Curated Travel Itinerary - Bhutan

The wait is over - Bhutan is re-opening to international tourists on 23rd September 2022!

A country straight out of a fairytale, fringing the South Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is not only known as the happiest country in the world but is also the world's only carbon-neutral country. The country's low-volume, high-quality tourism policy has, in fact, given it a mysterious status, with many travelers around the globe wanting to experience Bhutan's rich culture and wilderness.

Bhutan's only international airport in Paro is touted as the world's most dangerous airport. Landing in Bhutan has to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Suitable for solo travelers, honeymooners, and family vacationers - there is something for everyone in Bhutan.

HiO Recommends - like we always say; pick the hotel, and then the destination!

1. Zhiwa Ling Ascent, Thimpu - Bhutan's first contemporary concept hotel

Designed by An Austrian architect, combining Bhutanese and Austrian concepts, the hotel design is minimal. The hotel is modest in size with an emphasis on making personal connections with guests, created by the many open spaces throughout the building. These spaces provide both spiritual sanctuary and respite for weary travelers.

The rooms are designed in the most energy-efficient manner which has the quality to capture all the natural sunlight. All rooms provide serene panoramic views of nature and the valley. The hotel’s ingenious restaurant offers a fine dining experience with flavors straight from the organic kitchen garden.

2. Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro - A 5-star traditional spa-inclusive resort in Bhutan

Named the most charming 5-star property in Bhutan by Vanity Fair in 2019, the Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary is a magical resort in the Himalayan Kingdom. This unique and utterly remote 24-room boutique hotel overlooks the beautiful Neyphu valley of Paro. It is a family-run hotel, built to replicate a traditional Bhutanese fort or dzong.

The rooms are flooded with natural light and have stunning views overlooking the valley below and the neighboring Eutok Samdrupcholing Goenpa Monastery. The stay includes a consultation with a traditional Bhutanese medicine doctor, who can create a personal well-being program, including dietary advice, focused on balancing the body, mind, and spirit. Healthy breakfasts, 4-course lunches, 6-course dinners, snacks, and drinks are served in the all-inclusive deal.

3. Amankora, various locations - A package deal worth splurging

Combining 'Aman' (peace in Sanskrit), with 'kora' (pilgrimage in Dzongkha, the Bhutanese language), Amankora is a series of lodges in Bhutan’s central and western valleys. Guests staying here experience a discovery of one's self in the peaceful setting of the Himalayas. The lodge locations have been designed to offer travelers luxury and comfort in Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage and remarkable topography.

The resort provides a 7-13 day package with stays in their lodges in all 5 valleys of Bhutan. Let the Amankora team take care of your meals, transfers, visas, reservations, excursions, spa breaks, and more, while you immerse yourself in the beauty, peace, and culture of Bhutan.

HiO Top Tips - travel to Bhutan like a pro!

1. The country accepts INR and USD as currency in addition to the Bhutanese ngultrum.

2. Carry sturdy shoes and woolen wear as the weather can be unpredictable and you will need to walk around.

3. Eastern Bhutan is rarely visited by travelers, and there is much to see on this side of the country.

4. If you are visiting a monastery, temple or stupa always walk around the prayer wheels in a clockwise direction. This shows respect for the religion and brings blessings to those who do it.

5. Bhutan monitors and prohibits the export of any antique. You can buy handicrafts from the local markets, and avoid antiques!

We hope you've found the first of many of our curated travel itineraries useful! Leave a comment to tell us where you're traveling next, and we'll provide some hotel recommendations. Keep your eyes peeled for the next travel itinerary.

Until our next blog,

Anubhuti