The Trans Bhutan Trail

Restoring an Ancient Pathway During the Pandemic

Join members of the Trans Bhutan Trail team and MyBhutan to learn more about this unique nation from the perspective of the world’s newest long-distance trekking routes and how they restored an ancient pathway during the covid-19 pandemic.

Presented by:

• Matthew R DeSantis, Founder, MyBhutan
• Tshering Dolkar, Marketing Manager, Trans Bhutan Trail
• Stephen Couchman, Program Director, Trans Bhutan Trail

In May 2019, his Majesty, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan made a Royal Command that the ancient trail, which once linked the tiny nation in the Eastern Himalaya from East to West, be restored. The path, which connected nine Dzong fortresses across 12 mountain passes was once a critical part of Bhutan’s defenses against invasion, an important pilgrimage, communications and trade route, and a symbol of national unity.

After over two-year’s work, surveying and restoration of the 403km trail is near completion. Join members of the Trans Bhutan Trail team and MyBhutan to learn more about this unique nation from the perspective of the world’s newest long-distance trekking routes.

Learning Objectives:

• An introduction to Bhutan including Gross National Happiness, constitutionally protected environment and national commitment to being carbon-negative.
• Case study on the symbolic importance of trail-building and its contribution to community economic development and eco-tourism.
• An example of how Covid has impacted trails and tourism, how it is leading to a renaissance for trails during the current crisis.
• A discussion about why Bhutan is a great outdoor travel destination with unique trail assets for Mountain biking and trekking.

Register Here