Essential Bhutan 14 day tour

Planet

The charming mountain kingdom of Bhutan is the only country in the world that measures its citizens’ Gross National Happiness. By visiting Bhutan you help to preserve and sustain one of the world's 10 most biodiverse regions, with 72% of pristine forest cover.

On your trip we will ensure that we respect the country´s sustainability & happiness rules and customs to the most by working with local partners, using local food and resources, and by educating our staff and our guests as much as possible - we will take you on a continuous journey of learning and remembering that nature is a gift that we should respect and cherish.

We are trying to keep the extra unneeded waste to a minimum in all our tours and leave the smallest footprint possible on all our hikes and treks. In our head office we also choose to have no printed brochures or material to avoid our carbon footprint and we are dedicated recyclers (just as Bhutan´s entire country is going paperless also).

By visiting Bhutan´s parks and treks, you will directly contribute to conserve its native wildlife and natural environment, including more than 770 species of birds and over 165 species of animals, which roam free in the country’s 5 million acre network of protected areas. We work with licensed local trekking guides who are officially trained in the necessary trekking, mountaineering, environmental and cultural issues relevant to the country’s eco-tourism policies.

Selection of Accommodation:
We focus on promoting the culturally most authentic accommodation experience. Priority is given to boutique hotels or accommodation directly managed by the local owners, where the travelers can find the natural hospitality and ambience suitable to the areas’ archeology, environment and culture.

Olathang Cottages for example is nestled among apple orchards, with 12 distinct cottages scattered across a vast area built in conventional Bhutanese architecture with a blend of traditional décor, providing an amazing view of Paro Valley.

You also stay at Pleyang Boutique hotel, that serves mainly vegetarian dishes, that are made from fresh, organic, and locally produced vegetables from Bhutan. Their organic produce vendors come from local farmers, where minimum pesticides or chemicals are used, hence developing the richest flavors and healthy as well.

People

A fair deal:
We only work with local Bhutanese guides that come from the very region you are visiting, giving back to their families and communities. While many operators pay per day or per tour, our guides receive an hourly rate which allows a fair and fruitful reward for their expertise.

If you do want to shop additionally, we will guide you to local markets where local artisans craft their products or local farmers sell their organic produce, which will help keep the money earned in that very community.

We will take you to the most sacred sites, temples and villages in Bhutan which will directly help conserve the country´s traditional values and culture. Many of the monasteries and temples you will visit are kept alive thanks to your contribution.

We will also make sure you will have enough time to enjoy Bhutan´s rich, hospitable culture where local people enjoy sharing their way of life over lunch or tea. In Paro, we will take you to a traditional farmhouse for an opportunity to interact with a local family and learn about their lifestyle and also share your own stories – an exchange of cultures and wisdoms which will benefit both the family and you.

A special local experience you can live with us is the hoisting of a Lung Dhar or Prayer Flag. Prayer flags are hoisted for happiness, long life, prosperity, luck and merit. The colours used in the prayer flags follow the concept of ‘Kham’ which are the five characteristic birth elements that determine an individual’s dominant personality. We work with a Buddhist Monk who will personally accompany you to a shop that sells prayer flags. You will get an insight to and an interpretation of your birth element in the Bhutanese way.

We will then buy a prayer flag with the colours corresponding to your birth element and head out to a designated place in Thimphu, where you will hoist the prayer flag. The Monk will chant the consecration prayers, once you finish the hoisting of your prayer flag.

Local and authentic experiences:
Through your stay at the hotel Jakar View par example, you can contribute to the country´s culture and traditions. Guests are welcome to experience “Khuru” (Dart in the Dzongkha language). Unlike in many Western countries where darts are played in pubs, in Bhutan, this is a national outdoor sport.
Or indulge in a Bhutanese hot stone bath, a must feature on every visitor’s itinerary, offering also numerous health benefits.
Or let the hotel arrange an Archery game for you. Archery in Bhutan is the national sport of the Kingdom. It was declared the national sport in 1971, when Bhutan became a member of the United Nations.