The Wanderlust guide to the best of Bhutan
The last of the Himalayan kingdoms, there’s nowhere on earth quite like Bhutan. Thanks to a long history of isolation and controlled modernisation, a trip to Bhutan feels like a journey into the past…
Bhutanese men still stroll the streets in traditional dress, the countryside is dotted with wooden houses and dramatic Buddhist monasteries, and the whole population takes part in colourful festivals.
Bhutan’s natural environment is equally cherished: vast swathes of the country are protected in national parks and plastic bags are outlawed. If Shangri-La exists today, Bhutan is the most likely candidate.
This Shangri-La comes at a price. To keep visitor numbers down, the Bhutanese government imposes a high daily tourist tariff. You’ll have to book an arranged trip and be accompanied by a local guide. However, you can customise your trip to see and do pretty much what like – whether your interest is culture, wildlife, trekking or all three.
Looking for inspiration?
There’s nowhere on earth quite like Bhutan. But your time there will be limited, so it’s important that you decide what you want to see and do and tailor your itinerary accordingly. Bradley Mayhew has put together a Bhutan Travel Blueprint that suggesting a number of different options and outlining what each has to offer. If you’re going there to trek, you’ll want to check out our list of Bhutan’s 7 best treks.
Paul Bloomfield offers more specific advice on exploring the mountain monasteries of Bhutan, Lizzie Matthews explores western Bhutan and Sarah Baxter wanders the various footpaths to enlightment, both natural and man-made.
More information
Bhutan Travel Blueprint – Bradley Mayhew
7 treks for Bhutan – Wanderlust Team
Exploring mountain monasteries in Bhutan – Paul Bloomfield
Bhutan: Footpaths to enlightenment – Sarah Baxter
Kingdom of heaven: exploring western Bhutan – Lizzie Matthews
