Jetsettersblog

Seven Skies Luxury Adventure Travel has added mystical Bhutan to its exclusive collection, the breathtakingly beautiful land that remains relatively untouched by tourism and every bit as stunning as the enchanted, storybook kingdom of imagination.

Bhutan’s ancient culture is scattered throughout a mountainous landscape threaded with spectacular glacial valleys, overlooked by the Himalayas and boasting some of the world’s most exotic alpine and temperate plant and animal species, with a people who continue to live as they’ve done so for thousands of years.

By handpicking unique cultural and adventure experiences that incorporate luxury accommodation and cuisine prepared by world-class chefs in locations throughout the country, the Seven Skies 15 day hosted journey takes visitors into the best that this fabled land has to offer. Highlights in
clude:

• Travel through the panoramic, rugged Black Mountains and Phobjikha Valley, winter home of the endangered black necked crane, on the way to Gangtey Goemba, an ornately decorated hilltop monastery before heading east to the four valleys of Bumthang.

• Cycle along scenic rural backroads across this cultural heartland, enjoying gourmet morning and afternoon teas (think lime cakes with passionfruit syrup) and picnic lunches in breathtaking locations, dotted with willow and hemlock trees, whitewashed farmhouses, archery grounds, green terraced fields and billowing prayer flags.

• Trek to the spectacular and remote 8th Century Bumdra Monastery and stay overnight at 3,800m in a luxury tented camp, complete with queen beds covered in featherdown quilts and high thread-count linen, camp butlers, Bhutanese hand textile cushions and rugs, steaming hot showers, roaring fires, and five star dining prepared by a world-class chef.

• Visit the Tiger’s Nest Monastery on descent, also known as Taktsang and one of the country’s most recognized spiritual links to its Buddhist religion and culture. Take in the rolling panorama from the comfort of a luxury vehicle, custom fitted with fully-reclining armchairs and first class refreshments to soak up this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

• Rest and relax in the most intimate collection of luxury mountain sanctuaries, ranging from the saffron-walled Taj Tashi in Thimphu and the indulgent Amankora lodgesto COMO’s iconic Uma Paro.

• Take in the views from Cheli La pass at 3,810m and hike down to the ancient Kila Nunnery for a gourmet picnic lunch, before changing the pace to free-wheel for miles on bicycles through the picturesque Paro Valley back into town, fringed by rhododendrons, firs and pine forests against the snowcapped mountain backdrop.

• Experience an extraordinary Tsechu festival, where Bhutanese come from far and wide in traditional dress of gho (male) and kira (female) to celebrate Buddhist mythology. These festivals are staged for locals in ancient dzongs (public spiritual houses), with stories told by the monks through elaborate and entrancing dances, and are described as amongst the world’s most authentic and engaging travel experiences.

This Seven Skies 15 day hosted and fully inclusive Bhutan journey is priced from $14,995 per person, twin share (excluding airfares). Bookings www.sevenskies.com.au or 07 3160 5484.

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