A Rare Road Trip Through Bhutan
A chance to drive through breathtaking Bhutan is being offered by automotive exploration specialists Kalmar Beyond Adventure.
The Himalayan nation remains relatively untouched by tourism, and its incredible landscapes from sub-tropical plains to mountain passes and deep valleys normally can ordinarily only be experienced as a passenger. However, Kalmar has managed to obtain permission for a select few to get behind the wheel.
Unlike its other adventures which use safari-spec Porsches, the drive will be in local Mahindra Scorpio four-wheel-drive vehicles, with guides provided for the duration of the eight-day journey. Kalmar will care of all the necessary paperwork and international travel arrangements.
The excitement begins after a flight into Paro, a shuttle to the capital city of Thimphu and an introduction to this Buddhist country’s traditions and topography. The first day’s drive explores the city, visits the tallest statue of Buddha in the world and then heads out towards the Himalayas to Punakha at 1,200 metres above sea level. The route continues on rarely-travelled roads through Bhutan’s hidden valleys and dense forests to Gangtey Valley. From there it’s an ascent on mountain passes that reach as high as 3,400 metres to Bumthang.
Although the total distance covered is little more than 300 miles it promises to be a road trip to remember “Kalmar Beyond Adventure Bhutan is the ideal opportunity to fully experience an intimate, close-up view of Bhutan’s Buddhist culture and way of life. This is already very unique, but those joining The Beyond Adventure Bhutan trip are becoming members of an even smaller group who have ever driven themselves in Bhutan,” says founder Jan Kalmar. “Beyond Adventure guests will drive the back-roads of the country to untouched villages, reaching heights close to 4,000 meters of elevation all while enjoying the most beautiful sights and sounds of the Himalayan mountain range. Unforgettable nights are organized in carefully selected world-class resorts throughout this beautiful country.”
The trip starts on 20 October and a few seats are still available. Find out more here.
Tesla has opened a retro-futuristic diner in Hollywood, California, where drivers can fill up on burgers and fries while their cars guzzle electrons.