The opening of the historic and sacred Trans Bhutan Trail after 60 long years is a jubilant news for the tourism industry in the The Kingdom of Bhutan. The 400 kilometre trail is all set to re-open in March 2022, next year. Two years of continuous rehabilitation work led to this amazing decision, a precious gift for the travellers planning to visit the country.
The Bhutan Canada Foundation has been leading the restoration work of the trail. As per the latest reports, the organisation have selected G Adventures as the tour operator for conducting the trekking itineraries. A statement issued by the tour operator mentioned, "We're honoured to be working with the Bhutan Canada Foundation and the Trans Bhutan Trail to launch the newly restored trail in magical Bhutan."
Origin and History of the trail
The origin of the trail can be traced back to almost thousand years. It was then part of the ancient Silk trading route. Records and studies have proved the trail to belong to the 16th century, wherein it connected the eastern and western parts of Bhutan through Dzongs and fortresses.
The route was a pilgrimage one for the Buddhists who travelled to various holy and religious sites in Tibet and the western part of Bhutan. The trail runners or the legendar Garps availed the trail to send across mail and important messages, travelling by foot and many a times without water and food. But the stairways and footpaths of the trail were destroyed after the construction of the national highway in the 1960s; thus closing the trail and the journeys through it.
What is in for the adventure enthusiasts and the trekkers?
G Adventures have opened up two active trekking itineraries for the adventure enthusiasts and the trekking lovers. The trips will commence from 1st May, 2022. Bookings are now open which will involve the required permits and the walk across the trail. It will also include accommodation in hotels, guest houses and home stays and camping
One of them is a 11 day tour that covers the key highlights of the trail. You can experience the panoramic landscapes of the trail and visit the quaint hamlets nestled on the hilly regions. There will be camps and overnight stays at home stays, providing you an awesome opportunity to witness the spiritual and rural life of Bhutan.
The second itinerary is for 12 days where you would be hiking through the mountain trails. Beautiful villages, gorgeous river valleys and lush greenery will greet you every moment. You can also witness the history, culture and traditions of the country as you travel from the eastern part of Bhutan to the western part.
The latest news about the trail
The Trans Bhutan rail will be inaugurated officially by His Majesty the King of Bhutan. It was his vision to restore the trail, a symbol of the country's history and tradition. The trail will open up a new facet in the tourism sector of the country. Tourists from abroad will be able to walk across the trail from April, 2022 onwards. It is expected that the rural communities will benefit substantially from the re-opening of the route.
Sam Blyth, chair of the Bhutan Canada Foundation and lead donor for the Trans Bhutan Trail, stated that, “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 travelers. 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."
He also mentioned, “Spanning the world’s only carbon negative country, the Trans Bhutan Trail also reflects the country’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness and enables the children of Bhutan to continue to walk in the footsteps of their ancestors. It’s our vision that one day the Trans Bhutan Trail will be considered one of the great walks of the world ”.
As the Kingdom of Bhutan prepares for this historic inauguration, meanwhile tourists from India and abroad can start planning for the breathtaking adventurous journey across the trail.
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