Who is Bhutan best for?
Bhutan holidays are best for those wanting to escape the modern world, get back-to-nature and discover truly untouched culture. It’s a haven for hikers who are raring to climb dirt tracks and lofty peaks. Your hiking efforts will be rewarded with fascinating Buddhist monasteries and staggering stupas, to discover at the end of your climb . Discover authentic experiences at every turn - butter tea with a Bhutanese family, farmers tending to the lush rice paddy fields and vibrantly masqued dancers at local festivals. Authenticity doesn’t mean you have to compromise on comfort – Bhutan holds some of the most respected hotel brands in the world, known for a design that fits seamlessly into the surrounding environment. Think - a converted Bhutanese farmhouse set in orange orchards with a royal-vetted chef and spa, or a panoramic lodge complete with Bhutanese hot stone baths and exceptional seasonal produce. What’s not to like?
What can you find in Bhutan that you won’t find elsewhere?
Here you will find an intact culture and pristine landscapes, that still feel like one of the world’s best kept secrets. Hefty visitor tariffs keep the tourists at bay, leaving Bhutan’s verdant meadows, meandering rivers and crystal-clear lakes in wonderful isolation. Come spring, the terrain is aflame with thickets of bright rhododendron, during other seasons, the mountains, clad with blue pine and wildflowers are just as astounding. Unveil profound spirituality in Paro’s 17th-century dzongs (fortresses), and in ancient temples that burst in the Bumthang Valley -which is dotted with Buddhist monasteries, prayer wheels and magnificent shrines. Agrarian practises are the main livelihood and most still use traditional farming techniques - witness land being ploughed by oxen, locals tending to red rice fields and farmers herding yak.
A special experience in Bhutan
In a kingdom where pilgrimages are a way of life, why not embark on a trek immersing yourself in Bhutan’s wilderness and culture. The Tiger’s Nest is a must-see for any visitor, it sits giddying high up, perched 3,000ft up the face of a cliff and can only be reached by a three-hour hike – nothing for the crimson-robed monks, who regularly make the hair-raising journey, but you might prefer a horse to help you with the climb (we would!). Avid hikers can take their pick of the 30 designated trekking routes, all of which offer exciting wildlife sightings - you might glimpse black bears, red pandas and over 500 species of birds- but you’re guaranteed to see plenty of yaks. If you really want to push yourself, one trail lasts an eye-watering 30 days! Walk the trail and enjoy walk-in tented camps and private chefs to whip up hearty meals at the end of every day.