The Trans Bhutan Trail is a 403-kilometre (250 mi) east–west trail in Bhutan, stretching from Haa to Trashigang and crossing 27 gewogs across nine dzongkhags.
Origins
editDating back to the 16th century, the trails, used by rulers, monks, pilgrims, traders and message carriers known as garps,[1] were the only way to travel across Bhutan.[2] The trail fell into disuse and disrepair after the construction of Bhutan's first national highway in 1962;[1] much of it was subsumed by the new roads.[3]
Restoration
editThe project to restore the trail began in 2018, led by the Bhutan Canada Foundation, the government of Bhutan and the Trans Bhutan Trail organisation, a non-profit formed for the project.[4] It involved restoring or rebuilding 18 major bridges,[2] more than 10,000 steps, and placing QR codes that can be used to access the local area's history. About 900 workers furloughed during the COVID-19 pandemic helped with the project.[4] In a ceremony in Thimphu, Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck formally opened the trail to tourists on 28 September 2022, coinciding with the resumption of international tourism after the pandemic.[5][6] The Trans Bhutan Trail organisation runs trips along the route, with the proceeds going towards conserving the route and helping local communities. Many other tour operators also run trips along the trail.[4]
Route
editThe restored Trans Bhutan Trail spans a total of 403-kilometre (250 mi)[4] from west to east, connecting 400 cultural and historic sites across the country.[2] The trail begins at Haa in the west and ends at Trashigang in the east. The trail traverses through 27 gewogs (local governments) spread across nine dzongkhags (districts).[1] The trail passes through landmarks like Dochula Pass, Punakha Dzong and Trongsa Dzong.[2]
References
edit- ^ a b c Melancon, Nicole (7 February 2023). "Farm-to-cushion dining along the Trans Bhutan Trail". BBC. Archived from the original on 3 March 2023. Retrieved 5 March 2023.
- ^ a b c d Billock, Jennifer (14 September 2022). "The 250-Mile Trans Bhutan Trail Will Reopen After 60 Years". Smithsonian Magazine. Archived from the original on 29 October 2022. Retrieved 5 March 2023.
- ^ Smart, Catherine (2 December 2019). "The Trans-Bhutan Trail: Reinvigorating a cultural treasure". Bhutan Canada Foundation. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
- ^ a b c d Holland, Mary (23 September 2022). "Hidden Himalayas: hiking the new Trans-Bhutan Trail". Financial Times. Archived from the original on 23 September 2022. Retrieved 5 March 2023.
- ^ Marcus, Lilit (3 October 2022). "Bhutan – and its incredible cross-country trail – is open". CNN. Archived from the original on 2 March 2023. Retrieved 5 March 2023.
- ^ Vincent, Jessica (17 October 2022). "Hiking the Newly Restored Trans Bhutan Trail Is the Best Way to Experience the Country". Condé Nast Traveler. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
Further reading
edit- Couchman, Stephen; Tandin Wangmo (Spring 2021). "Trans Bhutan Trail: Tracing the Footsteps of the Ancestors on a Path to the Future" (PDF). The Druk Journal. 7 (1).