Bhutan is small kingdom nation surrounded by panoramic range of Himalayas, sharing borders with India and China. The Buddhist Kingdom, Bhutan hold land mass equal to Korean Peninsula with population merely close to 8 Million people living in the 40% town and rest covered with forests. People living in the urban region, they are inclined much to the local and natural products in an effort to protect nature. In fact, it is the only country in the world where no traffic lights is installed and rather depend on physical presence of traffic police. While tourist consider Bhutan slightly expensive, little did they know on the contrary the nation provides free healthcare and education to anyone.
People around the world consider happiness in abundance only if you have money and materialistic stuff, whereas Bhutan have emerged as the happiestt place on earth with their cultural and natural beauty scattered across the country. Here we have listed Best places to visit in Bhutan so you can evident beautiful Bhutan sightseeing and holy places of the country.
Paro
Paro, settled in the mountain valley is town with population of 11,500. Paro is home to Country's only International airport. As soon as you land in the Paro (Bhutan) airport, you will have first glimpse of unique and traditional architecture Bhutan has to offer. Head to the North of Paro, visit sacred cultural places such as tiger nest monastery, kyichu lhakhang, Rinpung Dzong. For your shopping cravings, visit Paro Market where one can find local made Souvenirs, clothes, typical Bhutanese artifacts, etc.
The National Museum of Bhutan is located at Paro, which is a must see although mind the photo shooting is not allowed inside. After Jolmhari, the Druk path is the most common short trekking trail from Paro, to the capital Thimphu. The Druk path leads through an ancient trading route, covered with dense rhododendron forests, alpine pasturing sheep and yaks, magnificent lakes filled with mountain trouts.
Best Time to visit : In Summer March to May and In Autumn November
Budget Accommodation : Hotel River SIDE, Hotel Bhutan Silverpine, Hotel Dhey-Kwid, Hotel Tandin.
Thimphu
Thimphu, the Capital of Bhutan is registered as the third highest capital after Bolivia and Ecuador, that lies at an altitude of 8,688 ft above sea level. The famous Royal Takin Preserve, is home to Himalayan Takin, known as National Animal of Bhutan. Experience the true high Himalayan range from Dochula Pass with 108 Memorials, built in the memory of Bhutanese soldiers from the Royal Bhutan Army who lost their lives during operation against rebellion insurgents in 2003.
Not to mention, do climb the 150 staircase to reach the majestic Buddha Dordenma portraying the gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha Statue in the mountains of Bhutan over looking the whole Thimphu city. To sum up the day, drink the tasty creamy Butter tea.
Best Time to visit : In Summer from March to May and In Autumn from October and November
Budget Accommodation : Bhutan Suites, Ama's Village Lodge Paro, Hotel Bhutan Silverpine, Kuenphen Hotel.
Punakha
Former Capital of Bhutan, Punakha is famous for the Punakha Dzong situated at the junction of two rivers Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu. Both the rivers are entitled as the female river and the latter as the male river, together at the Punakha Dzong junction form punatsangchhu, which is the biggest river in Bhutan. Exceptional to many other Dzong in the country, Punakha Dzong hold remarkable position in the history of Bhutan, that witnessed several Royal Functions from Royal marriage, name ceremony, coronation, etc.
The Suspension bridge is another popular spot, believed to be one of the oldest suspension bridges ever built by the Buddhist Monks. Interestingly, Bhutan worship Phallus (male private stuff) that is denoted in cryptic symbols, painted around houses in the Phallus town. Furthermore, the town also have dedicated fertility temple. Punakha is also well known for land of Red rice, commonly consumed in Bhutan.
Best Time to visit : Summer March to May and Winter from October to December
Budget Accommodation : Damchen Resort, Thori Resort, Himalayan Dragon's Nest Hotel, Chimi Lhakang Village Homestay.
Royal Highlander Festival
Royal Highlander Festival in Bhutan was founded with aim to highlight the vibrant culture, hospitality and natural lifestyle to the world. The Royal Highlander Festival is organised every year during October in Laya, Gasa District. The event showcases distinctive features such horse races, traditional dance, drama performances, body combat matches and alpine yak parades. Above all, The Royal Highlander Festival also features marathon, where runners take lap of 26.2 miles (42 km) for full marathon and 13.1 miles (21 km) for half marathon. The marathon is conducted from Gasa in north to Punakha in the south of Bhutan, passing through spectacular rural countryside and villages. Furthermore, to serve your adrenaline rush, participate in the free marathon competition specifically for their tourists and visitors.
While you are up in the mountains, do remember to bring cream and hats as the rays could be harsh and might streak your skin.
Tiger Nest Monastery
Tiger Nest Monastery, in Paro is the situated 3000 metres above sea level. The Monastery is built clutched to the side of cliff, believed as one of the prominent sacred place where, once Guru Rinpoche fled to sitting on the back of flying tigress then suppressed the evils and later converted the Bhutanese peoples to holy Buddhism To reach Tiger Nest Monastery, you have to climb steep 700 steps high altitude trail. however, you can also opt for horse and ride up there. The trek is awarded with three picturesque spots at certain distance portraying the magnificent mountain perched with Tiger Nest Monastery.
The best time to visit Tiger Nest Monastery is from October to December during winter, when the sky is clear and no cluttered fog. So, you can view the mountains and the sun over looking from ranges.
Best Time to visit : September to December
Budget Accommodation : Tiger Nest Resort, Drukgyel Resort, Yanki Resort, Silver Pine Hotel.
Suspension Bridge
Suspension Bridge in Bhutan is the longest bridge in the country, pinned above the famous female river Pho Chhu. The Suspension Bridge build in the 17th Century by the first Zhabdrung Rinpoche, with sole intention to ease the travel of other side villagers to the Punakha Dzong. The bridge is adorned with colourful prayer flags and spot for visitors to treat themselves with beautiful view of mountains adjacent to the river.
Best Time to visit : During Summer from March to May and Winter from October to December
Budget Accommodation : Damchen Resort, Thori Resort, Himalayan Dragon's Nest Hotel, Chimi Lhakang Village Homestay.
Trongsa
Trongsa, the capital of Trongsa District. It is small town that lives in the shadow of Trongsa Dzong, the largest Dzong among all other Dzong in Bhutan. Built in 1644, the Trongsa Dzong was formally operated as power seat of the Wangchuck dynasty. The Dzong is strategically constructed on buttress, providing stunning view of the valley.
Once reached inside, you will evident the huge structure parted in to 23 courtyards with several fascinating labyrinth passages, which is also home to 300 monks.
Best Time to visit : In Rainy Season from June to September and Summer November to February.
Budget Accommodation : Yangkhil Resort, Chendebji Resort.
Phuentsholing
If you travelling from India to Bhutan by road then first passage you will pass through is Bhutan Gate, which is built as signage of harmony between the two neighbouring nations. The Bhutan Gate bifurcate the two nation, Jaigoan on Indian and Phuentsholing in the Bhutan side. However, if you consider to reach Phuentsholing by airplane, get to the nearest Bagdogra airport and rent cab.
The Amo Chhu crocodile breeding centre, is one of the popular tourist spot in Phuentsholing. The other significant Phuentsholing sightseeing spot includes Karbandi Monastery situated 400 metres above the valley town, providing staggering view of Phuentsholing specialy at night similar to Duedins Hill in New Zealand.
Best Time to visit : After Winter April to June
Budget Accommodation : Tashi namgay grand Resort, Hotel Everest, Central Hotel, Sanghuri Bhangang Resort
Buddha Dordenma Statue
Buddha Dordenma Statue in the hill top of Kuenselphodrang Nature Park shroading the Thimphu valley. The Statue is also known as Golden Shakyamuni Buddha, which is no less than international highlight of Bhutan. It represent the history, when Guru Rinpoche realised the situation and forecasted that successor Buddha will land and spread harmony. However, the people of Bhutan believee that burial of Guru Rinpoche in the sand and rising up the Statue in the same sand is actually reborn and arrival of second Buddha.
The Buddha Dordenma Statue is humongous 169 feet (52 m) tall cladded with golden enclosure, build in the past decade with aim to spread peace and tranquility in the world. Beneath Buddha Dordenma Statue, it houses museum that is embellished with several different miniature Buddha Dordenma Statues cladded with bronze and gold.
Best Time to visit : Buddha Dordenma timings is 9 AM to 5 PM and it is closed on Mondays and other National holidays.
Budget Accommodation : Bhutan Suites, Ama's Village Lodge Paro, Hotel Bhutan Silverpine, Kuenphen Hotel.
Jomolhari Trek
Jomolhari is the premier sacred mountain, once believed to be home of Five Tsheringma Sistrs. If you want to experience true divine aura of mountain, then what could be better than hiking by yourself. The Jomolhari Trek can be explored from minimum 2500 metres to maximum 5000 metres elevation, which offers country's diverse landscape, flora and fauna with spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari. Additionaly, along the route one is also greeted with twin lakes known locally as the Tshophu. The Bhutanese people also celebrates popular Jomolhari Mountain Festival, mainly to boost and market the traditional clothes, folk dance and local products.
Best Time to visit : April to June and September to November
Budget Accommodation : Hotel Norbuling, Hotel Shantideva Bhutan.
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