Across the Kingdom Tour
Across the Kingdom Tour facts
- Duration of Trip: 8 Days
- Trekking Days: 8 Days
- Type of Trek: Hotel
- Country : Bhutan
You arrive in the small green Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan, now world renowned for its national philosophy of “Gross National Happiness”, by landing in a beautiful mountain fringed valley at the airport in Paro.
Your guide, if male, will be attired in the men’s national dress consisting of a “gho" or long fabric jacket tied at the waist and usually long black socks, or if a woman, will be wearing a long skirt wrapped around the waist known as a “kira” and a light long sleeved jacket called a “tego”. You gain the impression, right from the moment of stepping off the plane. that you have arrived in a farflung, magical realm. The guide and driver will then most likely take you on the approximately 70 minute scenic drive through rolling hills and steep river valleys to the capital Thimpu. Bhutan is a travel destination for nature lovers as the environment is stringently preserved and protected. It is a travel destination for those with an interest in Buddhism as the approximate 820,000 Bhutanese people integrate the devout practice of their religion into their everyday lives. It is the destination for those who wish to experience the impact of life where Gross National Happiness is the overriding policy. Druk Yul, the name of the country in the Bhutanese language, Dzongka, is a calm, undulating, beautiful country whose rich culture permeates every mountain top, every rice paddy, every town.
The “druk” is the famous dragon of Tibetan and Bhutanese mythology, which is also seen on the national flag. A visit to this small forested kingdom leaves an indelible impression on visitors who are always warmly welcomed by the local people. The number of tourists is curbed by the government’s policy of foreign tourists spending $US250.00 per day per person, but this amount includes very comfortable accommodation, private transport, meals, guide, driver and entrance fees. For your spending money while there, you will use the local currency, the “ngultrum”. You will also find that the country is more tranquil and more conducive to genuine relaxation during your stay than most because of this policy. You will see how the local culture flourishes, view the architecturally beautiful “dzongs”, the historic administrative and religious buildings and, generally on your last day, have the opportunity to trek high up to the mountain side iconic monastery of Taktsang near Paro. English is widely taught and spoken, yet during your entire stay, you are likely to always feel you are travelling through an enchanted, mystical kingdom.
