Are you looking for a place to visit this holiday season to make it all the more magical? This is an amazing time to spend with family or friends, or maybe even alone while travelling to the most beautiful places and making some great memories. Even if you were not planning to pay a visit to any new landscapes, this could be your own sign to buckle up and make a vacation plan. Just imagine a few days of peace, serenity and adventures. Doesn’t that sound simply blissful? You can have that series of adventures just like in the movies! There are countless places that you can duly pay a visit to. One of these places happens to be Bhutan.
One would discover a variety of picturesque locations in Bhutan among all the remarkable charms. Bhutan, with its 47,000 square kilometre size, has something for everyone. If you are looking for romantic getaways, Bhutan tourism destinations are the most appealing. The massive Himalayas and their untamed terrains will undoubtedly provide an adrenaline rush for thrill junkies!
Best Destinations and Activities To Do In Bhutan
To become a part of this captivating location, you can have your own unique Bhutan experience through our list of top tourist destinations you simply must see and do.
Unquestionably, the first destination to see in Bhutan is Thimphu (formerly known as Thimbu), the nation’s capital. This city is surrounded by picturesque landscapes and high peaks that rise to altitudes of 2,000 to 3,800 metres.
Thimphu is a city that brilliantly displays the native customs and traditions of Bhutan, and takes pride in being the hub of the country’s commerce. The official residence of Bhutan’s royal family, this lovely metropolis offers a wealth of opulent lodging options, popular tourist destinations, places to visit in Bhutan, and other contemporary amenities.
The climb to Taktsang monastery in Paro, often known as the Tiger’s Nest, is one of Bhutan’s top adventurous activities. The monastery was reconstructed in 1998 following its fire-related destruction. It challenges trekkers to navigate the rocky winding trail that rises 9,480 feet above the ground.
The only rest area along the route that serves mouthwatering vegetarian Bhutanese food is Taktsang Cafeteria. Along the way, you’ll be accompanied by bright prayer flags, the rattling of prayer wheels, a glimpse of Paro Valley, and meditative chanting. Remember to start your journey early because the monastery closes at 1:00 p.m.
Paro is a tiny town located in Bhutan’s Paro Valley. One of Bhutan’s most productive and historically significant valleys, it is also the widest in the country. It has 155 temples and monasteries dating back to the 14th century, as well as Bhutan’s only international airport. The Paro Airport, which is Bhutan’s main international airport, has long been a popular destination for travellers. It is well renowned for being the hardest airport to land on.
Paro has a breathtaking environment and is studded with traditional homes and paddy fields. The Tiger’s Nest, also known as the Taktsang, is perched above a cliff in Paro and is one of the most recognisable monasteries in Bhutan.
Punakha Valley, which was originally Bhutan’s capital, is one of the country’s most picturesque locations all year long. For those who appreciate the rush of river rafting in the two rivers/chhu, Mo and Pho, it is “the ideal location to be in.” Punakha’s stronghold Punakha Dzong, which stands majestically next to the Pho and Mo Chhu, is what makes the town famous. During Punakha Tshechu, Bhutan’s religious celebration, this Himalayan town hosts masked dances and traditional music.
The atmosphere is surreal, and many people come here to learn about Bhutanese culture and history, as well as to enjoy its wonderful natural beauty. Chimi Lhakhang and Namgyal Chorten are two must-see sites in the Punakha Valley, which surrounds the town.
The village of Trongsa, which is perched on a high hilltop, is renowned for its picturesque beauty and expansive vistas. This picturesque location in Bhutan is often known as the “Balcony of Bhutan” because of its morphology. This town’s wonderful attractiveness is enhanced by its rich history, traditional white-washed buildings, and colourful vegetation that line its border.
The Trongsa Dzong, which resembles a flying dragon among other things, is one of the town’s many attractions. I should emphasise that the Dzong is thought to have been constructed in 1648! In addition to providing a glimpse into its past, Trongsa also provides opportunities for climbing and trekking through its gorgeous surroundings.
Bumthang is affectionately referred to as “Little Switzerland” because of its abundance of beauty and evergreen mountain ranges. Even though you won’t find the picturesque Swiss Alps here, you can certainly savour the delectable ‘Swiss Cheese’ while walking around the lovely Jakar Valley, which is how it acquired its name.
With its abundant beauty and natural wonders, the central-eastern region of Bhutan’s Bumthang clearly surpasses all other tourist destinations in the country. Jakar is well-known among thrill-seekers for its rocky landscapes and difficult trails. You would like every aspect of this valley, whether outdoors or indoors.
The Chomolhari Mountain, also known as Jomolhari Mountain, is a portion of the vast Himalayas and guards Bhutan’s borders. This captivating peak, which soars to a height of about 2,700 metres, is lovingly referred to as the “Bride of the Kangchenjunga” because of its closeness to the latter.
A sacred landmark for Buddhists, particularly Tibetan Buddhists, tradition has it that it is the home of Goddess Jomo, the defender of the Happy Kingdom. Chomolhari Mountain was not scaled until 1924 because it was believed that anyone who attempted to do so would be flung or pushed to the ground. But now it’s a popular destination for both hikers and thrill seekers.
The Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park is surrounded by the vast Phobjikha glacier valley, which is shaped like a ‘U’. Stunning black-necked cranes can be seen during the winter months in this ever-enchanting environment. Additionally, despite how serene and gorgeous this location may be, Phobjikha still hosts exhilarating festivities. Tshechu Festival and the Crane Festival, which welcomes black-neck cranes, are fervently celebrated in the Gangteng Monastery courtyard each year within the boundaries of the Phobjikha Valley.
However, this residence on the western slopes of the Black Mountains offers breathtaking views of lovely valleys, marshy areas, and verdant meadows. Due to Phobjikha’s proximity to Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, you can also see cranes in addition to muntjacs (barking deer), wild boars, sambars, serows, Himalayan black bears, and leopards.
Bhutan’s Jigme Dorji National Park is one of the best places to go for a wildlife-related vacation in Asia. This park, which encompasses the districts of Gasa, Thimphu, Paro, Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang, is the second-largest national park in the country. Jigme Dorji National Park is well-known because it offers the finest of both worlds, integrating wildlife and cultural monuments. In fact, the park is home to approximately 6,500 people who work in agriculture and animal husbandry. It has been designated as a tentative site by UNESCO. But this national park is also home to a variety of plants and animals.
Conclusion
Bhutan is, without a doubt, a fascinating and mystical location, where majestic fortresses like dzongs and monasteries coexist with ancient Buddhist culture. Bhutan is a special place because of its distinctive monastic architecture and the graffiti on the walls that feature penises painted as a warning against evil. This one-of-a-kind country is undoubtedly the finest place to visit for family vacations, honeymoon excursions, and even adventure holidays. These were just some of the locations that Bhutan offers for visitors to be impressed with.