Bhutan Buddhism & culture vacation

Planet

Bhutan's constitution requires that at least 60% of the country remain under forest cover. Forests currently cover over 70% of the land. The takin, a large bovid found in the northern highlands, is Bhutan's national animal.

Black-necked cranes spend the winter in the Phobjikha Valley after crossing from the Tibetan Plateau. They are a legally protected and much-loved bird in Bhutan, and local people say they circle Gangtey Monastery three times when they arrive. The Black-necked Crane Festival is held each year on 11 November at Gangtey Monastery. We stop at the Crane Information Centre in the valley to learn about the migration and local community conservation work.

People

Bhutan measures national progress through Gross National Happiness as well as economic growth, and you can see this in daily life, from dress codes to architecture and land-use rules.

Bhutan's borders were closed for over two years during the pandemic, and tourism is again an important source of income for local guides, drivers, hotel families, and restaurant owners.

We work with licensed Bhutanese suppliers approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. We choose family-run accommodation and restaurants that use locally grown produce.

If you feel your guide and driver have done a great job, tipping is welcome.