Although bordering China and India, two great powers, Bhutan has never been colonised in its history. It was Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, an exiled warlord from Nepal, who united several territories in the 17th century to create Bhutan. The history of this small country of fewer than 800,000 people is not well known, as the archives burned down with the former capital in 1827. It is now famous for its reputation as the ‘land of happiness’, as the Bhutanese king decreed in the 1970s that his country would focus not on economic growth, but on the well-being of its people. He even introduced the Gross National Happiness measure as an indicator of wealth. The predominance of Buddhism in Bhutanese culture partly explains this surprising and inspiring orientation. Indeed, 80% of the population is a follower of Tibetan Buddhism, while 20% is Hindu, the dominant religion in neighbouring India. During your package tour to the land of happiness, you can experience this positive atmosphere. The best time to plan your trip to Bhutan is between late September and late November when the Himalayan country enjoys excellent weather with clear skies and beautiful mountain views. This is the perfect season for photography enthusiasts. From March to May, showers may come and go, but Bhutan reveals its verdant colours. The lush nature soon makes you forget about the rain. January and February are very cold, with temperatures dropping below 0°c. From June to mid-September, the monsoon brings its share of rain and humid heat.

An individual tailor-made tour in Bhutan to discover the secrets of the land of happiness

Bhutan invites all travellers to dream before they even set foot on the ground. You fly over the Himalayan mountain range with its eternally snow-capped mountains before landing at Paro airport. The capital of Bhutan, Thimphu, is a small, colourful city surrounded by idyllic landscapes of rice fields and green mountains. Here you will find the Tashichho Dzong, a medieval-looking fortress frequented by dozens of orange-robed monks. At the Chorten Memorial, famous for its iconic Stupa, the Bhutanese spin the prayer wheels to give their karma a boost! Foodies will not want to miss the local market, where you can sample the local chilli and cheese specialities. For those who love breathtaking views and a change of scenery, the Cheri Gompa monastery, located on top of a hill offering a magical view of the valley, is a must.

After discovering Thimphu and its surroundings, head into the heart of the country to encounter authentic Bhutan. On your way to Punakha, see the golden Dordenma Buddha. At 51 metres high, it is the largest Buddha statue in Bhutan. In the same region of Punakha, there is no time to be bored: you can raft on the river, visit ancestral temples, explore an enchanting valley and lush rice fields. An unusual and surprising temple is hidden in the heights of the region, the Chimi Lhakhang, with its decorations in the shape of… phallus, the symbol of fertility! More traditionally, the Dzong of Punakha reigns over the valley. With its famous wooden bridge spanning the river, it is proud of its reputation as “the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan”.

The land of happiness is renowned for its beautiful scenery. From the heavenly Himalayan mountains to the fortress-lined rivers, from the rainforest to the sheer rocks of Jigme Dorji Park, Bhutan offers its admirers an explosion of colour and splendour. The narrow winding mountain roads are an adventure in themselves.

Exploring Bhutan will make nature lovers lose their minds, but also spiritual enthusiasts. In the seldom visited Haa Valley, dozens of monks live. Secluded in high-altitude monasteries, they meditate while prayer flags flap in the wind.

The city of Paro is also home to sacred places, with many ancient temples and historical monuments dating back to the 15th century. The National Museum of Bhutan is housed in a watchtower of the Rinpung Dzong. In addition to offering an incredible view of the valley, the museum provides an in-depth look at Bhutanese culture. This is the time to immerse yourself in the medieval world with a tournament of archers, the national sport and a traditional popular show.

A tailor-made trip to Bhutan would not be complete without a visit to the iconic Taktshang Monastery. Perched on a ledge 900 metres above the sea, this sacred and highly photogenic site is also known as the “Tiger’s Nest”. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, an 8^th-century Buddhist master, flew on the back of a tiger to reach this then inaccessible place. Even today, it takes several hours to discover Taktshang, time to climb the mountain on foot, visit the monastery and enjoy the panoramic view.

During your stay at this end of the world, you will feel like the only tourists in the country. This exclusivity will only enrich your travel experience. Staying overnight in a local house is recommended. You will be warmly welcomed by the villagers who will be happy to show you their daily activities and to chat with you. Our local English-speaking guide will be there to facilitate your exchanges and to offer you personalized tours. It is part of the services of your private trip to Bhutan that we design for you. Let’s go for the next trip of your dreams in the last kingdom of the Himalayas!

In brief

Whether you dream of mystical temples and prayer flags, stone Dzongs or a trek up the world’s highest mountains, Bhutan will intoxicate you with its authentic treasures. This country is a haven of peace, ideal to recharge your batteries and go on an adventure far from the crowds. A personalised trip to Bhutan is an exceptional gift, a once-in-a-lifetime experience with one of the happiest populations in the world. We are certain that the memories you will bring back in your travel diary after your stay in Bhutan will be a good dose of happiness! Trust Rendez-vous with Asia, travel agency specialising in the organisation of tailor-made trips to Asia.
[ Cacher ]