The Five Best Ways to See Bhutan

Bhutan, the landlocked Buddhist Kingdom in the Eastern Himalayas, is known for its dramatic landscape, monasteries and fortresses. It’s a mysterious and magical destination, embedded with deeply-rooted traditions, religion and festivals.

Now, travellers looking to explore this area can choose from a number of local tailor-made tours to ensure they really get the experience of a lifetime. Blue Poppy Tours and Treks, a local Bhutanese tour operator, creates personalised itineraries showcasing the best of Bhutan from mountain trekking, to experiencing traditional festivals or visiting ancient monasteries.

Trekking Tour

For those looking for a challenge, the Tergo La Trek is one of Bhutan’s lesser known hikes, stimulating trekkers both physically and mentally over the course of a seven day expedition. Starting in Mekochang and ending in Janadhinkha, the altitude ranges from 3,500 metres to 4,150 metres, covering terrain varying from farmland tracks, to forest trails and mountain paths. Walkers are rewarded with breath-taking views over Bhutan’s picturesque landscape, including views over the third tallest mountain in the world – Kanchenchunga Mountain. The route is largely untouched and it is unlikely trekkers will pass anyone besides yak herders’ camps nestled in the isolated mountains. The tour includes a 13 day itinerary, with seven days trekking, starting from £3,000 per person.

www.bluepoppybhutan.com/en/itineraries/trek-itineraries/

Culture Tour

Visit the iconic trio of cities – Paro, Thimpu, Punakha – and tick off bucket list landmarks. Departing Paro, travellers can explore the capital city, Thimphu, before heading east over the Dochu La Pass and enjoying panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range. In Punakha, travellers can visit the ‘Temple of Fertility’, Chimi Lhakhang, before hiking to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten. Travellers can visit a number of impressive Dzongs including the Punakha Dzong, Paro Rinpung Dzong and the beautiful Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Of course, a cultural trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the country’s world-famous Tiger’s Nest monastery, a temple clinging to sheer cliffs above the Paro valley. The tour includes a seven day itinerary, starting from £1,500 per person.

Festival Tour

Travellers can explore the highlights of both west and central Bhutan, taking in three festivals along the way. Starting with Wangdi festival in the west, travellers can journey eastwards via Trongsa, the home of Bhutan’s royal family, to Bumthang in central Bhutan. Here, visitors can enjoy the festivities at two smaller and more intimate local festivals – Tamshing Phala and Tangbi Mani. Experiencing the excitement of the ‘fire ritual’ where monks set fire to haystacks and devotees run through the flames to cleanse themselves of their sins and ensure good luck for the coming year. The dates of the annual festivals change each year, with tour dates remaining flexible to fit the festival calendar. The tour includes a 14 day itinerary, starting from £2,825 per person.

Active Tour

Visitors looking to try their hand in a number of extreme adventure sports, such as river rafting, mountain biking and trekking, should think about booking the active tour. Sports aficionados can cycle through the remote Haa Valley or raft down the rapids of Po Chu and Mo Chu rivers, before soaking in a hot stone bath in a local farmhouse. Whilst those wanting to experience a traditional pastime and Bhutan’s national sport, can test their skills in archery. The tour includes a nine day itinerary, starting from £2,150 per person.

Eastern Tour

Visitors interested in travelling to the most remote and untouched corners of Bhutan, should travel to the undeveloped eastern edge of the country. The tour starts at Samdrup Jongkhar in the far south-eastern corner, stopping first at the remote outpost of Tashi Yangtse, enabling travellers the chance to explore the small town. Visitors will have the chance to see the rare and endangered black-necked cranes as they migrate to the valley from their summer home in Tibet. The journey continues to Lhuntse, with a chance to explore the remote weaving villages, the majestic Tashigang Dzong and local monasteries before returning south to the border. The tour includes a 10 day itinerary, starting from £1,665 per person.

All prices includes a Bhutan visa, sustainable development fee, a personal guide and driver, all transport and accommodation, all food and all sightseeing elements included within the itinerary.

For more information, head to: www.bluepoppybhutan.com