TID 715 Private Drukyul walking Tour with Horse Riding in Bumthang ( 28.10.13 – 11.11.13 )
The highlight of our trip to Bhutan was a two-day overnight horse riding trek in Bumthang, which was the brainchild of one of the Wind Horse guides, Sonam Loday, who also provided us with his expert knowledge of all things Bhutanese, including Himalayan Buddhism. We went from Wind Horse’s horse farm in the Tang Valley up into the hills past small villages on an ancient trail over a mountain pass into the Jakar Valley, which was used by everyone until the recent establishment of roads to all villages. Historically, horses in Bhutan were used only by royalty, and Wind Horse is the first travel agency in the country to offer this special service to tourists. This project is also keeping these ancient trials in use while allowing tourists to participate in a world otherwise inaccessible. Our steeds were carefully selected, sure-footed and good-natured Bhutanese ponies. They worked very hard on the steep and often narrow trails. We sometimes dismounted and walked, which gave the ponies a rest and stretched our legs. We spent a night in a campsite near the Guru Rinpoche Temple, and felt that indeed, we were treated like royalty. Our tent was cozy, the food – cooked in a separate tent by our excellent horseman Pema and careful driver Sonam Tanzin, both former cooks – was delicious, and the scenery spectacular. (Our separate toilet tent was also expertly appointed.) In short, our needs were always anticipated and the experience far exceeded our expectations.

This photo of Wind Horse Ranch & Riding Club is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Bhutan is a unique country – both monarchy and democracy – with the lived goal ”Towards Self-Reliance with Equity and justice: A Harmonious and Happy Society.” The Bhutanese people embody that goal as well as the nation’s explicit Buddhist traditions and philosophy. In two weeks travel across the country, we heard not one baby cry, not one child whine, not one harsh word spoken and saw not one beggar. In Bhutan’s so-far-successful transition from one of the least-developed nations to one that provides universal education, health care, electricity and road access to all, it is also an exemplar in its stewardship of its environment for wildlife habitat, biodiversity and resource protection. It is well worth taking a trip to Bhutan the goes beyond the usual tourist sights. However, achieving a deeper understanding of this unique country with, at the same time, a high level of comfort, requires expert and committed guidance. We highly recommend Wind Horse Tours to anyone considering a trip to Bhutan, and especially recommend the horse trek. Charlotte Kahn and John Abramsons

This photo of Wind Horse Ranch & Riding Club is courtesy of TripAdvisor