SpaFari and Kristina Hurrell has traveled extensively throughout Bhutan for 18 years and offer unique and intimate insights into the beautifully preserved "Dragon Kingdom" culture and society. Our day hikes include scenic mountain trails that wind up to ancient Dongs, Temples and villages. We are invited into local's farms and houses, and are privileged guests of Monks, Bhutan's Government Ministers, and often, members of the Royal family. Explore colorful Weekend markets, National Festivals with ceremonies, dances, music and horns. Our journey includes visits to Museums, National Library, National School of Medicine, children's schools and local artisans. Powerful settings for Yoga and Meditation, plus, we travel with our own Massage therapist. Unique Upscale Cottages and Picturesque Hotels. Organic Tasty Bhutanese Cuisine.

Our pilgrimage into the Royal Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan will delight your body and soul as you step back in time to ancient traditions and customs - the last pure Shangri-La on earth!

Immerse yourself in Bhutan's rich Buddhist culture, isolated for most of its history by geography, and by choice; for in this day and age when the world is shrinking, Bhutan has chosen not to participate. Nestled in the rugged Himalayan range and wedged between the most populous countries in the world, (India and China) Bhutan quietly reveres tradition, and clings stubbornly to its unique and precious cultural heritage.
The government continues to keep a tight grip on all matters of culture, and issues only limited visas to foreign visitors. Police are empowered to detain any Bhutanese not wearing official national dress, the robelike gho for men and the jacket and apronlike kira for women. It was perfectly in keeping with this strict but benign paternalism that the King should proclaim that "gross national happiness is more important than gross national product" because "happiness takes precedence over economic prosperity in national development process."

Encompassing the best of what Bhutan has to offer, we combine a perfect mix of Adventure, Fitness and Discovery. This full and exciting SpaFari will be organized for all fitness levels and cultural enthusiasts, with optional therapeutic massages available during selected destination stops. You will witness Bhutan’s rich Buddhist culture, meet its humble people, enjoy the colorful kaleidoscope of golden mustard fields, rooftops spread with drying red chilies, neat whitewashed homes tucked away on terraced rice and buckwheat fields, and high passes marked by masses of fluttering prayer flags.

In the silence of this remote and lovely refuge, there is an absence of noise, so wide spread in the rest of the world. Your senses will be revitalized by the dark virgin forests, pure mountain air, small spiritual population, and virtually no crime.

We land in the only airstrip in Bhutan, in one of the most beautiful of all the country's intermountain valleys. At an elevation of 7,000 to 7,500 ft., Paro Valley was historically the center of the most important trade routs to Tibet.

We begin our mornings stretching, followed by daily scenic Walks, and for the more ambitious - mountainous Hiking trails (generally ranging from 5-15 miles). Our hikes wind us up to ancient Dzong's, Temples, Chortens and Remote Villages where we are invited into locals homes. Also included in our Cultural Explorations are visits to children's mountain Schools, The National Library, School of Arts and Crafts, National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Weekend Markets, local Artisans, Weavers and Yak Cheese farms.

In Paro, we hike through pine and rhododendron woods with abundant birds, heather and herbaceous flowers in full bloom, stopping to visit the great Paro Dzong, one of the largest fortress monasteries of Bhutan, the National Museum, and the famous Taktsang Monastery called "Tiger’s Nest", hanging up the mountainside on a sheer black cliff.

Leaving the Paro Valley, we depart for Thimpu (a 2hr drive to the capital town of Bhutan) - stopping enroute to
see the King's rare collection of Bhutanese animals and the fascinating and colorful Timphu market. There is much to tempt one's passion for shopping: religious objects, musical instruments, jewelry, Tibetan carpets, and Bhutanese weavings that are diverse and appealing. The capital of Bhutan is a blend of the traditional and the modern. It is the only capital in the world without streetlights relying instead on the elegant gestures of the traffic policemen. Thimphu’s population stands at around 40,000. Geographically speaking the capital lies in a valley with the Thimp, hu River running through the valley. Following lunch, we depart for a mountain hike and cultural explorations, and a walk around the quaint shops. Returning to optional massages, relaxation and a healthy dinner at our hotel.

Following Thimpu, we head off for night stops and hikes in Punakha, the tropical garden region of Bhutan, with its magnificent dzong situated on an island in the middle of the river. It is also the winter residence of the Central monastic body.

Following Punakha we depart to explore the region of PHOBJIKHA, where you may encounter a few stray yaks. There are also barking deer and serows in this area. on the western slopes of the Black Mountains, bordering the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. Because of the large flock of black‐necked cranes that winters here, it is one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country. In addition to the cranes there are also muntjacs (barking deer), wild boars, sambars, Himalayan black bears, leopards and red foxes in the surrounding hills. The Nakey Chhu drains the marshy valley, eventually flowing into the lower reaches of the Punak Tsang Chhu.

Some people refer to this entire region as Gangte (or Gangtey), after the goemba that sits on a ridge above the valley. The three-day Gangte trek takes off from this valley (we will hike a day of it). The road from Gangte Goemba winds down to the valley floor and passes extensive ruset‐colored fields of potatoes that contrast with the rich green of the valley. Gangte potatoes are the region’s primary cash crop and one of Bhutan’s important exports to India.

Following we can choose to head off eastwards to Bumthang,- and well worth the 7 hour drive - to hike and explore the region.

Bhutanese festivals (when available) provide the best of opportunities to capture images of individuals and families in their colorful and intricately woven clothing, a kaleidoscope of whirling dancers in colorful costumes! Frequently, during several days of the festivals, religious dances of great beauty are performed, both by specially trained monks and by the King's Royal Dance Troupe. The deep, resonate vibrations of long brass horns, of skin-covered drums, monks chanting, cymbals clashing, is a haunting accompaniment to the brilliant religious dance.

Take a step back in time for a glimpse of traditions and customs disappearing from the rest of the Himalayan world!
 

Contact us for scheduled trip itineraries during April-May & September-October. 10-14 Days, during Bhutan Festival Time. $7,450 per person, double occupancy; single an additional $1500. Rates include unique comfortable Inns and hotels. 5* accommodations choices would be an upgrade in cost.
Choice Accommodations. After an inspiring day of hiking and cultural explorations, recount your tales over a healthy dinner and glass of wine or beer. Then, slumber in a range of accommodations that match your chosen adventure - from unique comfortable inns to upscale lodges and luxury hotels, set deep in the Bhutanese wilderness.

Please Email for details: Hike@SpaFari.com

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