A small land-locked country in Asia, nestled in the world’s highest peaks, Bhutan is a unique destination where happiness and peace of mind are contagious. The Himalayan Kingdom, also known as ‘The Land of The Thunder Dragon’ is a destination for nature lovers, adventure aficionados, wildlife enthusiasts, culture buffs and those in search of a truly unique and captivating travel experience. Home to many luxury hotels, restaurants and bespoke experiences for travelers of all ages to enjoy, the country also offers a sophisticated escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Located betweenTibet (China) and India, Bhutan exudes spirituality; inspiring the Kingdom’s culture and creating a destination that welcomes people of all backgrounds and religions. This warm welcome creates an environment perfect for the Middle Eastern traveler, Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Bhutan offers ease of accessibility for travelers from the region with transfers available from Delhi, Kathmandu and Calcutta – all within approximately a four-hour flight from the UAE and KSA. Other transfers include via Bangkok, Singapore and Bangladesh on a regular basis.
In September 2022, the Kingdom unveiled a new Tourism Strategy underpinned by transformations in three key areas: enhancements to its sustainable development policies, infrastructure upgrades, and the elevation of the guest experience. This strategy is driven by the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable practices, with a 200 USD (AED 735) daily tourist fee contributing to programs that preserve Bhutan’s cultural traditions, as well as sustainability projects, infrastructure upgrades and opportunities for youth. Part of this strategy was also the removal of the Minimum Daily Package Rate (MDPR); a minimum spend per day required by visitors. This tourism strategy gives visitors peace of mind that their expenses are making a positive impact on the environment and protecting it for generations to come.
With 70% of the country forested, Bhutan is the world’s first carbon negative country; reflecting the country’s unique approach to sustainable tourism. A pleasant year-round climate of warm to moderate temperatures with cool, crisp evenings makes Bhutan the perfect destination to visit any time of the year. There isn’t just one Bhutan to discover; there are many. From storied cities, to soaring mountains, the door to the kingdom is open once again to old and new friends.
Hotels
Accommodation in Bhutan is of a very high standard, with a wide variety of choice available, ranging from home stays through to 3*, 4* and 5* hotels. There are nine different 5* luxury brands operating throughout the country, including Aman, Six Senses, Como, Taj, Le Meridien, Dusit, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Gangtey Lodge and the Bhutanese 5* brand Zhiwaling. There are also excellent 3* and 4* options for travellers on all kinds of budgets.
Bhutan for Families
With an abundance of outdoor activities and cultural experiences, Bhutan makes for the ideal destination for family travel. The Trans Bhutan Trail is a 403km hiking route, spanning from Haa in the West of Bhutan to Trashigang in the East, considered one of the world’s greatest walks and one of the best hiking routes in Asia. The not-for-profit sustainable tourism initiative showcases a unique piece of Bhutan’s cultural heritage for the benefit of its people – with treks ranging from one hour to one month. Other family activities include archery camps, horse riding, white water rafting, animal spotting, traditional arts and crafts, and much more.
For those looking to catch sight of the breath-taking natural beauty from the air, there exist many private helicopter tours. This offers the unmissable opportunity to savour a unique vantage point of the many glimmering waterways and sweeping forests that can be found in the country.
Nature and The Outdoors
The Tiger’s Nest Monastery, also known as Paro Takstang, is one of Bhutan’s most recognized spots and makes for perfect hike destination. A small collection of buildings precariously perched on a cliff, 900 meters off of the ground, Tigers Nest Monastery is a stunning emblem of Bhutan’s rich culture.
As Himalayan country, Bhutan has a many beautiful rivers ideal for water sports. The most popular rivers for rafting are Mo Chu and Pho Chu in Punakha and rafting can be done throughout every season of the year. Archery, kayaking, trekking, mountain-biking, fishing, rock-climbing and paragliding are some of the other outdoor activities adventure lovers can enjoy amongst beautiful surroundings.
Wildlife
The expansive network of National Parks of Bhutan is home to an outstanding diversity of wildlife species and ecosystems. The lush tropical forest in the southern lowlands is home to tigers, rhinos, clouded leopards and sloth bears while the forests of the temperate zone are home to leopards, goral and serow and the national animal of Bhutan; the amazing Takin. Many bespoke tours offer visitors a chance to get up close and personal with these wonderful animals.
Culture
Bhutan has a rich cultural heritage that has been kept intact ever since it came into existence. Travelling the world’s happiest country, visitors will be amazed by the exotic beauty of myriad well-preserved heritage and fascinating tourist attractions, providing a sublime overview of real Bhutanese culture. The Kingdom follows the peaceful teachings and beliefs of Buddhism, reflected in the many breath-taking monasteries and temples open for visitors.
The people of Bhutan celebrate many festivals throughout the year such as Paro Tshechu, the spring festival celebrated in March, Gomphu Kora Festival in Trashigang and Haa Summer Festival. These colourful gatherings are celebrated with vigour and enthusiasm and make for a captivating visitor experience.
Cuisine
Inspired by local traditions and utilizing the many locally grown ingredients, Bhutan offers many delicious culinary delights. The food of Bhutan may have been influenced by India, China, and Tibet, but the local food still remains unique. Visitors can find many vegetarian restaurants within the country, providing many ‘halal’ options for visitors. Many restaurants provide Arabic mezze and more than 50% of most menus offer vegetarian options with some of the five-star hotels offering halal-certified meats. Most of the fruit and vegetables in Bhutan are grown locally and are fully organic. All meat is imported as it is illegal to slaughter any living thing in Bhutan.
Wellness
Bhutan is blessed with an enchanting scenery and a soul-captivating aura providing everything that one looks for in a holiday to leave completely revived and rejuvenated. Bhutan boasts many Yoga & Meditation centers, including intensive programs to retreats, drop-in centers and hermitages creating ample opportunities to achieve a state of inner calm and zen. Visitors can also drop into a monastery and unwind in a quiet session with the resident monks while also soaking souls in a hypnotic scenery and soft Buddhist chants reverberating in the air.
For those looking to indulge in relaxing treatments, the many wellness centers and hotels offer soothing therapies and treatments traditional Bhutanese Healing Therapies and a unique treatment called Manchu also known as ‘Hot Stone Bath Therapy’, which involves heating river stones on fire until they’re red hot, then immersing them in wooden troughs of water to cure conditions like joint pains, arthritis, soreness, inflammation and even sinus.
As a biodiversity hotspot with several endangered species of flora and fauna and more than 7,000 species of vascular plants; the practice of traditional medicine in Bhutan is a key characteristic of the country’s approach to wellness. Cordyceps Sinensis, one of the world’s most popular superfoods, is a super mushroom with medicinal value that grows in the mountains of Bhutan.
A kingdom steeped in history, with a gaze fixed on the future, Bhutan is now entering a moment of evolution. Arriving guests will become partners in this transformative moment, making a meaningful contribution towards preserving what is priceless.
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