Bhutan tourism is like going into the lap of nature with beautiful and attractive scenic beauty with a rich cultural significance. Wonders happen in Bhutan in terms of finding many things in one beautiful country. Bhutan is a perfect destination for family trips, honeymoon destination and adventure trip which makes it ‘The Last Shangri La’ that means the place where everything is pleasant and easily available. You will find lots of monasteries and Buddhist temples spreading the principles and teachings of Lord Buddha which helps the nation to stay happy and peaceful.
Happiness and dedication of people in Bhutan make the nation world’s first carbon-negative country by covering 72% of the total area with forest. The present King is focused on the development of the nation by maintaining the tradition and culture in a genuine way. The citizens are happy with the present king and that makes Bhutan the happiest country in the world. Bhutan tourism gives you a better chance to explore the country that offers some of the exquisite places and activities to do over there.
10 Top Places to See in Bhutan
Thimphu
It is better to start with the capital city that gives you mesmerizing mountain views and great learning experiences in every corner. Thimphu is situated in the higher ranges of Himalaya and maintains pleasant weather throughout the year. Walking on the streets of Bhutan will make you surprise as you will find there are no traffic lights on the streets because the policeman controls the vehicles peacefully as no one is on a hurry in this happiest country. Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten, Dechencholing Palace, Clock Tower Square, and Motithang Takin Preserve are special attractions of Thimphu that gives you a better picture of this amazing country.
Paro
Paro is certainly the most famous tourist place in the country because the only airport in Bhutan is in Paro. Paro international airport connects Bhutan with the rest of the world and shares clear air, lush green fields, breath-taking landscapes, and historical buildings. Exploring Paro is really important if you want to know the age-old history of Bhutanese. Tiger’s Nest Monastery is counted among the most popular tourist destination as the monastery is located in the steep cliff of a mountain and looks beautiful from far away. Holy flags hanged on the monasteries will make the ambiance pure and divine in true sense. Bondey Lhakhang, Khangkhu Lhakhang, Tago Lhakhang, Druk Choeding and National Museum are some other attractions that need to be visited in this historic town.
Punakha
Adventure lovers must this place which offers river rafting in the popular rivers – Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu. The rivers blessed this and with vegetation and happiness along with the Dzong called Punakha Dzong which was built in the 17th century. The Dzong is located beside these two rivers and looks stunning during the day and on full moon night. The culture of Bhutan can be better explored by visiting Punakha during Punakha Tshechu, which is a religious festival celebrated every year by wearing masks. The masks resemble an inner meaning of fight against good over evil where people dance and enjoy local cuisines with wine and folk songs. Bhutan travel packages include this place to meet your desires to exploring Bhutan.
Trongsa
Peace and serenity welcome you to pass on some quality time with nature. This place is perfect for people who like to mediate or desire to have a wonderful experience by watching the landscapes all around. Trongsa is famous for Trongsa Dzong which is made with red roofs and white walls that look amazing within the abundance of greenery. After passing your time with the spirituality and holiness you can take around in the town by doing shopping. The shops are decorated with artistic designs and pot plants that will definitely add value to your Bhutan tourism.
Jakar
Jakar is situated in the foothills of Chokhor Valley lays Jakar, locally known as Chamkhar. This town is mostly known for the trading center and has the only Cheese factory in Bhutan. Bhutanese and their love from cheese are incomparable and that makes Jakar one of the famous places. Other than scenic view and commercial buildings you can visit Jakar Dzong and Wangdichholing Palace which was built in 1857. The nearest airport in Jakar is Bathpalathang Airport which is a domestic airport and located on the east bank of the Chamkhar Chhu. Chhu means river, so please don’t get confused with the similarities in their names.
Phobjikha
Phobjikha is a popular place in Bhutan that is U-shaped glacial valley bordering the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. This enchanting land offers you beautiful black-necked cranes during winters. The beautiful valley looks stunningly beautiful and gives you all good reasons to visit the country ever and ever again. During Tsechu Festival and the Crane Festival, the valley is decorated with holy flags and other decorative items where you will find beautiful girls are dancing like a doll. The festival is celebrated in the Gangten Monastery courtyard.
Wangdue Phodrang
Another place to visit during Bhutan tourism is Wangdue Phodrang, which is a beautiful, calm and happy town. This place is located in Central Bhutan located and is a border town near Punakha. Wangdue Phodrang is globally famous for its bamboo products, slate and stone carvings. You can find decorative items or show pieces made of Bamboo. Another special attraction is the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. But the Dzong is opened for visitors only during the Wangduephodrang Tsechu celebration held during autumn.
The temple of Divine Madman
The temple of a divine mad man or Chimi Lhakhang is one of the most talked temples in the entire world. So, are you aware of this temple and do you know why this temple is so famous? In founding the site it is said that Drukpa Kunley subdued a demon of Dochu La with his “magic thunderbolt of wisdom” and trapped it in a rock at the location close to where the chorten now stands. The magic thunderbolt was actually his phallus. Yes, you are getting it right you find the paintings and pictures of the phallus in the walls of Penakha district where this temple is located. Taking blessing from this temple is believed to be magical for infertile women.
Dochula Pass
Dochula Pass is a mountain pass that can be reached when you travel to Penakha from Thimphu. This pass becomes famous when Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen mother built “Druk Wangyal Chortens” which is a memorial chortens. There are 108 chortens and made as an honour of those brave soldiers who died during the war against Tibet. Apart from this chortens you will find Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple, built in honour of the fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Bhutan travel packages will help you to cover all the famous places in Bhutan along with comfortable accommodation.
Chele La Pass
This pass is located at the 13,000 feet above in the west from the Paro valley, it is the highest road pass of Bhutan and offers amazing views of the Himalayan range, and the Mount Jomolhari, which is this country’s most sacred mountain over 22,000 feet. It takes one and half hour from Paro by car to reach this place. The special attraction of this place is the Haa summer festival which is the symbol of the rich culture of the nomadic heaps. You can experience the Jomolhari Mountain from here and the adjacent peaks from the northwest side. The more you explore this country; you will find the uniqueness in a definite manner.
Things to Do in Bhutan
River Rafting in Paro Chhu
River Raftering is counted as a thrilling water sport and it needs daring and willing power to embark on a new current every time. Rafting in Bhutan’s Paro Chhu during Bhutan tourism will offer you a unique experience altogether. Apart from racing against the rapids screaming you can visualize the beauty of mountains all around in order to make your mind refreshing touching the soul. A guide will instruct you in paddling the raft so that you can feel the magic of this adventure activity.
Kayaking in Paro Chhu
If rafting doesn’t give you the appeal then you can try doing Kayaking which adds thrill into your life. Kayaking is similar to rafting but needs more daring as you need to control the activity all alone by doing paddling in a continuous manner. Kayaking is fun and especially when experience it in Bhutan tourism then the adventure doubles with the greenery all around.
Fishing
One can find species such as brown trout, snow trout and also golden mahseers in the southern regions of Bhutan. Though, you can explore Bumthang Valley, Paro Valley, Thimphu Valley, Trongsa Region and Lhuentse Region for sparing your time in fishing. Fishing is so interesting that people spend their whole day collecting fishes that come from the glaciers and Mountain Rivers in Bhutan. If you are passionate about fishing then Bhutan is the perfect place for you to enjoy your time.
Archery
The national sport of Bhutan is Archery and you can try your hand by requesting the player who usually practiced archery on Changlimithang Archery Ground, Bhutan Archery Federation, and other common places. There is no fee for trying hands in archery but remember that you are doing it in front of experts. Bhutan is competing in the national as well as international competition in the field of archery. So, let’s hit the target and win everyone’s heart.
Mountain Biking
If you like to feel the freshness in the air by getting free from burdens and anxieties then try mountain biking in Bhutan. The lush valleys and vivid landscape welcome you to experience the most fascinating and adventurous feeling of a lifetime. You will find complete freedom by exploring and discovering the roads which might give you some surprises. Meet new people and talked to them when you feel tired and then start your riding in the Kingdom of Thunder Dragon.
Be a part of their Festival
Tshechu, Haa river festival, Jambay Lhakhang Drup, and Black-Necked Crane Festival are some of the common festivals in Bhutan that share their cultural and historical significance in a better way. To know more about this country and culture you need to be a part of their festivals. You can dance, wear a mask and enjoy food and wine with a flow of getting into their culture in a better sense. Festivals united people and build a special bonding with sharing emotions.
The best part of Bhutan tourism is about meeting innocent people over there and sharing stories with them. Bhutan travel packages provide all the essential things to structure your trip in a better sense where you can visit places, take part in activities and taste some of the delicious cuisines from this land of happiness.
