Tag: bethewanderer

5 reasons why you should visit Bhutan

By Meenakshi Shankar

Tucked into the lap of the mighty Himalayas, Bhutan gives you a time travelling experience. Meenakshi Shankar explores the gorgeous country – The Roof of the world’ as Bhutan is known, which took her  breath away.

Its is a magical land inhabited by magical people. While a monk laughing and dancing in the snow at dawn on top of a mountain is beautiful, it is hardly surprising. Here, I think, almost everything is magical and almost anything is possible”.

1. Head out on a hike in Paro Valley

The Paro Valley resembles an Oriental version of Switzerland, with plots of wheat and barley, rice fields and the valley floor gleaming silver with irrigation channels that flow from the Paro River.

The valley’s spectacular scenery leaves us breathless (it’s more than just the high altitude). Green fields, isolated farms, cozy hamlets and more.

Southwards, is the habitat of elephant and tigers. The transition from north to south, from mountains to plains and cold to hot, is repeated across Bhutan.

Must see along the way

The Taktsang Monastery which defies logic, gravity, and reason: it clings impossibly and precariously to a sheer granite cliff almost a kilometer above Paro valley.

2. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river side

Whilst you explore Punakha Valley – along the Mo Chhu through terraces of rice, enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch on the banks of the Punak Chu – surrounded by lush green. Nature at its best seduces you to unwind. Watch the drifting clouds as they float by, feel the stress ebb away from you whilst you drink in the surreal scenery.

3. Explore the gorgeous nature and the mystical culture

Dzongs, endless streams, incredible mountain views, superb architecture, warm and friendly people  welcome you.

4. Explore the valleys

Traveling through Bhutan’s ethereal landscape on the way to wild center, pass countless golden roofed monasteries, temples and prayer flag covering the hilltops; navigate endless emerald valleys and ancient forests with now capped Himalayan peaks in the back ground throughout your journey.

5. The magic of Thimphu Festival (Tsechu)

One of the grandest of Bhutan’s festivals and attracts the largest audience. Featuring dances performed by trained monks and laymen in amazing masks and costumes, Tsechus (festivals) are one of the best ways to experience the ancient living culture of Bhutan.

Check out our Wanderers Group Tour on Bhutan

5 things to do in New Zealand

                            By Meenakshi Shankar

1) Bungy Jumping

How about rolling down a hill in a transparent cushioned ball filled with water? You will travel downhill at speeds up to 50 kilometers per hour! Game for it? This revolutionary adventure activity is called Zorbing!

Or if speed thrills call on you then Jet Boating is a must do – take a ride of your life in an adrenalin-pumping jetboat while enjoying the stunningly beautiful scenery.Experience the thrill and excitement in the rivers and lakes of South Island.

2) Skydive from 12000ft

It takes a certain kind of person to jump from an aircraft into thin air. It takes courage. Harnessed to an experienced jumpmaster, expect sensory overload as you step out that aircraft door and for some 60 seconds plummet towards the ground @200kph. Game?

                                                                                  See Milford Sound

New Zealand’s most breathtaking road journey is State Highway 94 in Fjordland on the remote southwest side of the South Island. The route winds through towering mountains and steep valleys of dense native forest. At the road’s end the valley opens into the deep, narrow fiord of Milford Sound and one of the world’s great views, with Mitre Peak rising majestically from the water. It’s popular, but no matter: board a boat to explore the passage that leads 10 miles to the open sea. Seals and penguins can be spotted and bottle-nose dolphins will sometimes bow-ride the passenger boats.

3) Swim with the dolphins

From the lovely bay side town of  Whakatane, explore White Island, a spectacular active volcano that you should head out to. Head out on an ocean adventure to find dolphins and explore the bays of Whale Island (Moutohora) – a wildlife sanctuary 7 km off the coast. The island is home to some of NZ’s most endangered species including the iconic kiwi, saddle back birds, blue penguins and the native tuatara.

For the wildlife enthusiastic

Common Dolphins – We frequently encounter large pods (up to well over a thousand) of these powerful, quick swimmers. Beautiful colorations and highly photogenic!

  • Bottlenose Dolphins – With their permanent grin, the most recognised and likeable of all dolphins. We tend to see them in smaller pods of around 30.
  • Sea Birds – Gannets, shearwaters, pied shags, spotted shags, giant petrels, the albatross and the adorable little blue penguin.
  • NZ Falcon – Only 4000 pairs of falcon are left in the country – fierce and fearless, they live on live prey and dive on humans if you go near their nest.
  • Sharks – We occasionally encounter hammerhead, bronze whaler and mako sharks – usually spotted by their fins gliding silently through the water. Shy creatures that don’t hang about for long.
  • Little Blue Penguins – The world’s smallest penguin, they grow to about 40 cm tall and weigh a little over 1 kg. They feed at sea during the day and come ashore at dusk to their burrows on Whale Island.

4) Fly over the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Walk on a glacier on this a unforgettable ski plane flight!

Share in the most breathtaking adventure of a lifetime. Enter the world of one of nature’s most magnificent mammals – the giant sperm whale.

5) Stay in a farmhouse

Off the regular tourist trails, get a first hand feel of the real ‘New Zealand’ by opting to stay in a farmhouse. (You may get to enjoy home-cooked meals, and you will have the chance to join in with whatever is happening on the farm. Depending on the type of farm and the season, you could experience milking, shearing, lambing or harvesting kiwifruit and other crops)

Check out our package on New Zealand