Bhutan

…Majestic mountains, moss-covered forests, deep Buddhist traditions, spectacular dance festivals, ubiquitious chillies, unique Gross National Happines philosophy...

Bhutan is one of the most untouched countries we’ve explored and it’s where we had the privelege of celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary.  

In addition to its striking landscapes, it was also a unique destination for us to visit due to the government’s approach to tourism.  As a foreign visitor, you are charged a minimum tariff (US$250/day per person in Nov 2018) that includes accommodation, food, car transport, and an official guide that is organised by a registered Bhutanese tour agency.  This was quite different to our normal approach of developing a budget based on itemised prices for hotels, transport, food, etc. The daily fee limits the numbr of foreign visitors providing travellers with a more peaceful, less crowded, and higher quality experience than in other similar locations.

Located on the eastern edge of the Himalayas between China and India, Bhutan’s mountainous landscape and approach to environmental protection has resulted in 70% of the country remaining forested for future generations.  In turn, this has created a peaceful, non-congested feel to the country.

Here are highlights (DINK TRIP Tips) from our trip...for more details or to help plan your own visit, contact us!

Paro

• Trek the steep path along a rutted mountain path to Taktshang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), which is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries and is awe-inspiring with its precarious looking location up high on the edge of a cliff-face
• Enjoy peaceful treks to numerous smaller monasteries nestled on the various mountain-sides
• Check out the amazing marksmanship of the archers at the archery ground
• Dress up in the traditional outfit (Gho for men, Kira for women) and enjoy a cultural show and dinner at Gangtey Palace hotel, an 1800s palace set on 7 hectares of gardens
• Treat yourself to a night (or several nights) at the Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary where you will enjoy remarkably comfortable rooms, amazing views, exquisite food, advice from a Traditional Medicine Practictioner, and pampering massages and other spa treatments

Thimpu

• Visit Trashi Chhoe Dzong, a Buddhist monastery and fortress on the west bank of the Wang Chuu, to explore the temple and watch the flag lowering at sunset
• Join the locals in circumambulating around the whitewashed National Memorial Chorten at sunset
• Explore the locally made goods at the Handicrafts Market and the food stalls at the Weekend Market
• Enjoy live music and local beers at Mojo Park

Bumthang

• Take a tour of Red Panda Brewery to learn more about the brewing process and enjoy the beautiful views from their cafe over a bottle of Red Panda Beer (weiss beer)
• Enjoy a day hike in the beautiful Tang valley with a visit to Membar Tsho (the burning lake) afterwards
• Explore the Chokhor Valley to see to Jampey Lhakhang, the temple that was visited by Guru Rinpoche during his visit to Bumthang, Kurjey Lhakhang, a temple complex that surrounds the imprint (jey) of Guru Rinpoche’s body (kur) in a rock, and Konchosum Lhakhang (Temple of Three Jewels)
• Indulge in a traditional hot stone bath at Rinchenling Lodge