Once upon a time, there was a faraway mountain kingdom, a magical land of myths and legends ruled by a King and Queen as wise as they were beautiful...

No, it's not a fairytale. And Bhutan is absolutely as beautiful as the tales tell. Ancient whitewashed Buddhist fortresses are scattered strategically across the tiny green nation, many perched preposterously high above the lush, richly forested lands they survey. Great swathes of the north remain pristine and untouched; the remote snow covered mountains home only to nomadic herders, snow leopards - and if rumour is to be believed, Bhutan's whistling, backward-footed yeti - the Migoi.

The wise royals do exist. Since 2008 Bhutan has been a democratic, constitutional monarchy with a cabinet headed by Prime Minister, Jigme Thinley. However young King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck remains at the helm, and supported by Queen Jetsun Pema, he has been assiduously steering his nation through today's challenges.

On two key contemporary issues Bhutan has been hailed as a global role model: it is currently the only carbon-negative country in the world, with sustainability lying at the very heart of the nation's identity, and more recently, the UN has held up Bhutan's response to the Covid-19 pandemic as exemplary. 

The fairytale kingdom may not be open to visitors at the moment, but once it is, there's no better place to be transported to another world, far, far, away.

Mountain Kingdoms have been taking travellers to Bhutan for over 30 years and offer an extensive range of group treks, cultural tours, walking holidays, and a cycling tour, plus a full Tailor Made holiday service. Below are details of their three bestselling trips to the Thunder Dragon Kingdom.

For details of all Mountain Kingdoms' Bhutan holidays visit: https://www.mountainkingdoms.com/destinations/bhutan/holidays/all

Gentle Walking Bhutan

This outstanding holiday combines interesting walks, great scenery and comfortable hotel accommodation to give the ideal introduction to the Thunder Dragon Kingdom. It explores the key cultural sights of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha together with gentle walks in beautiful Gangtey Valley and the essential hike up to Taktsang Monastery – Bhutan's premier attraction. And, for the complete Bhutan experience, there's a visit to one of Bhutan's fabulously, flamboyant festivals.

Prices from: £2,935 land only, £3,945 with flights

Duration: 16 days London to London

Group departures: Nov, Dec 2021; Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec 2022

https://www.mountainkingdoms.com/holiday/gentle-walking-bhutan

Definitive Cultural Tour of Bhutan

An in-depth, easy-paced tour designed to get under the skin of Bhutanese culture. It covers the must-see sights including incomparable Taktsang Monastery and beautiful Punakha Dzong, but also explores the more remote Haa Valley, off-the-beaten-track villages and lesser known spiritual sites. All departures also include time at a vibrant Bhutanese festival for the full Thunder Dragon experience.

Prices from: £2,895 land only, £3,695 with flights

Duration: 13 days

Group departures: Nov 2021; Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov 2022

https://www.mountainkingdoms.com/holiday/definitive-cultural-tour-of-bhutan

Druk Path Trek

For those looking for a more active holiday, the Druk Path Trek is a great way to experience Bhutan for first time visitors. The route follows an ancient, high-level mule trail that winds its way through the mountains between Bhutan's two main towns of Paro and Thimphu. The fully supported five-day trek crosses high passes with panoramic Himalayan views and takes in sacred lakes, quaint villages and even a haunted monastery. Each night is spent camping in picturesque locations, looked after by a friendly, efficient trekking crew.

Prices from: £2,695 land only, £3,495 with flights

Duration: 14 days London to London

Group departures: Oct & Nov 2021; Apr, Sep and Nov 2022

https://www.mountainkingdoms.com/holiday/druk-path-trek

Mountain Kingdoms is an independent, UK based, small group holiday specialist with over 33 years' experience. We offer an extensive range of worldwide walking holidays, pioneering and classic treks, trekking peaks, cultural tours, cycling holidays, walking safaris and adventure cruises. Mountain Kingdoms is committed to responsible tourism and offers value for money with an emphasis on quality.

Visit http://www.mountainkingdoms.com for details of all of our group holidays, Tailor Made options and updates on all of our worldwide adventures.

-ENDS-

For media enquires & images contact:

Jude Limburn Turner | jude@mountainkingdoms.com |Tel: +44 (0)1453 844400 or

Kirsty Parsons | Kirsty@mountainkingdoms.com | Tel: +44 (0)1453 844400