Bunnik Tours has unveiled two new additions to its Asia collection, launching the ‘Best of Bhutan’ and ‘Mongolian Explorer’ small group tours.

Building on the success of its Asia program, Bunnik is inviting travellers to venture beyond traditional tourist hotspots, discovering two of the region’s most captivating destinations through authentic local experiences and spectacular scenery.

“Travellers are increasingly looking beyond the well-trodden path and seeking destinations where they can connect more deeply with local experiences,” said Priscilla Aster, Bunnik Tours’ Product Design Specialist.

“Bhutan and Mongolia are a perfect fit for our Asia collection, with their incredible landscapes and fascinating cultures. Both offer travellers a chance to experience a side of Asia that remains largely untouched by mass tourism.”

The ‘Best of Bhutan’ is a 13-day journey through the Himalayan kingdom, taking travellers through the capital of Thimphu, the charming town of Paro and the Gangtey region, while showcasing Bhutan’s deeply rooted Buddhist traditions and mountainous landscapes.

Highlights include taking part in a traditional butter lamp lighting ceremony, sharing a lunch with the monks at Gangtey Shedra, sampling locally crafted beer and artisan cheese, and learning the fundamentals of Bhutanese archery using traditional bamboo bows and arrows.

“Bhutan is a destination that feels like stepping into another world,” added Ms Aster. “From ancient monasteries perched high in the Himalayas, to the warmth of traditional Bhutanese cuisine, every day will offer something new.”

The 16-day ‘Mongolian Explorer’ itinerary includes the country’s capital, Ulaanbaatar, the wild beauty of Khustai National Park, the historic Orkhon Valley and the Gobi Desert.

Along the way, travellers will discover Mongolia’s rich nomadic heritage, ancient history and unique traditions, with most nights spent in traditional ger camps.

The journey goes beyond sightseeing, including immersive experiences such as sharing a homestyle lunch with a Kazakh family in Nalaikh, spending a morning with a local herder family in the Orkhon Valley, and taking part in a hands-on cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Mongolian dumplings.

Guests will also get up close to Mongolia’s two-humped Bactrian camels, enjoy a hands-on hot pot experience at Ulaanbaatar’s Bull Hot  Pot Restaurant and step behind the scenes at a local arts centre to experience a Mongolian tradition while  supporting the local community.

“Mongolia is truly a bucket-list destination, with vast areas that remain largely untouched and a strong commitment to preserving its unique culture and traditions,” said Annelieke Huijgens, Bunnik Tours’ Operations, Product & Private Touring General Manager.

The ‘Best of Bhutan’s’ first departure is scheduled for March 2027, with multiple dates available throughout the year, while ‘Mongolian Explorer’s’ first departure will follow in May 2027, with further departures scheduled across 2027.

Both new itineraries are currently featured in Bunnik Tours’ Asia Sale 2027, with travellers able to save up to $500 per person on ‘Best of Bhutan’ and ‘Mongolian Explorer’ when booking by October 9.

www.bunniktours.com.au/