Land of the Thunder Dragon
"Nothing could be more striking than the pristine beauty of the landscape of Bhutan, or the atmosphere of peace and sacredness, which pervades the land from end to end. Bhutan is a place blessed with an almost magical power to transform the mind, as if being transported into a pure realm."
—Sogyal Rinpoche
Anyone who has traveled to Bhutan can tell how untouched and remarkable the place is. Bhutan remains a mysterious magical place to visit, unique and timeless. The high mountain splendor and thin air completes the other world effect.
Our private-only cycling and trekking trips encompasses popular highlights and lesser known ones, along with unique activities, including emphasis on customs, arts, cuisine, and personal encounters and other off-the-bike activities. Travel dates may correspond with a traditional Bhutanese festival, always a highlight of travel in the country, that can be attended during the trip (Fall is high festival season).
The Kingdom of Druk Yul, known in the west as Bhutan is a tiny nation located in the Himalayan Mountains and one that remains the least-touched by western civilization. The country was only opened up to tourism a little over 30 years ago and its previous isolation and low amount of tourists has meant that its culture and traditions have thrived without external influences.
Weave into the mountains and experience the world's happiest alternative culture, 12 days immersing you in the purity of an untouched Buddhist nation
Bhutan stretches the boundaries of the surreal. Hidden in the Himalayas, this warm and welcoming nation celebrates the beauty of alternative culture. Its unique identity has been effortlessly preserved into the 21st century, along with astonishing nature and the spellbinding sweetness of tranquility. This is the land of happiness, where progress is measured in smiles and spiritual tones float elegantly on the alpine breeze. Authentic and authoritative, our classic luxury Bhutan tour helps you explore the country's new definitions of reality. You experience an untamed way of life that brings purity to every moment.
Our signature Bhutan tour explores the different sides to the country, both geographically and culturally. Immerse yourself in the Bumthang region, a cultural heartland that's quick to show the country's ambiance. Discover fortresses and shrines on the journey through the Himalayas to the astonishing Black Mountain National Park. Spend two days in and around ancient capital Punakha, home of sacred and surreal icons. On day nine you arrive in Thimphu, admiring the country's careful remodeling towards some Western ideas. Then on day ten you sleep in Paro, preparing for the pilgrimage to Tiger's Nest Monastery the next morning.
Exploring the Icons and Hearing the Legends
The Tiger's Nest Monastery is the appropriate culmination to luxury Bhutan tours, such unique balance between the paradigms that make the country so unique. There is Buddhist heritage and legend, told by pilgrims and monks you meet. How about Himalayan indulgence and the humbling power of nature in its primitive form? Old-world lifestyle tells the secret of modern happiness. Culture and identity can be personified in a single image, yet explained in infinite ways. All these come together at Tiger's Nest Monastery. Whenever Bhutan seems to be mentioned on the web, it's accompanied by a photo of this mystical monastery. On day 11 you'll join the pilgrims and hike to the story behind the legend.
Throughout this tour you'll visit many temples and monasteries. While none have quite the visual wow of Tiger's Nest, each is equally captivating in its own right. Buddhist legends accompany you at every turn and the locals narrate them with enthusiasm. Serene jewels are hidden in the forests, sacred relics are guarded by eye-catching deities, stories tell of the Divine Madman and of treasures uncovered from a burning lake. At these dzongs and religious structures you'll have many opportunities to meet and learn from the monks who pray there. For these are not just sights, but the living exemplars of Bhutan's identity.
Escaping With Luxury Journeys and Luxurious Landscapes
After a domestic flight to the east on day two, you travel by chauffeured vehicle. Most days involve some driving, although the journeys are never laborious. You're surrounded by the wonder of the Himalayas, every corner bringing a new photogenic viewpoint. Imposing peaks peer down, bucolic valleys stretch out, and the locals wave as you pass. While Bhutan's great allure is its untouched culture, its otherworldly landscapes provide an untamed backdrop. You can feel isolation, appreciate the beauty of seclusion, and marvel at the sense of escapism this tiny nation can offer. Nothing is rushed. Everything is tranquil. And over the 12 days you find that this cultural adventure is also the ultimate getaway.
An Intimate Connection With the Bhutanese
In many ways, Bhutan is a celebration of our approach to travel. Our luxury tours go beyond sightseeing, uncovering the subtleties of destinations. Meeting the locals is integral to the experience, both the random everyday encounters and the pre-planned meetings with the country's intriguing characters. This classic Bhutan tour has the flexibility to build on these encounters. While the day's overall route is relatively fixed, there's a freedom to accept invitations from strangers and continue conversations with new friends. There's a beauty in every encounter and you'll be able to experience life as it has been for centuries.
Of course, as with all our tours, careful attention is paid to the contemporary details. We select hotels and guesthouses that reflect the atmosphere while ensuring modern comforts. Guides are such an essential factor in the experience and we take pride in identifying those that can always add value, not merely be your gatekeeper to Bhutan's world. On most days there are options over different excursions and the guide will tailor the timetable to your mood and energy levels. Intimate and exclusive, these 12 days are more than a showcase of Bhutan, but an immersion in all the paradigms that make it so special.
Bhutan Luxury Travel Highlights and Experiences
- Follow pilgrims in ascending the granite valley to Taktsang Lhakhang, the iconic Eagle's Nest Monastery that fuses Himalayan wonder with Buddhist legend.
- Lose yourself in the eastern Bumthang Valley, epitome of Bhutanese culture and rural lifestyles.
- Unravel the nuance of local identity with two days in Punakha, the country's ancient capital and sacred relic.
- Explore magnificent Himalayan landscapes, including hikes in Black Forest National Park and drives across remote mountain passes.
- Meet the locals and share stories with monks, each encounter bringing a new insight into a culture unconnected to the rest of the world.
- Experience a wide range of temples and monasteries, along with impressive medieval fortresses and market towns.
- Connect yesterday with today in Thimphu, a captivating city that reveals how contrasts are able to bring harmony.
