Tunes and Thrills in Bhutan

The Himalayan kingdom is going beyond nature and ancient culture to draw visitors

- Elisa Chia

BHUTAN - Taktsang Monastery, famously known as Tiger's Nest, stands as one of Bhutan's most iconic landmarks.

Many visitors consider the journey to this breathtaking site - perched on a cliffside 3,120m above sea level - a must. Given the steep and winding terrain, travel guides typically advise allocating five to seven hours for the 6.5km round-trip hike.

But it is incorrect to call it a hike, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay tells The Straits Times in an interview at the country's Parliament building.

"It's a walk. It's a pilgrimage," he says of the route leading to the sacred Buddhist sanctuary.

Despite that, Bhutan - famed for its scenic natural beauty and ancient Buddhist culture - is looking to draw those who are into hiking and other adventure sports. It offers mountain biking trails that range from the picturesque to the demanding, as well as rafting in Punakha, a city around 70km from the country's capital Thimphu.

Travellers can also embark on hikes to remote campsites, led by a team comprising a professional guide, cook and camp assistant.

"In many cases, you won't even meet other Bhutanese," Mr Tobgay says.

The Prime Minister was sharing his insights with this reporter, who was part of a Singapore media delegation hosted by Chan Brothers Travel to Bhutan in July.

The travel agency signed a memorandum of understanding with Drukair, Bhutan's national carrier, in Singapore on July 4. The agreement commits the agency to scheduling a total of 30 chartered direct flights over 2025 and 2026.

Each five-hour flight, using an Airbus A319 aircraft, can accommodate up to 118 passengers.

Currently, Drukair operates twice-weekly flights between Singapore's Changi Airport and Bhutan's Paro International Airport, with a 45-minute stopover in Indian city Guwahati.