Trans Bhutan Trail to reopen

Community tourism pioneer, G Adventures, has been selected by the Bhutan Canada Foundation, which led the restoration of the trail as the first group adventure operator when the trail launches.

In March 2022, following two years of extensive restoration, the Kingdom of Bhutan will reopen the historic and sacred Trans Bhutan Trail for the first time in 60 years. The trail will be officially inaugurated by His Majesty the King of Bhutan.

Community tourism pioneer, G Adventures, has been selected by Bhutan Canada Foundation, the non-profit organisation that led the restoration of the trail, as the first group adventure operator when the trail launches to the public.

Two new active trekking itineraries are now available: An 11-day Camp – the Trans Bhutan Trail trip, which features camping and homestays; and a 12-day Highlights of the Trans Bhutan Trail itinerary with accommodation in homestays and locally-owned hotels.

The Trans Bhutan Trail has been a part of the old Silk Road for thousands of years. It also served as a pilgrimage path for Buddhists from the east, to visit sacred sites in western Bhutan and Tibet, and legend has it that legendary Garps, or trail runners, would travel the trail at breakneck speed carrying mail and essential messages, often without food or drink.

The two tours, according to Yves Marceau, vice president of product at G Adventures, focus on trekking specially selected sections of the 403-kilometre (250-mile) trail and connecting with local people to learn about Bhutanese life and culture, thus combining active travel and cultural immersion with the benefits of community tourism. The trail’s restoration is a community-based project aimed to preserve an old cultural icon and create a sustainable experience for visitors, as well as giving financial opportunities for local people. It is expected that Bhutan’s borders will reopen to tourism ahead of the Trans Bhutan Trail’s official opening ceremony in March 2022. The two new G Adventures trips on the Trans Bhutan Trail depart May 1, 2022.