Punakha to Trongsa Trek

Trip Highlights

Explore lesser-known regions of Central Bhutan on a trip east along the Trans Bhutan Trail towards Trongsa.
Enjoy hiking through beautiful landscapes and engaging with traditional communities.
Camp in remote valleys in the evenings, and try out traditional Bhutanese hot stone baths.
This week-long adventure offers a unique perspective of Bhutan and is an excellent addition to any trip to the western tourist areas.

Trip overview

Itinerary

Day 01 :

Lingmukha Valley

Your guide will meet you at your hotel in Punakha to begin your exploration of the Trans Bhutan Trail. You’ll trek east through rice paddies, stopping for lunch at a chorten with beautiful views. In the afternoon, you’ll descend into Lingmukha Valley to visit a temple built by Tertoen Dorji Lingpa. Spend the night in a Trans Bhutan Trail campsite and have the chance to enjoy a traditional hot stone bath. The trek covers a distance of 12.5 km in approximately 7 hours, with an elevation gain of 1,123 meters and a maximum elevation of 2,190 meters.

Day 02:

Lingmukha - Samtengang

After breakfast, continue along the Trans Bhutan Trail with your guide, following the path of the locals from Lingmukha and Phangyul. Hike through the rainforest and stop at a mountain pass with beautiful views of the Shar Valleys. Visit Chungse Azhe Gyalzom temple and learn about its connection to Drukpa Kuenley. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Chungseykha village, then continue hiking through farming villages to Samtengang. Spend the evening relaxing at your campsite under the stars. The trek covers 17.2 km in about 8 hours, with an elevation gain of 1,286 meters and a maximum elevation of 2,535 meters.

Day 03:

Samtengang - Razawo

Today, you’ll explore a historically significant section of the Trans Bhutan Trail. The trail between Samtengang and Razawo was once used by the famous messenger Garp Lunghi Khorlo, who was known for his fast delivery of messages across the country on foot. There are no human settlements on this part of the trail, allowing you to enjoy the tranquility and sounds of wildlife. In Razawo, visit one of the oldest Chortens in Bhutan before heading to your campsite for the rest of the evening. The trek covers a distance of 19.75 km in approximately 8 hours, with an elevation gain of 1,333 meters and a maximum elevation of 2,795 meters.

Day 04:

Razawo - Pelela

In the morning, you’ll hike along the river and then make a steady ascent towards the Pelela Pass through a farm road and open meadows. You may visit the Rida Goenpa temple, which is known for its bronze Buddha of Longevity, depending on how long the hike takes. Next, you’ll climb through a rhododendron forest to reach one of Bhutan’s highest mountain passes at 3402 meters above sea level, offering stunning views and an opportunity to buy yak wool crafts from locals. Your campsite is nearby, where you can enjoy a hot stone bath on the Trans Bhutan Trail. The trek is 14.1 kilometers long, and it is estimated to take nine hours, with an elevation gain of 1,630 meters. The starting elevation is 1,986 meters, the ending elevation is 3,402 meters, and the maximum elevation is 3,402 meters.

Day 05 :

Pelela - Chendebji

In the morning, you’ll hike along the river and then make a steady ascent towards the Pelela Pass through a farm road and open meadows. You may visit the Rida Goenpa temple, which is known for its bronze Buddha of Longevity, depending on how long the hike takes. Next, you’ll climb through a rhododendron forest to reach one of Bhutan’s highest mountain passes at 3402 meters above sea level, offering stunning views and an opportunity to buy yak wool crafts from locals. Your campsite is nearby, where you can enjoy a hot stone bath on the Trans Bhutan Trail. The trek is 14.1 kilometers long, and it is estimated to take nine hours, with an elevation gain of 1,630 meters. The starting elevation is 1,986 meters, the ending elevation is 3,402 meters, and the maximum elevation is 3,402 meters.

Day 06:

Chendebji - Tshangkha

Today’s hike on the Trans Bhutan Trail begins by following the old East-West National highway before entering the countryside, with lunch waiting at a local farmhouse in the village of Tangsibji. During the hike, you will pass by some of Bhutan’s hydropower projects, which are responsible for the country’s status as the only Carbon Negative nation in the world. Your guide will be happy to explain how they work. Upon reaching Tshangkha, you will visit its temple, which is a hub of religious and social gatherings, before continuing to the campsite for a final chance at a hot stone bath. The trek covers a distance of 21 kilometers and takes approximately 8 hours, with an elevation gain of 728 meters and maximum elevation of 2,460 meters.

Day 07:

Tshangkha - Trongsa

After breakfast, you will start a challenging ascent on the final leg of the Trans Bhutan Trail towards Trongsa, which is the Royal city and the geographical center of Bhutan. As you approach the city, you will have breathtaking views of the Trongsa Dzong, which you will visit as part of a tour of the city. The tour will include visiting numerous temples and the Royal Heritage Museum, located in the watchtower. Once the tour is over, your guide will take you to your hotel, marking the end of your Trans Bhutan Trail adventure. The trek covers a distance of 15.9 kilometers with an estimated duration of 8 hours, with an elevation gain of 1,421 meters, and a maximum elevation of 2,491 meters.

Cost Details

Cost includes

Accommodation on twin sharing.
Full board meals as stated in the itinerary.
All tours and transfers in private Coach.
English speaking guide.
Entrance fee to monument as per the itinerary.
Bottle of drinking water during tour on daily basis.
Bhutanese Cultural show including Mask dance.
Government SDF and other taxes.
Transportation.

Cost exclusion

Travel insurance.
Beverages.
Expenses on personal nature.
Tipping for guide and driver.
Laundry.

Trip Facts

Trip Duration 6 Nights

Districts Punakha, Trongsa

Accomodation Hotel or Resort

Difficulty: Moderate

Ms. Ugyen Yangzom Ground Operation

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