Bhutan draws jet-setters to enjoy one of the world’s highest and most remote golf courses
Calculating the number of yards to the hole and selecting the right club are a challenge for any golfer, but a whole new dimension is added when you’re playing at 7,700-feet on a course nestled high in the Himalayan mountains.
The Royal Thimpu Golf Club in Bhutan is one of the highest and most remote courses in the world, with air so thin the ball can travel almost 10 per cent further than at sea level.
Whether it’s the lure of being able to drive a ball as far as a professional, or the fact that the course is uniquely placed next to the spectacular 17th century King’s Palace, Bhutan is moving its way up the ‘to-do’ list of many an adventurous golfer.
Of course, Bhutan in general is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for the jet-set elite – thanks in part to the unique partnership between Chapman Freeborn and Drukair Royal Bhutan Airlines, the national airline of the Kingdom of Bhutan.
Launched last year, the exclusive agreement means that the remote Kingdom of Bhutan is more widely accessible to international private jet travellers in search of adventure.
Those more inclined to take in some culture rather than play a round of golf are not spoilt for choice. Nestled in amongst the unspoilt and inaccessible Himalayan wilderness are numerous sights that even today only a lucky few have been able to observe – including the Paro Taktsang or ‘Tigers Nest’, an ancient Buddhist temple that perches high on the side of a cliff.
Private jet travellers fly into Bhutan’s only airport – Paro International, which is capable of taking most private aircraft up to the size of a heavy jet.
Thimphu, home of the Royal Golf Club, is 60 minutes away, where this month Chapman Freeborn is delighted to be sponsoring the 2014 Trongsa Penlop Rolling Trophy golf tournament. The 9-hole course is open year round for bookings.
Where to stay
After a round at the Royal Thimpu Golf Course, take advantage of Chapman Freeborn’s exclusive partnership with COMO Hotels and Resorts. Stay at the magnificent UMA by Como in Paro, an intimate 29-room resort featuring the most exclusive private villas in Bhutan.
What to do
Besides a round of golf at the Royal Thimpu, travellers can explore the untouched Himalayan countryside and visit cultural sights including the Kings Palace – Tashichho Dong, and Rinpung Dong, the dramatic riverside home of the National Museum of Bhutan. Active travellers can hike the Kingdom’s many valleys and enjoy lush green foothills and awe-inspiring mountainous backdrops.
To find out more about chartering a private jet to Bhutan, call us on +44 (0) 1293 572888 Images of Royal Thimpu Golf Course courtesy of The.Adrians.Golf Image of Uma Paro by COMO and the Paro Valley Copyright COMO Hotels and Resorts