Explore the scenic mountain kingdom of Bhutan
Unravel Himalayan secrets of this Shangri-La
By ShermansTravel Staff
January 16, 2008 10:02 am EST
Book By: ASAP
Travel By: Various through 2008
The Deal
Bhutan, known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is an isolated mountain kingdom in the Himalayas, where dress, architecture, and food are still ruled by age-old traditions. You can travel for days through its pristine pine forests, follow the paths of ancient warrior monks, and visit hilltop monasteries on a trip to this far-flung nation. Given it only recently opened to foreign tourists, Bhutan remains highly regulated and quite pricey. But seeing this Shangri-La before the masses do is absolutely worth the splurge.
Whirlwind Tour of Bhutan
iExplore
offers an affordable Bhutan package, starting at $2795 for an
eight-day exploration, with various 2008 departures. The price is based on four
people traveling; it goes up to $3150 for a two-person trip. This privately
guided tour covers lodging in upscale guesthouses, with daily breakfast and
dinner plus several lunches; sightseeing and excursions; and entrance
fees/permits. Highlights include a tour of the National Library in Thimphu with its collection of Buddhist
texts and manuscripts; exploring the scenic Bumthang Valley, home to ancient Buddhist temples
and monasteries; and a visit to a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse.
Catch Bhutan’s Colorful Festivals
For an
in-depth exploration of Bhutan, we recommend the 14-day festival
tour by Mountain Travel Sobek. This cultural odyssey gives you a glimpse of
traditions that are slowly vanishing from the rest of the Himalayan world. The
price of this foray is $4075 (based on 5-15 members), plus $785 for internal
airfare (roundtrip from Bangkok). The pinnacle is the Tsechu
religious festival that features masked dance-dramas by whirling dancers in
colorful costumes. The tour will also explore Bumthang Valley, Bhutan’s cultural heartland. The three
available departure dates are March 16, October 5 and November
8, 2008.
Savor the Essence of Bhutan
For a
more active Bhutan holiday, we recommend the 17-day
Geographic Expeditions package that shows you the essence of Bhutan. Priced at $5295 for five 2008
departures (March, April & September–November), this trip involves staying
in local guesthouses; making day hikes to remote villages and hidden valleys; and
taking a close look at the creation of Bhutanese art forms like textile weaving
and wood carving. All the departures except the October trip involve attending
one of the traditional festivals. Note that this package starts and ends in Thailand’s Bangkok; the airfare incurs an additional
cost.
Bhutan’s Luxury Guesthouses
In the
last three years, Bhutan has witnessed the unveiling of
two luxury guesthouses that have made it a truly exclusive destination. At Como
Hotel & Resort’s five-star Uma Paro, traditional Bhutanese features
seamlessly blend with modern amenities. The stunning Shambhala spa itself makes
a stay at this understatedly opulent spot worth the hefty cost. Breakfast-inclusive rates start at $250/night.
The other plush property is Amanresorts'
Amankora which, claims Travel + Leisure “lures
hikers back from high Himalayan passes to heavenly rustic rooms with
rammed-earth walls and terrazzo baths. The spa, set in an ancient pine forest,
offers treatments using local herbs and body scrubs given with yak-hair
mittens.” Rates start at $1070/night, with all meals and airport transfers.
The Dollars
See
details above. Government taxes and fees, which can be high, are additional.
The Catch
None of the quoted rates include international airfare
to Asia.
Booking Details
For the whirlwind Bhutan tour, check out www.iexplore.com or call 1-800-iEXPLORE and
mention ShermansTravel.
For a peak at Bhutan's colorful festivals, see www.mtsobek.com or call 1-888-MTSOBEK and
mention ShermansTravel.
For the 17-day cultural excursion, visit www.geoex.com or call 1-800-777-8183 and
mention ShermansTravel.
To stay at the luxurious Como Hotel, go to www.uma.como.bz.
To check-in to the Amanresorts' Amankora, log on to www.amanresorts.com.
Terms and Conditions
Check for the best rates on hotels anywhere across the globe with QuickSearch. All prices, dates, and booking details listed above were valid at the time of publication. Some information may have changed since that time.
