The Kingdom of Bhutan remained in self imposed isolation until it opened its doors cautiously to the outside world in the 1960’s. Having never been colonized, Bhutan’s culture and traditions, art and architecture are unique and authentic, well preserved over the centuries. Bhutan has been described as a ‘living museum’ and this cultural tour will take you deep into the country to explore the art and architecture, culture and traditions, textiles, fashion and design that is only unique to Bhutan.  

The Highlights:

• All accommodations at the exclusive Amankora Lodges 
• Special art and design classes 
• One way Domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro  
• In house beverages including house wines and spirits 
• 1 BBQ lunch at the base of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery 
• A 60 minute Amankora holistic massage
• Yoga by in-house yoga buddies at Amankora 
• Cultural Programme of traditional songs and mask dances 
• A traditional Hot-stone Bath at Taktsang Boutique Resort & Spa 

Welcome to Bhutan, Land of the Peaceful Thunder Dragon, and now more popularly known as the Land of Happiness. We will ensure you have a most memorable and happy trip. We will take care of all your needs, safety and luxury on your trip to Bhutan. A dedicated birding expert -English speaking Bhutanese guide and a chauffeur driven car will be with you throughout your trip. During your camps and hikes, we will ensure you will have a dedicated team taking care of your meals and camps.
The Birding Adventure will also take you through an intensive birding extravaganza through the valleys of Western, Central and Eastern Bhutan, Bhutanese cuisine, culture and traditions, stunning landscape and warm and hospitable people.

Nestled in the inner Himalayas with the purest air and glacial spring waters, Bhutan possesses perfect raising grounds for varied fruits and vegetables categorized as ‘Organic’ due to the minimum or no use of chemical fertilizers. Climates vary from sub-tropical in the south to temperate in the interiors to the highlands in the north making it ideal to grow different varieties of crops. Import of fruits and vegetables especially from India are banned (due to the high concentration of chemical fertilizers) and the focus for Bhutan is to be self sufficient and grow our own crops.

If you are disheartened or heard of treks destroyed by the unplanned urbanization and exploited nature by the human activities and you want to avoid, we have explored and reroute the trekking trail through some of the untouched tranquil mother nature that Bhutan boast of. We have named as Mt. Jumolhari Combo Trek. It includes combination of four Popular Trek - Jumolhari, Laya Gasa, Druk Path and Naro Trek.

You will venture as high as 5,000 meters which will be one of the most scenic treks with entry from the beautiful Paro Valley, you will explore and experience almost everything that Bhutan can offer making your exit from Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

The Kingdom of Bhutan is a haven for retreat and mediation with its peaceful and tranquil environment, sacred and holy sites. Over the centuries, great Buddhist scholars, saints, lamas, yogis, and teachers have come to this isolated Himalayan Kingdom to immerse themselves in meditation as an alternative way of living and in quest for the ultimate truth. The whole kingdom of Bhutan is considered as a ‘Baeyul’, a land hidden by Guru Rinpoche from evil spirits and more relevantly from the evils of modernization and consumerism. Moreover, Bhutan has numerous holy sites and caves blessed by Guru Rinpoche and many other learned saints.

There are small retreat centers and hermitages all over located near temples and monasteries high in the mountains. For the Buddhist practitioners and monks, it is a common trait for them to disappear amongst the hills and mountains for days, months and years. Meditation is an integral part of Buddhism, a journey into the self and time to reflect upon life and the whole purpose of life and death.

Our itineraries include meditation in any of the caves or temples or solitary retreat for few hours in isolated, sacred sites blessed by Buddhist saints and masters. We can also tie up with star rates hotels who regularly organize yoga sessions, retreat and meditation facilities.

One of the most idle place to learn and understand a life in a monastery is to hike to DodeyDrak Moanstery, 2 hours 24 mins hike towards the north of Thimphu City and stay there overnight at least. If you can add another one to two days, you can learn from the high Buddhist Scholars and reincarnate of the monastery and practice meditation.

The Snowman Trek is the most difficult and toughest trek in the world but also the most beautiful and rewarding of all the treks. This trek is physically demanding and is only meant for the very active, healthy and passionate trekkers. The Trek traverses through high altitudes crossing more than thirteen high mountain passes, remote highland settlements, camping on the snow with spectacular views of the great snow capped mountains of Bhutan, serene turquoise blue green lakes and exploring almost all of the isolated Lunana region. Lunana is in the northern highlands of Bhutan (bordering Tibet) and the region is also called ‘The Dark Inner Region’ or ‘The Black Sheep’. Legend has it that the region is home to the spirits of the 7 Tibetan brothers who were defeated in battle and settled in and around the Lunana region and their spirits are still worshipped by the people of Lunana, and in turn these spirits guard over and protect them.

The Amankora Lodges in Bhutan provides the ultimate holiday experience of peace, tranquility and luxury in the peaceful Kingdom of Gross National Happiness. Located across five idyllic valleys, the Amankora Lodges offers a respite of complete reclusion from your mundane or exciting fast-paced life and an experience of complete immersion into the self and tending to your inner wellbeing and happiness. With Aman’s all-inclusive unparalleled service par excellence of lodging and dining options combined with Bhutan’s pristine beauty and seamless travel logistics of Bhutan Swallowtail enjoy any of the following various duration holiday in Bhutan.

Breaking the cliché of popular tourist attractions Bhutan remains a hidden gem of high-rise snow capped Himalayas and quaint fertile valleys that only a handful of fortunate tourists get to experience. Nothing surpasses an immersive experience of hiking and contemplating at one of the unrecognized wonders of the ancient world that is the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro valley. Exploring the beauty of Bhutan combined with an all inclusive well-being services pampering your body and soul at The Sanctuary provides the much needed care for your well-being and health. 

Breathe in the crisp pure air as you enjoy a cultural extravaganza of Paro valley with its ancient temples, Swiss chalet-like traditional houses and ever smiling Bhutanese people. This 3 nights sojourn of the Paro valley is a perfect entrée to the endless course of perfectly balanced full courses that are the different valleys of Bhutan. 

If you are hard up on time but need to visit Bhutan for its sensational popularity, this is the perfect journey for the fast paced traveler. Join in on the festivities of the colorful masked dances at the Thimphu Tshechu / Festival and hike to the magical Tiger’s Nest Monastery / Taktsang Monastery in Paro.

Discover the ancient well preserved cultural and heritage sites of Bhutan spiced up with a few short hikes alongside spectacular views of mountains and vales topped up by your tour guide filling you in with magical stories, myths and legends of Bhutan. While the days are filled with stunning drives through the valleys, visits to charming temples, colorful masked dances and leisurely short hikes, the evenings are well deserved indulgence in the nightlife of Bhutan.

This is the best choice if you want to experience the best of Festivals and hikes of Bhutan within a limited time. The excitement, color and animated mood of the Paro Tshechu / Festival and the long, leisurely and spiritual hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery will enthuse your traveling senses to the best of everything that Bhutan has to offer.

Discover the ancient well preserved cultural and heritage sites of Paro spiced up with a few short hikes alongside spectacular views of mountains and vales topped up by your tour guide filling you in with magical stories, myths and legends of Bhutan. While the days are filled with stunning drives across the valley, visits to charming temples, colorful masked dances and leisurely short hikes, the evenings are well deserved indulgence in the nightlife of Paro valley.

The Exquisite Cultural Tour will take you through a cultural extravaganza of Thimphu and Paro valleys, spicy Bhutanese cuisine, culture and traditions, temples, monasteries, stunning landscape and warm and hospitable people. Traverse through pristine forests, slow meandering rivers and witness a game of archery. Mingle with the locals, dip in a traditional wooden tub of hot stones and visit awesome places and enjoy the intricate art and architecture that is evident in almost everything and everywhere.

Discover the ancient well preserved cultural and heritage sites of Paro and Thimphu spiced up with a few short hikes alongside spectacular views of mountains and vales topped up by your tour guide filling you in with magical stories, myths and legends of Bhutan. While the days are filled with stunning drives across the valley, visits to charming temples, colorful masked dances and leisurely short hikes, the evenings are well deserved indulgence in the nightlife of Paro and Thimphu valleys.

This Happiness Bhutan luxury tour will take you on a cultural extravaganza of the beautiful valleys of Western Bhutan, unique culture and traditions and rich nature with overnight stays at 5 star hotels and resorts throughout the trip.

Luxury, comfort and style is the essence of this tour and expect to be swept away on a luxurious expedition of the best that Bhutan offers while enjoying the various high-end resorts and its extravagant facilities and services.

Discover the ancient well preserved cultural and heritage sites of Bhutan spiced up with a few short hikes alongside spectacular views of mountains and vales topped up by your tour guide filling you in with magical stories, myths and legends of Bhutan. While the days are filled with stunning drives through the valleys, visits to charming temples and colorful markets and leisurely short hikes, the evenings are well deserved pampering of the senses at the Amankora Lodges in Paro and Thimphu

If you want to visit Bhutan for its extraordinary reputation as a hotspot tourist destination and experience the best of all that Bhutan has to offer, this is the perfect tour package for the fast paced traveler. Join in on the festivities of the colorful masked dances at the Thimphu Tshechu / Festival and enjoy a short overnight trek to Bum Drak and the magical Tiger’s Nest Monastery / Taktsang Monastery in Paro.

Discover the ancient well preserved cultural and heritage sites of Thimphu and Paro spiced up with a few short hikes alongside spectacular views of mountains and vales topped up by your tour guide filling you in with magical stories, myths and legends of Bhutan. While the days are filled with stunning drives through the valleys, visits to charming temples, colorful masked dances and leisurely short hikes, the evenings are well deserved indulgence in the nightlife of Bhutan.

The Bum Dra trek is one of the most beautiful short duration trek in Bhutan with only one night camping in the wild. But the scenery and landscape may well be worth compared to all of the other longer treks and also in terms of the adventure and the experience that goes along as you hike up. Also called the ‘The Trek of the Thousand Dakinis’ (celestial female beings) you can even explore the numerous sacred and holy caves where the angels had convened. You also get to enjoy spectacular views of the Taktsang Monastery from the top which you will not see from the usual tourist route.

This trek is a slight variation of the ancient Haa Planters Trail to include more stunning views of the Himalayas and the surrounding landscape. Traverse through beautiful meadows across virgin forests rich in flora and fauna and enjoy the wilderness in all its various shades and at its magnificent best. Soak in the panoramic picturesque view of the Haa Valley and the three sacred hills of Haa. Walk through peaceful and quaint villages (comprising of around 8 households) and stop over at a yak herder’s camp and interact with them. One of the main highlight of the trek is the absolutely gorgeous 360 degree view from the Pass, with the Mount Jhomolhari, Mount Drageygang, Drugyal Dzong and the Taktsang Monastery on one side and Haa valley on the other.

The Sagala 360 Degree View Trek also called the Haa Rice Planters’ Trail as in the ancient times, was the trail that the rice planters of Haa valley used to travel to Paro valley to help the people of Paro plant and harvest rice. Haa valley is not much visited by tourists (having only been recently introduced into the coffers of tourism), and particularly the Sagala Trek is a beautiful 3 day hike through a mountain trail dividing the Haa and Paro valley.
Soak in the panoramic picturesque view of the Haa Valley and the three sacred hills of Haa. Walk through peaceful and quaint villages (comprising of around 8 households) and stop over at a yak herder’s camp and interact with them. One of the main highlight of the trek is the absolutely gorgeous 360 degree view from the Pass, with the Mount Jhomolhari, Mount Drageygang, Drugyal Dzong and the Taktsang Monastery on one side and Haa valley on the other.

This trek will take you through thick alpine jungles, beautiful pine trees, various rhododendron trees and spectacular lakes. Incredible views of valleys, lakes, green Himalayan mountains and Himalayan snow capped mountains are the order of the days throughout the trek. You will also see some of the mighty Himalayan ranges like the Gangkar Phuensum, and mount Jhomolhari. Being on top of the mountain, sunsets and sunrises are absolutely beautiful and mesmerizing. Apart from the lakes, Phadjoding monastery and the view from there is one of the highlights of this trek. The Lonely Planet describes the Druk Path Trek as “One of the most scenic and popular treks in Bhutan, following a wilderness trail past several remote lakes. Although it is a short trek, it still goes to a high altitude making it moderately strenuous.”

The Signature Retreat offers all well-being services and facilities including consultations with traditional Bhutanese medicine doctor, yoga and meditation classes, an indoor heated pool, saunas and steam rooms, unlimited spa and beauty treatments and healthy farm-to-table dining concept and many outdoor activities and short hikes.

Get away from fast moving hustle and bustle city life, travel to Bhutan and take refuge in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, breath in fresh air, get calm, go slow, be present and tap into the healing power of nature that Bhutan has to offer. Experience a range of Bhutan’s luxury hospitality with range of Buddhist Meditation and Yoga classes and Bhutanese Traditional healing Ayurveda and herbal medicines.  

Bhutan is located in the interior part of Himalayas and with abundant forest and clean air. Currently, Bhutan has 5 national parks, four wild life sanctuaries, one national reserve and 9 biological corridors covering around 20,000 sqkm, about 51 percent of country’s area. 

Bhutan is predominantly, a Buddhist country with majestic 400 years old massive fortresses spread all over the country, monasteries on the top of the mountains or glued to the vertical rocky cliffs and a country with age-old tradition and unique culture still thriving in this 21st Century. It’s also the last Himalayan Mahayana Buddhist kingdom known to the outside world as the land of Happiness. 

We begin our journey at Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary in Paro the Bhutan’s first well being inclusive high-end sanctuary for body, mind and spirit. Yoga and meditation will continue in a silent and peaceful mountaintop of Bumdra (4100 m (13450 feet) high– the cliff above Tiger’s Nest monastery where 1000 angles were believed to have flown from the rocky cliff and blessed by Guru Rimpoche. 

Discover your spiritual awakening as you meditate in the Tiger’s Nest Monastery – the most spiritual sight in Bhutan. 

Places –

Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) – On a precarious 90 degree cliff is Taktsang monastery, practically glued on it and its one of the most spiritual and sacred Buddhist site in Bhutan. The monastery complex houses numerous temples each with great significance. Awaken your spiritual senses and be present as your meditation teachers leads to a main temple for few hours of meditation. 

Bumdra - 1000 angels are believed to have flown from this cliff and now sits a beautiful small housing complex of temples. Another 2 hours of challenging hike, you will the overcome 2 sky burial, sky burial 1 and 2. You are then literally on the top where you can see the clouds floating beneath. The ariel view of Bumdra campsite and Paro valleys gives an idle place for you to drown in oneself and the tranquility of the area with the fresh air re energizes for a long overhaul. You can then engage into a deep contemplation and mediation. 

Sleep and Eat –

Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary – Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary (www.bhutanspiritsanctuary.com) is a place unlike any other; it is a destination in itself. Newly opened in 2018, and already in 2019 named by Vanity Fair as the most charming 5-star luxury property in Bhutan. The Sanctuary is also the only property in Bhutan with a well-being inclusive concept. This means that all food, drinks (exc. alcohol), wellness and special activities are all included in their room rates. 

Wellness is focused on traditional medicine practices, and includes: ku nye massage, hot oil compression, moxibustion, hot stone and herbal bath, and traditional medicine doctor consultation. 

Special activities are done in-house and in our Neyphu valley, and include: pottery and cooking classes, hiking, archery, khuru (darts), and cultural visits.

Bumdra Camp –

Enjoy one night or two at the luxurious and quiet campsite of Bumdra, 3855 m (12600 ft). The camp is well equipped with proper bed and comfortable mattresses. Hot water bags will be provided with basic heating system at the dinning tent. Flush toilet is available but outside the sleeping tent. 

Meditation Teacher – Penjore, 55 years old has his title as Lama, the term used for venerated spiritual leader or a teacher similar to Sanskrit term Guru. He had undergone various meditations right after his master degree in Tango University of Buddhist Studies. He was conferred the title of Khenpo by the current and 70th Chief Abbot of Bhutan, Trulku Jigme Choedra. The title Khenpo is awarded usually after an a 13 years of intensive Buddhist Studies after higher secondary school and is a terminal degree in Buddhist studies equivalent to PhD or MPhil. 

He is the disciple of the Chief Abbot of Bhutan. 

Tour Highlights

• Holiday focus on Slow Living, Healthy Eating, Sound Sleeping, Nurturing Nature and Creating Connections 
• Program revolving around Meditation and Yoga either guided or on your own
• Continuous guidance by our traditional medicine doctor on traditional healing, our Buddhist Scholar on Meditation and Yoga Teacher on Yoga classes
• Yoga and Meditation held mostly on mountain top, open air, tranquil surroundings and with mother nature
• Wellness treatment at Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary
• Special activity includes Archery, Khuru and Pottery classes 
• The Tour program includes possible cultural sightseeing and interaction with locals and monastic bodies to understand Buddhism at face value and real time. 

Other Highlights

• Welcoming Dinner by the founders of Bhutan Swallowtail Tours and Travels,
• Throughout your holiday to Bhutan, escorted by one of the Bhutan Swallowtail’s expert tour guide- your ‘travelling concierge’, expert guide, in addition to Mediation and Yoga Teachers
• Baggage handling everywhere on your tour.
• Free Wi-Fi and Internet in most of the hotel rooms and lobbies.
• Enjoy the unique comfort of Bhutan Swallowtail’s Luxury air conditioned SUV and coach with extended leg room.
• Airport Transfers as per the scheduled flights.

At an highest elevation of 4100 m above sea level, Dagala 1000 Lake trek is a challenging trek in Bhutan. It usually takes 4 nights camping and 5 days trekking with a day excursion to enjoy the view of numerous mountain lakes and the majestic Himalayan ranges.

If you strike the deal at the right seasons, which usually is the September – November and March – May window of the year, you can treat yourselves with the view of some of the highest mountains of the Himalayas like Mount Jumolhari of Bhutan, Mount Everest of Nepal and Mount Kanchenjunga of Sikkim, India besides the beautiful sister mountains of Bhutan. However, the best part of the trek is, it’s a leisurely 5 days trekking along the Rhododendron flowers in the beginning, small but amazing passes in between and numerous turquoise lakes on the mountain top.

The first camp is warm and in midst of tall broad leave and chir-pine forest leading to a harsh windy, cold and icy second and third night camp sites but with amazing sun rise and sunsets. 

Travel to Bhutan in style and luxury. Accommodations includes some of the 5 star International Chain Hotels as well as AmanKora Lodges in Bhutan

The Happiness Bhutan Cultural Tour will take you on a cultural extravaganza of the beautiful valleys, unique culture and traditions and rich nature with overnight stays at beautiful lodges and hotels. Luxury, comfort and style is the essence of this tour and expect to be swept away on an expedition of the best that Bhutan offers to visiting guests.

Bhutan is a birder’s paradise, boasts of birds not found in other parts of the world and is recognized as one of the 221 global endemic bird areas. This one full day birding tour will take you through Ura valley and Thrumshingla Pass at 3750 meters above the sea level. Brace yourself to spot some rare birds today.

The Bum Dra trek is one of the most beautiful short duration trek in Bhutan with only one night camping in the wild. But the scenery and landscape may well be worth compared to all of the other treks and also in terms of the adventure and the experience that goes along as you hike up. Also called the ‘The Trek of the Thousand Dakinis’ (celestial female beings) you can even explore the numerous sacred and holy caves where the angels had convened. You can also get a spectacular view of the Taktsang Monastery from the top which you will not see from the usual tourist route.

As dawn breaks and the morning sun rises from the blue pine forest in the adjacent hills, streaks of gold and silver shimmers on one of the oldest temple in the capital -the Changangkha Lhakhang/temple.
The trail leads through gentle slopes as well as steep rugged mountain paths between the placid woods. We would suggest you to get down from your bike when the rocky cliff tests your tires in between some unfinished trail.
After 3 hours of walking under the cool shade, you will come to an open space where you will see the giant statue of Buddha Dordenma – the biggest sitting Buddha in the world.

Get away from fast moving hustle and bustle city life, travel to Bhutan and take refuge in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, breath in fresh air, get calm, go slow, be present and tap into the healing power of nature that Bhutan has to offer. Experience a range of Bhutan’s luxury hospitality with range of Buddhist Meditation and Yoga classes and Bhutanese Traditional healing Ayurveda and herbal medicines.
We begin our journey at Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary in Paro the Bhutan’s first well being inclusive high-end sanctuary for body, mind and spirit. Yoga and meditation will continue in a silent and peaceful mountaintop of Bumdra (4100 m (13450 feet) high– the cliff above Tiger’s Nest monastery where 1000 angles were believed to have flown from the rocky cliff and blessed by Guru Rimpoche.
Discover your spiritual awakening as you meditate in the Tiger’s Nest Monastery – the most spiritual sight in Bhutan.

This one day trip will take you on a photography tour through the valleys of Thimphu, Punakha and Wangdue. You just might be a click away from your masterpiece or masterpieces!

The Royal Botanical trail takes you along the important religious route the clergy used since the 17the century as they shifted their headquarters between winter residence in Thimphu and summer residence in Punakha each year. The entire entourage of the central monastic institution would travel twice a year through this trail and take about a week to reach the respective residence. The practice continues to this day, however, now the entourage take motor vehicles and motor roads.

The trail begins at the spectacular 108 Stupas at Dochula pass and takes about 45 minutes of easy downhill hike along the pristine and least explored nature featuring a wide variety of rhododendron, magnolia, oak and birch trees. The meandering brook gushes by while the birds above sing melodious tunes along as you walk.

A highlight of the Royal Botanical Trail is that you will find over 28 out of 46 different species of Rhododendron blanketing the trail. As a tribute to this gift of nature, an annual Rhododendron festival is held at the Royal Botanical Garden somewhere during the month of April and May, when we can expect the full bloom of these Rhododendrons.

You can spend time walking around the garden taking in the untouched state of nature, and camping the night at the garden if you love bird-watching. A picnic by the nearby little mountain lake called Baritso is revitalising.

You might be that lucky one to see a Red Panda munching on a bamboo shoot if you are around in April. We will help you spot some rare Himalayan birds and other exotic species such as monal pheasants, blood pheasants, musk deer, maybe even a leopard. Talking about big cats, the park has recorded presence of tigers. Of course, the leeches will pester you if it is the rainy season.

This trail falls within Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park, one of the protected areas in Bhutan, and is managed by their office at Lamperi.  Though maintained by the park, the trail and its surroundings bespeaks of minimum human interference.

As a local narration goes, the name Lamperi was supposedly coined by Zhabdrung, meaning the ‘paradise of the lama’ when he encountered a beautiful meadow. Zhabdrung in an important religio-political figure in Bhutan who unified the country in the 17th century and gave birth to the nation-state.

As a part of the trail hike, you can visit the symbolic 108 Stupas at Dochula pass and, if weather permits, look at the majestic mountains such as Masangang, Table Mountain, Tiger Mountain etc., that lie on Bhutan northern border.

You will visit the temple at the Dochula pass, in whose dedication a Druk Wangyel Festival is held each year in the month of December since its launch in 2003.

Bhutan Spiritual Tour and Pilgrimage, Bhutan Tour Program, Floating Statue of Dorji Phagma (Vajravarahi), Dramatic Waterfalls, Sacred Caves and Holy Waters believed to heal numerous diseases and prolong life. This is a beautiful and gentle 3 hours hike (one way) along crystal clear blue river and streams along pathways of rocks and caves with spiritual significance and blessings.

Thimphu is not just the average capital city one usually expects this part of the world. Apart from the unique combination of the ancient and the modern, Thimphu abounds in architectural grandeur and warm hospitable Bhutanese ever ready to please and make you even happier in the land of Happiness.