Bhutan

When you are looking for a truly eco-friendly holiday destination, what immediately comes to mind is beautiful Bhutan. The Land of the Peaceful Thunder Dragon - Druk Yul, or Bhutan as the world knows it, is a rare jewel of a holiday destination…even more so now when deep concerns beset us about global warming and unhealthy tourism trends. For decades the country has been reputed the world over for its eco-friendly tourism policy (in fact ever since it reluctantly opened up the country to tourism in 1974) which continues to define the framework for its growth and development as a tourist destination. Ranked amongst the world’s top ten bio-diverse hot spots it has very seriously and consciously preserved its ecological strengths, rooted deeply in the emotional world of the Bhutanese people and their deep and abiding belief in the spiritual ties of man and Nature.

Bhutan- A nation which gives more value to the Gross National Happiness (GNH) rather than Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The name and philosophy refer to the Drukpa sect of Buddhism that has been the dominant religion in the region. The valleys and hilltops are dotted with ancient monasteries and forts. Many forts and temples are precariously located on cliffs and the summit of hills.

Bhutan’s culture, an important pillar that supports the realization of gross national happiness, has remained vibrant throughout history and this richness is further enhanced by the wide variety of elaborated and colourful religious festivals that are celebrated throughout the country.

Bhutan and Nepal - The Country of Happiness

Kathmandu, Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Bumthang, Punakha, Paro, Kathmandu

11 Nights

Price on Request

View Tour

Thimphu

Punakha

Paro

Phuentsholing

Wangdue Phodrang

Gangtey

Bumthang

Consistently voted the happiest country in the world, the little nation of Bhutan is set at the far eastern end of the Himalayas, between India and China. Bhutan only began to open its doors to outsiders in the 1970s, and still has a strict sustainability policy in place with respect to tourism. As a result it has retained a deep cultural authenticity and has preserved its environment admirably, making it one of Asia’s most beguiling and unforgettable destinations. Highlights include incredible forts and temples perched on sheer mountain cliffs, a rich (predominantly Buddhist) culture, and spectacular scenery – ranging from temperate sub-tropical plains and valleys cloaked with dense forest, to lofty sub-Alpine mountains capped with snow.