Trip to Bhutan- A Mesmerizing Experience

A mesmerizing experience in Bhutan

Bhutan is a land of unending fascination, with enthralling monasteries, old forts, and fantastic aesthetics for people seeking adventure, thrills, and relaxation. The small country with its sparkling beauty and quiet atmosphere has gained popularity as a tourist destination, enticing people from around the world. 

Exploring Thimphu - The Capital City of Bhutan

Thimphu City

Thimphu is Bhutan's capital city with a blend of urban life and traditional ways. It is the perfect place to experience both worlds during your Bhutan Tour. You can go pray in a monastery during the day and relax in the nightclubs at night! How cool is that?

#1 Buddha Dordenma Statue

Buddha Dordenma

The Buddha Dordenma Statue stands 169 feet tall atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, overlooking Thimphu Valley's southern entrance. The statue claims to exude an atmosphere of serenity and contentment throughout the world.

#2 Memorial Chorten

Memorial Chorten

The National Memorial Chorten was dedicated to World Peace in commemoration of the Third Druk Gyalpo. The Chorten exhibits beautiful murals and detailed sculptures, depicting the perfect example of Buddhist architecture and art. 

It is located right near the center of the city, so very convenient to drop by and check out during your Bhutan trip.

#3 A Living Museum – Simply Bhutan

A live museum in Thimphu

Simply Bhutan provides a brief introduction to several facets of traditional Bhutanese life. Visit the museum to get an overview of the Bhutanese lifestyle; it is just a few minutes away from the city's center. 

When you get there, the host will offer you a shot of arra (local rice wine) and guide you through the traditional village settings. You can try traditional Bhutanese clothes, play archery, and listen to Bhutanese women singing folk songs.

#4 Night Life in Thimphu

Local bands performing in pubs

Places like Mojo Park in Thimphu are ideal for relaxing over a glass of beer after touring the city. It's a musical delight and the greatest choice for anyone who enjoys live music. No fighting, no crying! It is safe. You can hum to Eric Clapton's Bluesy tunes and bounce to hard rock ACDC tunes along with the local bands!

If you have booked a ticket for the Bhutan trip from India, cool! Many Bhutanese are fans of Bollywood. You will hear them play in cabs, restaurants bars and of course the nightclubs.

Exploring Paro - The Valley of Gold

The Paro Valley turns gold in Autumn

The Paro Valley is one of the kingdom's largest valleys, with fertile rice fields and a magnificent, crystalline river. The exquisite, traditional houses that dot the valley and neighboring hills add to the natural splendor. The region is rich in breathtaking religious landmarks, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations.

#1 Taktshang Mo   nastery (The Tiger’s Nest)

Taktshang Monastery

Taktsang Monastery is one of the must-see landmarks in Paro. It is often known as the Tiger's Nest. The monastery is located 10 kilometers from Paro town on the face of a massive rock. This magnificent temple was built on a sheer cliff-face above oak and rhododendron trees. It is a breathtaking and traditional masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture.

#2 Drukgyel Dzong (The Fortress of Victorious Bhutanese)

Drukgyel Dzong

Drugyel Dzong is another must-see in Paro during your Bhutan tour. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built this dzong to celebrate his triumph over raiding Tibetan forces. The fortress was destroyed by fire in 1951; the ruins are the classic archaeological site.

#3 Ta Dzong (The Watchtower)

Ta Dzong

Ta Dzong, the historic watchtower which was used to spot Tibetan invaders in the 40s, was converted to National Museum in 1968. This historic watchtower houses hundreds of Bhutanese treasures and artwork, including traditional costumes, armor, weaponry, and handicrafts. The collection of the National Museum is a glimpse of the country's many cultural heritages.

Exploring Punakha - The Rice Bowl of Bhutan

Rice cultivation in Punakha valley

Punakha valley is known as the Rice Bowl of Bhutan with lush rice fields. In the tiered fields that line the flowing Pho and Mo Chu rivers, farmers still use bullock-drawn plows alongside tractors. It is a temperate region with breathtaking Himalayan views, exciting treks, and serene temples.

#1 Punakha Dzong

Punakha Dzong exhibits the unique architecture and art of Bhutan

Punakha Dzong is not only the country's second-oldest and largest dzong, but it is a pure exhibition of Bhutanese unique architectural design. Punakha Dzong stands at the confluence of two main rivers, the Pho Chhu and the Mo Chhu, which meet in this valley. The sunshine reflects off the lake and onto the white-washed walls on sunny days, making a lovely scene.

#2 Chimmi Lhakhang

The temple of fertility

Chimmi Lhakhang also known as the temple of fertility is located in Punakha District. It is believed that Lam Drukpa Kuenley, the divine madman, has blessed the site after subduing a demoness. His unusual teaching methods such as singing, humor, and odd behavior, frequently had sexual overtones. However, the temple is a unique religious location recognized for blessing children to infertile couples. 

Exploring Wangdue Phodrang - Nature’s Reserve

Red Panda in Wangdue district

The Wangdue Phodrang District reserves a large area of National parks and protected areas in the country. So, it is a perfect spot to chill in the wilderness and enjoy the beauty of nature. The protected areas and the parks are home to many rare and exotic species such as Red Pandas, Leopards, Black Necked Crane, WHite-Bellied Heron, and Spotted Eagle.

#1 The Phobjikha Valley

The roosting ground for Black Necked Cranes

Phojikha valley is regarded as one of the best places to visit in Bhutan. The green valley is left untouched to let the Black Necked Cranes roost in winter during their migrations from Tibet. The Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN) and the locals acclaim for their conservation efforts to keep the valley untouched for the cranes. They even promote conservation and spread awareness by holding a yearly festival dedicated to Black Necked Cranes. 

#2 Homestay

Experience Bhutanese lifestyles in Homestays

Bhutan Homestay is all about looking into the culture, rural lifestyle, and living the Bhutanese way. It is completely different from the western world. You can enjoy the home-cooked meals, sit by a hearth with the host (who are usually farmers), and be a Bhutanese for a while. 

Things You Should Know Before Visiting Bhutan

#1 Food In Bhutan

Bhutanese foods are spicy and hot! But you can get non-spicy items if you are not a good friend of chilies. If you are allergic to chilies, inform your tour company beforehand. 

#2 The Best Time to Visit the Country

Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) are the most popular times to visit Bhutan. In the spring, Bhutan is at its best with new blossoms and fresh streams. Autumn is the time for festivals in Bhutan. Every few days, temples are monasteries are busy with mask dances. The event is one-of-a-kind, with monks dressed in colorful garb and wooden masks. 

#3 Weather Conditions

Summers are hot and humid, while winters are mild and dry. So, include warm clothing if your Bhutan Trip is scheduled in Autumn and Winter. 

#4 Bhutan Trip Cost

Traveling to Bhutan is considered expensive by many visitors! Foreigners have to pay $250 per day. However, the visa fee is inexpensive if you are planning a Bhutan trip from India. You just have to pay 1200 Ngultrum per day to explore the beauty of Bhutan.  

Conclusion

Bhutan has everything a visitor might want in terms of fun, relaxation, and enjoyment. The small country is a popular tourist destination because of its mesmerizing beauty and unique culture. So, put Bhutan Trip on your bucket list to experience the most amazing and relaxing vacation of your life.