Lift your spirits with a trip to Bhutan

The recession may be dampening everyone’s spirits this year but there is one place on earth where money doesn’t equate to happiness. The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan measures its wealth not in sterling, dollars or yen, but by Gross National Happiness and remains a sanctuary of calm in an increasingly troubled world.

Bailey Robinson, the designer of authentic bespoke journeys worldwide, can organise a ‘happy’ holiday to Bhutan where travellers can leave behind the weight of the world for a week, or longer, and explore the meaning of true life.

Bhutan is a Buddhist country and its location nestled high in the Himalayas has meant relative isolation from the rest of the world, cultivating a culture that is rich in traditions, religion and a benevolent monarchy. Visitors will find dramatic landscapes and tiny villages, picturesque trekking trails and snow capped mountains, and many inspiring people along the way such as local farmers, enchanting monks and smiling children.

Bailey Robinson offers an 8-night ‘Amankora Journey’ whose highlights include:

- a four hour hike to view one of Bhutan’s most revered monuments, the Taktshang Goemba, commonly referred to as the ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This famous hike takes visitors on a spectacular journey to view the sacred monastery perched on a cliff face, 900m above the Paro Valley
- visiting the impressive Punakha Dzong, straddling the confluence of the Mother (Mo) and Father (Pho) rivers
- exploring the fascinating capital Thimphu, and its dzong (fortress monastery)
- observe endangered black-necked cranes which arrive from Tibet in the Phobjikha Valley, part of the Black Mountains National Park, one of Bhutan’s most important wildlife sanctuaries
- visiting Pangri Zampa, two 16th century buildings that house a monastic training school for astrologers
- dramatic drives over the high mountain passes of Dochu La and Pele La

As well as enjoying the calm and tranquillity of several awe-inspiring treks, guests will also get the chance to immerse themselves in the culture and religion of this magical country. They will be able to share lunch with local families in traditional farmhouses, enjoy informative lectures on religion, history and nature, visit many extraordinary temples, religious monuments and monasteries, as well as interact at every stage of the journey with the people of Bhutan.

Accommodation is in a series of unique lodges that lie within the Bhutanese valleys. Amankora, meaning peace and pilgrimage, is a network of five lodges located in important and scenic valleys, each with its own character and setting offering contrasting styles, luxury spas and fantastic dining options. The locations of these lodges offer a great sense of peace and contentment and guests are able to relax and soothe their mind.

A journey between these lodges offers a unique insight into the last surviving Himalayan Buddhist Kingdom and guests should return from their holiday in Bhutan with a renewed sense of balance and happiness.

The price for an 8-night Amankora Journey staying in a recommended 3 or 4 of the Amankora Lodges is from £4795 per person sharing a suite on a fully inclusive basis, including private all-terrain vehicle with driver and guide, Bhutan visa fees and government royalties, and one complimentary 60-minute spa treatment per person. Price excludes international flights into Bhutan, usually via Delhi or Bangkok where Bailey Robinson can arrange a tailor-made combined stay with Bhutan in either India or Thailand.

For more information, log on to baileyrobinson.com.