Highlights of Bhutan tour

Planet

Bhutan is the only country in the world that can lay claim to being carbon negative. According to recent figures Bhutan actually absorbs three times the carbon it produces. This is primarily due to the fact that just over 70% of the nation is covered in forest and the constitution states that this figure should never drop below 60%. To assist with the country’s pledge to remain carbon negative there are plans to introduce electric cars, and an emphasis on hydroelectric power over the use of fossil fuels.

This ‘sustainability’ approach is also applied to tourism in Bhutan, with a focus on low volume visitors, as opposed to opening the country’s doors to mass market tourism with its inevitable impact on the landscape and people’s lives.

The protection of Bhutan’s forests has an obvious effect on wildlife, and the country is one of the most bio-diverse in the world. It’s home to an incredible variety of birdlife and significantly rare animals, such as snow leopards and Himalayan blue sheep.

We appreciate that making absolutely no negative impact on the environment when traveling to Asia is simply not possible, however, we strive to minimise it. Within our website, apps and documentation, our clients can find information and ideas to let them travel in a responsible and low-impact manner.

We also send our guests a wooden toothbrush to help avoid using hotels’ disposable plastic brushes and educate clients about the limited recycling facilities in Asia and best-practice regarding waste-reduction.

Within our UK offices we operate strict recycling policies and make sure everyone in the office uses reusable crockery and cutlery.

People

One of our core values is to collaborate with local, responsible companies and partners who share our focus, beliefs and passions. In Bhutan we work with a locally owned travel partner who employs only local guides and drivers. This ensures that, as much as possible, the income our guests bring to the country goes directly back into the community.

This tailormade itinerary is based on private travel in Kathmandu and Bhutan, not in a large group. By traveling in this way we have minimal disruptive impact on the communities visited and are able to stay in small, locally run accommodation that is not suitable for larger coach tours.

This itinerary visits Thimphu’s Institute for Zorig Chusum. Traditionally there are thirteen Bhutanese arts and crafts, and this institute was established to preserve and promote these through training and education. The students at the institute specialise in painting, wood carving, tailoring, or statue making. Visitors are welcomed to watch craft demonstrations by the students, and can purchase well-priced pieces made by the students.

In 2015 an earthquake ravaged parts of Nepal, destroying whole villages in some areas and reducing ancient temples to mournful piles of bricks. Repairs are underway and visiting Nepal now is a great way to bring much-needed income to the country.