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Bhutan is an ancient, lost world having preserved its ecological wonders at its best and most beautiful. Time has stood still, and for anyone wishing to avoid the crowds and see the unseen, Bhutan is your best bet.
alpine blooms
This unique 11 day experience brings you to the heart of the flora and fauna of this unspoilt and unmatched land. Arriving in Thimpu, refresh yourself in the tranquil Terma Linca before heading out to roll your rosaries and chant your mantra with the locals in a quick run around the sights.
blooms of rhododendrons
Breaking away from the urban visits, you’ll drive up the valley, heading north above Thimpu. Here, discover forests of pines and rhododendrons (particularly in May), skies of fire-tailed sunbirds, rare woodpeckers, and herds of grazing Goral goats. If you’re lucky, you may even see a Royal Bengal tiger.
Next, taking the Dochula pass you’ll sweep through the sleepy villages of Thinlegang and Wangdi, before reaching Punakha, a sub-tropical valley aglow with magnolias, rare exotic (and edible) mushrooms, and corn harvests in August. Following a night’s rest in Amankora Punakha amongst rice paddies and orange orchards, it’s out of the car and onto your mountain bike to explore Pho-chhu, a hidden valley where very few tourists have gone before, and where many small villages still don’t even have electricity.
dances with the cranes and shaman rituals
Heading west towards Gangtey Gompa, a majestic drive gives you the chance to see lucious landscapes, bird species, sometimes grey langurs and even the elusive red pandas.
celebrating the return of the black necked crane with a festival
Join the locals in celebrating the return of the black-necked crane in November (there are only 300-400 left in the world) and watch as they feed on dwarf bamboos and glide elegantly through the valley. Here, you’ll stay at Amankora Gangety, a lodge perched high up the glacial valley of Phobjika, and visit the great Gangtey Temple, small villages of Chenbji and Rukubi, and the 400 yr-old Sisina farmhouse. Head back to Punakha, and if you’re around in December, we can arrange for you to visit a local farmer’s house for a spiritual treat: a shaman ritual. The Bhutanese people believe that humans lose their souls evey now and again. After making effigies from feathers, colourful threads and leaves, the shaman will perform special rituals which help regroup the soul.
treks, legends and tea
Returning back to Paro, you’ll stop by various dzongs, the Kyichu temple and a stay at Zhiwa Ling, an authentic guesthouse both designed and crafted by a local Bhutanese company.
archery in bhutan
Travelling through the Chelila pass you’ll reach the undiscovered region of Haa. In May, this pass is great to watch the Himalayan pheasant, and in June to spot the rare blue poppy. Haa has only been open to tourists since 2002, but you’ll be welcomed by the locals like you belong. Home-made wines, vegetable dumplings and traditional butter tea are all on the menu. Fancy a spot of archery? You’re on. The locals are always keen to pass a few tips and challenge you to a game.
