bhutan bhutan

Bhutan, land of the Thunder Dragon, is the most mysterious and unknown of all the Himalayan kingdoms. Hidden in isolation behind the high peaks of the Himalaya, and for centuries forbidden to foreigners, this Buddhist kingdom has succeeded in preserving its timeless traditions and ancestral way of life.

This is due in no small part to the present hereditary monarchy, who continues to restrict the number of tourists entering Bhutan. Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product, and this policy is designed to protect the heritage of this profoundly traditional and religious society.

Bhutan is both beautiful and fascinating. Sacred mountains, often unnamed and un-climbed, soar above tropical forests and richly cultivated valleys. Spectacular fortified monasteries clinging to cliff tops, ancient legends and colourful festivals echo the unwavering Buddhist beliefs of the local people. The former Queen Mother perhaps described Bhutan best, as ‘a natural environment of beauty, peace and tranquillity, where cultural and spiritual values have been allowed to grow and flourish’. Ultimate Bhutan A journey through the Kingdom on ‘the roof of the world’

TRAVEL GUIDE This captivating journey is the perfect introduction to this delightful Kingdom on

VISA REQUIREMENTS the ‘roof of the world’, from its diverse and beautiful landscape, to its exquisite UK Passport holders currently require a visa for Bhutan. monasteries and its carefully preserved traditions. Non British Passport holders should check requirements. After a spectacular flight across the Himalaya to Paro, a peaceful farming HEALTH ADVICE community in western Bhutan, you travel east through the central valleys No vaccinations are currently required, but the following are recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Cholera, and mountains to Punakha, Wangdiphodrang and Trongsa, each boasting an Meningitis, Polio and Tetanus. Anti-malarial prophylactics impressive dzong, or fortified monastery. You continue to Bumthang, Bhutan’s should also be taken. If you have recently travelled in a most sacred valley with its myriad dzongs, gompas and temples, and a way Yellow Fever affected part of the world, proof of a Yellow of life largely unchanged for centuries. You return to Paro via the stunningly Fever inoculation is required.. beautiful Phobjika Valley, winter refuge of the endangered black-necked crane,

FLYING TIME and the capital , where the Royal troupe will entertain you with a Kathmandu 12hrs 20mins spectacular display of Bhutanese dance, the perfect finale to a magical journey. Jichu Drake LOCAL TIME Bhutan Trekking Nepal GMT + 5hrs 45mins Jhomolhari Sample itinerary: Punakha Gangtey The offer some of the finest trekking in the Himalaya. Bhutan GMT + 6hrs Thimphu Bumthamg Day 1: Depart London. 2/3: Arrive Kathmandu. At leisure. Overnights Summit Hotel. The lower hills are cloaked in semi-tropical and alpine forest, while above the Tongsa Paro 4/5: Fly to Paro. City sightseeing. Overnights Druk Hotel. 6: Drive to Mendeygang. tree line the country is wild and rugged with spectacular mountain views. Here NEPAL BHUTAN Excursion to Punakha Dzong. Overnight local hotel. 7: Drive to Trongsa via wildlife roams unhindered and there is every chance of seeing bear, herds of Wangdiphodrang. Overnight Norling Hotel. 8/9: Drive to Bumthang Valley. Overnights blue sheep and eagles. Village Lodge. 10: Drive to Gangtey. Overnight local guest house. 11/12: Drive INDIA The options available include: Gangtey Gompa, a gentle and picturesque 3-day to Thimphu. City sightseeing. Overnights Druk Hotel. 13: Drive to Paro. Overnight trek through the remote valleys of Central Bhutan; a 6-day trek on the Druk Path Druk Hotel. 14: Fly to Kathmandu. Overnight Summit Hotel. 15: Fly to London. between Paro and Thimphu with wonderful panoramic views of the Himalaya; and Dates: To suit individual requirements. the 14-day Laya Gasa trek, a spectacular high altitude journey to Jhomolhari base Price: From £3,035 per person (based on 2 people travelling). camp and the remote village of Lingshi on Bhutan’s north-west border with Tibet.

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bhutan luxury hotels of bhutan

The mystical allure of Bhutan has always drawn a steady flow of visitors over the years, though this has not encouraged anything to be done about the dearth of good accommodation.

All that has now changed with the advent of COMO Hotels & Resorts’ Uma Paro in Paro, and Amanresorts five Amankora lodges in the western, central and Bhumtang valleys. Both companies have an enviable reputation throughout Asia and have collectively introduced an entirely new concept of travel to the country - the chance to make Amankora, Thimphu Amankora, Punakha your pilgrimage through this magical land in exclusive style and comfort.

Aman Resorts in Bhutan Renowned luxury hotel group, Aman Resorts, has created a portfolio of five spectacular lodges across Bhutan. Each of the Amankora properties is unique, sympathetically designed to blend with their surroundings, and thoughtfully positioned to facilitate a circular tour of Bhutan’s breathtaking central and western valleys.

Nestled in a pine forest 30 minutes from Paro, Amankora Paro is the perfect base from which to explore the city and beautiful valley. Amankora Thimphu, with its dzong-inspired architecture, lies in a blue-pine forest on a ridge overlooking the capital, close to its intriguing sights. Accessed by suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu River, Amankora Punakha is built around a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse close to the magnificent dzong in the fertile Punakha Valley. Set in the remote wilderness of the Phobjikha Valley, Amankora Gangtey has magical views of the valley, the rare black-necked cranes that seasonally roost here, and the 16th century Gangtey Goemba. Amankora Bumthang lies adjacent to the Wangdichholing Palace in Jakar in the Choekhor Valley, famed for its monasteries, palaces, temples and verdant Alpine landscape.

Uma Paro The lodges, which vary in size, are beautifully appointed, blending traditional Bhutanese and contemporary design and décor. Suites are spacious, each with bukhari (wood- burning stove), terrazzo-clad bath and large windows with spectacular views. Other amenities include comfortable living / dining areas, spa facilities and outdoor decks.

Luxury Bhutan Land of the Thunder Dragon in style

With the advent of some of the world’s leading luxury hotel companies to the tiny Kingdom of Bhutan, it is now possible for the most discerning of travellers to explore this remarkable country in great comfort and style.

The journey begins in the capital, Thimphu, with the traditional arts of the Royal Painting School, the ancient texts of the National Library, the imposing Trashi Chhoe dzong (fortified monastery) and the food market. Continue east across the 10,000ft Dochu-La pass, stopping to admire the prayer flags and 108 small chortens decorating the highest point of the road and, weather permitting, panoramic views of the . Reaching the fertile Punakha Valley, visit arguably the most beautiful dzong in the country, which stands proud at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Male river) and Mo Chhu (Female River). Returning west, you reach Paro, which lies in a picturesque valley, from where you can hike to see the staggering Taktshang Goemba (Tiger’s Uma Paro, Paro Taj Tashi, Thimphu Nest) – a memorable experience to end this wonderful journey. Set on a forested hillside above Paro with wonderful views along the valley Situated in the heart of Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, the Taj Tashi is a spectacular towards snow-capped Mount Jhomolhari, Uma Paro blends traditional Bhutanese addition to the city’s skyline. Built in the imposing style of a dzong (monastery), Sample itinerary: materials with contemporary COMO décor. This stylish retreat is perfectly it combines traditional Bhutanese architecture and decorative motifs with every Day 1: Depart London. 2/3: Arrive Kathmandu. City sightseeing. Overnights Dwarika situated to explore the valley, one of the main cultural centres in Bhutan. modern comfort, providing a very stylish retreat, and hospitality to match. Hotel. 4/5: Fly to Paro. Drive to Thimpu. City sightseeing. Overnights Taj Tashi. 6/7: The 29 well-appointed rooms, suites and villas are beautifully decorated in The 66 elegant bedrooms and suites are spacious, beautifully appointed in a Drive to Punakha. Sightseeing. Overnights Amankora Punakha. 8/9: Drive to Paro. modernist style with indigenous details. Amenities include an excellent restaurant, blend of traditional and contemporary styles, and have breathtaking views of the Day excursions. Overnights Uma Paro. 10: Fly to Kathmandu. Overnight Dwarika an indoor swimming pool with outdoor sundeck, and the renowned Shambhala mountains. Amenities include two fine restaurants - one specialising in Bhutanese Hotel. 11: Fly to London. spa. A variety of activities include excursions in the Paro Valley, walks, visits to a cuisine, a bar, tea lounge, wonderful indoor swimming pool and a spa - very Dates: To suit individual requirements. traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, mountain biking and archery lessons. restorative after a day exploring the city’s splendid sights and colourful market. Price: From £5,725 per person (based on 2 people travelling).

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