One of the world’s most authentic and pristine destinations, the mountain kingdom of Bhutan is the closest thing we’ve found to Shangri-La. Picture locals in traditional dress, colourful festivals, and unspoilt Himalayan valleys dotted with wooden houses and Buddhist monasteries. Breathe-in the peace and tranquility on a bespoke luxury holiday to Bhutan.
The classic India holiday, where cities meet temples and forts but with our Travel Differently twist. We’ve slowed down the pace and incorporated time in Ranthambore to search for Tigers and journey through rich jungle staying in the best wildlife lodges. Our local guides will take you on amazing daily activities to see the real people and cultures of Rajasthan.
Get active beyond the unmissable gorilla trekking to also include a full day chimpanzee habituation experience, exhilarating white water rafting on The Nile, hike end-to-end through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, explore the wild bush by foot and horseback, and enjoy many other outdoor activities around this enchanting country.
Embark on an epic 1000-mile road trip across one of Africa’s most beautiful countries, ranging from traditional safari grasslands to thick teaming jungle, via jaw-dropping lakes and mesmerising volcanos. Meet gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys and tree-climbing lions, alongside community projects and cultural initiatives that aim to provide a sustainable future.
Enjoy the wildlife wonders of Uganda in supreme comfort, staying at three of the country’s most luxurious and stylish lodges. You will have opportunities to track Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Golden Monkeys, as well as embark on game drives and boat trips to find large numbers of elephants, hippos, buffalo and of the course the famous local tree-climbing lions.
If you wanted to add the iconic Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda to your African adventures, this short luxurious extension to any Ugandan, Tanzanian or South African itinerary is a wonderful way to do it. Stay at one of the world famous 5-star eco lodges around Volcanos National Park for your gorilla trekking, where life-affirming experiences meet a world class conservation success story.
If you want to get beneath the skin of this unique country, then this is your itinerary. Spend a little longer in the capital, Thimpu, to explore the markets and local life. Continue to the Punakha, Gangtey and isolated Bumthang, switching between eco lodges, heritage hotels, and even a sustainable farm project. Add in hiking, rafting, and camping, finishing at unmissable Tigers Nest Monastery, and you have truly “done” Bhutan.
See the greatest sights in Bhutan in a more active way. Try white water rafting in Punakha Valley. Cycle your way through the countryside, with bicycles in your van throughout any road journeys. Hike and camp the four-day Druk Trail. And of course, ascend the walk to Tigers Nest Monastery.
Bhutan is Asia’s most exclusive sustainable travel destination, and as a result offers some of the most stunning eco-luxury properties we have ever laid our eyes upon. Explore this mesmerising country in upmost comfort from the sublime Six Senses, Uma, Taj and Aman lodges along the way, taking in all of the highlights of Thimpu, Punakha, Gangtey and Paro.
This slow travel Mexico culture holiday gives you time to soak it all up and experience your own version of Mexico. Journey from the sprawling metropolis of Mexico City down through the quaint colonial cities of Puebla and Oaxaca. Discover the real cultures of Mexico. See volcanoes in the distance, sail through vast canyons, walk amongst local villages and scale temples at sunrise in the jungle. Travelling overland you’ll reach lesser visited areas such as Palenque and Campeche where the way of life hasn’t changed for centuries. Head towards the coast via Chichen Itza (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), before ending on the stunning Caribbean Coast for some relaxation.
Whether taking part yourself or watching a local game, no trip to Bhutan is complete without a spot of Archery. At the official games the singing and dancing from the spectators is just as entertaining as the match itself, and if you do try your hand please let us know if you achieve a bullseye! Speak to our team about including this in your bespoke luxury holiday to Bhutan.
Take the steep pilgrimage up to Bhutan’s most famous monastery, iconic Taktshang Goemba (The Tiger’s Nest), clinging to the cliffs high above Paro Valley. Bhutan’s strict limits on visitor numbers ensures it never feels overcrowded, despite being considered an unofficial manmade wonder of the world. A hike to the famous landmark is a must-include in our bespoke luxury holidays to Bhutan.
A Bhutanese festival is a special event to witness, full of spectacular costumes and masked dancing to raucous traditional music. The springtime Paro Tsechu festival is considered the most spectacular, but any of the local events taking place around the year will leave you mesmerised. Finding availability during a festival can be tricky, but we will always try and include one in your bespoke luxury holiday to Bhutan.
Bhutan has a population of less than 800,000 people, spread out across it’s kingdom at a rate of just 20 people per km (the UK for comparison has 275 people per km.) The capital and largest city is Thimpu, whilst the international airport is 50km away in Paro, the closest town to Tigers Nest.
Bhutan is 6 hours ahead of GMT, in what is simply called “Bhutan Time”
The Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is the country’s national currency, with approximately 100 to the pound at the time of writing.
October to December offer the sunniest days, with temperatures reaching a low in January and February, whilst the skies stay clear and dry through to April. Summer brings the warmest temperatures, but also the likelihood of showers during the monsoon season.
With no direct flights from the UK, most travellers fly first to Delhi, Kathmandu or Bangkok, from where you can connect to Paro with Druk Air. As you will be changing airlines and tickets, we recommend overnighting in those cities on the way to avoid a missed connection.
