Enticing Bhutan

10/05/2026

https://lnkd.in/ge8K_yNE ARTICLE on the new International Airport at Gelephu.
I don't know whether to laugh or cry. This is not something that I expected of a place I have visited since 2017. So much will change and I guess that is what the plan is - change. If you can read this article about the 'Mindfullness'changes to the region of Gelephu by the opening of a mega International Airport on the Indian Border, you will notice that this is a bold plan indeeed.
This is an official quote.
“Our immediate priority over the next five years is the construction of a large international airport in Gelephu, which will establish the GMC (Gelephu Mindfulness City) as a key aviation hub,” King Jigme previously announced regarding the airport.
Construction of the airport officially began on July 8, 2025 and it is scheduled to open in 2029.
The airport has a planned capacity of 123 flights a day and it’s hoped it will make one of the world’s hardest to reach destinations easier to access for international travellers.
In turn, this could transform Bhutan.'
They will have to disgard the idealogy of low volume - high impact with an estimated 1.3 million passengers by the year 2040. The aim is 5.5 million by 2065. I am just glad I will not be here to witness this.
Bhutan has gone from strength to strength over the last 8 years and each time I have returned I have noticed many changes. Let us hope that the tranquility of this nation is not eroded by this move. I can only imagine what the trek to Tigers Nest will be like. Maybe a Gondola is on the radar as well.
Photo is an origianl from my collection

17/03/2025

Awaken your mornings with the perfect balance of calm and indulgence. As you float in serenity, surrounded by the gentle ripples of water, take in the breathtaking view of Punakha Valley below.

01/02/2025

Discover the Magic of Spring at Bhutan’s Rhododendron Festival!
This April to May, immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and natural splendor of Bhutan at the annual Rhododendron Festival! Held in the breathtaking Lamperi Botanical Park near Dochula Pass, this festival is a celebration of nature, culture, and conservation.
🌺 What to Expect:
- Stroll through lush forests adorned with over 46 species of rhododendrons in full bloom.
- Experience Bhutan’s rich biodiversity with guided nature walks and birdwatching tours.
- Enjoy traditional cultural performances, local cuisine, and handicraft exhibitions.
- Learn about Bhutan’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable tourism.
When: April to May 2025 (exact dates to be announced)
Where: Lamperi Botanical Park, Dochula Pass, Bhutan
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply seeking a serene escape, the Rhododendron Festival offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Himalayas.
**Plan your visit now and witness the beauty of Bhutan in full bloom!**
For more information, contact the **Bhutan Tourism Board** or visit their official website.

01/12/2024

Can we tempt you to consider the Highland Festival in 2025. We are taking bookings now.

01/12/2024

The ROYAL HIGHLAND FESTIVAL is held in the Gasa district in October each year. Located in the higher realms of Bhutan, his Royal Highness and family attend the festival as a way of giving thanks to the mountain people. We are taking bookings now for the 2025 festival.

01/11/2024

His Majesty King Jigme Wangchuck greets the Layaps at the Highland Festival held each October.

28/10/2024

The Highland or Laya Festival is held in October each year. The King always attends and it is an amazing journey that if Bhutan is on your agenda, October is a very good time to travel. His Majesty King Jigme Wangchuck was recently in Australia with the entire Royal family.

16/10/2024

https://youtu.be/jFYFIDMivsQ?si=6zuL1Rlkh33LA1C5
With the Royal family of Bhutan here in Australia at the moment, it was so exciting to see the Drukair flight land in Perth yesterday.
It would be amazing if some of my Perth colleagues could see the King, Queen Pema, and the future King. It would be even more wonderful to have at least one flight a week from Australia.

Drukair - Royal Bhutan Airlines (A5-JKW) Airbus A320-251N arriving on RW24 and parking on Bay 162B at Perth Airport on October 15, 2024.This aircraft first f...

07/08/2024

How can you not love this beautiful couple, Bhutan is blessed by the pure love that they share. On a recent visit to Japan .

12/07/2024

Did you know that Bhutan, as small as it is, is divided into 20 districts or dzongkhags, each headed by a district officer (dzongda) who must be elected. In addition, each district is also broken into smaller areas known as geog (village), led by a locally elected leader called a gup. There are 201 elected gups. So it is very well governed and each district is managed as it has been for many centuries. Each time you pass through one of the districts, you can usually find a gateway or sometimes something a little smaller like marker posts. When you join us in Bhutan, you will now know what each one signifies.

01/07/2024

Sometimes you have to take a step back to truly appreciate what is right in front of you. You need to look at things from a different angle and Punakha Dzong is no different. This photo shows the true magnificence of the masterpiece of design, the chosen location and the remarkable ingenuity of those who built it back in 1637. The bridge was replaced to the current cantilevered design in 2008. I do believe that those who travel to Bhutan become richer in many ways from visiting this iconic dzong.