THE LAND OF THE THUNDER
DRAGON REOPENS TO TRAVELERS
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Bhutan weaves a beguiling spell. The last of the great Himalayan kingdoms — a place shrouded in mystery and myth — is about to impart its magic when it reopens to visitors on September 23 following a pandemic-imposed pause. Traditions are fiercely guarded in Bhutan. Arriving in the country’s only international airport, in Paro, feels like stepping back in time. Distinctive Bhutanese farmhouses dot the many valleys where men still wear iconic gho robes and women kira long skirts, giving the impression of bygone centuries.
Perched between between Asia’s great superpowers of China and India, the kingdom has escaped much of the public glare during the pandemic, content to reopen on its own timeline, as always. We could not be more thrilled.
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Colorful myths come thick and fast in Bhutan. The most iconic place to begin your journey through its charismatic Buddhist culture is Taktshang Goemba near Paro. The famous “Tiger’s Nest” monastery is said to have been discovered by a tigress-riding deity while vanquishing a demon. Bhutanese Buddhism is famous for its shape-shifting feats. Guru Rinpoche — the deity — introduced Buddhism to Bhutan, and took on many forms. Also revered throughout the nation is philandering guru Drukpa Kunley — better known as the Divine Madman — whose enduring influence can be seen in the phalluses depicted in locations around Bhutan. Less ephemeral are mighty dzongs like the one at Punakha. A type of fortress found in Bhutan and southern Tibet, dzongs traditionally multi-tasked as military, administrative and religious centers, with monks and merchants sharing space with soldiers and royalty.
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Special events and festivals, called tshechus, fill the annual calendar in Bhutan and offer insight into the nation's ancient Buddhist traditions. The capital of Thimphu plays host to the Thimphu Tshechu, the country's biggest festival. Bhutanese flock here to be a part of the festivities, which will take place in the courtyard of Tashichhodzong over a three day period from October 5-7, 2022. The highlight is mask dances performed by lay monks wearing long flowing robes. Look out for the Atsaras, Bhutanese clowns that are also believed to entrance evil forces and prevent them from causing damage, thereby protecting the festival. Another major festival is Jambay Lhakhang Drup, where fire dancing and mask dancing mark the foundation of Jambay Lhakhang Monastery. Other unique celebrations held in the country include the Royal Highlander Festival in Laya, the highest permanent settlement in Bhutan at 12,600 feet. This event is a rare opportunity for highland tribes to meet and for outsiders to observe and photograph the dances and traditions at one of Asia’s most remote festivals.
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With a latitude similar to Rome and Miami, Bhutan’s climate is surprisingly temperate and ideal for outdoor pursuits. The great outdoors offers everything from epic trekking to white water rafting in the lush and green subtropical Phunakha valley. The country's most famous, but arguably least traveled, hiking route is the legendary Snowman circuit, a 25-day marathon regarded as one of the toughest treks on the planet. More accessible are shorter multi-day routes including the Druk Path trek between Paro and Thimphu and the Jhomolhari Trek, notable for its stunning views of Mt. Jomolhari’s 24,000ft summit. The Trans Bhutan Trail is a historic 250-mile pilgrimage trail running the length of the nation from Haa in the west to Trashigang in the east. The route, which can be tackled by foot or by bike, opened in 2022 following years of extensive restoration.
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Amankora, Paro, Drugyel Dzong Viewpoint Dining
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Outstanding lodges by Aman, Six Senses, Como and Taj are located in the five main valleys of Paro, Thimpu, Punakha, Gangtey and Bumthang, with world-class service and standards. Bhutan's deep Buddhist culture makes it a key component and highlight of the Grandest Tour from March 19 – April 9, 2023. This global Aman Jet Expedition with just 18 guests on a lavish, fully-converted Airbus ACJ 319 private jet includes eight Aman properties in Japan, Laos, Thailand, Bhutan, India, Turkey, and Greece.
Please email [email protected] for more information.
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Vaccinated travelers can travel to any of these destinations right now.
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AS FEATURED IN
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REMOTE LANDS, INC.
120 East 56th Street, Suite 1600 PH, New York, NY 10022 USA
Phone: +1.212.518.1618
Email: [email protected]
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REMOTE LANDS (THAILAND) CO., LTD
7/F Mahatun Plaza 888/74 Ploenchit Rd., Bangkok 10330 Thailand
Phone: +66.2651.5401
Email: [email protected]
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