Guided Golf Adventures
Golf in Bhutan: An Unforgettable Journey
The Royal Thimphu Golf Course is the ultimate golfing adventure in the heart of the Himalayas. This one-of-a-kind experience provides golfers with breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, and pristine landscapes in one of the most remote locations in the world. Located just one hour from Bhutan's international airport, the course offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere that characterizes this remote kingdom.
This 18-hole, par 71 course consists of 9 holes each with two sets of tees. It features a mix of challenging fairways and greens. The course layout is designed to blend harmoniously with the natural terrain, incorporating various elevation changes and water features.
The golf course is situated at a high altitude, above 7600 feet. Golfing at high altitudes can be a unique experience due to the thinner air which can affect the distance and trajectory of your shots. Golfers at high elevations often club down two clubs for the first couple of holes to get a feel of the carry and avoid blasting tee shots and approaches into the rough.
The Royal Thimphu Golf Course offers club rental services, a pro shop and a clubhouse serving refreshments and meals. Club caddies are also available to assist golfers. On occasion, two school children serve as caddies: one to carry your bag and a forecaddie to run ahead and provide a line of sight of where to aim.
Playing golf in Bhutan is not just about the game; it is also about the experience. You'll often see yaks grazing nearby Views from the course also include the nearby Royal Palace and Tashicho Dzong, a majestic fortress built in the 1600s which still serves as Bhutan's administrative and religious headquarters. Golfing in the "Land of the Thunder Dragon" is as much a spiritual journey as a sport.
Golfing in the eastern himalayas
Unique life experiences
A short and relatively gentle tour, providing an overall impression of the land, the people, and the history of the last independent Buddhist Kingdom. One of the most remarkable aspects of the country is its overall degree of separation from the outer world.
During this brief stay, you will witness many of Bhutan's defining characteristics and fascinating contrasts. It is both immensely refreshing and stimulating to find oneself in a situation so different from the familiar.
Day 1- Arrival into Paro
With your arrival in Paro get your Bhutan visa stamped into passports.
Welcomed by Yangphel Adventure Travel guide and driver outside.
Check-in at Hotel Zhiwa Ling Heritage www.zhiwaling.com
Traditional Chipdrel ceremony, a welcome procession with drum dancers.
Free time to explore the hotel premises that are set within 12 acres of area. Guests can engage in a massage (spa) and also enjoy the swimming pool that is set alongside the hotel gym.
Evening briefing about the trip followed by a cultural program with mask dances and folk dances. The family (both adults & children) have an option to immerse into the dance group and participate
Day 2 - Thimphu in the capital city of Bhutan – Golfing in Bhutan
Drive to Thimphu (only an hour or two leisurely drive) via the Pa Chu River Valley to the Capital city of Bhutan.
Once in Thimphu – we visit the Takin enclosure to see the National Animal of Bhutan. We will spend about an hour here walking around to see the weird-looking animal. The Takin's distinctive appearance, with its combination of features that seem to come from different animals, can indeed give it a somewhat otherworldly or sci-fi movie-like quality. Its stout body, shaggy coat, moose-like nose, and goat-like horns create a unique and fascinating aesthetic that might seem like something out of a fantasy or science fiction setting. Nature has a way of producing creatures that can sometimes challenge our expectations and spark our imagination.
Next, we visit one of the World’s tallest sitting Buddha statue in the world. It measures 169 feet (52 m) and contains 100,000 8-inch-tall and 25,000 12-inch-tall gilded bronze Buddhas inside. This is a very friendly place with ample space to be around at leisure and has great views of the surrounding Himalayas.
After lunch in a local restaurant, we will explore the Institute of 13 Arts & Crafts school where the family can engage in drawings & paintings along with the Bhutan students.
Take a trip to the Royal Textile Academy / Textile Museum where rural women are engaged in weaving textiles.
Towards the late afternoon – we will visit the Golf course to have a look & get a feel of it.
Day 3 & Day 4 - A day of Golfing in the Eastern Himalaya – Thimphu Bhutan
Bhutan offers a few golf courses to play golf, each with its own unique charm and stunning natural surroundings. One of the most renowned golf destinations in Bhutan is the Royal Thimphu Golf Course, located in the capital city, Thimphu.
Day 5 - Tiger's Nest Excursion "Taktsang" Hiking
This morning, we will drive early to Paro.
Today is a special day embarking on a memorable journey into the mystical land. After an early breakfast and drive for 1.30 hours,
We will hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) with a panoramic view teahouse halfway. Continue hiking to get a closer view or relax at the teahouse.
We arrive back for lunch at the hotel and will experience the traditional hot stone bath. This afternoon, we have also arranged an archery demonstration, Khuru-Dart demonstration etc. at the hotel premises for the family.
Tonight is the farewell dinner with the Bhutanese local family (optional) at the hotel for interaction & fun.
Day 6 - Depart Paro Bhutan
Departure from Bhutan via Druk Air.
Accompanied to the airport by our guide and driver.
Tour concludes.
This tour offers a comprehensive experience of Bhutan's culture, natural beauty, and spirituality. It includes visits to significant landmarks like monasteries, dzongs, museums, and cultural performances. The highlight of the tour is the hike to Taktsang Monastery, one of Bhutan's most iconic and revered sites.
About the hotel: The Zhiwa Ling Heritage Hotel in Paro, Bhutan, is a luxurious and culturally rich establishment that reflects the country's traditional architectural style while offering modern comforts.