Ancient Trans Bhutan Trail to reopen this September
For the first time in 60 years, the newly restored sacred trail will connect travellers to some of the Buddhist country’s most remote historic and cultural sites…
An ancient trail in Bhutan is expected to reopen for the first time in 60 years this September.
The Trans Bhutan Trail will connect hikers, bikers and pilgrims to some of the most hidden areas of the Buddhist country, deep within the Eastern Himalayas.
The trail’s official opening ceremony will be held in the autumn, shortly after Bhutan’s borders open to international travellers for the first time in more than two years on the 23 September.
As the person behind the vision of reviving the historic pathway, His Majesty the Fifth King will be hosting the event.
The 400km historic pilgrimage has undertaken years of extensive restoration work – including the rebuilding of 18 major bridges and 10,000 steps along the route – and is expected to become one of the world’s greatest treks,.
Travellers will be able to follow the trail through pristine forests with views of soaring mountains, passing more than 400 historic and cultural sites, including the country’s famed monasteries and temples.
Keen hikers can complete the full route in just over a month, but there are many other ways to explore the trail, including joining group tours, full or half-day guided hikes.
G Adventures has also been selected as the first group adventure operator for when the trail launches to the public, with two Active Trekking itinerates starting from mid September.
Looking onto Paro Chu (Trans Bhutan Trail)
Mebartsho in Tang, Bumthang (Trans Bhutan Trail)
This project has not only restored an ancient landmark, but also aligns with the country’s core sustainability principles and will support the economy of local communities.
Sam Blyth, Chair of the Bhutan Canada Foundation and lead donor to the trail said: “This is a community-based project in both its building and operation which will restore an ancient cultural icon and provide a sustainable, net carbon zero experience in the country for pilgrims and travellers.
“Spanning the world’s only carbon negative country, the Trans Bhutan Trail also reflects the country’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness and will allow the children of Bhutan to walk in the footsteps of their ancestors.”
The opening ceremony will be hosted by His Majesty the King from central Bhutan’s sacred city of Trongsa this March.
For more information about the trail, visit transbhutantrail.bt. To book one of G Adventure’s Active Trekking group trips, visit gadventures.com.
