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20 Top Places to See and Things to Do in Bhutan

20 Top Places to See and Things to Do in Bhutan

Bhutan the Happiest Country
Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest)

Top Places to See and Things to Do in Bhutan

Bhutan is that the last Himalayan kingdom, shrouded in amazing snow Peak Mountains and shadowy forests that make picturesque landscape. But that’s not all; the unique and neatest thing about Bhutan is that it’s the sole country that’s 72% covered in forests making it not only carbon-neutral but the world’s only carbon negative country. aside from this, Bhutan may be a place where traditional Buddhist culture meets majestic fortress like dzongs and monasteries, it’s undoubtedly a magical and mystical place to be. Its unique monastic architecture and therefore the graffiti on the walls that bear paintings of penises as a symbol to chase away the evil make Bhutan a single destination. Reputed to be the last Shangri La, this one among its kind country is certainly the simplest place to go to for family vacation, honeymoon tours and even for adventure holidays. And to be a neighborhood of this enthralling place you’ll have your own share of Bhutan experience through this guided list of the highest tourist attractions that you simply must see and do.

 

Thimphu

Places to See and Things to Do in Bhutan

Thimphu is an intriguing destination and therefore the capital of Bhutan. the town nestled within the higher ranges of the Himalayas offers astonishing sights of their emerald forests and delightful views of the Raidak or Chuu River. Thimphu is culturally a requirement visit place graced with old-world charms and modernity. you would possibly just be amazed to witness their red light to be a traffic policeman. Interestingly, the red light lasted within the city for mere three days until the locals disliked and located the sunshine to be rather negative, hence replaced with the human traffic controller. Today, the town is flooded with camera-wielding tourists exploring the unique treasures of Bhutanese culture, cuisine, and lifestyle. Basically, the highest sightseeing places that are popularly explored in Thimphu are Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten, Dechencholing Palace, tower Square, Motithang Takin Preserve. Other tourism places include Dzong like Tashichho and Simtokha; Monasteries like Dechen Phodrang, Tango, and Cheri. For an excursion breaker, Thimphu also offers charming cafes and bars also as nightclubs and restaurants to socialize and meet like-minded people.

 

Paro

Places to See and Things to Do in Bhutan

Its peaceful serene beauty and clean air, surrounded by unlevelled mountains, lush green fields, and historical buildings make Paro the foremost popular destination in Bhutan. it’s here within the city, where the sole international airport is often found. Thus, Paro receives a maximum number of tourists year-round. There are frequent visits to the attractive dzongs like Paro and Zuri; monasteries and palaces like Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), Pelri Goemba, Ugyen Pelri Palace. Other best tourism places include temples, monuments, and museums like Bondey Lhakhang, Khangkhu Lhakhang, Tago Lhakhang, Druk Choeding, and National Museum. Paro may be a historic town with a peaceful atmosphere and it’s best explored on foot. it’s worth a stroll witnessing the lifestyle of the locals which ultimately makes it a requirement to visit a place in Bhutan.

Punakha

Places to See and Things to Do in Bhutan

Another breathtaking destination in Bhutan is Punakha and this place is widely visited by adventure seekers. ‘The best place to be’ for those that enjoy the adrenaline rush of river rafting within the two rivers/chhus – Mo and Pho. However, Punakha is widely famous for the 17th-century fortress Punakha Dzong which sits majestically beside the Pho and Mo Chhu. This Himalayan town hosts masked dances and traditional music during Punakha Tshechu– a spiritual festival of Bhutan. the sensation the place offers is surreal, and thus many of us visit here mostly to know the Bhutanese culture and history also to relish its divine natural beauty. Surrounding the town within the Punakha Valley, it’s some must-visit attractions like Chimi Lhakhang and Namgyal Chorten. From these points, one can get a grand view of rivers and mountains. Punakha Dzong and Limbhukha also are the best places to ascertain while in Punakha.

 

Trongsa

Places to See and Things to Do in Bhutan

Trongsa sits within the central Bhutan and its lush flora creates a gorgeous place to surround your senses and easily meditate. This must see place in Bhutan is conveniently placed within the centre with a strategic junction connecting roads to Bumthang, Gelephu and Punakha. an interesting attraction in Trongsa is that the Trongsa Dzong. this is often one among the simplest Buddhist monasteries beautifully topped with red roofs and white wash walls set down above a valley. Trongsa may be a sleepy little town and aside from sightseeing the sole thing one can do to pass the time is to require a stroll along the shops that are beautifully decorated with pot plants and crowded by gleeful locals.

 

Jakar

Places to See and Things to Do in Bhutan

Nearing the foothills of Choekhor Valley lays Jakar, locally referred to as Chamkhar. This region is especially known for its trading centre and therefore the famous attraction during this place is that the Jakar Dzong. Peacefully sited above the town within the Chamkhar Valley of Bumthang, this popular dzong is most likely the most important everywhere Bhutan. Jakar presumably may take several days for an entire tour of the encompassing valleys. Here, aside from the Jakar Dzong, other interesting and widely visited attractions are Wangdicholing Palace which was inbuilt 1857, Bumthang Brewery, Lhodrak Kharchu Goemba founded within the year 1970s by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche; Cheese Factory which is that the only commercial cheese factory in Bhutan and therefore the 14th-century Jakar Lhakhang. The domestic airport in Jakar is Bathpalathang Airport which is found on the east bank of the Chamkhar Chhu.

 

Phobjikha

Places to See and Things to Do in Bhutan

Phobjikha is a huge U-shaped glacial valley bordering the Jigme Singye Wangchuck park . This ever enchanting land is where the gorgeous black-necked cranes are found during winters. Not just that, as picturesque and quiet this place could also be Phobjikha witnesses thrilling festivals also . Held per annum within the confines of the Phobjikha Valley, Tsechu Festival and therefore the Crane Festival that welcomes the black-neck cranes are vigorously celebrated within the Gangteng Monastery courtyard. However, this abode on the western slopes of the Black Mountains offers spellbinding views of lovely valleys, marshy land and grassy pastures. additionally to the cranes, since Phobjikha is on the brink of Jigme Singye Wangchuck park , you’ll sight muntjacs (barking deer), wild boars, sambars, serows, Himalayan black bears, leopards and red foxes within the surrounding hills. aside from the wildlife in Bhutan, other attractions in Phobjikha are Gangte Goemba, Nyelung Dechenling, Khewang Lhakhang, Kumbu Lhakhang, Damchen Lhakhang, White Chorten and Wangmo Hand-Woven Carpet Factory.

 

Wangdue Phodrang

Bhutan the Happiest Country

Yet another place to go to in Bhutan is Wangdue Phodrang, it’s a gorgeous and calm town. This place is found in Central Bhutan located and maybe a border town near Punakha. Wangdue Phodrang is widely famous for its bamboo products, slate, and stone carvings. Another noteworthy attraction here is that the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong is opened for visitors only during the Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu celebration held during autumn. With the confluence of Punakha Chhu and Tang Chhu, Wangdue Phodrang provides rich pastureland for cattle and offers attractive scenery. While here, the tourist interest places that are widely visited are Radak Neykhang, Archery Ground, Vegetable Market, Army Training Centre, Dzong Gate, and Eight Chortens.

 

Jigme Dorji National Park

Bhutan the Happiest Country

Jigme Dorji may be a park located in Bhutan and is one of the highest travel destinations in Asia for wildlife. This park is that the second-largest park covering the districts like Gasa District, Thimphu District, Paro District, Punakha, and Wangdue Phodrang Districts. Why Jigme Dorji park is legendary because, it’s the simplest of both worlds, including wildlife, there are cultural sites within the park also. In fact, the park consists of about 6,500 people living within the park taking care of the agriculture and animal husbandry; it’s been listed as a tentative site by UNESCO. However, the aforementioned park is home to varied flora and fauna. Here, there are about 37 known species of mammals also as species like clouded leopard, ounce, takin, Bengal tiger, Himalayan blue sheep, Himalayan black bear, black Moschus moschiferus, lesser panda, and Ussuri dhole. Nonetheless, this park is additionally home to the sambar, serow, muntjac, marmot, goral, pika, and quite 300 species of birds. Jigme Dorji park is that the only park that has national animals – Takin, National Flower – Meconopsis betonicifolia, National Bird – Raven, and National Tree – Cypress existing together within the same premises. These features make the park one of the simplest places to go to in Bhutan.

Things to Do

Rafting in Paro Chhu

Bhutan the Happiest Country

River Rafting may be a thrilling aquatics and it excites all adventure junkies to start a replacement current whenever. However, rafting in Bhutan’s Paro Chhu will provide you with a singular experience. aside from racing against the rapids screaming with thrill and zest, you’ll glide down the gurgling river surrounded by beauty and exhilarating rapids. alongside enjoying the rafting, you’ll be surrounded by an exquisiteness lush green valley where one can notice rare birds flocking around and therefore the majestic Paro Dzong. Rafting in Paro Chhu is graded as moderate so now every adventure lover can do this famous aquatics activity during their Bhutan tourism.

 

Trekking in Mt. Jomolhari

Bhutan the Happiest Country

Trekking is the ultimate adventure activity and therefore the Mountain of Jomolhari will give the simplest travel experience for endurance travelers. this is often the foremost popular trekking route in Bhutan and as you trek along the emerald forest you’ll be surrounded by a good range of lovely landscapes, fauna, and flora. The highlights of this scenic Jomolhari trek are its old-growth and soaring peaks, you’ll be passing high pastures where yaks graze and ancient dzongs stand and house red-dressed monks that chant prayers. In fact, you’ll get a spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari from the bottom camp of an equivalent name also. Surrounded by splendid desolation, the Jomolhari trek offers a singular experience traversing the spellbinding great thing about blue poppies and whispering winds, this trek has something or the opposite for all quiet trekkers.

 

Kayaking in Paro Chhu

Bhutan the Happiest Country

Kayaking is yet one more adventure sport in Bhutan after rafting that catches the eyes of adrenaline junkies. The river tributaries in Bhutan provide a spread of courses for both, amateur also as veteran kayakers. and therefore the refore the Paro River locally referred to as Paro Chhu offers a heady mixture of rapids where one can enjoy the joys of the river also as enjoy the gorgeous forest and the attractive Paro Dzong which makes a picturesque sight. Despite the tourism in water adventure sport being rather new in Bhutan, it’s enjoyed by every tourist visiting this country. With the rivers’ currents slowly changing from slow to fast, it gives an ideal opportunity to traverse and encountering the fort, meandering forests, rare birds and eventually savoring the adrenaline rush within the foam raft Paro Chhu offers.

 

Mountain Biking

Bhutan the Happiest Country

Mountain biking is an adventurous eco-friendly sport and Bhutan has outstanding trails with vivid landscapes for each biking lover. Being a culturally and naturally rich place, you’ll paddle through the rugged terrain, climb, and descent through many villages while taking a peek into the local lifestyle. you’ll enjoy this thrilling activity mainly in places like Paro Valley, Phobjikha Valley, Punakha, Tongsa, Wamrong, Wangthang La, and lots of other locations in Bhutan. However, it’s not just the uneven roads you’ll start traversing the gorgeous backdrops of Bhutan, in fact, through this expedition, one also can witness the Buddhist culture and visit the monasteries that pass the tracks. Mountain biking, undoubtedly is that the best thanks to seeing, feel and luxuriate in the destination with fun and ease.

 

Rock Climbing

Bhutan the Happiest Country

Rock climbing may be a thrilling activity that’s filled with adventure and a ‘good feel’ ambiance. hiking in Bhutan may be a must experience adventure sport that you simply can engage within the thick of the breathtaking view of the country. This exciting sport was first introduced in Bhutan by the Vertical Bhutan Climbing Club. And this club offers a full climbing session by training the climbers. The climbing rock, this club provides is named the Nose and it’s located shortly from the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu. This rock has several climbing routes and that they all vary from moderate to difficult. you’ll test your skills in a number of the climbing trails like Dead Man Walking, Reach N Preach, Easy Peasy, wedding gift, and Half Moon.

 

Fishing

Bhutan the Happiest Country

A recreational activity in Bhutan which will be enjoyed comfortable is fishing. And in Bhutan, you’ll find a variety of glacier-fed rivers and delightful lakes that provide an excellent place for fishing. The Bhutanese rivers are filled with fishes and one can find species like salmon trout, snow trout, and also golden mahseers within the southern regions of Bhutan. However, there are special permissions that are to be taken before venturing into this activity. And also, there are few laws one must check out, as an example, fishing is allowed only on a catch and release basis. Besides, fishing may be a perfect activity for families who are looking to spend some quality time with one another. Bumthang Valley, Paro Valley, Thimphu Valley, Trongsa Region, and Lhuentse Region are few places great for fishing.

Archery

Bhutan the Happiest Country

While traveling in Bhutan, one must witness Archery competitions held during festivals. The national sport of Bhutan Archery is played with high spirit per annum during tournaments and festivals. Even before the officials declare Archery because the national sport in 1971, this activity gained popularity within the late 1920s. Today, archery is a crucial Bhutanese sport, and tournaments are held per annum in Bhutan as a symbol of festivities and competition. In fact, you’ll notice that at the celebration of any festival in Bhutan, archery is usually kept as a contest for entertainment. There are two sorts of archers; the normal archers are made from bamboo arrows and bows. However, during the competition, the participants of the tournament use modern equipment which is made from laminated carbon fibre fitted with a bowstring that is formed from synthetic fibre.

Wildlife Safari

Bhutan the Happiest Country

Holidays in Bhutan are incomplete without exploring the wildlife. And as beautiful as the country is, Bhutan has blessed rich emerald forests also as various flora and fauna. In fact, it’s the sole country to possess 72% of forested area, which evidently makes it an ideal place for various animals, birds, and plants. Unarguably, Bhutan may be the land of the Himalayan kingdom and it’s a paradise for nature lovers. Here, there are multiple national parks and reserves that take you to wildlife safaris, tiger safaris, and bird watching tours also. Some wildlife places to go to are Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, Jigme Dorji park, Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary, Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve, etc. Here, you’ll find some enchanting animals like Asiatic elephants, black bears, golden langur, and leopards. you furthermore may have the prospect to ascertain the majestic mighty beast, Tiger during the wildlife visits.

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery Trek

Bhutan the Happiest Country

Rock climbing may be a thrilling activity that’s filled with adventure and a ‘good feel’ ambiance. hiking in Bhutan may be a must experience adventure sport that you simply can engage within the thick of the breathtaking view of the country. This exciting sport was first introduced in Bhutan by the Vertical Bhutan Climbing Club. And this club offers a full climbing session by training the climbers. The climbing rock, this club provides is named the Nose and it’s located shortly from the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu. This rock has several climbing routes and that they all vary from moderate to difficult. you’ll test your skills in a number of the climbing trails like Dead Man Walking, Reach N Preach, Easy Peasy, wedding gift, and Half Moon.

 

Attend Bhutanese Festival

Bhutan the Happiest Country

Festivals in Bhutan are quite unique full of mask dance, gastronomic delights, and actually archery contests. Bhutan features a variety of traditions and festivals that are celebrated with much rigor and gusto throughout the country. And one must attend a festival like Thimphu Tshechu, which is held during the month of September; and is claimed to be the foremost important festival in Bhutan. This auspicious jubilee could also be an extended three-day celebration that provides one the prospect to experience the vibrant and traditions of the locals. during this eventful week, various temples, monasteries, and dzongs are decorated throughout the country marked by a blend of colors, dance, music, and food. apart from that, there are other festivals that possess to be attended also as Paro Tshechu held during the month of March, Jambay Lhakhang Drup in October, Punakha Drubchen in February, and Haa Summer Festival in July. it’s recommended to attend a minimum of 1 of Bhutan’s beautiful and vibrant festivals in your lifetime.

 

Bird Watching

Bhutan the Happiest Country

Rock climbing may be a thrilling activity that’s filled with adventure and a ‘good feel’ ambiance. hiking in Bhutan may be a must experience adventure sport that you simply can engage within the thick of the breathtaking view of the country. This exciting sport was first introduced in Bhutan by the Vertical Bhutan Climbing Club. And this club offers a full climbing session by training the climbers. The climbing rock, this club provides is named the Nose and it’s located shortly from the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu. This rock has several climbing routes and that they all vary from moderate to difficult. you’ll test your skills in a number of the climbing trails like Dead Man Walking, Reach N Preach, Easy Peasy, wedding gift, and Half Moon.

 

Hot Spring Therapy ‘Gasa Tshachus’

Bhutan the Happiest Country

It is always comforting to get within the hot springs and looked at the breathtaking sight of the environment. Luckily in Bhutan, there are many such places where one can rejuvenate his tired body. Locally referred to as Tshachus in Bhutan, there are many hot springs across the country, and everyone requires small treks through the encompassing beautiful forests to be reached. It so happens that, for hundreds of years, the people of Bhutan visit the recent springs so as to hunt or cure them of health problems. Evidently, these hot springs are believed to possess healing properties. the recent springs are best visited during the winter months and you’ll find them in places like Dur Tshachu located in Bumthang, Gelephu located in Tshachu of southern Bhutan, and Duenmang Tshachu located on the riverside of Mangde Chu. Amongst all of them, Gasa Tshachu may be a popular thermal spring in Bhutan where one is required to try to to a ten-hour trek from Punakha. thermal spring Therapy is a stimulating thing to experience in Bhutan and hence it must not be missed.

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Written by Vinod K

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