Trans Bhutan Trail to reopen after more than 50 years

The trail will be operated in line with the Tourism Council of Bhutan’s aim to promote sustainable high-value, low impact tourism. Visitors will be encouraged to stay for longer and to journey deeper into the country’s east which has historically enjoyed less visitation. In 2019, less than a third of international visitors to Bhutan stayed for more than six nights, while less than 1% stayed for more than 15 nights.

TBT said it was committed to ensuring the trail has only a positive impact on Bhutan’s natural environment and eco-systems through a trail code all guests must adhere to.

Other sustainability initiatives include using recycled plastics to create trail markers and responsibly-sourced and sustainably grown timber for bridges; planting a tree for each international visitor; a no zero-use plastics policy on the trail; an insistence on reusable water bottles; and delegated stewardship of the trail to local Gewogs (counties).

Partnerships with local schools, scout groups and Bhutan’s national youth service will deliver teaching in flora and fauna, low-impact trekking, survival skills, first aid and cultural history.

Guided walking and biking tours can be arranged via TBT on a not-for-profit basis, with proceeds flowing back into a sustainability fund to ensure the trail is maintained for generations to come.

A range of itineraries include a seven-night trip designed for families and children leading in from £13,000 for a family of four, an 11-night women’s adventure tour led by four female Bhutanese guides exploring the country’s matriarchal society (from £6,690pp), a 14-night mountain biking tour from £7,865pp (based on two sharing) and a 35-night end-to-end trek from £16,785pp (based on two sharing).

All itineraries are exclusive of flights, and feature full-board, transfers, visas, excursions, activities, accommodation mixing homestays and hotels, entry fees, a TBT passport, local trekking guide, among other inclusions.