Published 14th Aug. 2024
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We love championing under-the-radar countries, and our Asia specialist, Frances, took the road less travelled on a research trip to Bhutan. Far from the tourist bustle, Frances got stuck into Bhutanese traditions such as archery, stretched her legs on beautiful hikes and soaked sore muscles afterwards in heavenly hot stone baths. She left the country with a deep love for it and brimming with tips and tricks to elevate your stay. Let the Bhutan adventure begin...
My 18-day trip to Bhutan included visits to Paro, a valley town and one of the only areas in the country large enough for planes to land; the hilltop campsite of Bumdra; Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan; Trongsa, home to one of the country’s largest dzongs; Gangtey, home to the elegant black-necked cranes; and Bumthang, a culturally rich district consisting of four valleys.
I immersed myself in Bhutan’s culture by hiking through breathtaking landscapes and exploring ancient dzongs, which are both fortresses and monasteries. Along the way, I engaged with locals, savoured traditional Bhutanese cuisine and tried my hand at archery, Bhutan's national sport (safe to say you won’t see me at the 2028 Olympics). I then swapped to spectating and watched captivating games of khuru (darts). I also indulged in a rejuvenating hot stone bath, a well-loved practice among locals, and enjoyed scenic drives through the country’s beautiful valleys.
Image by Frances Mavor.
Although it should be, Bhutan isn’t at the top of most travel bucket lists. This is largely because of the country’s high-value, low-impact tourism policy which restricts the number of visitors to help protect the environment and culture (something we’re very much on board with). So simply being there felt like an incredibly special experience. What’s more, visiting during the off-season meant that many sites were blissfully free of tourists, allowing me to connect more deeply with the charming yet reserved locals and gain a fascinating insight into Buddhism, the country’s main religion, which plays such a central role in many people’s lives.
Image by Frances Mavor.
Yes, many! Technically, the whole country could be classed as a hidden gem.
I absolutely loved chilli cheese, one of their national dishes. However, let them know you won’t need it anywhere near as spicy as the locals have it... or at least have a glass of milk to hand! Spice aside, there were some excellent mushroom dishes made from locally grown shitake mushrooms.
I didn’t realise locals play darts and archery as much as they do, and that games aren’t quick – they can last all day. The beauty of the dzongs also blew me away, as did the realisation that butter tea (made from tea leaves, yak butter, water and salt) is nowhere near as bad as you’d think.
A traditional hot stone bath at the Amankora Gangtey Lodge. The water is heated solely from fire-roasted stones from the river, which crack and release all the good minerals. It’s said to help relieve aches and pains, and I certainly felt rejuvenated.
The Tiger’s Nest trek near the town of Paro. It leads to the famous cliff-side Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), and although it’s not an easy hike, it’s every bit as beautiful as the pictures suggest.
Image by Frances Mavor.
I was struck by how diverse the landscapes are – dramatic snow-capped mountains, lush alpine meadows, temperate forests, terraced fields... I was blown away. Even though some drives are long, the mesmerising views make the time fly by.
Image by Frances Mavor.
If you’re prone to car sickness, bring Gin Gins (a popular brand of ginger candies) for the drives. The roads are windy and sucking on these helps soothe a churning tummy. My second tip is to pack light; the dress code in Bhutan is very relaxed, so you won’t need multiple outfits a day. Some lightweight, comfortable hiking trousers will be your best friend. Also, along with hiking boots, bring a pair of easy slip-on trainers – I recommend Allbirds, as they’re sturdy for short walks and convenient for visiting dzongs, where you’ll need to take off your shoes to enter temples. Finally, if you don’t have a Kindle, pack a book light. Hotel lighting tends to be quite dim, and you’ll appreciate the extra illumination for reading.
Header Image by Frances Mavor.
Exploring under-the-radar destinations can be difficult, but with the help of our passionate consultants, you’ll discover Bhutan like a local. With recent research trips under our belt, we have up-to-date knowledge of the best properties and experiences, from Punakha’s valleys to Paro’s peaks. Our expert guides and drivers will accompany you throughout your journey, allowing you to explore our personalised picks of hidden villages, mountainside monasteries and ancient wonders at your own pace.
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