G Adventures to relaunch Bhutan, Australia and New Zealand in September

“We’re honoured to be working with the Bhutan Canada Foundation and the Trans Bhutan Trail to launch this newly restored route in magical Bhutan," said Marceau.

"It’s a country we’ve run tours in for more than a decade and have long admired for its commitment to the happiness of its people and sustainable way of life, which are both philosophies that align with our values as an organisation.

"Trails have historically connected remote communities and helped distribute much-needed income to local people as travellers move across the landscape. Our new trips cover the highlights of the trail as hikers traverse forests and meadows and travel through rural settlements around the Dzongs.

"Travellers can expect an average of three to four hours of hiking each day and delicious local meals each night, whether they are camping or staying in homestays, hotels or local guesthouses."

BCF chair and lead donor for the Trans Bhutan Trail, Sam Blyth, said G was an "obvious partner" to relaunch the trail. “As well as providing income opportunities for local people, especially youth, in rural communities, the restoration of the trail is a community-based project designed to preserve an ancient cultural icon and provide a sustainable experience for travellers.

"Economic benefit will flow directly into the local communities as a result of community tourism, whether via homestays, the purchase of supplies locally for multi-day trips or the employment of local guides."

G has added two new active trekking itineraries to Bhutan for 2023 – the 11-day Camp the Trans Bhutan Trail (from £3,449pp) and the 12-day Highlights of the Trans Bhutan Trail (from £4,299pp). Both tours focus on trekking specially selected parts of the train combining active travel and community tourism.