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The ‘world’s happiest country’ has reopened its most sacred hiking trail after 60 years

You can walk the whole length of the country on a 250-mile-long route through meadows, forests and mountains

Sophie Dickinson
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Sophie Dickinson
Freelance contributor
Bhutan
Photograph: Shutterstock
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After the two years we’ve all had, we could definitely do with perking up a bit. And – bear with us – we reckon going on an adventure of a lifetime in Bhutan might be the answer. The country has consistently been deemed one of the happiest in the world by researchers, thanks in part to its avoidance of conflict – in a region beset by war – and a generous social safety net that includes universal healthcare. All that majestic nature and wildlife (which is protected by sweeping conservation programmes) can’t hurt either.

Sounds like something you’d like to be a part of? Well, it’s a great time for it, as the country has just reopened the epic Trans Bhutan Trail after it was closed for 60 years. The 250-mile-long hiking route was once thought to be part of the Silk Road that facilitated trade across Asia. In the sixteenth century, it was used by Buddhist months to travel between Bhutan and Tibet. But in the 1960s, roads took precedence and the trail fell into disrepair.

Until now, that is. The trail – connecting Haa in the west with Trashigang in the east – has undergone years of restoration, and now visitors are able to walk across the entire country once more. Travel firms like G Adventures are running guided itineraries along the route. Think 12 days of trekking, home stays and plenty of beautiful scenery, spanning forest, meadow, mountain – and a whole load of hilltop fortresses. Trips through G start at around £3,000 ($4,000) per person. 

Reckon you’d be up for it? Dying to get those hiking boots out of the cupboard? Find out more about the trail here

Looking for more holiday inspo? These are the 22 best new things to do in the world in 2022 according to us.

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