For The First Time, Trans Bhutan Line Will Open After 60 Years

Bhutan. (Source: Trans Bhutan Trail)

JAKARTA - Bhutan is one of the most mysterious countries in the world. Visiting the Land of the Thunder Dragon can be a challenge, but there is a new incentive to finally cross it off the list of destinations in 2022, as the stunning Trans Bhutan Trail will reopen to tourists for the first time in 60 years.

According to the Canadian Bhutan Foundation, a major donor to the restoration project, the 250-mile route connects nine dzongkhag (districts), 28 gewog (local governments), two municipalities, one national park and 400 historical and cultural sites.

Travelers following the entire trail route will cross 18 main bridges and climb 10,000 steps. This will allow for walking or mountain biking.

"This is a community-driven project both in construction and in operation, which will restore an ancient cultural icon and provide a sustainable clean zero carbon experience in the country for pilgrims and travelers," Sam Blyth, chairman of the Canadian Bhutan Foundation, said in a statement, citing CNN January 27.

"The Trans Bhutan Trail also reflects the country's philosophy of Gross National Happiness and will allow the children of Bhutan to walk in the footsteps of their ancestors," he added.

The westernmost point of this trail is Haa City, which is near the border with Tibet. Meanwhile, the easternmost point is Trashigang, near the border with the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.

According to a Bhutan Canada Foundation representative, ambitious hikers can cover the entire trail in about a month. However, most travelers will likely enjoy the shorter trail segments of three, four, or seven-day trips.

Due to its "high value, low impact" tourism strategy, Bhutan averaged only a few thousand visitors in certain years prior to the pandemic.

As part of its goal to avoid overtourism, the country charges a mandatory $250 per day fee, which includes ground transportation, accommodation, meals and guide services. The cost makes it a bit expensive for many people to visit.

Bhutan. (Source: Trans Bhutan Trail)

Applying this mindset to the Trans Bhutan Trail, would-be hikers must apply for a permit. They can do this from April.

However, there is one potential wrinkle to planning a Bhutan trip, currently, the Himalayan country is closed to tourism (with one notable exception).

Rumors have been rife that the kingdom is moving towards a full or partial spring 2022 reopening, so the timing of the Trans Bhutan Line event could be favourable.

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the 41-year-old King of Bhutan, has been the driving force behind the restoration of the trail, which was previously a Buddhist pilgrimage route, before it fell into disrepair after Bhutan started building the road in the 1960s.

Please note, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck will inaugurate the road in a ceremony in Trongsa, a holy city in central Bhutan, in March.