Bhutan
"With our passage through the bridge, behold a curious transformation. For just as Alice, when she walked through the looking-glass, found herself in a new and whimsical world, so we, when we crossed the Pa-chhu, found ourselves as though caught up on some magic time machine fitted fantastically with reverse, flung back across the centuries into the feudalism of a medieval age."
So wrote the Earl of Ronaldshay upon entering Bhutan in 1923, and even now, arriving in the Land of the Thunder Dragon still gives you an overwhelming feeling of travelling back in time... and into another world.
Squashed into a high pocket of land between Nepal, Tibet and Northeast India, Bhutan is an extraordinary country, home to a fascinating and unique culture, stupendous scenery and a truly charming people. Cut off for so long from the rest of the world - both through geographical positioning and its own political desires - in many places things have barely changed at all over the last 500 years.
The vast, 17th century dzongs - or Buddhist monasteries - that perch spectacularly atop high cliff-tops or by thundering rivers, the colourful festivals of dance and story-telling, the clusters of eerie prayer flags, all contrive to transport you back over the centuries to the land of demons and spirits that still lie at the heart of Bhutanese culture.
And the forested hills and snow-capped peaks, so rich in wild plants and animals - Bhutan is home to more than 600 species of orchid alone - will have you gasping in wonder at the scale and beauty of this far-flung land.
How to book a trip
What to do in Bhutan
Climb to the Tiger's Nest Monastery
Paro
The spectacular Taktshang Goemba sits perched on a sheer cliff-face some 900 metres above the valley below. One of the world's most iconic and impressive settings, it is reached by way of a trailhead at the northern end of the Paro Valley, from where you climb a steep series of switch-backs, up through a forest of blue pine to a breathtaking lookout some 3140 m above sea level, before descending along a paved, winding path to the monastery itself.
Stay at the Fabulous Uma Paro
Paro
Dramatic mountain views, beautifully appointed rooms and the indulgent pleasures of a Como Shambhala Spa await at the Uma Paro Mountain Lodge. A choice of accommodation, from Superior Rooms to stately Villas, provide the ultimate in comforts, including wrap around views, butler service and a private spa with the more luxurious choices. One of Bhutan's only boutique hotels, Uma Paro also boasts a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant, set in a circular pavilion and surrounded by glass and lush forests of pine.
Trek in the Bhutanese Himalayas
Thimpu
Bhutan offer a chance to explore the stunning Himalayas, free of the tourist trapping that sometimes blight other countries. Here there are few modern distractions to impinge on the spectacular landscapes. You can choose from a number of different treks, ranging from a few days to a few weeks, hiking through forested valleys and camping before the grandeur of snow-capped peaks. Be aware though, trekking in this region is challenging, with average days of between 6-8 hours walking.
Visit a Buddhist Festival
Bumthang
Bhutanese culture revolves around its Buddhist faith, making a visit to one of its abundant festivals an essential cultural experience. Staged for the benefit of the locals, not the tourists, these colourful and wonderfully theatrical events occur throughout the year in Bhutan. The Paro Festival, which occurs each spring, is one of the most famous, where masked dancers depict events from the life of Guru Rimpoche. If attending a festival, please be aware of the importance of etiquette and proper dress.
How to book a trip
Where to stay in Bhutan
Amankora Gangtey
Bumthang
You won't miss your TV or swimming pool at Amankora Gangtey. The wooden walls, fireplace, cosy beds and incredible...
Amankora Bumthang
Bumthang
Located in the centre of the Bumthang valley, Amankora Bumthang comprises 16 luxurious suites in four separate areas....
Amankora Paro
Paro
Amankora has five nature-linked lodges nestled along a path of edifying momentum uncovering the richness of a pristine...
Amankora Punakha
Punakha
Amankora has five nature-linked lodges nestled along a path of edifying momentum uncovering the richness of this deeply...
Dragon's Nest Hotel
Wangdue
Conveniently located between Wangduephodrang and Punakha on the west bank of the river, this hotel features 17...
Galingkha Hotel
Thimpu
One of the oldest hotels in Bhutan, the Galingkha balances traditional Bhutanese architecture and practical modern...
Olathang Hotel
Paro
Nestled inside blue pine forests overlooking the stunning Paro Valley, the Olathang Hotel is made up of one main...
Pedling Hotel
Thimpu
In the heart of Thimpu's business and shopping district, Pedling Hotel offers simple, clean accommodation, the proceeds...
Taj Tashi
Thimpu
Blending Bhutan's Dzong architecture with modern design, the Taj Tashi is Thimpu's most luxurious five star Hotel. Deep...
Uma Paro
Paro
A haven of peace set inside miles of forested hillside, Uma Paro is an uncluttered, modern hotel made from natural...
Yugharling Hotel
Bumthang
This eco-friendly yet modern, comfortable hotel is styled with polished wood and natural hues on the interior, with...
How to book a trip
Suggested Itineraries
How to book a trip
Bhutan Travel Guide
Paro
The Paro Valley is a wide and verdant region of west Bhutan, recognized as one of the most beautiful in the whole country; it's also home to the country's only airport and therefore forms a natural stop for anyone on a tour to Bhutan. Although the town itself is rather nondescript, valley is home to some of teh country's most spectacualr monasteries - particularly the famous Tigers Nest - and most special hotels. In March each year the Paro Dzong hosts one of the most popular festivals. We recommend spending at least 2, if not 3 nights here.
Punakha
The country’s former capital, Punakha lies amongst the fertile valleys of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers, where the surrounding farmlands produce oranges, bamboo and rice. Overshadowing this lush landscape is the magnificent 17th century monastic setting of the Punakha Dzong, once the seat of the Bhutan government, but today the winter retreat of the country’s chief abbot. Considered a particularly fine example of Bhutanese monastic architecture, the dzong houses some of the most sacred relics of the Drukpa Kargyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, including the remains of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of the Bhutanese state during the 17th century.
Bumthang
The sacred heart of Bhutan, Bumthang is made up of four separate valleys that are blessed with some of the country’s most revered settings and ancient temples. It was to here that Guru Rimpoche first brought Buddhism to Bhutan and where Pema Lingpa was born, the saint to whom the Royal Family trace their direct lineage. At the temple of Jambay Lakhang you can visit the place where Guru Rimpoche preached the first sermon on Tantric Buddhism and enjoy the rare privilege of attending the Prakar Tsechu, the annual religious festival that is held around October each year.
Thimpu
The Bhutanese capital lies along the western banks of the Wang Chhu River, amongst the valleys and woodlands of the western central part of the country. The political and economic heart of the country, Thimpu became the capital in 1961 and is home to the majestic Tashichhoe Dzong (the Fortress of the Glorious Religion), an imposing 17th century monastery that is central to the religious and administrative power of the country. Other major attractions include the Dechencholing Palace, the 12th century paintings of the Dechen Phodrang Monastery and the Simtokha Dzong, the oldest surviving fortified monastery in the country.
Trongsa
Capital of the Trongsa District of central Bhutan, this is home to the largest dzong fortress in the country. Built on a ridge overlooking the Mangde River Gorge, the monastic citadel was once the seat of power of the Wangchuck dynasty and controlled the trade routes that ran from east to west for centuries. Built on a number of different levels, the complex comprises a labyrinthine collection of courtyards, corridors and passageways and includes up to 25 temples within its protective embrace. Tradition had it that, before becoming king, any prospective ruler of Bhutan first had to become governor of Trongsa.
Wangdue
A gateway to the far regions of eastern Bhutan, Wangdue Phodrang takes its name from the 17th century dzong that dominates the ridge overlooking the confluence of the Punatsangchu and Dangchu Rivers. Built in 1638, to protect the region from incursions from the south, the fortress was once a powerful seat of the pre-monarchy governor of the region and visitors can tour the monastery during the annual Wangdue Phodrang Festival, held each autumn. The town is also home to the Temple of Sha Radap, the guardian deity of the area.
Phobjika
The Phobjika Valley is a broad, fertile glacial trough that occupies the landscapes of central Bhutan. Wonderfully scenic and home to the stunning 17th century Gangtey Monastery, this area is the main winter feeding grounds for the rare black-necked cranes, who flock here from the Tibetan Plateau between October and March each year. Culturally unique and set against the majestic backdrop of the Black Mountain ranges, the valley is a haven for wildlife of all kinds including Himalayan black bear, red foxes and 14 species of birds that are considered to be vulnerable or endangered.
Trashigang
Bhutan’s easternmost district, Trashigang once lay along the vital trading routes between Assam and Tibet. Indeed, even today, it is still an important highway for trade between India and Bhutan and its town centre is a melting pot of cultures as hill tribes from the surrounding countryside come to trade. It was protected by the 17th century fortress of Trashigang Dzong, an imposing structure that was built on a spur overlooking the Gamrichhu River in 1659 to defend the area against Tibetan invaders. Close by is the Gom Kora, an ancient temple renowned for its rock garden and a sacred footprint, believed to be that of Guru Rimpoche.
Gelephu
Located about 30 kilometres to the east of Sarpang, on the south central plains of Bhutan, Gelephu lies along the borders of Assam in neighbouring India. Ripe for development, the area has long been a gateway between India and northern and central Bhutan and the road journey up to Thimpu and Wangdue are particularly spectacular. One of the few places in Bhutan where land is an abundant resource, the area has been earmarked for future development, with plans in the pipeline for a new international airport in the near future.
Haa Valley
Only opened up to tourism in 2002, the remote Haa Valley lies in the extreme west of the country, to the south of Paro. An important agricultural region that borders Tibet, the valley is blanketed in terraced fields of wheat, barley and potatoes, that have provided the local population with trade goods for centuries. One of the least populated regions of Bhutan, the area is famous for its Black and White Temples (Lhakang Nagpo and Lhakang Karpo), both built in the 7th century and located near the sacred site of Miri Punsum (Three Brother Hills).
Mongar
Located some 1600 metres up, amongst the mountainous landscapes of eastern Bhutan, Mongar is reached via one of the highest drive-able roads in the country. Lying nearly 200 kilometres from Bumthang, the town is home to the Mongar Dzong, built during the 1930s on the orders of King Jigme Dorje Wangchuk, to replace the original monastery which was destroyed by fire. Traditional heartland of the eastern Sharchogpas people and, unusually, built on the slopes of the surrounding peaks rather than in the valley, the town is famed for its annual festival, held each year during the months of November and December.
Samdrup Jongkhar
Bordering the Indian state of Assam in the south-eastern corner of Bhutan, Samdrup Jongkhar is one of the most remote corners of the country. Located some 170 metres above sea level, it is populated by a mix of Bhutanese and Indians and each morning hordes of Indian workers cross the border to find work in this bustling market town. Serving the mountain districts of Trashigang, Lhuntshi and Mongar, it is set amongst some truly spectacular landscapes and the road to it is littered with interesting Bhutanese villages and towns.
How to book a trip
Bhutan Travel Information
Visa Information
UK Passport holders require a visa to visit Bhutan.
This must be applied for prior to departure by your travel company; namely us. You will then be issued with your visa on arrival. We require a scanned copy of your passport photo/details page and an original or scanned copy of a recent colour passport photo from you to apply for this.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your trip, and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required. Please ensure the passport details we hold for you are correct.
Please note it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa documentation when starting your trip. Country entry regulations can alter daily and it is always best to check with the relevant embassies for any changes.
Insurance:
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours.
You should be aware that many standard insurance policies may not cover you adequately for all aspects of a Wild Frontiers trip and so we strongly recommend that you purchase a suitably designed insurance policy.
One such policy is the "Wild Frontiers" policy underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE " firm reference 202803), which is available to EU residents (which excludes Norway & Switzerland) through our website or via the insurance company direct on 0845 345 3456. Under this policy there are two different levels of cover available.
Standard policy: a comprehensive travel insurance policy that provides cover for all Wild Frontiers activities, including trekking up to 6,000m. This policy does not provide cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel.
Elite policy: provides the same comprehensive level of cover as the standard policy. In addition the Elite policy also provides cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel. The policy will not provide cover for any claims arising from or relating to the reasons why the FCO is advising against travel.
If purchasing the Elite policy you also have the option to extend the cover provided by the policy to include cover for claims arising from a terrorist act in an area where the FCO is advising against travel. You can add this cover to your policy when purchasing online or over the telephone.
These policies are only available to those travelling on a Wild Frontiers holiday.
For more information and to purchase your policy online please visit the Insurance section of our website.
The cover is underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE), and is arranged by Travel & General Insurance Service Limited. Both companies are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Wild Frontiers Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Travel & General Insurance Company plc, details of which can be found at the FSA's website www.fsa.gov.uk.
To contact them please visit their website at www.travel-general.com or call 0845 408 0583.
Health and Vaccinations:
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Bhutan though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. Malaria is prevalent in parts of Bhutan so we recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
We also recommend:
• A dental check-up prior to travelling.
• You inform us of any pre-existing medical conditions or medication.
To be on the safe side you can also check on www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
