Over the last four years, a brand new long distance trail has been created in Bhutan, re-establishing a centuries old footpath that was once the only highway linking the villages, fortresses and sacred sites of the Thunder Dragon Kingdom. Having fallen into disuse with the emergence of a modern highway, the Bhutan Canada Foundation - with the royal seal of approval of the King of Bhutan - has worked with the local people to rebuild bridges, footpaths and thousands of steps connecting communities, historic sights and natural landscapes. The result is the 250 miles long Trans Bhutan Trail that crosses one of the most unique, culturally fascinating and environmentally conscious countries in the world. It is officially due to be opened by the King this spring.

To tackle the whole trail would be a major undertaking for even the most ardent of trekkers, but for those who want to experience a small part of it, and to explore some of the main cultural sights of the Thunder Dragon Kingdom, Mountain Kingdoms has created an exciting new two-week, small group trekking holiday focusing on the western highlights of the trail. They've carefully selected sections that avoid the steepest, most challenging climbs yet still offer good walking through timeless, bucolic landscapes.

The journey begins with two short walks on the trail: alongside the fertile terraced fields of the Paro Valley and out of Thimphu to one of Bhutan's oldest dzongs. Next comes a delightful downhill day from the spectacular Dochu La pass, following in the footsteps of the legendary 'Divine Madman', Drukpa Kunley - much loved by the Bhutanese for his rather unconventional religious teachings and outrageous sexual antics - before embarking on a three-day camping trek from photogenic Punakha Dzong through the beautiful hills and valleys of rural Bhutan. Finally, the trip concludes back in Paro with a stirring climb to reach the Tiger's Nest Monastery, Bhutan's most iconic sight.

Trans Bhutan Trail – Western Highlights - NEW

Prices from:  £3,670 flight inclusive or £2,745 land only (joining in Kathmandu)

Duration: 14 days London to London

Group departures:  2nd October 2022, 2nd April 2023

Price includes: Bhutanese guide; flights between Kathmandu and Paro; airport transfers; all road transport by private vehicle; 2 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a twin share, bed and breakfast basis; 7 nights hotel accommodation in Bhutan on a twin share, full board basis; 2 nights full service camping with porterage; all sightseeing in Bhutan.

The experts at Mountain Kingdoms, an independent specialist British tour operator, have been organising walking and trekking holidays across the world for over 35 years. Visit http://www.mountainkingdoms.com for details of over 130 small group adventures and tailor made holidays which all offer value for money with an emphasis on quality.

Mountain Kingdoms holidays are ATOL 2973 / ABTOT 5238 protected