, itwas officially reopened.
Dorji was there for theinaugural five hour walk, a symbolic

(01:59):
return, a personal milestone.
The trail today is moderately easy.
It crisscrosses motor roads sohikers can jump in or out as needed.
It rolls through peacefulvalleys and ancient forests.
Sure, there are a few high passes.
Some climb up to 4,000 meters,so be ready for altitude.
But for the most part, it's acalm and immersive hike.

(02:20):
Walking the full trail takesover a month, but you don't need
to do it all 250 miles at a time.
To feel its magic, Dorjirecommends shorter sections that
deliver just as much wonder.
Such as.
The trip between Ha and Parotakes you through peaceful pine forest,
high alpine meadows and local folklore.
At every turn from Teshula toPanica, wander through villages and

(02:43):
descend into the lush PanakraValley, home to Wunuputan's most
iconic zhong, which is thosefortified monasteries from Trangza
to Bumfang.
Hike through ridgelines andsacred sites.
Walk in the steps of monks androyal messengers.
From Ura to Sengor.
Raw nature and remote serenity.

(03:03):
Perfect.
If you're looking todisconnect and breathe along the
way, you can stay with localfamilies, help out on farms and enjoy
Bhutanese home cooked meals bythe fire.
It's not just a hike, it's adeep dive into tradition and hospitality.
The Bhutan is a biodiversitytreasure trove.
As you walk, you'll passgroves of blue pine, rhododendron,

(03:24):
bamboo and oak.
In spring, wildflowers bloomand in higher altitudes you might
see edelweiss or medicinalplants rooted in ancient Bhutanese
healing practices.
Wildlife lovers take note.
You could spot musk deer,Himalayan black bears, red pandas
and in the most remotecorners, even the elusive clouded
leopard.

(03:45):
Red pandas especially are a highlight.
So small fox, raccoon, likemammals with reddish brown fur and
gentle eyes.
And if you're a bird nerd,you're in luck.
Bhutan hosts over 700 speciesof birds.
Keep an eye out for thevibrant Himalayan monal blood pheasant,
rufous necked hornbill and theregal white bellied heron.

(04:05):
In the right season, you mighteven catch a glimpse of the graceful
black neck crane.
Are you into sports?
Certain segments of the trailin Bhutan are ideal for mountain
biking and trail running.
Annual events like trailmarathons have become popular, drawing
athletes and adventurers aliketo Darij.
This trail is more than a hike.
He calls it Bhutan's livingcultural corridor.

(04:28):
Find out more about hiking inbhutan on gonomad.com.