Bhutan is a small, remote, Buddhist country situated in the Himalayan mountains between India and China. It is also referred to as the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
The following written content from Sandra MacGregor
The ultimate bucket-list adventure for those who love hiking is finally set to welcome visitors for the first time in 60 years. The Trans Bhutan Trail is a 250-mile historic pilgrimage trail running the length of the Buddhist country of Bhutan, a nation on the edge of the Himalayas famed for its breathtaking mountain vistas and fascinating monasteries and temples rich with history.
Following years of extensive restoration, the Trans Bhutan Trail is set to re-open in March 2022, allowing travelers and pilgrims to walk in the footsteps of their ancestors. Visitors can elect to either walk or bike the trail and take advantage of an incredible opportunity to explore and connect with the remotest parts of Bhutan, deep in the Eastern Himalayas.
The now fully cleared trail crosses through nine dzongkhags (districts), 28 gewogs (local governments), two municipalities and one national park. The Trail meanders through pristine virgin forest, offering distant vistas of soaring Himalayan peaks on its way and many sections of the trail will allow visitors access to parts of Bhutan seldom visited by foreigners.
The Trail is a path through Bhutan’s history, with 400 historic and cultural sites identified along the route to date. The Trail’s origins go back at least 500 years when it connected fortresses called Dzongs and served as the pilgrimage route for Buddhists in the east traveling to sacred sites in western Bhutan and Tibet. Garps (trail runners) worked the Trail and were legendary, traveling with mail and vital messages at great speed, without food or water.
The Trail also played a major role in uniting numerous Himalayan kingdoms which ultimately led to the birth of Bhutan as a nation in 1907. However, once the construction of roads began across Bhutan in the 1960s, the Trail’s stairways and footpaths gradually fell into disrepair.
In 2018, the Bhutan Canada Foundation, in conjunction with the King and Tourism Council of Bhutan, led an initiative to restore the Trail to make it accessible again for locals, pilgrims, and travelers. More than 900 local workers restored the ancient route, which includes 18 major bridges, 10,000 stairs, and 250 miles of trail, going from Haa in the west to Trashigang in the east.
Guided walking and biking on the trail can be arranged by the Trans Bhutan Trail on a not-for-profit basis, with all proceeds going back into communities along the route. Truly intrepid travelers can walk the entire trail in just over a month. Half-day and full-day treks are possible with three, four or seven-day section hikes expected to be popular options for most visitors. The Trail presents a rich experience for birdwatchers and botanists, photographers, rafters and runners, as well as for those looking for a spiritual, wellness, or religious experience. Accommodation along the way will be offered in signature campsites, homestays, and hotels. Visit the Trans Bhutan Trail website for more details. Read more from Forbes
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