Bhutan Hiking: The Trans Bhutan Trail

• In order to enter India and Bhutan, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of return.
• We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
• All foreign travelers entering India must complete an e-Arrival Card no earlier than 72 hours and no later than 24 hours prior to their scheduled flight departure. After submitting the form, you will receive an acknowledgement email, which you’ll be asked to present upon arrival.
• U.S. and Canadian passport holders must obtain a visa in advance in order to enter India. You may choose to apply directly to the Indian consulate for an E-Visa and follow our walkthrough guide. For additional assistance, you may use a third-party provider like VisaCentral—however, these services charge a fee in addition to the cost of your visa.
• If you’re not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact the Indian consulate for specific entry requirements.
• A Bhutanese visa will be provided upon arrival for all travelers. You must provide EF Adventures with your full passport details. Please submit a photocopy or scan of your passport no later than 45 days prior to departure.

• Round-trip flights booked through EF Adventures arrive in and depart from Delhi.
• Airport transfers are included for travelers who book flights with EF Adventures. If you book your own flights, airport transfers may be available for a fee upon request.
• When you arrive in Delhi, an EF Adventures representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with an EF Adventures sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.

Physical Activity Level

This tour is rated as Intermediate, which means you thrive on a good challenge and aren’t afraid to break a sweat on the trail. This level features longer hikes with varied terrain that will get your pulse racing. You’re comfortable with sustained climbs and some rocky or root-covered paths, excited by the sense of accomplishment they bring.

This tour is great for:

• Hiking enthusiasts
• Those who want to raise their heart rate

What to expect:

• Daily mileage: 1–6 miles
• Daily elevation gain: Up to 3,060 ft
• Typical terrain: Rolling terrain with some significant gradients. Hikes are hilly with steeper climbs over longer distances.

Tour Pacing

This is a fast-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:

• Four 2-night stays and one 3-night stay
• Most days and evenings full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
• Most transportation by bus with some internal flights
• Daily bus time varies and can be lengthy

Climate considerations

• Bhutan has a varied climate due to its diverse topography. Temperatures can range widely depending on elevation and season.
• In the lower regions like Punakha, daytime temperatures can reach the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit.
• In higher altitude areas like Paro and Thimphu, daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-50s to low 70s Fahrenheit.
• Nighttime temperatures can drop significantly, especially at higher altitudes, so it’s essential to pack warm layers.
• Rain is possible, particularly if traveling during the monsoon season (June to August), so a waterproof jacket and pants are recommended.
• Please be aware that you will be traveling to altitudes as high as 12,000 feet above sea level. These high altitudes can sometimes cause breathing difficulties for travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor regarding any potential health risks.

Physical activity & tour pace extra info

• EF Adventures and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
• If you have physical activity concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or give us a call at 617-619-1679. We’re here to help!

This tour includes various modes of transportation, including private buses and internal flights.

• Round-trip flights between Delhi, India and Paro, Bhutan are included on tour.

This tour includes one or more internal flights where the cost of the flight and standard baggage allowance are included. Baggage policies vary by airline, and additional fees may apply if bags exceed the airline’s size, weight, or quantity limits. Any excess baggage charges are your responsibility and are paid directly to the airline.

• Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on buses.
• Some airlines may impose additional charges if you exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you’re responsible for any baggage fees incurred.
• Contact your airline(s) for the baggage size and weight restrictions on your flights.
• Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
• Travelers must be able to manage their luggage throughout tour; porters aren’t guaranteed at hotels and airports.

• On this tour, you'll need to come prepared with your own gear for the daily hikes and mountain adventures, including hiking shoes, a day pack, reusable water bottle, and more. For a detailed suggested packing list, see the “Clothing & packing tips” section.

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear. Don't forget to pack:

• Comfortable hiking shoes or trail runners with good traction
• Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun and insect protection
• Sunscreen
• A sun hat, sunglasses, and rain gear, as these will help you stay comfortable in all types of weather
• Moisture-wicking, quick-drying hiking socks (wool or synthetic)
• A warm mid-layer (fleece or wool)
• A warm, lightweight jacket
• Warm hat and gloves (it can be cold at high elevations)
• Insect repellent
• A daypack to carry essentials like water, snacks, and sunscreen
• A refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the tour (and cut down on single use plastic waste)
• Binoculars, in case you want to get a closer look at local wildlife and scenery
• A collapsible walking stick for long hikes (some travelers find them useful)
• Casual clothes for evenings and travel days
• Dressier attire for Welcome/Farewell Dinners and in case you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance
• Sleepwear and toiletries
• A universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter
• Any personal medications, including motion sickness remedies for bus rides
• Your medical insurance card, in case of emergencies (pack this in your carry-on)

• EF Adventures handpicks every hotel you’ll stay at, striking a balance between comfort, location, sustainability, and local charm.
• Specific properties will vary based on your departure date, but are typically three-to-five-star hotels; always include private bathrooms; and usually have in-room safes for valuables. Additionally, your hotels will have Wi-Fi, but access may be limited to common areas. There may also not be elevators.
• Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with your hotels once they’ve been confirmed, about 30 days prior to departure.
• Some hotels on this tour are situated on narrow streets; as such, our buses can’t drop you off right out front. In these instances, you’ll have to walk your luggage to the property, no more than a few blocks.
• The strength of the air-conditioning in hotels in Asia is often not as strong or as cool as what one might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air-conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
• India and Bhutan operate on 230 volts and use type D, F, and G plugs with two small, round pins and one larger round pin.

• Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app.
• We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
• Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
• Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).

• At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at cdc.gov.
• If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify EF Adventures at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
• If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour and any possible delays encountered.
• Take proper care with sun exposure, as the sun can be especially strong in some of the regions on this tour.
• We recommend drinking filtered water and refraining from drinking tap water, even while brushing teeth. Bringing a backpack that has an interior pocket to hold water will help you stay hydrated.
• Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they are cooked or washed in clean water and peeled.
• There are inherent risks associated with adventure activities such as hiking, particularly for those with pre-existing medical conditions. Discuss your planned activities with your doctor or healthcare provider for the best advice on participation.

• This tour includes ten lunches and nine dinners. They may be set menus, buffets, or family-style meals, depending on the location. Dinners also include one glass of beer, wine, juice or a soft drink, as well as water, coffee, and tea.
• Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
• Bhutanese cuisine is characterized by its spiciness, and chilis are an essential part of nearly every dish. Rice is central to most Bhutanese meals and is typically accompanied by one or two side dishes consisting of meat or vegetables. Pork, beef, and chicken are the most typical meats, and spinach, pumpkins, turnips, radishes, and tomatoes are among the most common vegetables. Depending on which part of Bhutan you find yourself in, you might also find dishes made or served with grains such as buckwheat or barley.
• In the northern regions of India, you’ll encounter a great deal of flavorful meat dishes, as well as kebabs and biryanis. In tandoor cooking, probably the most popular cuisine in this region, vegetables, paneer (Indian cheese), or meat is marinated in spiced yogurt and cooked over coals. As many Indians are vegetarians, meat-free options abound. Meals are usually served with rice or bread, such as unleavened roti or deep-fried puri. Many of your included meals will be buffet style, which will allow you to try a variety of new dishes.

• Tips for meals, bus drivers, porterage (if applicable), sightseeing guides, and local hiking guides are included in the price of your tour.
• At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
• We recommend tipping the equivalent of $15-$20 USD per person per day for each Tour Director, based on the number of days they lead your group.
• This tour has two Tour Directors, one in India and one in Bhutan. Please tip each one separately.
• Tips can only be paid in cash.

• You will use the Indian rupee in India and Bhutanese ngultrum in Bhutan.
• Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, though you can look into ordering some rupees from your local bank or a foreign currency exchange retailer, such as Travelex, before you arrive. Ngultrum are very difficult to obtain outside of Bhutan, but you will have the chance to obtain some in Paro and Thimphu either through currency exchange or from an ATM. Please note that exchanging larger denomination bills come with a higher exchange rate than lower denomination bills.
• Travelers may carry up to 25,000 Indian rupees into the country when entering through an airport. Travelers may bring up to 25,000 Indian rupees out of India unless continuing on to Bhutan or Nepal.
• If you wish, you can also obtain rupees through a currency exchange booth at the airport upon your arrival in India. Keep receipt of your exchange.
• Cash is the preferred method of payment across India and Bhutan. Some larger vendors may accept international debit and credit cards, such as MasterCard and Visa, though it is uncommon and a minimum payment is generally required. You should not rely on using your credit card for purchases while on tour.
• Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.

• To help you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend downloading the EF Adventures mobile app. It’s free and provides information about important deadlines and entry requirements, as well as your detailed itinerary, packing tips, and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the app’s chat feature.
• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
• There is no Wi-Fi on any of the buses.
• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

• Your Tour Director will be an experienced hiker who will accompany you throughout the entire journey. In addition to sharing their knowledge of the region's history, culture, and natural wonders, they will:
  • Support the group during daily hikes, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all travelers
  • Provide detailed briefings on trail conditions, weather, and altitude considerations
  • Coordinate logistics and arrange meals and transportation
  • Offer basic first-aid assistance and emergency support if needed

As experienced hikers themselves, your Tour Director will be well-versed in mountain safety and trained in high-altitude first-aid procedures.

Please note: You will have a different Tour Director in each country on this tour.

• One of the benefits of traveling with EF Adventures is our on tour emergency support team.
• Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
• This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
• As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.

• Bhutan and India do not observe Daylight Saving Time, which affects the time difference throughout the year.
• When the US is observing Standard Time (generally November to March):
  • Bhutan is 11 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET)
  • Delhi, India is 10.5 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET)
• When the US is observing Daylight Saving Time (generally March to November):
  • Bhutan is 10 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET)
  • Delhi, India is 9.5 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET)

• When you travel with EF Adventures, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
• Travel, when done responsibly, can have an enormous socioeconomic impact on communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at small businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
• Prepare for your trip: Be aware of monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market; learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette; and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
• When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
• EF Adventures encourages travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single-use plastics. You can cut back on generating plastic waste by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
• When visiting national parks, reserves, or other protected areas, please do not remove anything from the natural environment or leave any litter. Carry out what you carried in.
• When you come across wild animals on tour, take the philosophies of World Animal Protection to heart: Don’t touch or feed them, and maintain a respectful distance. The animals you encounter on your trip should be able to exhibit natural forms of behavior.
• Furthermore, avoid buying exploitative animal products, like crafts made from tortoiseshell or meals such as shark fin soup.
• If you feel we aren’t meeting any of these commitments, please let us know.