About Bhutan
Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is a beautiful Buddhist kingdom on the eastern region of the great Himalayas. This landlocked nation with beautiful valleys and picturesque landscape making it all the more captivating is situated in South Central Asia, bordering Tibet and the Indian states of Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. This kingdom has a rich history full of myths and legends. It is known for its philosophy of Gross National Happiness: wherein development is measured using the holistic approach of well-being. The strong sense of tradition and culture distinguishes Bhutan from other Buddhists regions. Predominantly Bhutan is a Buddhists culture with Dzongkha being its national language. Because of its vast unspoiled Bhutanese culture it has been termed the Last Shangri-La.
Bhutan sets a unique example where the modern technological world meets the old traditional heritage, holding its own place and importance. This tiny kingdom is the epitome of natural beauty, attracts a huge number of tourists from all over the world, who comes here to enjoy the pristine abode of the mighty Himalayas and the breathtaking beauty of its landscapes that the country unfurls.
Visiting Bhutan offers a truly authentic experience with culture that has been relatively untouched by outside influence. With towering mountains, intricate architecture, welcoming people and a philosophy steeped in the Buddhism. A trip to this Buddhist kingdom is a once in a life time experience as the tour is beautifully woven with peace and adventure, hand in hand, a destination leaving you with positive aura and peaceful mind.
Punakha Festival
Punakha Festival Join hundreds of pilgrims from all over Bhutan and enjoy the most colourful and vibrant festival. Watch re-enactments of the Bhutanese victory over invading Tibet. Firecrackers explode as battle scenes are acted out, culminating in the colourful Serda (procession) to the river. Punakha Dzong (fortress) is the magnificent backdrop, probably the most beautiful building in Bhutan.
Thimpu
In Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan, visit its colourful weekend market and quirky shops, museums and landmarks like the National Memorial Chorten, built by the third king His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. This small city was established as the capital in 1961 and is famous for being the only capital in the world without traffic lights!
This capital city is home to approximately 100,000 inhabitants including the Royal family. This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country. Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style. One of the most curious features of Thimphu is that it is the only capital city in the world that does not use traffic lights. Instead a few major intersections have policemen standing in elaborately decorated booths (small pavilions), directing traffic with exaggerated hand motions. The juxtaposition of ancient tradition and modernity make Thimphu the ideal location for visitors to break away from their tour itinerary and just immerse themselves in the lifestyle of contemporary Bhutanese.
Dochu La pass
Dochu La pass with its fluttering prayer flags and views over the majestic Himalayas, takes your breath away on a clear day. Visit the highly ornate Drukwangyal Lhakhang (temple) and the 108 chortens, built by the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck to honour the Bhutanese soldiers who were killed when fighting the Indian rebels in 2003.
Taktshang Lhakhang
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High above the Paro valley, this monastery – known as the Tiger’s Nest – perches on a rocky mountainside at 3,000m. It was built in the 8th century, when legend has it the 2nd Buddha, Guru Rimpoche, meditated here, having flown from Kurtoe valley on the back of one of his consorts who had taken the form of flying tigress. To Bhuddhist pilgrims this is one of the most sacred sites in the Himalayas, to anyone it has to be one of the most spectacular.
“Tiger's Nest The Taktsang Monastery is Heaven on Earth” Hike about 2 hrs. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktsang monastery. The primary Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in the 1684by the Penlop of Paro Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a flying tiger.
Gangtey
This beautiful glacial valley lies at 2900m. After climbing up through dense forests dripping with lychen, the wide, open expanse of dwarf bamboo can come as a surprise. The valley boasts two beautiful meandering rivers, Nakay Chhu and Gay Chhu. Perched overlooking this beautiful, almost flat valley is the village and monastery of Gangtey. As well as the black-necked cranes that roost here in the winter, there are also barking deer, wild boar, red fox, leopard and Himalayan black bear.
Tashicho Dzong
Known as the ‘fortress of glorious religion’, the Tashicho Dzhong was originally built in 1641. It was rebuilt in 1952 by the third king and is now used as the seat of the Royal Bhutanese Government. Situated in beautiful gardens, it is also the summer residence of the central monastic body.
Kurje Lhakhang
Located in the sacred Bumthang valley, Kurje Lhakhang is a monastery of particular significance as Buddhists believe that Guru Rinpoche meditated here and left the imprint of his body on a rock. It is also the final resting place of Bhutan’s first three kings. There are many religious and historical legends connected with this place which consists of three large temples and many smaller structures, rich with impressive adornments.
Trongsa
The Dzong dominates the town of Trongsa. Perched above the Dzong, the actual town is little more than one street. Many of the town’s inhabitants are of Tibetan origin and so you may have the chance try some Tibetan specialities here. The new museum situated in the 300 year old Ta Dzong, watch tower, provides an insight into the religious history of Bhutan, the significance of Trongsa in the history of the Kings of the Wangchuck dynasty.
Rukha
A remote village in the Jigme Dorje Wangchuk National Park, Rukha is a hidden jewel. Accessible only by a precarious rope bridge, this collection of 20 houses dotted around the hillside are built in the traditional style with steep steps leading up to the first floor with the kitchen on the outside. Experience the other face of Bhutan close up with a home stay in this hospitable rural community.
Haa Valley
Haa Valley Adjoining the districts of Paro, Chhukha and Samtse, Haa valley is one of the most picturesque places in the Kingdom, spread over an area of 1706 sq. km. During pre-Buddhist era, Haa valley was known for its animist tradition. Inhabitants then were enthused in offering animal blood to their local deities.
Phuentsholing
Phuntsholing the gate way to Bhutan. This small modern town in the south is the gateway of Bhutan for overland travellers. Like all other border towns, it is only a prelude. Phuentsholing is fascinating mixture of Bhutanese and Indian, a lively centre for the mingling people, languages, costumes and goods. On top of a low hill at nearby Kharbandi, a small Gompa situated in a garden of tropical plants and flowers, overlooks the town and surrounding plains.