Photography whether you are an aspiring photographer or simply like memorable images, why not travel with a professional photographer who can teach you how to get the best out of your shots? We can arrange for one of the region’s best photographers to accompany you, either on the holiday you have planned, or on a specialised trip to learn about your camera and how to get the best out of it! Culture Bhutan is truly unique. The world’s only Buddhist Kingdom, Bhutan is immensely proud of its rich heritage and has taken many innovative measures to progress into modernity while preserving the best of their culture. Architecture Bhutan is home to some of the world’s most stunning architecture. The design and location of the ancient Dzongs of Bhutan almost always corresponds to either the spiritual geography of the Buddhist Himalayas or to ancient battles and victories (including victories over demons!) Learn about the intricate design principles of Bhutan, from the most important Dzongs to the humble village house. The spiritual side Bhutan is well known as an important spiritual centre in the Buddhist world, with many locations being the site of important events in the history of Buddhism. While you are here you can learn more about Bhutan’s Buddhist heritage and take a spiritual teaching or a series of teachings (eg Buddhist philosophy, a meditation course/yoga retreat, etc) with one of Bhutan’s renowned spiritual teachers. Yoga or meditation retreats Combine your holiday with a few days or a few weeks of yoga or meditation retreat to really clear your head and get you on a healthy path for returning home! Similarly, have you ever thought of including yoga or massage on your trek into the mountains? Bhutan’s biodiversity Learn about the incredible biodiversity of Bhutan firsthand. A botanists' paradise Bhutan is home to rhododendrons, junipers, magnolias, carnivorous plants, rare orchids, blue poppy (the national flower), edelweiss, gentian, medicinal plants, daphne, giant rhubarb, high-altitude plants, tropical trees, pine and oak abound in Bhutan. In the animal kingdom, Bhutan shelters golden langur, red pandas, black-necked crane, snow leopard, takin, musk deer, Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan marten, tiger, hornbills, pheasants, mountain goats and timid blue sheep. Not to mention the abundant birdlife! Specialised bird watching tours Bhutan is a sanctuary for birds and is recognized as an area of high biological diversity. The country provides shelter to more than 16 species of internationally threatened birds including: Pallas's Fish Eagle, White bellied Heron, Satyr Tragopan, Grey bellied Tragopan, Ward’s Trogaon, Blyth’s King Fisher, Yellow rumped Honey Guide, Purple Cochoa, Rufous throated Wren Babbler, Red headed Parrot Bill, Chestnut breasted Partridge, Blyth's Trogon, Wood Snipe, Dark Rumped Swift, Rufous necked Hornbill, Grey crowned Prinia and Beautiful Nuthatch all of which breed in Bhutan. The country is an important wintering ground for the rare Black necked crane. Greater spotted Eagle, Baer's Pochard, Imperial Eagle and Hodgson's Bushchat are also found in Bhutan. Textiles and traditional crafts Bhutan has an incredibly rich heritage of traditional weaving crafts and textiles. Visit artisans and see the process of creating timeless works of art and beautiful textiles. Get to know the artists and if you like, buy some quality products direct from the artist – what is more fair trade than that (we don’t take commission but our professional guide can advise you on quality.) Bhutanese Days Experience the real Bhutan by staying in a local house, cooking and eating traditional food together with your host family! Take part in daily life of Bhutanese people outside the tourist centres – depending on the season you could plant or harvest rice/wheat/corn and just take in the daily activities – morning puja; morning chores; cooking and eating together; life in the fields; evening relaxation and getting to know the family. Art History and Art Today Get to know more about your choice of the traditional arts of the Kingdom of Bhutan, including religious devotional painting, traditional sculpture and bronze casting to name a few. This is your chance to get to know the ins and outs of the art world and meet some of the traditional artisans of this fascinating country. Your host will be a well known Bhutanese artisan who can guide you through the world of Bhutan’s artistic heritage and the realities of today. A little piece of Bhutan Shopping or simply learning about traditional arts, guided by a well known Bhutanese artist to get to know the ins and outs of the art world and meet some of the traditional artisans of the valley. Should you choose to buy something then your guide can help you with quality and fair price; please note that we do not support commissions and we ensure there are no hidden costs if you want to buy something! Women’s groups if you have a thirst for adventure and new experiences and would be most comfortable traveling with a group of likeminded women, we can tailor the experience to make your travel dreams come true! We operate such trips in small groups and of course our qualified and experienced female guides and crew are there to ensure your safety and wellbeing while supporting you to challenge yourself or just see new sights in great company! Such trips also create and sustain professional career opportunities for women in Bhutan! Mountain biking or cycle touringTo get off the beaten track and slow down the pace to join the locals. There is something in Bhutan for every level of cyclist – if this is your thing, then Bhutan is waiting to show you some serious fun. Rides can be as long or short, as rugged or luxurious as you like, it’s only your imagination setting the limits. Family holidays Bhutanese culture is still very much family and community oriented and people just love kids! It is a very safe place to travel with children and Bhutan has so much to offer for your most memorable family adventure, with a mix of activities and pace to keep everyone engaged and having fun. Combine any experience with trekking, cycling, mountain biking, mountain flights, yoga, world class massage/spa treatments, or overland travel for a truly memorable holiday that only Bhutan can provide! |