Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon
The Modern day Shangri-la
Bhutan is a small Buddhist kingdom located in Asia's Himalayan mountain range, the tallest mountains on Earth. Surrounded by India to the south and Tibet to the north, Bhutan is a land-locked country that measures approximately 200 miles west to east and 90 miles north to south. Bhutan rises from 377 feet above sea level in its southernmost region to nearly 25,000 feet above sea level at the peak of its highest mountain, Gangkhar Puensum. Over the course of this relatively short distance, Bhutan features several temperate climate zones and maintains more than 60% forest coverage as mandated in perpetuity by the Bhutanese constitution. In fact, Bhutan is the world's ONLY country with a carbon NEGATIVE footprint.
In addition to being home to large mammals such as the Asian elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, red panda, Himalayan black bear, blue sheep and snow leopard, Bhutan also features 783 bird species, more than 800 butterfly species and upwards of 120 fish species, including game fish such as the famed Golden Mahseer, Chocolate Mahseer, Snow Trout and Brown Trout to name a few.
Explore the Wildness of Bhutan at Manas River Lodge
Most visitors to Bhutan see only a small portion of the Western kingdom. But there are so many surprises in store for the adventurous traveler! MRL can be accessed by 40-minute domestic flights to Gelephu and Bumthang as well as direct helicopter transport to our own private riverside beach!
Friendliest People on Earth
Friendliest People on Earth
Friendliest People on Earth
The Bhutanese people are well-known for their hospitality, compassion, empathy and love of their king and country. This congenial community sentiment extends to visitors, providing you a home away from hone.
Pristine Wilderness
Friendliest People on Earth
Friendliest People on Earth
The Bhutanese constitution mandates a minimum of 60% forest coverage in perpetuity across the kingdom. Bhutan is the only carbon-NEGATIVE country on Earth.
Cultural Uniqueness
Friendliest People on Earth
Cultural Uniqueness
Most Bhutanese practice Buddhism in their daily lives. Whether in architecture, cultural traditions, rituals or clothing, Bhutan is a culture that is utterly unique, even across the Himalayan Range.