The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is a small yet geographically diverse country, where centuries of isolation, spectacular topography, and deep-rooted Tibetan Buddhist traditions, have combined to create a unique experiential travel destination like no other. In short, a mystical land, often referred to simply - as the happiest place on the planet!
First coined by my father, Gross National Happiness is more than a mere slogan. It is central to the development of our country; an attempt to live in a way that's holistic, that strikes the right balance between economic and emotional well-being.
HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, Board Member of the Tarayana Foundation & Honorary Director of the Explorers Club.
BHUTAN
- One of safest countries on earth, with strictly controlled visitor numbers.
- A sanctuary of impeccably-preserved, esoteric Tibetan Buddhist culture.
- The world's only carbon negative country, with one of the most diverse, and intact, ecosystems in Asia.
- A land of towering Himalayan peaks, many of which are completely unexplored.
- Home to tigers, elephants, snow leopards, black leopards and, at least according to local legend, the yeti!
'Bespoke Bhutan' is a rarefied 16 day adventure exclusively designed by Whistling Arrow, that will offer our guests 'exclusive' access to places, people and projects that are typically 'off-limits' to foreign visitors. Indeed, at this stage, we have only been granted 'special' permission to offer this trip once! So, let's start with places (one or two are more mainstream, but most are definitely not).
PARO
Paro district is a microcosm of Bhutan, and the likely start and finish point for any trip to the country. In its 1287 square kilometers are contained some of Bhutan's oldest monastic fortresses such such as the Rinpung Dzong, and the iconic cliff-clinging 'Tiger's Nest'.
Upon arrival, we will transfer to our base for the next two days, a lovely heritage farmhouse from, where we will embark on a couple of day excursions (not least to the Tiger's Nest), arrange an audience with Khedrupchen Rinpoche, and enjoy private dinners in the courtyard accompanied by a traditional Bhutanese cultural performance.
TIGER'S NEST
From a distance, Bhutan's most iconic building seems to float, weightless, halfway up a sheer cliff-face, 900 meters above the floor of the Paro Valley. As you wind your way (often breathlessly) up the long, steep path towards Taktsang Lhakhang, the monastery periodically reveals itself, rising out of the forest, closer and more solid with each reappearance.
While modern visitors approach Taktsang Lhakhang on foot, the first person to recognize the spiritual energy of this inaccessible spot was Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), who arrived here, in the eighth century, with considerably greater ease — on the back of a flying tigress. The revered sage subsequently spent months here in meditation, and ever since it has been a holy place of pilgrimage.
Inside the Lhakhang, the Dubkhang — the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated, now sealed behind a shining golden door — sits at the heart of the main shrine, while richly decorated chapels fill every inch of the narrow ledge, and offer phenomenal views of the forested valleys far below.
TRADITIONAL HOT STONE BATH & YOGA
After visiting the 'Tiger's Nest' (which will also assist with acclimatization) you will also have time to enjoy a private Surya Kriya wellness session (lead by Yongden Dorje, the leading in-country expert in this esoteric yogic practice) before relaxing in a traditional hot stone bath.
Part of traditional farmhouse life for centuries, these open air baths combine elemental ingredients — water, stone, heat — with a relaxing way of immersing oneself in the natural surroundings, and soothing any aching limbs after the climb up to the Tiger's Nest.
MERAK
After two nights in Paro, to allow for initial acclimatization, we will embark on a spectacular helicopter flight (using two new Airbus H-130's piloted by experienced international pilots) across country to the remote village of Merak, in the far east of Bhutan. It is so remote in fact, that most Bhutanese themselves have never been!
Home to the Brokpa people, Merak is entirely surrounded by 750 square kilometers of the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary — the only designated area ever to be set aside to preserve the habitat of the elusive 'migoi', or yeti. As you can imagine, stories of the abominable snowman are taken very seriously in these parts!
Over the next two days, you will explore this beautiful 'hidden' corner of Bhutan; setting off on stunning day hikes through the foothills of the eastern Himalayas (importantly altitudes here are reasonable, and so again, will assist with further acclimatization), experiencing the unique Brokpa culture (we have a private 'yak cham' dance planned), exploring secluded local monasteries, and, last but not least, participating in a spectacularly located game of archery (the Kingdom's national sport).
GANGKHAR PUENSUM FLYBY
The following morning, we will be picked up by helicopter, and fly north west towards our next destination, Gasa. En route, weather permitting (in October skies are usually crystal clear), we will fly by the highest unclimbed peak (7570m) in the world, which straddles the border with Tibet - the sacred and spectacular Gangkhar Puensum (whose name literally means 'white peak of the three spiritual brothers').
Upon arrival in Gasa, we will enjoy the local hots springs, explore Gasa, and overnight in a local farm stay.
LAYA & BEYOND
The following day, we will set off on the beautiful hike up to the village of Laya, one of the world’s ten highest settlements, and home to the Layap, an indigenous people who refer to their homeland as Be-yul – 'the hidden land', and whose most distinctive cultural feature is the pointed, conical hats, made from darkened bamboo strips, that are worn by Layap women (sadly there is only one skilled living hat maker left in the village).
From here it gets truly exploratory. Accompanied by a full support team, comfortable camping equipment, two park rangers with 'special' permits, and a train of yaks to carry our loads, we will set off on a four to five day trekking 'loop' (we have one spare day factored in) to explore the seldom-visited wilderness at the base of Masang Kang (7184m), before crossing a stunning high altitude pass (approximately 5000m) and descending towards 'Tiger Mountain' where, in recent years, local rangers have been monitoring a small population of snow leopards along the Tibetan border.
ROYAL HIGHLANDER FESTIVAL
We have timed our return to Laya, to coincide with the final day of the Royal Highlander Festival; an annual event that has its own wonderfully vibrant charm. This unique festival aims to promote the sustainable livelihood of the Bhutanese highlanders, and with His Majesty the King in attendance, showcase the highland culture as a pride of Bhutan.
ROYAL MANAS NATIONAL PARK
After the festival, we will fly south to meet our next support team (again including resident local park rangers) by the banks of the Drangme Chhu River. From here, we will embark on a three day rafting expedition (in October the river's most challenging rapids are typically graded between 3 and 4 and so are suitable for novice rafters) through the pristine, rain forest-covered foothills that reign supreme in this private property owned by the Royal Family (only the Royal Family and select Department of Forest officials are allowed to enter this park).
THE GOLDEN MASHEER PROJECT
It is illegal to fish for the Golden Mahseer (one of Buddhism's 8 auspicious symbols) in Bhutan. This is only the second time this option has been offered (in 2017, two foreign fish conservation experts were also given access), where, in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, we will attempt to catch, tag, and release the endangered mahseer while on the rafting expedition. An exciting prospect indeed, with record catches of this large carp species tipping the scales at almost 50 kg!
Crucially, for the mahseers ongoing conservation, the cost of the permits required to run this section of the trip, will be donated directly to the department's conservation fund, and help protect the revered fish going forward.
ELEPHANT SAFARI
Once we arrive at grounds of the royal lodge, we will also be able to join local rangers by riding the Royal Family’s elephants through the sub-tropical jungle to experience the huge diversity of flora and fauna to be found in the reserve. These elephants are integral to the difficult task of navigating through the dense forest to conduct environmental research on the resident tigers, and other rare species.
ONE LAST SURPRISE
For the final time, we will fly by helicopter from the Royal Manas Reserve to Thimphu, where we have been given permission to overnight somewhere 'seriously special'. We are not at liberty to say where (or indeed display any imagery), but, we promise you, it will be a truly unforgettable evening.
BUDDHIST ART & CULTURAL RESTORATION CENTRE
There should also be time to visit the Buddhist Art & Cultural Restoration Centre in Thimpu; the first initiative of it's kind, spearheaded by Her Royal Highness Princess Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck (who will also be available to show us around). The centre (which is not open to the public), is embarking on an ambitious project to use state- of-the-art conservation techniques, to help preserve Bhutan's rich cultural heritage for many generations to come.
Princess Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck is also a scholar of ancient Buddhist scriptural texts, thangkas and iconography. She has written three books on Bhutan and published numerous articles. For some time, she was also home-schooled by the great Nyingmapa lama, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.
ACCOMMODATION
Distinctive accommodations on this bespoke trip will include well-supported camping (both north of Laya, and on the rafting expedition), rustic farm stays, boutique heritage homes - and a royal palace. There will also be the option, to stay at one of Bhutan's uber-luxury resorts, either before or after the trip, should you choose.
LASTING IMPACT
All the proceeds from the 'special' permits required to create this unique trip will be donated in equal parts to the Tarayana Foundation (a civil society organization run by the Queen Mother that runs multiple projects to assist some of Bhutan’s underprivileged rural communities), the Golden Masheer Conservation program - and last but not least, the Buddhist Art & Cultural Restoration Centre.
A FINAL WORD
We have designed this trip over 16 days, for 4 guests, with Adrian hosting and leading the adventure. In so doing, our aim is to deliver a truly singular and exceptional experience that is simply not available elsewhere.
All advice on flights (commercial or private), insurance and what to bring will be given separately, and in close consultation with you. Please also note that the safety of our guests is a top priority and so, for example, the two in-country H-130 Airbus helicopters have been vetted, and arrangements made to secure satellite phones, the services of experienced local guides and rangers, as well as the best in-country rafting experts.