Eastern Bhutan is arguably one of the world’s most beautiful regions – and it is home to the culturally unique Brokpa people, who live in Merak and Sakten. For almost two decades, Bhutan treks in that part of the country were not permitted by the government for undisclosed reasons – rumours [...]

All visits to the beautiful mountain kingdom on Bhutan treks and tours are a magical, often once in a lifetime experience – one that can be enhanced by coinciding with one of the kingdom’s many vibrant festivals. These occasions combine merriment and religion; they often honour deities or an important aspect of the country’s [...]

On December 17th each year, Bhutan’s capital becomes lively with celebrations of its National Day.  The day commemorates the coronation of the first king of Bhutan, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk, in 1907 – and honours him for the era of stability that his reign ushered in for the nation.  Those on Bhutan [...]

While you’re visiting Bhutan, it’s well worth keeping an eye out for Bhutan’s national animal – the ‘Dong Gyem Tsey’, or takin. A ‘goat-antelope’ found in the Eastern Himalaya, it’s a rare sight, native to Bhutan and closely associated to the mythology of the country. The takin has an unusual appearance, [...]

When on one of the variety of beautiful Bhutan treks available, try to plan so you can attend at least one of the traditional festivals held throughout the year for an even more memorable experience.  Bhutan still emanates a beautiful old-world atmosphere, and although the modern world is slowly making its presence felt, the locals [...]

In Bhutan there are many different things to experience whilst you’re visiting the country that just can’t be seen or done anywhere else in the world. However, one aspect of Bhutan’s unique culture isn’t quite what you might expect – Bhutanese proverbs. Almost every culture has its own unique sayings and proverbs that can lend [...]

It goes without saying that while on your Bhutan trek you’ll want to experience as much of the local culture as possible. However to the strait-laced Westerner, some of Bhutan’s ancient beliefs and customs can come across as slightly bizarre. Nevertheless they are fascinating to behold and if you come along with an open-mind then [...]

As with any visit to a country abroad, when planning to visit the Kingdom of Bhutan it is important to consider the best time of the year to go. This varies greatly between individuals and, depending on what sort of traveller you are, the weather may be your priority, or on the other hand you [...]

In the Bhutanese language of Dzongkha, the country is known as Druk Yul, which means ‘the land of the thunder dragon’. The elusive dragon has been a symbol of the country since 1200 AD when a monastery was set up called the Druk (dragon) by a religious sect, the Drukphas. Today, the dragon is synonymous [...]

Bhutan, the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon, is a land shrouded in mystery and steeped in ancient tradition. This is never more apparent than if you coincide your Bhutan Trekking holiday with one of the country’s Buddhist tsechu festivals known as tsechus. There are festivals throughout the year and some tour companies provide tailor-made Bhutan trekking [...]

Travelling by foot, Michael Palin’s Bhutan Tours, part of his BBC Himalaya adventure, took him from woodland to high country with bare mountain faces and isolated, spectacular villages. Having said farewell to the giants of the Himalaya, he then explored the religious centres of the Bhutanese towns and monasteries.
Michael began this episode of his epic [...]

At roughly the size of Switzerland, Bhutan is an oasis of charming traditions and serenity in the modern world. Here’s what makes a tailor made holiday in Bhutan so special…
Why Take a Tailor Made Holiday in Bhutan?
Bhutan, a country around the size of Switzerland that only opened its borders to tourism in the 70s, is [...]

Bhutan tours immerse you in a kingdom of fables, flying tigers and evil spirits – a Himalayan landscape where the power of deities, reincarnation, meditation and prayer are intrinsic to the national culture.
Bhutan is a country where evil spirits and mythical deities are as much a part of daily life as eating and drinking, and [...]