We have a selection of guidebooks to some of our most popular countries in Asia. Written by our specialists, they detail destination information, a wildlife guide, some suggested itineraries and plenty more to inspire your holiday. Fill in the form below and if you live in UK, your guidebook will arrive by post within the next couple of days. For those who live abroad, we will send this via a PDF to your email.
Bhutan’s festival calendar is brimming with countless vibrant festivals. Integral to Bhutanese culture, festivals provide an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to come together, dance, socialise and receive blessings. Up and down the country, annual tshechus are held in the courtyards of monasteries, temples and dzongs, a colourful celebration of community spirit, played out to the tune of traditional dance and theatrical performance.
Designed to resemble a traditional dzong or fortress, this serene and stylish retreat is set in a peaceful pine forest close to the many attractions of Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu, offering 21st century comforts in classic Bhutanese style.
After a day’s exploring, this authentic Bhutanese mountain lodge is a welcoming and comfortable place to return to, where the staff are friendly and attentive, the rooms are cosy and warm and the views from the mountainside are superb.
The concept of Gross National Happiness, or GNH, was written into Bhutan’s constitution as an indicator of national prosperity in 2008. Challenging the more familiar measure of GDP as a way to quantify the success of the country, Bhutan proudly puts the happiness of its citizens first. Living in pursuit of national happiness has confirmed its almost mythical status as a real-life Shangri-La.
This itinerary takes you through wonders of Bhutan in true style staying in Amankora Lodges. Aman is renowned worldwide for its effortless style, faultless service and for providing those once in a life-time experiences and Bhutan is no different.
The perfect city-centre hotel for exploring the delights of Thimphu, Druk Hotel offers excellent value for money and is located right at the heart of the action overlooking Clocktower Square, with plenty of markets and restaurants on the doorstep.
This itinerary takes you through some of the most beautiful and interesting destinations in the world and includes all the key highlights of Nepal and Bhutan, making it a true gem of an itinerary!
This slower paced itinerary really lets you immerse in some of Bhutan’s most beautiful regions. Staying in a combination of the most exclusive lodges allows you to enjoy each destination at a leisurely pace whilst enjoying pampered service throughout.
A stylish fusion of traditional style and contemporary design, Amankora Bumthang offers boutique accommodation in Bhutan’s spiritual heartland, within the town of Jakar in the centre of the beautiful Choekhor Valley.
The family-run Meri Puensum prides itself on its warm Bhutanese hospitality, ensuring the comfort and care of guests are constantly attended to. One of the first resorts in the Punakha area, the hotel offers simple but comfortable rooms.
Despite Bhutan’s small size, there is no shortage of brilliant hiking terrain there. Characterized by its dramatic scenery, mountains, forests, valleys, vibrant festivals, and lofty, sacred monasteries, Bhutan is a patchwork of varied terrain and cultural hotspots and trekking is the key to discovering its heartland. Follow ancient trade routes, clamber to the top of a majestic peak or simply go in search of the most remote corners of the country on a walk back in time in Bhutan.
For a successful ascent to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, it is vital to acclimatize over the course of your trip. The hike to the monastery takes around four or five hours, including an hour spent in the monastery itself. Whilst a fairly gentle walk takes you to the top, the altitude makes the ascent more challenging which is worth bearing in mind before you begin. A pitstop at a strategically placed café en route is the perfect way to refuel, soaking up the breathtaking sight of the iconic monastery coming into view before you reach your final destination.
This fantastic day hike along the Dochula Pass, located between Thimphu and Punakha, is one of the best ways to see the Himalayas in all their majestic glory. The route offers panoramic views across the Himalayas and is punctuated by no less than 108 chortens, making it a fantastic way to see the beautiful scenery of Bhutan and encounter its varied flora and fauna whilst meeting many a local along the way.
This easy hike takes you from the Gangtey Monastery through the Phobijikha Valley, offering extraordinarily beautiful views of the glacial valley as you take a downhill route along the valley floor. At only two hours long, this is the perfect hike to add into any Bhutan itinerary and is a fantastic way to see the very best of the area’s plant and animal life. Enjoy a picnic at its highest point and soak up some of the most spectacular views in all of Bhutan.
Passing through shady forests of rhododendron and pine, imposing monasteries, cultural sites, mountain passes, pristine lakes and sweeping valleys, the Druk Path Trek joins the dots between ancient religious sites and age old settlements. Taking six days, the Druk Path Trek takes the intrepid hiker from Paro to Thimphu, as it winds its way to Bhutan’s northern border with Tibet.
Only opening its doors to tourism in 2002, the Haa Valley is a patchwork of terraced fields of wheat, barley and potatoes and remains virtually untouched by the outside world. In our opinion, it is a fantastic spot to get well and truly off the beaten track, enjoy lovely, gentle hiking and visit rural, local villages.
Get in touch with our specialists to plan your holiday to Bhutan
Call us on 020 3141 2850 for more information