Asia + The Middle East

Bhutan

The perfect setting for a mind-expanding trip

Enigmatic, unspoilt, exotic and timeless: this Buddhist mountain kingdom is truly magical and it delivers an experience like nowhere else on earth.

The classic view of Bhutan is of its important dzongs and their spectacular mountain backdrops, but over the years we have worked to develop something different, exclusive and very special for those who want to do more than scratch the surface. Imagine spending a night at a monastery and waking up to join the monks in morning prayer and meditation, surrounded by brightly coloured flowers.

As well as the five-star splendour of Bhutan’s newer hotels, there are also some charming local-run lodges and you can use these as good bases from which to explore the main valleys and further afield. Trekking here is also becoming more sophisticated, allowing you to experience Bhutan’s pristine mountain wilderness in great comfort.

For the latest travel update on this destination, please contact us to speak to one of our experts.

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An online magazine by the experts at cazenove+loyd

Read our curated collection of travel notes and stories from our experts, clients and friends on the ground who will give you the inside track on our thrilling destinations.

8 snapshots of Bhutanese life we would encourage any visitor to experience

Here are eight snapshots of Bhutanese life we would encourage any visitor to experience.

A Temple Blessing in Bhutan

Written by Penny Buckley, Destination Expert

One of the most special encounters I’ve experienced in Bhutan was the afternoon I spent with a Head Lama. My journey to meet him took me on an ascending drive from Bhutan’s Capital, Thimpu to the Dochula Pass, which sits at 3,140 metres.

Experiencing the Punakha Festival in Bhutan

Written by Venetia Stanely, Destination Expert

Witnessing a festival in Bhutan is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Venetia Stanley was lucky enough to attend the Punakha Tshechu on her recent trip to this magical country.

A guide to the the best walks and hikes in the mystical kingdom of Bhutan

Written by Penny Buckley, Destination Expert

Lying in the Eastern Himalayas with Tibet to the north and the Indian states of Assam and West Bengal to the south, Bhutan is both geographically and culturally extraordinary. Incredibly, Bhutan covers a total area of just under 50,000 square kilometres.

Camping in the Bhutanese wilderness

Written by Venetia Stanely, Destination Expert

Bhutan is home to some incredible places to stay. However, it is worth leaving the comfort of your lodge, so that you can enjoy a night under the stars camping in the Bhutanese wilderness. Venetia Stanley describes her experience.

Discovering the Haa Valley in Bhutan

The Haa Valley is one of the best lesser known valleys in Bhutan to visit, having only opened to tourism in 2002. It is hidden above Paro and the development of hotels has been banned for now in an effort to retain its rustic old world charms.

Our Experience at Gangtey Lodge in Bhutan

To the Bhutanese people, Phobjikha Valley (Gangtey) is both spiritual and mystical, and unique in Bhutan due to its abundance of flora and fauna. When our clients visit Bhutan, a few nights spent in Gangtey is always a highlight of their trip.

Why we love Six Senses Bhutan + who it’s right for

Written by Venetia Stanely, Destination Expert

Until recently, Gangtey Lodge and Amankora’s five properties – built between 2004 and 2007 – have been the country’s only real luxury options across the kingdom, but this has all changed with the arrival of the much-anticipated Six Senses. Venetia Stanley reports.

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Initial Conversation

Your Destination Expert will build a relationship with you and a nuanced understanding of what you want from your holiday.

Creating an Itinerary

Once we know you, we can match our years of specialist knowledge to you and begin designing your extraordinary trip.

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We will continue refining your itinerary, adding in those special touches and leaving no stone unturned to make sure that every day is spectacular.

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From the moment you leave home, we will be on hand to ensure a totally seamless experience.

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Area in Focus

In the east of the country, we can arrange a special night staying with a local family. Perfect for anyone with a yearning for the spiritual or authentic who is happy to trade a few degrees of comfort for a truly memorable experience

Testimonials

Stories from Bhutan

I researched a lot before going to Bhutan (it was my first trip to such an exotic destination, so I was tense!) and ended up deciding to travel with cazenove+loyd, an English agency specialising in making well-personalised itineraries in different destinations. What fascinated me was that we had very close contact with the agent, and she seemed to know EVERYTHING about Bhutan and to love the country. This made us feel safer and more excited! Well, the choice could not have been better: the trip was perfect, nothing went wrong and the guides were amazing.

Luisa Accorsi

"cazenove+loyd organised our wonderful holiday in Bhutan and I chose you after speaking to three other agents. My principal reason for choosing you was that Penny really bothered to listen to my brief, made some very good suggestions and was extremely proactive in maintaining contact with me – but without nagging. I felt very comfortable in her hands. This was, after all, my trip of a lifetime and I wanted it to be everything that I had thought Bhutan would be. It was – and more."

Laura Mackay

One of your earliest remarks I remember was, “Any holiday in Bhutan is only as good as the guide you have.” And in Jigme you have a complete star, there can be none better than he. Apart from his boundless knowledge, he has a good sense of humour and well-tuned antennae to judge our culture bar, and unusually clever at knowing when to talk and when to shut up.

Charlie Wrey, client

You arranged the perfect trip for us in Bhutan. I mean it – the first few days were surreal, utterly beautiful and got us in the spiritual space. We were perfectly content with spartan, out of season conditions, but then the scales were pulled back from our eyes and my God we entered pampered comfort like I have never known. It was all a dream come true. The total stars were our guides Jigme and Sige. We hung on their every word.

Catriona Wrey, client

PHOTO ALBUM

Our snapshots of Bhutan

Our Destination Experts

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Each of our dedicated experts has extensive knowledge of the destinations they specialise in. They are continuously re-visiting, trying and testing so that they can offer you up to date and little-known insights into the regions they are so passionate about.