Whether in small groups or private tailor-made holidays, let us introduce you to the true essence of Bhutan. Our authentic, off the beaten path activities offer the best insights into local natural and cultural heritage.
We leave no stones unturned to ensure you have the experience of your lifetime - from hiking in the mystical forests of the Neyphug valley to conversation with a buddhist scholar at a small family owned monastery and a game of archery with locals to name a few.
We are a full-service travel agency that takes joy in handling all the details on the ground for our guests.
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There is so much to immerse yourself in Bhutan! From its beautiful landscapes, ranging from rugged alpine terrain to sub-tropical plains, dotted with wild forests and fortresses called Dzongs, to its mythical tradition and culture deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism. Bhutan is truly a place waiting to offer you a magical experience.
Step into the grandeur of Paro Tshechu and experience the world of sacred buddhist dances and rituals if you travel to Bhutan in spring. It is undoubtedly one of the highlights of any trip to Bhutan, and rightly so. But taking you to some hidden gems on roads less (or not) traveled is something that gives us as much joy as seeing you marvel at the wonders of the highlights.
Mushroom foraging hike in the mystical forests of the Neyphug valley with locals that know the forests like the back of their hands? Traditional bhutanese meal cooked using the foraged mushrooms at a local home high up in beautiful Damchena? A real food experience at our regenerative organic farm followed by a leisurely walk through a beautiful village to a small nunnery to meet the nuns who are our beneficiaries? We've got you covered! These activities allow you the opportunity to not only experience first hand local culture and rural way of life, they also contribute directly to the local economy.
And then there is Taktsang, the legendary Tigers Nest, a major highlight. Instead of hiking up to Taktsang, we'll hike up to and camp one night at Bumdra, which boasts spectacular alpine views. Next day we will hike down to Taktsang, instead of hiking up from Paro, as done by most guests. Here you will learn about the legends of Guru Padmasambhava, who is credited for introducing Buddhism to Bhutan.
You can learn about the age old art of thangka painting at the studio of a master craftsman who painted the Buddha Dodermna's eyes and the wall murals at Kuenselphodrang monastery that surrounds Buddha Dodernma, one of the largest statues of sitting Buddha in the world. If rich, intricate and colorful art that represents Bhutanese textiles is something you are curious about then a traditional weaving studio that uses natural dyes and is working to revive traditional approaches to yarn processing and dyeing is just the place for you. Or if you want to delve deeper into local spiritual beliefs and religious practices, conversation with a buddhist scholar at a small family owned monastery on the outskirts of Thimphu may set you off on your own path to internal self enquiry. You may even want to take part in a buddhist ritual conducted to remove obstacles from ones' path!
Other activities that allow you to get to know the city a bit more include a hike to Buddha Dodernma, visit local art galleries and check out Thimphu nightlife. For travelers visiting in fall, experiencing Thimphu Tshechu, a three day religious festival with locals from all walks of life dressed in their finest ghos and kiras is not to be missed.
Located on a piece of land where two rivers, Pho chu (male) and Mo chu (female), converge, the majestic Punakha Dzong and the cantilever bridge to the Dzong are masterpieces that transport you back in time. Here you will have an opportunity to learn about the history and architecture of Bhutan.
Its sub-tropical climate means Punakha is lush with vegetation and boasts suitable conditions for growing food throughout the year. So where better than here to experience one of a kind agro-tourism experiences in the country at the property of one of our favorite partners. From our base at this property, you can venture out on spectacular leisurely hikes that take you along picturesque villages popular with rice cultivation, and share a meal of harvest at a local farm house and perhaps enjoy traditional hot stone bath under the stars! Depending on the time of the year you can also experience paddy plantation or harvest with local farmers.
If you happen to be here in winter you may be lucky to sight a flock or two of these majestic cranes. Your time here will consist of spectacular slow hikes through villages that allow you to soak in the beauty of this ancient glacial valley and enjoy apres hike coffee and cake with some of the most stunning views. Be prepared for a thrilling afternoon of a game of archery, national sport of Bhutan, with the locals. In the evening, gather outside for a meal under the vast starlit sky.
Though a small country, Bhutan's climate is diverse, ranging from sub-tropical weather on plains bordering India to alpine climate in the north of the country.
Though spring and autumn have been promoted traditionally as the best times to visit, Bhutan can in fact be a year round destination depending on the traveler's interests.
Spring and autumn are the favored seasons to visit due to sunny, dry weather with moderate temperatures. Almost any activity is possible during this period. Spring also happens to be the time when wildflowers are in bloom. While in autumn one can enjoy the golden colors of paddy fields nearing harvest time. These are also perfect times for hikes and trekkings. And you could also be lucky to catch Paro Tsechu in spring or Thimphu Tsechu in autumn.
So what about winter and summer? In winter sunny, mild, blue sky days with double digit temperatures are served in plenty. In the year when winters are mild, most activities are possible. However, if the winter happens to be cold, it may be not possible to undertake some treks, as high altitude passes may be closed off due to snow.
With monsoon rains, summer is green and lush in Bhutan. Despite the rains, summer is a good time to visit Bhutan if your interest pertains to food, culture and spiritual aspects of Bhutan.
However, one important point to keep in mind while planning your trip is that with the changing climate, there is a degree of unpredictability when it comes to the seasons as we have known them. Monsoon in the past couple years was unpredictable. In 2022, it started late and we still had showers up till October.
Through the way we operate, we aim to shift the values of business and use business as a force for good, to shift our collective narrative towards greater generosity. Contributing to the local economy and communities we work with are an important aspect of our company. For every visitor that travels with us, we will contribute for fooding and welfare of one nun at Chorten Genka, a nunnery located in Neyphu valley in Paro, for one month.
Slowsteps was founded by Tshering in 2022 after having spent almost two decades working with developing countries to take action on climate change. She started her career working in Nepal and Bhutan. She has also worked in Australia, Scotland, and Germany, most recently with the United Nations Climate Change Office supporting international climate negotiations.
Tshering’s passion for sustainable development goes a step further to incorporate deeper spiritual elements, with a focus on service. In 2020, she quit her job and moved back home during the Covid-19 pandemic to be closer to her family in Bhutan. She has been traveling around Bhutan scouting for one-of-a-kind activities, some of which will directly benefit women experiencing economic hardships. An avid traveler herself, Tshering's travels have taught her to step out of her comfort zone and helped her find her passions and she wants to be able to provide similar transformational experiences to others.
Tshering is also passionate about how we grow food. On her return home, she also started slowgrow, a regenerative organic farm located in Paro. She dreams of a day when most of the food grown in Bhutan will use regenerative methods. Knowing that globally we can sequester 100% of carbon dioxide emissions if all global cropland and pasture were regenerative only makes this vision so much more compelling. Through the farm, Tshering wants to inspire young people in Bhutan by showing them that farming can be an enriching way of life for anyone; not only for those in rural parts of the country who are born to farming families.
