Bhutan Thunder Dragon Rally
Inaugural tour: 15th - 22nd February 2024
Bhutan is quite simply, out of the ordinary. It is the last great Himalayan kingdom, shrouded in mystery, magic and legend - blissfully untouched by the outside world. The Bhutan Thunder Dragon Rally will take you on a journey through this vibrant land of flying tigers, sacred monasteries and mystic monks.
The Kingdom of Bhutan’s storied history, unique culture and pristine environment are inextricably linked, and make it one of the few destinations left on Earth where people and nature exist in harmony.
The inaugural 'Thunder Dragon Rally' will welcome guests to get behind the wheel to drive Prado SUV’s through the Kingdom of Bhutan. The event will explore Bhutan’s beautiful Himalayan landscapes and unique culture through an in-depth cross- country ride — an unforgettable experience driving on cliffside roads and reaching magnificent mountain passes. Bhutan’s un- spoilt natural beauty, breathtaking villages and enchanting monasteries will share a once in a timeless lifetime journey through one of the world’s last remote, pristine and unexplored geographies — the majestic Last-Shangri-La.
This small, first-of-its-kind event will be invitation-only.
“The Bhutanese roads in the inner Himalaya are for the adventure and thrill seeker. They are often narrow, surprisingly winding, and run as curious black ribbons through great swathes of forests. The inner Himalayan wonderland teeming with stupendous diversity of wildlife and seasonal explosions of wildflower blossoms provide travelers on the Bhutanese roads a wonderful experience. The roads rise into subalpine meadows, fall into the melliferous decay of low-altitude woodlands, then again occasionally rise to high passes which are offshoots of the Himalayas.
The Inner Himalaya region is characterized by deeply-cut valleys rising into considerable heights. The punishing geographical barriers have enabled considerable endemism of both plant-animal lives as well as human culture, through vicariance perhaps.
You will notice plenty of these things along the Bhutanese roads. As you go further east from Thimphu-Punakha, the altitude varies considerably. The roads run amid rice fields, forests, and along the edge of clean Himalayan rivers. As you ascend higher up, toward the heart of central Bhutan, leaving the vine-tangled woods, you meet forests of oaks, magnolia, and great rhododendrons. Further away toward the east, the roads are surprised by giant streams leaping off heart- squeezing heights of cliffs. And yeah — for the adventurous ones! — showers of boulders.
Inaugural tour: 15th - 22nd February 2024
Bhutan is quite simply, out of the ordinary. It is the last great Himalayan kingdom, shrouded in mystery, magic and legend - blissfully untouched by the outside world. The Bhutan Thunder Dragon Rally will take you on a journey through this vibrant land of flying tigers, sacred monasteries and mystic monks.
The Kingdom of Bhutan’s storied history, unique culture and pristine environment are inextricably linked, and make it one of the few destinations left on Earth where people and nature exist in harmony.
The inaugural 'Thunder Dragon Rally' will welcome guests to get behind the wheel to drive Prado SUV’s through the Kingdom of Bhutan. The event will explore Bhutan’s beautiful Himalayan landscapes and unique culture through an in-depth cross- country ride — an unforgettable experience driving on cliffside roads and reaching magnificent mountain passes. Bhutan’s un- spoilt natural beauty, breathtaking villages and enchanting monasteries will share a once in a timeless lifetime journey through one of the world’s last remote, pristine and unexplored geographies — the majestic Last-Shangri-La.
This small, first-of-its-kind event will be invitation-only.
“The Bhutanese roads in the inner Himalaya are for the adventure and thrill seeker. They are often narrow, surprisingly winding, and run as curious black ribbons through great swathes of forests. The inner Himalayan wonderland teeming with stupendous diversity of wildlife and seasonal explosions of wildflower blossoms provide travelers on the Bhutanese roads a wonderful experience. The roads rise into subalpine meadows, fall into the melliferous decay of low-altitude woodlands, then again occasionally rise to high passes which are offshoots of the Himalayas.
The Inner Himalaya region is characterized by deeply-cut valleys rising into considerable heights. The punishing geographical barriers have enabled considerable endemism of both plant-animal lives as well as human culture, through vicariance perhaps.
You will notice plenty of these things along the Bhutanese roads. As you go further east from Thimphu-Punakha, the altitude varies considerably. The roads run amid rice fields, forests, and along the edge of clean Himalayan rivers. As you ascend higher up, toward the heart of central Bhutan, leaving the vine-tangled woods, you meet forests of oaks, magnolia, and great rhododendrons. Further away toward the east, the roads are surprised by giant streams leaping off heart- squeezing heights of cliffs. And yeah — for the adventurous ones! — showers of boulders.
'Bhutan Thunder Dragon Rally' 2024
FEB 15 Arrive Paro
Welcome Blessing and spiritual cleansing with high lama at heritage farm home or private monastery, Paro
Sacred song and dance ceremony at heritage home or private monastery, Paro
Drive to Thimphu-1 hour
Gradients: 494m ascent, 405m descent
Bonfire and traditional Bhutanese cultural event
Overnight: Zhiwaling Ascent, Thimphu
FEB 16 Visit Buddha Dordenma Statue, Thimphu
Drive to Punakha-2 hours
Gradients: 1,673m ascent, 2,944m descent
River Rafting, Punakha
Riverside Comfort Picnic
Explore Punakha Dzong with renowned Bhutanese architect, Punakha
Overnight: Dhensa Boutique Resort, Punakha
FEB 17 Punakha Drubchen (festival), Punakha
Drive to Phobjikha-3 hours
Gradients: 2,186m ascent, 469m descent
Gangtay Monastery, Phobjikha
Lunch at hotel, Phobjikha
Learn Archery with National Champion and participate in match, Phobjikha
Overnight: Gangtey Lodge
FEB 18 Drive to Bumthang- 5 hours
Gradients (Phonjikha to Trongsa): 869m ascent, 1,777m descent
Gradients (Trongsa to Bumthang): 1,900m ascent, 1,100m descent
Stop at Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa
Comfort Picnic serving local delicacies at Chumey village, Bumthang
Optional: Horseback ride at Chumey Village
Overnight: Mountain Resort, Bumthang
FEB 19 Spiritual pilgrimage to monasteries, Bumthang
Drive to Tang Valley-3 hours
Lunch at local favorite restaurant, Bumthang
Ogyenchholing Museum tour by Bhutan’s acclaimed historian/curator, Bumthang
Overnight: Mountain Resort,, Bumthang
FEB 20 Fly to Paro-30mins
Herbal Treatment & Consultation at hotel, Paro
Overnight: Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro
FE 21 Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Paro
Mountainside picnic lunch
Herbal Consultation & Treatment at hotel, Paro
Overnight: Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro
FEB 22 Exit
For more information about this wonderful opportunity, please email john@johnbsutherland.com
Image credits; Gaurav Bagdi (old lady), Mike Swigunski (Tiger Nest), Jeremy Bezanger (misty mountain), Raimond Klavins (clouded mountain)
FEB 15 Arrive Paro
Welcome Blessing and spiritual cleansing with high lama at heritage farm home or private monastery, Paro
Sacred song and dance ceremony at heritage home or private monastery, Paro
Drive to Thimphu-1 hour
Gradients: 494m ascent, 405m descent
Bonfire and traditional Bhutanese cultural event
Overnight: Zhiwaling Ascent, Thimphu
FEB 16 Visit Buddha Dordenma Statue, Thimphu
Drive to Punakha-2 hours
Gradients: 1,673m ascent, 2,944m descent
River Rafting, Punakha
Riverside Comfort Picnic
Explore Punakha Dzong with renowned Bhutanese architect, Punakha
Overnight: Dhensa Boutique Resort, Punakha
FEB 17 Punakha Drubchen (festival), Punakha
Drive to Phobjikha-3 hours
Gradients: 2,186m ascent, 469m descent
Gangtay Monastery, Phobjikha
Lunch at hotel, Phobjikha
Learn Archery with National Champion and participate in match, Phobjikha
Overnight: Gangtey Lodge
FEB 18 Drive to Bumthang- 5 hours
Gradients (Phonjikha to Trongsa): 869m ascent, 1,777m descent
Gradients (Trongsa to Bumthang): 1,900m ascent, 1,100m descent
Stop at Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa
Comfort Picnic serving local delicacies at Chumey village, Bumthang
Optional: Horseback ride at Chumey Village
Overnight: Mountain Resort, Bumthang
FEB 19 Spiritual pilgrimage to monasteries, Bumthang
Drive to Tang Valley-3 hours
Lunch at local favorite restaurant, Bumthang
Ogyenchholing Museum tour by Bhutan’s acclaimed historian/curator, Bumthang
Overnight: Mountain Resort,, Bumthang
FEB 20 Fly to Paro-30mins
Herbal Treatment & Consultation at hotel, Paro
Overnight: Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro
FE 21 Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Paro
Mountainside picnic lunch
Herbal Consultation & Treatment at hotel, Paro
Overnight: Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro
FEB 22 Exit
For more information about this wonderful opportunity, please email john@johnbsutherland.com
Image credits; Gaurav Bagdi (old lady), Mike Swigunski (Tiger Nest), Jeremy Bezanger (misty mountain), Raimond Klavins (clouded mountain)
