Hike A Historic Himalayan Route In Bhutan That Was Closed For 60 Years

Anyone looking for true adventure with breathtaking Himalayan views can get just that on a historic hiking trail through Bhutan. The Buddhist kingdom, set high up in the Himalayas, is opening the Trans Bhutan Trail for the first time in 60 years.

Trans Bhutan Trail opens to hikers

One major effect of the COVID-19 pandemic is that many people want to get out into open nature and experience new challenges. It turns out the Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan might have exactly what people are looking for. One thing to bear in mind is that while most countries concentrate on their Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Bhutan has a totally different priority. In this country, they give priority to the Gross Domestic Happiness – an indicator of the population’s happiness.

On that note, Bhutan has reopened the ancient and sacred Trans Bhutan Trail to hikers for the first time in 60 years. However, this is no quick hike. Traversing this historic trail takes on average 28 days, as it heads out from Haa in the west of Bhutan to Trashigang in the east of the country, close to the Tibet border. The trail, which is sponsored by the Bhutan Canada Foundation (BCF) and the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) spans a total of 250 miles (403 km).

The trail used to be an important trade, communication and pilgrimage route for hundreds of years. It was a vital route for the people until the 1900s when the national highway was constructed. Until that time, it was the only way to travel across Bhutan.

However, while the trail is certainly not new, this ancient trekking route is a new experience for younger generations of the Bhutanese people and, of course, visitors who want to truly experience Bhutan’s culture and traditions.

Getting the Trans Bhutan Trail ready for visitors

Over the last two years, two teams of De-suups (guardians) have been working on the Trans Bhutan Trail, constructing new pathways, fixing posts, renovating bridges, recording cultural sites and generally upgrading signs along the trail.

Speaking to CNN, Sam Blyth, chairman of the BCF, 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 travelers.”

“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,” he added.

Hiking the trail

Hikers have a choice of exploring the trail on foot or by bike as it heads through one national park and around 400 cultural and historic sites. Officials say hikers can complete the trail in a month, or stop off anywhere along the way if they have time to spare.

Under Bhutan’s visitor rules, treks are taken with guides and offer a range of different itineraries, packages and scheduled departures throughout the year. It is possible to add activities to the trip, including rafting, biking, yoga, and fly-fishing and special programs are on offer for bikers, bird watchers, photographers, marathoners and spiritual travelers. There is literally something for everyone.

According to a statement on the Trans Bhutan Trail website: “The restoration of this trail will provide you with an intimate view of one of the world’s best-preserved traditional cultures and environments while traversing the world’s only carbon-negative country.”

“By walking or cycling the Trans Bhutan Trail you will immerse yourself in generations’ worth of stories, and become a piece of a unique part of the country’s history.”

Readers can find out more about tour groups and itineraries on the Trans Bhutan Trail website here.