Bhutan Airfares

By Lynne Christen: The small Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, tucked between India, Nepal and Tibet, is an intriguing juxtaposition of medieval and modern. Maroon-clad monks chant age-old Buddhist mantras by candlelight, but tote laptops. Nuns fulfill daily duties and scurry to check their email. Rather than worrying about the Gross Domestic Product ratios, the government focuses on the GHP – “Gross National Happiness.” Apparently it works; Bhutan is a happy and peaceful country, sometimes equated with legendary Shangri-La. Visitors to Bhutan typically come to trek or seek spiritual enlightenment. Rigsum Gompa and Chomolhari are popular treks where campsites rest in the shadow of ancient monasteries and wildlife sanctuaries. However, getting to Bhutan is not easy. Druck Air, the national airline, is only the airline connecting the country to the outside world. Phuntsoling is the sole overland entry point. Only a limited number of visitors are allowed to share this breathtaking landscape each year and individual visas are not issued. Travelers to Bhutan must purchase an all inclusive tour package in advance. Go!