Bhutan

Bhutan unveils the last Shangri-La, with Buddhist culture evident everywhere you look and everywhere you go. Nestled in the Himalayas, expect to adjust to the altitude for a few days—slow your pace, breathe deeply, in tune with the quiet vibe of the nation. The iconic Paro Taktsang monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest) clings to cliffs above the forested Paro Valley.  The capital city of Thimphu is home to a bustling weekend market, a surprisingly thriving punk scene and ornate architecture. The historic Punakha Dzong, built in 1637, sits at the juncture of 2 rivers and hosts a lavish, multi-day religious festival that features masked dances and music. Bird watchers will flock to the Phobjikha Valley a habitat for rare black-necked cranes and other species. Cloistered from the world for many years, Bhutan now warmly welcomes visitors.

Named for the legend that maintains Buddhism was brought to Taktshang by Guru Rinpoche after being carried from Tibet on the back of a tigress, this spiritual center is known as Tiger’s Nest and is one of the most famous sites in Bhutan. Only accessible by foot or horseback, hundreds of colorful prayer flags wave in the breeze as you steadily climb the trail toward Tiger’s Nest. The trail offers staggering views of the Himalaya, the surrounding valley, and the monastery precariously clinging to the cliff.

Go on Safari! — In Bhutan’s south, adjacent to India’s Manas National Park in Indian Assam, forming an important trans-national conservation area lies Royal Manas National Park. Here you can go ‘on safari’ to see diverse species including the highly endangered Royal Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, Greater one-horned rhinoceros, Clouded leopard, Himalayan black bear, Gangetic dolphin and pangolin. Found virtually nowhere else in the world is the especially rare golden langur, a primate of extraordinary grace and beauty with its long, silky blond fur. Bird-lovers will find over 360 species within the park’s borders.  Slightly different to an African safari packed with dense numbers of wildlife, you will need to bring your patience as you search the rugged terrain for its residents.

Valley of the Black-Necked Crane — The Phobjikha Valley is home to the lovely walking trail known as the Gangtey Nature Trail. Wind between the Gangtey monastery along marshlands to the spiritual statues of Buddha near Khewang Lhakhang. This location is also home to the annual Black-Necked Crane Festival each November, when the birds arrive to roost. The festival is an occasion for the locals to rejoice and celebrate the arrival of this endangered bird which becomes an inseparable part in their daily lives during the winter months. The festival generates awareness and understanding on the importance of conserving the majestic Black-Necked Cranes. The festival includes cultural programs such as themed folk songs, dances, mask dances performed by the local people, and environmental conservation dramas by school children.

Hidden gem— In our busy Western lifestyles, it is sometimes hard to find some time to relax your body and mind to reflect on our place in the world. Meditation and Buddhism are integral parts of Bhutanese life and you can immerse yourself in both should you choose to experience the power of being still. Perched above a mountain pass, a tiny nunnery sits with commanding views of the surrounding countryside. It is a quiet peaceful place you reach after a tranquil hike. The temples and retreat huts are kept by the nuns who devote themselves to spiritual pursuits. Take a moment (or more!) to feel the energy of meditation as it wraps itself around you on your journey.

• We recommend at least 7-9 days in Bhutan and more if you wish to trek; it is recommended to combine Bhutan with a trip to India, Nepal or Sri Lanka.
• Bhutan is an excellent destination for all travelers who are seeking beauty and serenity. Couples, small groups, families, and honeymooners will find a transformative journey before them.
• Visas are required for visitors and are obtained by our partners in Bhutan as part of your travel arrangements. We advise visiting a traveler health clinic to ensure your inoculations are up to date.
• Travel in country is mainly overland. Roads between the major points of interest are windy and steep.
• Most Bhutanese speak Dzongkha, but English is widely spoken throughout the hospitality industry.
• Bhutan requires that you are escorted throughout your travels by a licensed guide and tour operator. Guides and drivers are trained well and qualified.

In the Spring, you can expect dry pleasant days with wildflower blooms and clear panoramas throughout the country. It is best to avoid visiting during the annual monsoons that encroach from India during the summer (June-September), when humidity, rainfall, and heat are at their peak. In late September, the dry, crisp, cool weather brings about ideal travel conditions once more before the winter when colder, windy and snowy conditions prevail in December-February.

You will find some international ultra-luxury brands in the Central and Western parts of the country, all with excellent amenities and facilities. Throughout the remainder of the country there are family-run guesthouses and hotels in restored historic buildings. A simple, yet comfortable, experience is a farmhouse homestay or overnight in a monastery. There are few options in the ‘mid-range’ in Bhutan. Every property booked on a Rothschild Safari is vetted by staff and offer the highest standards in each category.