Join us for an adventure “through the looking glass”
BHUTAN
The far-flung Kingdom of Bhutan nestles high in the Himalaya between India and Tibet and is home to the Drukpa, a welcoming and deeply Buddhist people, holding fast to their land and traditions while also developing a modern and outward-looking worldview.
Kingdom Of BHUTAN
Bhutan is made of mountains, endless ranks of them draped with evergreen forests, deeply carved by meltwater rivers and sprinkled with tiny white temples. The revitalising piney air is awash with blessings and mantras wafting from countless fluttering prayer flags and spinning wheels. Almost 80% of the kingdom remains under forest, tigers and snow leopards roam the land and we even have a National Park for the protection of the Migoi (Yeti). Bhutan only opened to foreign tourists in 1974, most of our mountain peaks remain unclimbed and we are the only carbon-negative country in the world. We will let your guide explain the concepts of divine madness and gross national happiness to you!
UPLIFTING ADVENTURES
We invite you on a pilgrimage hike to a remote monastery for an audience with a high Buddhist Lama and to spend the night at our tented outpost in the wilds. Learn the finer points of Bhutanese archery or the art of spicy momo making (and scoffing) with a farmer’s wife. Attend morning prayers and receive blessings at a temple then play football with the monks. Soar over mountaintops on an unforgettable helicopter flight, hang prayer flags for loved ones on a windswept pass and sweep down endless trails on a mountain bike. Witness a sacred tsechu (festival) and create a sand mandala with a Lama followed by meditative walk deep in an ancient forest.
WHO VISITS
Bhutan appeals to true travellers of every persuasion, from families of all ages and blends, to couples (from honeymooners to retirees), celebrities to singles – perhaps the common thread would be those seeking a more meaningful experience, which might also uplift the local community in some way.
Best Time To Travel
Bhutan is truly a year round destination as the Kingdom lies at a similar latitude to Florida USA (just at a higher elevation) so expect plenty of sunshine with generally warm days and cool crisp nights. The varying altitudes of each main valley make for different microclimates, eg the lower valley of Punakha (1,200m) enjoys a sub-tropical climate whereas Gangtey (2,900m) experiences freezing temperatures throughout the winter.
TRAVEL to Bhutan
Paro International Airport is serviced by Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines, servicing routes between Bhutan and Nepal, India, Thailand, Singapore and Bangladesh. The team at Guides Of Bhutan offer the best travel consultation for anyone considering a journey to the Kingdom, handling the whole package booking and visa application process on behalf of our guests.
The daily visitor tax contributes to Bhutan's Sustainable Development Fund, enables investment in programmes that preserve and protect our traditions, heritage and environment, upgrade infrastructure and creates opportunities for our youth.
OVERNIGHT
The Guides Of Bhutan team are perfectly placed to steer our guests through the lodging options in each valley, mixing and matching offerings including tipi camps, rustic homestays, monastery stays and 5-star accommodations.
Our luxury lodge partners include Uma Paro & Uma Punakha, Gangtey Lodge, Zhiwaling Ascent & Heritage plus the Amankora and Six Senses strings of lodges.