Bhutan is a religious heartland with beautiful temples, monasteries and forested hills. The charming mountain kingdom of Bhutan is the only country in the world to measure—and strive to improve-its citizens’ Gross National Happiness. On luxury Bhutan holidays, the opportunities are endless, with magnificent ways to explore this wonderful country in the company of expert local guides.
At OROKO, we’ve been to Bhutan many times and have continuously returned to explore its cities, rural heartlands and remote mountain villages. It is a place that is extremely rewarding, but also a destination where specialist knowledge is vital. That is why all our bespoke itineraries to Bhutan include luxury partner accommodation, expert English-speaking private guides and private drivers. Each one of our itineraries are bespoke and tailored to you, so think of this as a sneak-peak of just how brilliant luxury holidays in Bhutan with OROKO can be.
POCKET GUIDE TO LUXURY BHUTAN HOLIDAYS
Set along the riverbed of the lush Thimphu Valley is Bhutan’s modern capital – Thimphu. The valley’s densely forested sides house ancient monasteries and temples, along with the city itself, having maintained its rich traditions through the city’s advancements. Once you have adjusted to the high altitude, set out to explore the valley. Make sure to visit the majestic Buddha Dordenma statue, the Zorig Chusum, the impressive Tashichho Dzong and of course, the colourful streets and markets of the city.
Luxury Bhutan holidays are always enhanced by a visit to Paro, the gateway to the kingdom of the Himalayas, Paro. Home to other-worldly alpine forests, ancient monasteries and over 150 ornate temples, Paro owes its fame to the breathtaking Tiger’s Nest Monastery, decorated with prayer flags and built into granite rocks 300 metres above the ground. The slopes are perfect for hiking and photography enthusiasts and surround the charming town; the perfect base for discovering the ethereal valley and its ornate fortresses, Bhutanese architecture and traditional cantilevered bridges.
Owning a spectacular position in Bhutan’s spectacular Himalayas is the town of Punakha, set along the convergence of two of the country’s most important rivers. Punakha is surrounded by farmland and is home to wonderful examples of Bhutan’s ancient history and time-honoured culture. A structure of great importance, Punakha Dzong, an ornate fortress built in 1637 and the monk’s winter residence, is connected to a host of significant events throughout Bhutan’s history. Another famous landmark is Punakha’s hilltop Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, symbolising Buddha’s presence.
Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
A sacred Vajrayana Himalayan Buddhist site in the upper Paro Valley, the awe-inspiring Tiger’s Nest Monastery is an architectural wonder. Decorated with prayer flags and built into granite rocks hundreds of metres above the ground, hike to the monastery, taking the steep ascent through the colourful pine forests. It involves a steep 800-metre trek, but there are numerous rest-stops on the way and your reward is amazing when you see the monastery at close range. We consider it a must for hiking enthusiasts setting out on holidays in Bhutan.