Bhutan Thunder Dragon Rally
Inaugural tour: 24th - 31st October 2023
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: 24th - 31st October 2023
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.
For more information about this wonderful opportunity, which is scheduled to take place in February 2023 please email john@johnbsutherland.com
Image credits; Gaurav Bagdi (old lady), Mike Swigunski (Tiger Nest), Jeremy Bezanger (misty mountain), Raimond Klavins (clouded mountain)
Image credits; Gaurav Bagdi (old lady), Mike Swigunski (Tiger Nest), Jeremy Bezanger (misty mountain), Raimond Klavins (clouded mountain)
