16/11/2022
𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧; 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑
“Historically a pilgrimage route, the fully-restored Trans Bhutan Trail reopened to visitors in September. Its 250-miles of scenic footpath will offer visitors a unique perspective of the Asian country and likely will become one of the world’s most iconic cross-country walks,” stated Lonely Planet.
Lonely Planet is travel guide book publisher with over 150 million guide books in print.
The travel guidebook company is trusted source for any traveler since it’s inception in 1973.
Lonely Planet stated: “Bhutan is no ordinary place. It is the last great Himalayan kingdom, shrouded in mystery and magic, where a traditional Buddhist culture carefully embraces global developments.”
Low Volume, High Value Tourism
The Bhutanese pride themselves on a sustainable approach to tourism in line with the philosophy of Gross National Happiness. Foreign visitors famously pay a minimum tariff of US$250 per day, making it seem one of the world's more expensive destinations. However, this fee is all-inclusive – accommodation, food, transport and an official guide are all provided, so it's not a bad deal. You don't have to travel in a large group and you can arrange your own itinerary. What you won't find is budget independent travel.
Surprising Bhutan
Bhutan is like nowhere else. This is a country where the rice is red and where chillies aren't just a seasoning but the main ingredient. It's also a deeply Buddhist land, where monks check their smartphones after performing a divination, and where giant protective pen*ses are painted at the entrance to many houses. Yet while it proudly prioritises its Buddhist traditions, Bhutan is not a land frozen in time. You will find the Bhutanese well educated, fun loving and very well informed about the world around them. It's this blending of the ancient and modern that makes Bhutan endlessly fascinating.
The Last Shangri-La?
So why spend your hard-earned money to come here? Firstly, there is the pristine eastern Himalayan landscape, where snow-capped peaks rise above primeval forests and beautiful traditional villages. To this picture-book landscape add majestic fortress-like dzongs and monasteries, many of which act as a stage for spectacular tsechus (dance festivals) attended by an almost medieval-looking audience. Then there are the textiles and handicrafts, outrageous archery competitions, high-altitude trekking trails, and stunning flora and fauna. If it's not 'Shangri-La', it's as close as it gets.
An Environmental Model
Environmental protection goes hand in hand with cultural preservation in Bhutan. By law, at least 60% of the country must remain forested for all future generations; it currently stands above 70%. Not only is Bhutan carbon neutral, but it actually absorbs more carbon than it emits! For the visitor, this translates into lovely forest hikes and superb birding across a chain of national parks. Whether you are spotting takins or blue poppies, trekking beneath 7000m peaks or strolling across hillsides ablaze with spring rhododendron blooms, Bhutan offers one of the last pristine pockets in the entire Himalaya.
Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2023 offers a comprehensive set of itineraries to help you explore the world. For the first time ever Lonely Planet sorted the list by trip type - eat, journey, connect, learn, or unwind - to help you find your next adventure.
The travel guide book company placed Bhutan under must take journey in 2023.
“Sometimes it’s not the destination but the journey itself that’s transformative. Looking for a trip that moves you? These places should be on your radar,” stated Lonely Planet placing Bhutan in the list.
Lonely Planet listed 30 must visit destination after surveying the more than 200 experts with Lonely Planet that carefully predict the upcoming year’s most anticipated places and travel experiences.
Lonely Planet checks the travel hack, normally, through in-person brainstorm events, from Beijing to Buenos Aires, discussing what’s inspiring the guidebook company.
The team of passionate travel experts review thousands of ideas to produce a shortlist to continue forward for further revision.
Then the shortlisted destination goes to the company’s panel of acclaimed travel experts then scrutinized the shortlist.
“This year’s panel included: Roi Ariel, General Manager of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council; Uwern Jong, Editor-in- Chief of OutThere; Tharik Hussain, an expert in Muslim culture and heritage; Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, an expert on Caribbean travel; Martin Heng, an accessible travel advocate; and Melanie Lieberman, senior editor at The Points Guy,” stated Lonely Planet
Once the panel delivers their choices — the finalized list is ready to be shared with a trusted few, and kept top secret till it’s revealed in October.
Lonely Planet shared three featured articles on Bhutan. The links are:
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/Bhutan
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/bhutan-seven-day-itinerary
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/bhutan-best-day
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/planning-visit-bhutan
