Special Offer – Go Slow in Bhutan

Bhutan – the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’ – is a remarkable country! Hemmed in by snowbound Himalayan giants to the north and India’s hectic mass of humanity to the south, few countries have better preserved their culture and their forests.

In spring, Bhutan’s pristine primary forests are transformed into slopes of resplendent yellow, white, pink or red as the predominant rhododendron species of a hillside bursts into bloom. Little explored and little known, their fauna and flora are incredibly rich. Any keen birder or botanist will be in their element amongst the forests, which are filled with flowering trees, shrubs and colourful primulas. Remarkably, they are accessible directly from the road but extend over hills and valleys for as far as the eye can see.

The forests harbour a wealth of avian specialities such as Satyr Tragopan, Himalayan Monal, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Ward’s Trogon and Beautiful Nuthatch to name but a few! Mammal sightings are harder to come by, but can include monkeys such as Golden, Capped and Grey Langurs, plus Muntjac, Yellow-throated Marten and Orange-bellied Squirrel, or perhaps even a Leopard or Red Panda, which have been seen by Naturetrek clients in the past!

A holiday in Bhutan also offers an insight into an intriguing and once inaccessible cultural landscape. Tibetan Buddhism is the predominant religion and the rhythms of local life are very much influenced by its principles. This is a land of huge fortified monasteries, or ‘dzongs’, where maroon-clad monks and nuns mingle with traditionally dressed local ‘householders’ who softly whisper sacred mantras whilst going about their daily lives.

When Bhutan reopened to travellers in September 2022, it increased the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) from $65 a day to $200. The funds raised from the SDF go towards protecting and preserving the country’s landscape, communities and heritage, with a percentage being put into sustainability projects such as tackling climate change. However, the country has now introduced several incentives encouraging visitors not only to visit, but to extend their stay and take time exploring Bhutan’s 20 provinces.

The new incentive by Bhutan Tourism makes long-stay travel more affordable and there has never been a better time to travel to Bhutan.

• 4 + 4: Pay the SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) of USD 200 per night, per person, for four nights, and receive up to four additional nights without the daily levy.

• 7 + 7: Pay the SDF of USD 200 per night, per person, for seven nights, and receive up to seven additional nights without the daily levy.

• 12 + 18: Pay the SDF of USD 200 per night, per person, for 12 nights, and receive up to 18 additional nights without the daily levy.