Bhutan
“Happiness is a place”
In the space of a few years Bhutan has become a much sought after destination. The Land of the Thunder Dragon is going out of it’s way to make the nation the “place of happiness”. The concept of happiness preceding materialism has it’s origin here, it is the true middle path between well-being and development.
Bhutan is all about the union between man and nature, spiritualism and materialism, modernisation and tradition. Prayers ride the wind while farmers till the land, just as they have for centuries. Bhutan is renowned for heading the transition to democracy and empowering the people. Culture, tradition and environment are dear to the Bhutanese and zealously guarded. The essence of happiness guides the fast pace of development in Bhutan. It is about moving forward while keeping in touch with its heritage.
An oasis in the Himalayas with a population of 670,000 people, Bhutan for centuries has practiced Mahayana Buddhism. This has played a crucial role in shaping this stunningly beautiful country. Bhutan has only recently opened its’ borders to foreign tourists, and only then under strict restriction through regulated tour operators. Retreat Travel is privileged to be working with one of those operators to provide some wonderful choices for your holiday. Even with rapid development and modernization, Bhutan has managed to preserve its traditional ways of life, culture, arts and religious practices guided by the principles of GNH (Gross National Happiness).
We offer various cultural, environmental and trekking trips to Bhutan, which will be an experience of a life time.
If you are looking for activity, try one of a range of treks for different abilities:
Druk Path Trek is a short and scenic trek with some great views and beautiful lakes en route. Although it leads up to altitudes above 4,000m it is not too strenuous as walking distances between the camps are not too long.
Jomolhari Trek I is the longer one of the two Jomolhari routes- and the most popular trek in Bhutan. With altitude differences of 2,500m and nearly 5,000m (lowest and highest point of the route), it offers a wide range of landscape, fauna and flora. The highlight of this trek is the spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari from Jomolhari Basecamp, Jangothang. You should be reasonably physically fit to enjoy the majestic mountain views, endure thin air, serenity & the wilderness of the landscape while on this spectacular trek.
Or for something less physical we are developing a variety of cultural trips with our Bhutanese partners, exploring the monasteries and temples of this wonderful buddhist country and visiting at suitable dates to attend one or more of the stupendous festivals which take place in Bhutan. In the coming months there will also be photography and bird watching holidays.
Another key holiday being researched for 2012 will be a very special meditation retreat, held in a top class hotel complex with teaching from a Bhutanese Rinpoche. Beautiful accommodation, in-situ spa offering a range of massage and other therapies and an outdoor hot stone bath. All this within a couple of miles of the Tigers’ Nest.
