ABOVE THE CLOUDS

The rough and rugged ridges of the Himalayan mountains are met with the gentle spirituality of Buddhist teachings in Bhutan 

- Coco Marett 

“I have lived 20 years, four times,” an elderly monk tells us with a bold grin. Tatler had asked his age when our group stopped for a break on the Trans Bhutan Trail. Encounters with monks are common in “The Land of the Thunder Dragon”. Mahayana Buddhism is Bhutan’s official religion, and around 75 per cent of the population is Buddhist. As such, the principles of humility and happiness so deeply entrenched in the religion are felt in the warmth of the country’s people and the simplicity of everyday life.

Truly unlike anywhere else on Earth, Bhutan’s mystery and allure have placed the destination at the top of many travellers’ bucket lists. And since the country reduced its “Sustainable Development Fee”—a daily fee implemented in an attempt to reduce the carbon footprint that travellers bring to Bhutan— from US$200 to US$100 in September this year, all eyes are on the Himalayan kingdom for its otherworldly landscapes and unique spiritual experiences.

“Many of our Aman guests seek spiritual experiences when they visit Bhutan,” says Jonathan Lithgow, general manager of Amankora, where Tatler stayed during our visit. Inspired by the Bhutanese custom of offering a place to rest for weary travellers traversing the country— roads were only introduced there in 1962—Amankora has five lodges, giving guests the opportunity to experience the diverse and fascinating range of landscapes, cultures and communities that make up Bhutan.