A story that began in 1616.

The 1616 Story

A story that began in 1616.

In 1616, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal arrived in Bhutan and began an important chapter in the country's history — one that would influence its spiritual traditions, its institutions and the architecture still standing in the valleys today.

That legacy did not stop with history. It continues in the dzongs where communities still gather, in monasteries where prayers begin before sunrise, in the festivals, crafts and everyday life of Bhutanese families. Travelling here means meeting a culture that is still being lived, not simply remembered.

Bhutan, as you want to experience it

Go beyond the usual places.

See the temples and dzongs, walk through mountain valleys, join a local festival, spend time in the countryside, or simply take your time and enjoy the journey.

There is more to Bhutan than the places you see on a map.

About

About 1616 Travel Bhutan

Bhutan, beyond the usual journey.

1616 Travel Bhutan is a small Bhutanese travel company built from a love for the country we call home.

We want to show travellers more than the places they see on a map. The monasteries and dzongs matter, but so do the roads between them, a festival in a small town, a conversation with a local family, or simply stopping somewhere because the view is worth it.

Every journey is planned around the traveller — what they want to see, how they like to travel, and how much time they have.

This is Bhutan, from a local point of view.