The untouched beauty of Bhutan; a masterclass in serenity and spirituality.

Perched amongst the foothills of the Himalayas and worlds away from the crowds in China and India lies the Kingdom of Bhutan. Full of mystery and intrigue, this land is like no other.

Bhutan is often reported to be the happiest country on Earth, thanks to centuries of independence and a forward-thinking approach to national wellbeing and conservation. What better place to set sights on for the next adventure?

Whether its adventure you crave, or the sights of the native wildlife, including a growing tiger population, the elusive snow leopard or elegant black cranes, Cookson Adventures is the specialist ultra-luxury experiential travel company that can facilitate it. For a decade, Cookson Adventures has pioneered the concept of world firsts in travel, from organising the first manned submersible dive in Antarctica to carrying out crucial conservation work in the Galápagos Islands.

Indeed, adventure is in Cookson’s DNA. Founder Henry Cookson is a dedicated adventurer, with a Guinness World Record to his name for the first expedition to the Southern Pole of Inaccessibility. But it’s the company’s ability to put luxury at the heart of extraordinary journeys that sets it apart.

A Bhutan experience, built from scratch and unique to each client, depending on individual needs and wishes, could involve hiking through snowy mountains or humid jungles as you explore the five million acres of this glorious land. Cookson Adventures can arrange for guests to meet with a conservationist based in the area, enjoy cooking lessons with a renowned local chef or gain access to otherwise hard-to-reach places like the isolated villages of Sakteng.

With spirituality so intrinsic to this peaceful nation, a trip to Bhutan isn’t complete without a visit to the iconic Paro Taktsang – the Tiger’s Nest. Seemingly floating above the floor of the Paro valley, this ancient meditation site has existed as a monastery since the 17th Century. Guests can witness rarely seen monk rituals and sacred festivals and partake in a traditional part of rural life — a hot stone bath. The elemental ingredients of water, stone and heat are a peaceful refuge meant for deep relaxation, healing the mind and body.

For a final challenge, embark on an epic eight-hour hike to Laya. At 3850m above sea level, it is Bhutan’s highest settlement and the Layap are an indigenous people who refer to their homeland as Be-yul – ‘the hidden land’. Experience a local welcome ceremony, dine at a farmhouse, retire to a luxury camp that has been set up for you and take a spectacular helicopter flight back down to Paro the next morning.

Whether it’s the spiritual calmness of this stunning region that attracts you, or you’re simply feeling the call of the wild, a new and fresh take on adventure awaits in Bhutan.

For more information on Cookson Adventures or to enquire about expedition possibilities, visit: https://cooksonadventures.com. Prices available on request.