Bhutan, a tiny Buddhist country perched on the Himalayan's eastern slopes, is renowned as the "Last Shangri-La." Gross National Happiness is the country's national slogan. It reinforces the concept that progress does not always mean economic prosperity. It is the world's only carbon-negative country, and it is right that they wish to keep it that way for a long time. The country has pledged to safeguard and maintain its forested areas. As a result, tourism is strictly regulated in order to manage the number of tourists. It is a step to ensure Bhutan's long-term viability and to keep a veil over its frightened kingdom in order for it to retain its moniker of "Last Shangri-La."
The kingdom of Thunder dragons has it all, from beautiful monasteries placed high in the mountains, exciting festivals, gorgeous valleys, Himalayan treks, local, and cultural immersions. With North Bengal Guide's well-planned Tour Packages, you can explore all these tourist attractions in Bhutan while staying at the finest accommodations.
If you're considering a vacation to Bhutan, here are the most gorgeous places to visit. All of these locations not only provide excellent sightseeing opportunities but also provide a sense of adventure.
Thimphu, Bhutan's capital, is a fascinating place. The city, which is located in the Himalayan upper peaks, offers breathtaking views of the emerald forests and the Raidak or Chuu River. Thimphu, the country's capital, is unquestionably the first location to see in Bhutan. This city is filled with picturesque panoramas and mountain peaks that reach 2,000-3,800m and is located in the country's western-central area, on the banks of the rushing Raidak River. Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, is a city that proudly displays the country's traditional cultures and traditions. It also serves as the country's business hub. This picturesque city, which serves as the official house of Bhutan's royal family, offers a wide range of luxury accommodations. The prime attractions of Thimphu are the National Library of Bhutan, Tashichho Dzong, Buddha Point, Memorial Chorten, The National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Zangto Pelri Lhakhang, Motithang Takin Preserve, and more.
Another best place to visit in Bhutan is Punakha. Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, is about three hours driving distance away from Thimphu. It is surrounded by sweeping valleys of rice paddy and agricultural terraces. Every traveler who arrives here, deep in the Himalayan range, is immediately lured to the massive Palace of Great Happiness complex. This is one of Bhutan's most recognizable structures, as well as the winter house of the country's main Buddhist order. Around it is a slew of ancient farmer hamlets, like the charming adobe town of Onitsha, which exude rustic charm and are peppered with earthy teahouses serving curries. The worth noting tourist attractions here in Punakha are Punakha Dzong, Jigme Dorzi National Park, Rishta Village, Chimi Lakhang, etc. In short, you will love to explore all the tourist attractions in Punakha.
Paro is a tiny town located in Bhutan's Paro Valley. It is Bhutan's most fertile and historically significant valley, as well as the country's largest. It is home to 155 14th-century temples and monasteries, as well as Bhutan's only international airport. The Paro Airport is Bhutan's largest international airport and one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. It is reputed to be the most difficult airport to land on. Paro is filled with traditionally built dwellings as well as paddy fields as the town is known for Red Rice cultivation and has a mesmerizing landscape. The Tiger's Nest or Taktsang, one of Bhutan's most famous monasteries, is perched atop a cliff in Paro. Other tourist attractions that make Paro worth visiting are Haa Valley, Chelela Pass, Kila Goemba, Ugyen Pelri Palace, Rinpung Dzong, Druk Choeding, Dungtse Lhakhang, Ta Dzong, Drukgyel Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang, Jangsarbu Lhakhang, and more.
Phuentsholing is Bhutan's second largest town. It shares its borders with the Indian state of West Bengal and adjacent to the Indian town Jaigaon. It is a major economic hub of Bhutan, serving as an entry point for travelers from West Bengal. It is a city that is more developed than other of Bhutan's towns while still maintaining a wonderful balance of natural beauty. It provides an experience unlike any other. It is one of the best places to visit in Bhutan because it's home to several communities like Indians, Nepalese, and Bhutanese. Bhutan Gate is its prime attraction and it is also significant trading centre in Bhutan.
Haa Valley, known as Bhutan's smallest district, is one of the most beautiful regions in the country, located to the south-west of Paro. For enthusiastic hikers and trekkers, the magnificent wooded forests and routes are excellent. This is also the only spot on the planet where the cream-colored bloom of the Blue Poppy may be found. Although remote and devoid of tourist attractions, the Valley boasts some of Bhutan's most incredible views. It is home to nomadic herders and a relatively small Bhutanese population. Haa valley is also known as the "Hidden-Land Rice Valley" because rice, barley, and wheat are the most common crops farmed in the area.
The tranquil town of Jakar is nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Choekor Valley, which has been dubbed "Little Switzerland" because to its sweeping vistas of fir forests and alpine slopes. It's a religious centre and the entryway to the Bumthang District's eastern splendors, and it's dotted with beautifully painted monasteries. The massive Jakar Dzong stands guard atop the town, marking one of the country's largest fortified monasteries, while places like the Kurje Lhakhang below recount stories of the 8th-century Indian guru Guru Rinpoche, who helped bring Buddhism to this remote part of the highland's centuries ago.
Chele La pass, at an elevation of 3,989 meters, is one of Bhutan's most popular tourist destinations. The breathtaking pass is located on the way to Paro's Haa Valley. On a clear day, you can see the Jomolhari mountain and the nearby peaks from the northwest side, as well as the Haa and Paro valleys. Many hotels, resorts, and homestays in Paro also provide cheap Chele Le Pass tours on a regular basis. This pass, lying 13,000 feet above the Paro valley in the west, is Bhutan's highest road pass and is flanked by breathtaking views of the Himalayan range and Mount Jomolhari, the country's most sacred mountain at over 22,000 feet. A one-and-a-half-hour drive from Paro's valley level is required to access this Bhutan tourist site.
Trongsa is located in central Bhutan, and its lush greenery makes a great setting for simply meditating. This must-see spot in Bhutan is centrally located, with a key intersection connecting highways to Bumthang, Gelephu, and Punakha. The Trongsa Dzong is a must-see site in Trongsa. This is one of the most magnificent Buddhist temples, with red roofs and whitewashed walls rising over a valley. Trongsa is a sleepy little town where the only way to pass the time, aside from sightseeing, is to stroll through the shops, which are beautifully decorated with pot plants and crowded with happy locals.
You can indulge yourself with lots of outdoor activities as the hilly terrain of Bhutan witch scenic attractions is truly a heaven for adventure enthusiasts.
The Tiger's Nest, also known as Taktshang, is Bhutan's most famous tourist destination. A search for 'Bhutan' on Google may yield up more photographs of Taktshang than anything else of the country. After an hour and a half of climbing, the sight of the monastery clinging precariously to a cliffside is genuinely awe-inspiring and wonderful to behold. The monastery was first built in 1692 on the site of a cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 7th century A.D. Many notable Buddhist saints have also travelled to meditate in the cave, making it a revered Buddhist location. Taktsan Monasterty lies about 10 kilometres north of Paro town, at an elevation of 3120 metres above the sea level. Visitors must climb for around 40 to 50 minutes upwards through gorgeous, shady pine woodlands to reach the temple. During the trek, Taktsang Cafeteria is the only point for rest where you can also have mouth craving vegetarian Bhutanese food.
Bhutan is a bird lover's heaven, and bird-watching is one of the country's most popular activities. The Black-necked Crane, Ward's Trogon, Himalayan Monal, Rufous-necked Hornbill, and Snow Pigeon are among the many bird species found in this magnificent country. If you are an avid birdwatcher, you will love to witness the vibrant birds of Bhutan. It's lovely to listen to the melodious chrping of these birds and see them fly over the sky, spreading their colorful and vibrant wings. Capture some stunning photos of these featured creatures to let your friends witness the beauty of them in the social media.
One of the best things to do in Bhutan is to witness the National Animal of Bhutan, Takin. Motithang Takin Preserve, Thimphu's crown jewel, is a protected region where Bhutan's national animal, the Takin, is being preserved. A half-hour walk here will reveal a variety of exotic birds and animals that roam the area freely and in their natural habitat. The fauna in this area is spectacular and should be viewed at least once during your Bhutan Tour. The Royal Takin Preserve, which is located in Thimphu's Motithang district, was formerly a mini-zoo before being converted into a wildlife preserve. The king thought it was wrong to confine the country's animals within certain bounds, so he declared the area a nature preserve, allowing the animals to roam freely.
One of the best things to do is rafting in Bhutan which allows you to gently float down the river while taking in the scenery and passing through some gentle but exhilarating rapids. Instead of a thrilling adrenaline rush throughout the rafting, you will have time to marvel at the beauty of the lush green valleys. You will get to see uncommon birds flying here and there while still having a fantastic time running the rapids.
Archery is Bhutan's national sport, so give it a shot. It is a tremendously popular pastime for locals and visitors alike, and is frequently played during religious and cultural celebrations. On most afternoons, groups of men compete against one another, aiming at absurdly little targets 120 metres away. Bhutan has practiced archery since ancient times, and it has been a national sport since 1971. Archery, which has traditionally been a male-dominated sport, has become a craze among both young and old people. For millennia, archery has been a component of Bhutanese culture; religious events and festivals are accompanied by archery tournaments held throughout the country throughout the year. Traditional Bhutanese handcrafted bamboo bows have been replaced with high-tech carbon fibre bows in recent years, thanks to government marketing.
Bhutan's festivals, like everything else in the nation, are vibrant and full of fascinating legends. Religious festivals (Tshechu) are held throughout the country and are regarded to be particularly significant occasions at which villagers congregate to see masked dancers and singers perform while socialising. Plays containing some type of drama showing good and evil are also held. You might even be asked to take part in a scenario, which will be much to everyone's delight. In short, taking part in a traditional festival in Bhutan.
Dzongs are the fort like monasteries found across Bhutan, and they are noteworthy not only for their unique architecture, but also as the administrative and religious centres of Bhutanese communities. The Punakha Dzong, often known as the "Palace of Great Happiness," is the most exquisite of these. The dzong is one of the most picturesque constructions in the country, standing at the confluence of the rivers Po chhu and Mo chhu. In addition, the dzong itself is decorated with traditional Buddhist symbols and murals, some of which portray Buddha's life.
Climbing rocks is a fascinating pastime that is full of excitement and a relaxing atmosphere you can try. In Bhutan, rock climbing is a must-do adventure sport that you can do in the midst of the country's magnificent scenery. The Vertical Bhutan Climbing Club was the first to bring this fascinating sport to Bhutan. This club also provides a full climbing session by instructing climbers. The climbing rock provided by this club is known as the Nose, and it is located not far from Bhutan's capital, Thimphu. There are multiple climbing routes on this rock, ranging in difficulty from moderate to challenging.
Mountain biking is an exciting, environmentally beneficial sport, and Bhutan boasts fantastic trails with beautiful scenery for all riding enthusiasts. You may paddle across the mountainous terrain, climb and descend through various communities, and get a glimpse into local life because the area is culturally and biologically rich. This thrilling activity is primarily available in Punakha, Tongsa, Wamrong, Wangthang La, Paro Valley, Phobjikha Valley, and other parts of Bhutan. However, you can embark on this trip not only to traverse the beautiful backgrounds of Bhutan, but also to experience Buddhist culture and visit the monasteries that pass across the tracks.
Getting to know about Bhutan's grand legacy is one of the top things to do in the country. A tour of the various museums is an excellent method to do so. By looking at the people's prior traditions, history, and religion, you can learn about their way of living. Exploring museums in Bhutan is a terrific pastime for cultural buffs. The National Museum of Bhutan, the National Textile Museum, and the Folk Heritage Museum are three fantastic institutions that will pique your interest in culture and the traditions of Bhutan. Bhutan Postal Museum, National Handicraft Emporium, Royal Heritage Museum, and Simply Bhutan are also worth exploring places to learn about the culture and traditions of Bhutan.
Bhutan is worth visiting at any time of the year. However, the following are the popular seasons to visit the country.
April to June: The valleys of Bhutan are blanketed in a bright colour riot of blossoming Rhododendron and Jacaranda at this time of year. During this season, visitors can also experience Bhutan's lovely weather.
July to September: This country receives average rainfall throughout the monsoon season. Visitors can visit Bhutan during this period if they don't mind the humid and rainy weather.
October to March: The country is best visited during the winter months. With little to no rain during this time of year, the sky remains bright, providing tourists with an unrivalled view of the snow-capped Himalayan Range that borders Bhutan.
Paro is Bhutan's one of the most popular towns with many sacred sites and historical buildings.
View Details
Phuentsholing is the border town in Bhutan with lots of popular places and attractions.
View Details
Chele La Pass is one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan with breathtaking scenary of nature.
View Details
Haa Valley is tranquil yet popular north-south valley whose other name is Hidden Lande Rice Valley.
View Details
Punakha is a splendid town in Bhuatn's western region with lots of tourist attractions.
View Details
Thimphu is the capital town of Bhutan with countless tourist attractions you may explore.
View Details