A small landlocked country in Asia, perched atop one of the highest peaks in the world, Bhutan is a unique place where happiness and peace of mind are contagious. The Himalayan Kingdom, also known as the ‘Land of The Thunder Dragon’ is a destination for nature lovers, wildlife lovers, wildlife lovers, culture lovers and those looking for a unique and exciting adventure. With many luxury hotels, restaurants and experiences for travelers of all ages to enjoy, the country also offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Located between Tibet (China) and India, Bhutan produces spirituality; promoting the culture of the Kingdom and creating a welcoming environment for people of all races and religions. This warm welcome makes it a great place for Middle Eastern travelers, Muslim and non-Muslim alike. Bhutan offers easy access to travelers from the region with transfers available from Delhi, Kathmandu and Calcutta – all within about four hours of the UAE and KSA. Other transfers include via Bangkok, Singapore and Bangladesh on a regular basis.
In September 2022, the Kingdom launched a new tourism management system with the help of three major changes: the promotion of sustainable development policies, infrastructure renovation, and tourism promotion. The route is driven by the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainability, with a 200 USD (AED 735) daily tourist fee that supports programs that preserve Bhutan’s cultural traditions, as well as sustainable projects, infrastructure renovations and opportunities for young people. Part of the process was also the removal of the Minimum Daily Package Rate (MDPR); the minimum amount per day that visitors need. This tourism option gives visitors peace of mind that their spending is helping the environment and protecting it for future generations.
With 70% of the country’s forests, Bhutan is the world’s first carbon-free country; showing this country’s unique way of traveling. The year-round warm to moderate temperatures with cool and cool evenings make Bhutan a great place to visit at any time of the year. Not a single Bhutanese will emerge; there are many. From the towering cities, to the high mountains, the door of the kingdom has been opened again to friends old and new.
Hotels
Accommodation in Bhutan is of the highest quality, with various options available, from homestays to 3*, 4* and 5* hotels. There are nine different 5* brands operating across the country, including Aman, Six Senses, Como, Taj, Le Meridien, Dusit, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Gangtey Lodge and the Bhutan 5* brand Zhiwaling. There are also excellent 3* and 4* options for travelers of all budgets.
Bhutan for Families
With an abundance of outdoor activities and cultural activities, Bhutan makes a great destination for families. The Trans Bhutan Trail is a 403km route, from Haa in the west of Bhutan to Trashigang in the east, which is considered one of the world’s longest and one of the best trekking routes in Asia. Non-profit sustainable tourism projects showcase a unique part of Bhutan’s culture for the benefit of its people – with tours ranging from one hour to one month. Other family activities include archery camps, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, animal viewing, arts and crafts, and more.
For those looking to take in the natural beauty from the air, there are plenty of private helicopter tours available. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy the unique landscape of many beautiful water bodies and extensive forests found in the country.
Nature and the Outside
Tiger’s Nest Monastery, also known as Paro Takstang, is one of the most famous places in Bhutan and makes for a great place to visit. Small houses on the cliff, 900 meters from the ground, Tigers Nest Monastery is a wonderful symbol of Bhutan’s rich culture.
As a Himalayan country, Bhutan has many beautiful rivers perfect for water sports. The most popular rafting rivers are Mo Chu and Pho Chu in Punakha and rafting can be done all year round. Archery, kayaking, cycling, hiking, fishing, rock climbing and paragliding are some of the outdoor activities that adventure lovers can enjoy amidst the beautiful scenery.
Wild animals
The protected areas of Bhutan National Parks are home to a wide variety of wildlife and ecosystems. The evergreen forests of the southern regions are home to tigers, rhinoceroses, clouded tigers and sloth bears while the tropical forests are home to leopards, gorals and serows and Bhutanese animals; amazing Takin. Many popular tours offer visitors the chance to get up close and personal with these magnificent animals.
Culture
Bhutan has a rich cultural heritage that has been preserved since its inception. Traveling in the happiest country in the world, visitors will be amazed by the unique beauty of the well-preserved heritage and tourism, which gives a high-quality picture of the true culture of Bhutan. The kingdom adheres to the peaceful teachings and beliefs of Buddhism, which are reflected in the many impressive monasteries and temples open to visitors.
Bhutanese people celebrate many festivals throughout the year such as Paro Tshechu, a spring festival celebrated in March, the Gomphu Kora Festival in Trashigang and the Haa Summer Festival. These various gatherings are celebrated with vigor and enthusiasm and attract visitors.
Food
Inspired by local traditions and using many local ingredients, Bhutan offers many culinary delights. Bhutanese cuisine may have been influenced by India, China, and Tibet, but the local cuisine is still unique. Tourists can find many vegetarian restaurants in the country, which offer many ‘halal’ options to tourists. Many restaurants offer Arabic mezze and more than 50% of menus offer vegetarian options and some five-star hotels offer halal-approved meat. Most fruits and vegetables in Bhutan are locally grown and sustainable. All animals are imported as it is illegal to kill any animal in Bhutan.
Goodness
Bhutan is blessed with beautiful scenery and a captivating aura that offers everything one looks for in a vacation to leave refreshed and rejuvenated. Bhutan has many Yoga & Meditation centers, including intensive retreat programs, retreats and hermitages that create the perfect opportunity to experience inner peace and zen. Visitors can also drop into the monastery and relax in a peaceful setting with the resident monks while being immersed in the magical atmosphere and soft Buddhist music that wafts through the air.
For those looking to enjoy a relaxing treatment, many health centers and hotels offer a relaxing treatment with traditional Bhutanese Healing Therapies and a special Manchu treatment also known as ‘Hot Stone Bath Therapy’, which involves heating river stones on fire. until them. re red hot, then soak them in the legs with water to treat diseases such as joint pain, arthritis, pain, swelling and even colds.
As a natural habitat with several endangered species of flora and fauna and over 7,000 species of vascular plants; The practice of traditional medicine in Bhutan is an important characteristic of the country’s well-being. Cordyceps Sinensis, one of the most popular foods in the world, is a super medicinal mushroom that grows in the mountains of Bhutan.
A kingdom steeped in history, with an eye to the future, Bhutan is now entering a moment of evolution. The visitors will be partners in this transition, and will play an important role in protecting the valuables.
