Bhutan
“Land of the Thunder Dragon”
Punakha Dzong
Bhutan is “The Land of Great Happiness!”
You are invited!
April 20 to May 3rd 2018
I am thrilled and not surprised this trip has filled so quickly. Yes, there are only 6 places left at this point.
If you haven’t given me a definitive yes, and you want to go, please do so soon. Don’t be disappointed.
This is the land of prayer wheels, and prayer flags, where the elements of nature, the people and the Divine are in magnificent harmony.
A land where, what matters most, is not material acquisitions, but happiness; where 75 % of the country is protected from development, and the population has remained stable at around 790,000 people. A land no bigger than Switzerland, yet it takes three days to travel by road across the country.
We will travel that magnificent road together in a comfortable bus, seeing giant fortresses, ancient temples and monasteries, village life and breath-taking views. On the ninth day, after the village festival in the heart of the country, we fly back to Paro in a 30 minute flight.
We’re going in spring, when the fruit trees are in full bloom, nature awakens and traditional festivals occur. We chose our dates around the full moon and the celebration of the Ura Yachoe Festival in Bhumthang.
13 Days 12 nights
Experience the world’s Last Shangrila
April 20 to May 3rd 2018
We fly into Bhutan on a dragon! Drukair is the only airline that flies here. In fact, there are only 10 pilots in the world who are licensed to fly into this narrow valley in the heart of the Himalayas. You can enter from either Delhi or from Bangkok.
Experience a culture that lives its prayers
Walk through traditional farmlands to rustic temples alive with chanting monks
Magnificent ancient palaces and fortresses
Cross pristine rivers on suspension bridges
Hike the Pobjika valley, a glacial terrain
Join locals in their traditional finery at the spring festival in the mystical heartland Bumthang
Meditate in glorious shrine rooms
Hike the path to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Eat hearty meals three times a day
Early morning yoga and evening meditations
We travel from Paro in the west to the central valleys by bus, enjoying the incredible views, cultural traditions, and excellent hotels.
We fly back to Paro on the 30 minute domestic flight in time to relax and shop. On the last day we hike up to Tiger’s Nest.
This journey will surprise and delight, and what is more fun that to travel with like-minded friends, with a sprinkling of yoga and meditation and talking circles?
Join Us!
Sounds good, need to see exact details
About us:
Maggie and Chris have been taking yogis and friends on far-flung journeys for the last 15 years. Bhutan, Thailand, Peru, Myanmar, Argentina, India, Tanzania and most especially South Africa. Our mission is bring benefit to the countries we visit, which means we use local providers and avoid multi-national hotels. Life-long friendships are formed on journeys as we soon become a group of kindred spirits.
Bhutan
This tiny kingdom is situated between India and China. Population 790,000. No bigger than Switzerland, it takes 3 days to drive from west to east, a distance of 150 miles.
Environment
To protect natural resources 60% of the country will remain untouched. Clean rivers and forests everywhere.
The bottom line is Happiness!
With an official policy to promote Gross National Happiness, the administration implements laws that serve the Greater Good.
Meeting the Bhutanese
Walking the prayer wheels
Dressing for the Festival
Outdoor picnics
Outdoor Yoga
Adding our own prayer flags
What about the Altitude?
We will be at an average altitude of 8,000 feet. We travel over mountain passes of up to 12,000 feet. The hike to Tiger’s Nest takes us from 7,200 feet to 10,000 feet.
Yes, this is an active journey with lots of walking, optional longer hiking. Yet the bus will always be there, if you need a break.
This is the third Soulgypsies journey to Bhutan. We have not been bothered by altitude sickness, although some participants did take medication to prevent it,
Tiger’s Nest is the biggest hike, and even there are options for you. Ponies are available for the first half of the ascent. A wonderful tea house offers us a break. It is also a lovely place to stay, while the others continue on foot.
Bangkok or Delhi?
You will need to spend at least one night in the stop-over of your choice.
Possibilities: spend a few days in Thailand and fly into Bhutan from Bangkok.
Come in from Delhi via Katmandu, Nepal. Perhaps take a few days in Nepal on your way on Druk Air.
Come in via Bangkok and stay at the airport hotel for early departure to Bhutan.
Yes, count me in for Bhutan
Maggie and Chris Mellor
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