Whether it’s an hour-long stroll to a hilltop monastery or a five-night camping trek, Bhutan is all about nature, trails and stretching those legs.
You will find first-rate guides. Their comprehensive knowledge of the area and profound pride of their country will make a deep impression on you long after you’ve returned home.
From the boy selling deep fried chillies on the side of the road, to a steaming home-cooked lunch enjoyed in a farmhouse or a multi-course fine-dining supper – Bhutanese food is sure to make your mouth water.
Even if you choose to buy a local SIM card or connect to Wi-Fi at your hotel, the feeling of isolation and being inaccessible to the world still pervades. Resist the urge to pick up that smart phone!
Bhutan is home to possibly the world’s best spa therapy – traditional hot stone baths. They heat large stones over a fire and then use them to warm your bathwater. Stepping into one of these steaming tubs of mineralised goodness, particularly in the colder months, is a phenomenal feeling.
While karaoke and Bhutan might seem to be an unlikely mix, the capital Thimphu and country town of Bumthang both have a pretty pumping KTV scene. Locals sing a mix of Bhutanese and English hits, and bizarrely, Ronan Keating is quite the local favourite.
From Aman’s lodges dotted across five valleys to COMO’s boutique properties with awe-inspiring views, Bhutan’s luxury hotels are intimate, exclusive and nothing short of spectacular. Six Senses will be joining the party by launching five lodges there this year.
Taktsang Palphug or Tiger’s Nest Monastery as it is more well-known, clings to a cliffside that is set above the rice paddy fields of Paro. It will take you between two to three-hours to trek there, but once you arrive you will be treated to a refreshing cup of tea and some of the most impressive views of the country.
The daily USD250 per person minimum spend has kept tourist numbers at a minimum to date, but numbers are steadily increasing. The country is not built for mass tourism, so make sure that you get there before the crowds.
With a country that rejected a GDP for a Gross National Happiness Index, you know that you will be vacationing in the right place.
If you want to experience Bhutan for yourself, contact our Bhutan experts.
Bay of Islands & Northland Napier & Hawkes Bay Queenstown, Milford Sound & Southern Lakes New Zealand Australasia
Experience three of New Zealand’s top luxury lodges
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Enjoy scenic flights over some of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes
Meet the kiwi, New Zealand’s rare and endangered national bird
Discover the beauty of Milford and Doubtful Sounds on South Island
