Bhutan is no ordinary place

It is a Himalayan Kingdom with a reputation for mystery and magic, where a traditional Buddhist culture carefully embraces global developments.

"... Shrouded amongst the peaks of the eastern Himalayas, I have found the Kingdom of Bhutan was one of the most exceptional countries I have been privileged enough to visit"

At a glance

The Kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked country in South Asia located at the eastern end of the Himalayas. It is a tiny, remote and impoverished kingdom nestling in the Himalayas between its powerful neighbors, India and China. Almost completely cut off for centuries, it has tried to let in some aspects of the outside world while fiercely guarding its ancient traditions. It only began to open up to outsiders in the 1970's.

The Bhutanese pride themselves on a sustainable approach to tourism in line with the philosophy of Gross National Happiness. There is a strict policy to ensure the Kingdom does not get subjected to mass tourism. It is a legal requirement that Regular tourist visitors must pay a government minimum rate of USD $200 per per person day during January, February, June, July, August and December, and USD $250 per day during March, April, May, September, October, and November...however, this fee is all inclusive of accommodation, food, transport and an official guide throughout the stay.

The very special Staff Travel Voyage travel industry staff rate is an exclusive 50% discount for Travel Agent and Tour Operator staff (USD $100/125 per day) and 20% discount for Airline Staff and their companions (USD $140/175). Airline companion rate also applies to companions of travel agent and tour operators). All children 5-12 years pay the Travel Agent 50% reduced rate. Children under 5 are free (pay only for visa entry $40)

Bhutan holds many surprises. This is a country where the rice is red and where chillies aren't just a seasoning but the main ingredient. It's also a deeply Buddhist land, where monasteries are part of the mainstream, and where giant protective penises are painted beside the entrance to many houses. While it visibly maintains its Buddhist traditions, Bhutan is not a museum. You will find the Bhutanese well educated, fun loving and vibrant.

When you visit Bhutan, you will become one of the few who have experienced the natural charm of the first country where Gross National Happiness is deemed more important than Gross National Product. By law, at least 60% of the country must remain forested for all future generations. You will experience Bhutan's natural wonders first-hand when traveling the mountain passes – resplendent with rhododendron blossom in spring. Botanical riches and unique mammals and birds are protected in several national parks, and a mountain trek is one of the best ways to experience the Himalaya.

There is the amazing Himalayan landscape, where snowcapped peaks rise above shadowy gorges cloaked in primeval forests. Taking up prime positions in this picture-book landscape are the majestic fortress-like dzongs and monasteries. This unique architecture embodies Buddhist culture and sets the scene for spectacular tsechus (dance festivals). Then there are the textiles and handicrafts, outrageous archery competitions, high-altitude trekking trails, and stunning flora and fauna. If it's not 'Shangri La', it's as close as it gets.

Travel along mystical mountains, visit various dzongs and Buddhist gompas, trek along scenic nature trails, experience the 'Dragon Kingdom' with cultural interactions at a local farm, and take in the stunning Himalayan mountains   

• Visit the famous Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) monastery, near Paro.
• Immersion in Bhutanese culture at Paro’s National Museum
• Visit the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu.
• Ancient dzongs (fort-monasteries) and monasteries in Thimphu
• Views of Chomolhari (7314m), Bhutan’s most sacred mountain, and the Bhutanese Himalayas
• A day in Bumthang in Central Bhutan – the cultural heart of Bhutan and home to some of the country’s most significant Buddhist sites
• A chance to experience the colourful Paro Tshechu

DrukAir

The national Airline of the Kingdom of Bhutan operates a scheduled network within the South Asian region from its Head Quarters at Paro, a picturesque Valley in Western Bhutan. The Capital, Thimphu is 60 Minutes drive away. Bhutan, the last Mahayana Buddhist kingdom and also the most exclusive and sought-after travel destinations, opened its doors to the outside world only four decades ago. And so, the concept of a national airline was born on April 5, 1981. Drukair began operations on February 11, 1983 and began humbly with a 18-seat Dornier 228-200 that made its historic touch down at Paro airport on January 14, 1983, to the chant of inauguration prayers, cymbals, conches and the like, with maroon-clad monks blessing the occasion and the plane. Today it operates a super modern fleet of Airbus A319's and an ATR-42-500.

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