Bhutan serves as an outstanding role model as a tourism destination on the world stage. Recently, along with Thailand’s Chiang Khan, Bhutan has been conferred the prestigious Green Destinations ‘Silver’ certification award. The remote Himalayan kingdom has won huge accolades for being the first carbon-negative country in the world, thanks to the strong principles of its leadership and good environmental and conservation practices. Now, the Green Destination Silver Award has given even more heft to its sustainable tourism trajectory.
For those unaware of the importance of this award do make note that ‘Green Destinations’ which is based in The Netherlands, is the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) accredited certification body which offers the highest achievable and most affordable certification. Only 122 destinations globally have had the privilege to lay claim on this certification.
Fasten your seat belts and get ready for a roller-coaster ride through some brilliant mind-rejigging travel moments in a country blessed with 71 percent forest cover and happiness officially its GDP.
Align your needs with like-minded service suppliers who help choose the places that would define the most satisfying luxury travel expectations of experiences, discovery, and meaningful connections. A perfect synchronisation can be further achieved if they are expert at delivering experiences that are quite different from the hackneyed ones every step of the way.
The luxury of richly inclusive green experiential travel in Bhutan lies within the framework of a mindful participation in local life and the pursuits of the community and their environmental concerns. Opportunities are aplenty for a whole new level of immersive travel as it aligns with your interests as a responsible tourist.
Knowing that your actions as a traveller are driven by your belief that you must leave the world a better place for the coming generations will certainly add more meaning to your journey through Bhutan. This fresh outlook on Bhutan’s unique offerings not only enhances the elements of luxury but also takes into account the benefits of tourism for the local populace.
As you travel from Thimphu to Punakha, from Gangtey to Bumthang, discover the multiple layers of emotions pulled out of you as you push back the layers that comprise the vibrant world of human life in a local neighbourhood. Enrich your travel experience as you encounter shared and individual cultural outlooks and interests of the different communities who call this place home.
Dial back to the delights of simple pleasures. Bhutan serves up uncrowded spaces, pared- down consumerism and fantastic nature -culture delights to explore.
Approach and do things differently to make your memories different. Learn life lessons that you never believed or expected to learn from these unique interfaces.
Walk the forest talk as you go mushroom foraging local-style, while camping under the stars. Marvel at the pleasures of a cooking lesson for making ema datshi the iconic Bhutanese National dish simply because you’ve had no experience of doing it before. Indulge in a first-time Bhutanese white-water rafting session in truly historic settings on the crystal-clear waters of the rivers Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu in Punakha and the Paro Chhu in Paro. Steep youreslf in a spa experience that’s uniquely Bhutanese— a centuries-old traditional hot stone bath infused with forest herbs and earth-sourced natural minerals— but in the confines of a contemporary luxury hotel.
Learnings outside of a school room- style four walls bring their own precious moments. Explore the beauteous countryside roads and the village settlements along your mountain biking trail and thrill to the Bhutan’s natural heritage and cultural exposure from place to place. Unearth the timeworn connection here between conservation culture, wild spaces and community. Set aside your rigid puritanical codes as at the Fertility Temple you encounter Bhutan’s all-pervasive phallus worship culture and the bizarre legend of the ‘Divine Madman’, the highly venerated monk, who unleashed this unique religious tradition.