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STAGGERINGLY BEAUTIFUL landscapes are the hallmarks of Bhutan, created when the landmasses of Asia and India collided in The Ice Age––forming the precipitous cliffs, craggy mountaintops and plunging valleys of the eastern Himalayas. One of the first niche travel companies to enter Bhutan in the early 1990s, Far Fung Places’ presents Bhutan to you in a way that makes it possible to understand from an experienced perspective why this is quite possibly the most intriguing destination on earth.

During spring Bhutan is emerging from a long winter thaw and the colors of spring are vibrant. Rushing turquoise rivers, their powerful rapids fed from the winter melt, can be heard from miles away. Mountains transform into a master artist’s palette––brilliant vermilion, yellows, purples, pinks, oranges, and reds dazzle your senses at every turn. Wild dogwoods, cotton silk trees, and forests of rhododendron bloom with astonishing beauty and abundance.

Farmers return to the fields with their yoked dzos turning up hard-pack dirt for the season’s planting.  Weavers emerge from the warmth of the homes, setting up their back strap looms in the fields under protective canopies. Late March black-necked cranes prepare for their migratory flight to Tibet, and yaks begin making their way up to colder pastures.

Bhutan celebrates the joy of spring with the festivals (tshechu) that honor Guru Rinpoche, the holy saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. At these sacred events, monk dancers dress in magnificent costumes and wear horrifying or benevolent masks. They perform didactic dances to the primordial sounds of clashing cymbals, long horns, and animal-skin drums.

The most elaborate spring festival, the Paro Tshechu, draws thousands to witness the unfurling of a magnificent appliquéd thongdrol (tapestry). For believers, just a glance at the sacred object releases them from the cycle of reincarnation. The Talo Tshechu in Punakha features the famous Atsaras, who appear like clowns but are teachers and scholars who serve many purposes as you will experience!

Experience all the iconic sights of Bhutan like the Buddha Dordenma in Thimphu, the second largest buddha in Asia; Mingle with the food growers and merchants at the huge markets of Thimphu or Paro where odiferous beetle nut, edible orchids, rock hard yak cheese strung on string, and Cordyceps tea from a worm draw long lines of eager buyers; Walk through the Punakha dzong, the most elaborate fortress monastery in the country; Hike to the most sacred destination in Bhutan, Tiger’s Nest, which all devout Buddhist must see before they journey to the next life.

Hike the back trails of Punakha on the renowned Trans Bhutan Trail through thick pine or mixed forests where eagles, magpies, hoopoes, and greater barbets provide a symphony of sounds, and the forests unfurl their beauty.

For hundreds of years, pilgrims, messengers, armies and traders used these trails before roads were built. Until the 1960s, it was the only way to travel and communicate with others across the country. The restoration of the Trail was led by the Bhutan Canada Foundation with the support of the Tourism Council of Bhutan and countless individuals across the country including government officials, and volunteers. (Sourced from Tourism Council of Bhutan)

Far Fung Places plans activities that support the local communities in Bhutan. Whether it’s a local lunch at someone’s house, or a foundation that assists the artisans, one of our missions is to preserve the culture and heritage of Bhutan.

Spring temperatures range from the high 50s in the morning to 60s and 70s during the day, you could experience a shower during this time due to changing global weather patterns but nothing that would derail your program.

Please inquire about our day-to-day itinerary for more details.

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