Tag Archives: Places to Visit in Bhutan

Bhutan Tour Guide

Bhutan Tour Guide is not an ordinary place, it has been the most loved country by tourists. Be its colourful culture or enigmatic mountain, the tourist places in Bhutan has always attracted tourists from across the world. The country of rolling hills and charming culture always exudes the charm that cannot be missed. Delightful people, dense forest, gigantic mountains and exclusive cuisine, always give a delightful experience. Bhutan is a place to experience and feel its warmth that will stay in your for lifelong.It evokes a sense of emotion that retains its opacity to keep you hooked. Bhutan is surprising and its traditions are visible Bhutan Tour Guide.

A flight to Paro will be surely the most part of your journey overlooking the enigmatic snowy mountain calling you to explore them. Bhutan is blessed with hilltop monasteries that brings out the peace which you desire to have during your visit. These monasteries are century old and are still strong in terms of construction and solace which is offered. Some of these monasteries are listed in the UNESCO Heritage List and introduces to the long-lasting religion. Bhutan is known for its colourful festivals that have been celebrated since the time of kingdom. These festivals showcase the culture and present the story that is hidden beneath.

Masked people, colourful clothes and music are enough to keep you hooked and create interests. Then there are textiles and handicrafts that showcase the true art of the people here. Bhutan Tour Guide is not only about festivals and monasteries, but also of thrilling mountain activities, river rafting and archery competitions which are the part of Bhutan travel. All these certainly makes Bhutan the Gross National Happiness country giving a different picture altogether. So pack your bags and head to this happy country, to visit the most awaited tourist places in Bhutan.


Bhutan Tour Guide

History of Bhutan

Archaeological evidence suggests this area was inhabited as far back as 2000 BC. Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the seventh century AD, extending the Tibetan Empire into the region and ordering the construction of two Buddhist temples in the Paro area.

Until the early 17th century, Bhutan Tour Guide was essentially a patchwork of small, warring fiefdoms, and then the Tibetan lama and military leader Ngawang Namgyal, who had fled religious persecution in Tibet, unified the area. To defend the country against periodic Tibetan advances, Namgyal built a network of impregnable dzongs (fortresses) and promulgated the Tsa Yig, a legal code that helped to bring local lords under centralized control. Many dzongs still exist and are active centers of district administration and religion.

Through the British East India Company, the British entered Bhutan Tour Guide in the 18th century as part of its colonial expansion into India, China and the region as a whole. The British remained involved in the country’s affairs for the ensuing two hundred-plus years. After centuries of internal struggles, civil wars and conflicts with neighboring peoples, during which the British backed certain leaders and factions, Bhutan chose a king in 1907. The nation settled into an agreement that gave the British control of Bhutan’s foreign affairs.

In 1953, the king established the 130-member National Assembly in order to promote a more democratic form of governance, and the country eventually changed from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy.

It was only in 1999 that the country lifted its ban on television and the Internet and began to open up more to the outside world. In 2005, Bhutan began to implement a new constitution, and in 2007 and 2008, it held its first national parliamentary elections. After opening its country to commercial tourism in 1974, Bhutan Tour Guide welcomed 287 tourists that year. Every year, as the draw of this vibrant, unspoiled country increased, more and more people made the journey. Today, over a quarter-million people visit Bhutan annually.


Bhutan Tour Guide

Interesting facts about Bhutan:

  • Bhutan is known as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon”, because of the violent thunderstorms that growl over the country’s valleys
  • Bhutan is the first country to measure growth and performance through “Gross National Happiness” instead of Gross National Product
  • Bhutan outlawed tobacco in 2004 and it’s rare to see people smoking on the streets
  • The national sports of Bhutan are archery and darts
  • Thimphu has no traffic lights – just white gloved traffic officers
  • Gangkhar Puensum is the highest mountain in Bhutan. It is so sacred that no one has climbed its peak

Places to visit in Bhutan

Bhutan Tour Guide, the last Himalayan Kingdom, is a country where you would find happiness prevailing across! Sharing international boundaries with India and China, this picturesque piece of heaven is shrouded by the mystical Himalayas, cuddled with pictorial plains and magical sub-alpine mountains. Amidst all these miraculous beauties, one would find a range of scenic places to visit in Bhutan.

1. Phuentsholing

As you enter the Land of Thunder Dragons through the Jaigaon-Phuentsholing entry point, you will feel a uniqueness all around you! The pristine beauty of this Bhutanese town, its livelier ambience, and friendly locals will surely create a deep impression in your mind and soul.

Often revered as the ‘Gateway to Bhutan’, Phuentsholing is among the most popular holiday destination in the country. The fact that this town is located adjacent to the Indian town of Jaigaon, Indian national often flee to this town to enjoy day-outs and family picnic during the months of December, January, and February.

2. Thimphu

In addition to being the capital city of Bhutan Tour Guide, Thimphu is also known for its perfect mix of cultural values, indigenous traditions, and modern vibes. The largest city in the country, it is also touted as the most developed and modern destination in Bhutan.

Shrouded with some of the most ancient monasteries, dzongs, and other point of interests, Thimphu also proves to be an ideal destination if you want to sit back and laze around while enjoying the best of Bhutan’s weather.

3. Punakha

If you ask anyone about what is so special about Punakha, you are likely to get introduced its kaleidoscopic weather conditions and natural beauty. A hidden gem in Western Bhutan Tour Guide, this scenic valley enjoys a warm summer and an enjoyable winter.

This gorgeous valley entices visitors with its rich and diverse history, array of ancient dzongs, and friendly locals. Punakha Dzong, which is known to be one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan is located in this pictorial valley. While in here, visitors should also make it to its local rice fields, which is often famed as one of the most scenic treats to the eyes.

4. Paro

If you happen to Google about Bhutan Tour Guide, there are high probabilities that you would be shown exhilarating images of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan. Well, if you have ever come across any such images, you should know that you already had a glimpse of how beautiful Paro Valley would be!

Located at a lofty elevation of 7,200ft, this picturesque valley is an esteemed tourist destination in Bhutan’s tourism map. Along with the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, this valley is also the home to more than 150 noted sacred sites and tourist points. As you enter Bhutan, make sure that your itinerary has a tour to the scenic Paro Valley; else, you will miss out a slice of heaven in Bhutan.

5. Bumthang

Comprising of four of the most stunning vicinities in the entire country – Choekhor, Chumey, Tang, and Ura, Bumthang Valley takes all the pride of being one of the most tranquil tourist destinations in Bhutan. A proud valley that sits at an altitude of 2,600-4,500m, this valley in Central Bhutan is a picture-perfect destination for leisure seekers, history diggers, honeymooners, and others.

Visitors yarning for some secluded moments and peace of mind, should visit Bumthang without even thinking twice. Its magical weather, tourist attraction points, and other tourist options would surely keep you engrossed with all the required fun, frolic, and peace of mind.


Best time to visit Bhutan

Bhutan’s calendar is filled with different seasons in different regions. You may need to do your research specifically for a particular region. However, there is one chunk of the year that is uniformly pleasant – from October to December – clear skies and sunny days with a hint of chill make the perfect weather to visit Bhutan.


How to reach Bhutan

By Air: Bhutan only has one international airport, based in Paro. The domestic airport is found in south central Bhutan Tour Guide (Gelephu Airport). You can catch a flight via Druk Air, which operates direct flights from Kolkata, Delhi, Bangkok, Kathmandu and Dhaka to Paro. The closest airport in India is Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal. Flying to Bhutan is a treat for the eyes, and during fine weather you can enjoy great views of Mt. Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and Lhotse.

By Road: There are only three borders open to outside tourists, via the road. These are Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup. You can either take a taxi, bus or any other form of public transportation to cross the border. Phuentsholing is a four to five-hour drive from Bagdogra Airport. Samdrup is situated about 150 kms away from Guwahati and the drive takes approximately 3 hours. You can also catch the bus from Esplanade Station in Kolkata to Phuentsholing.

By Train: There are no direct train routes to Bhutan Tour Guide. You’ll need to disembark from the train and catch a cab or bus to Bhutan. The most convenient stations are New Alipurduar, Siliguri, Hasimara and Jalpaiguri station. Hasimara is a mere 17 km from Phuentsholing, while New Alipurduar is 60 km from Jaigaon. You can catch a bus from Jaigaon. Trains from Guwahati stop at Jaigaon railway station.


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Top 10 Things to do Bhutan

Top 10 Things to do Bhutan is the last kingdom of the Himalayas, surrounded by impressive snow peak mountains and shady forests that produce picturesque landscapes. But that’s not all; the interesting and greatest thing about Bhutan is that it’s the only country that’s 72 per cent covered in trees, making it the only carbon-neutral country in the world. Besides that, Bhutan is a place where traditional Buddhists live Culture meets magnificent fortifications such as dzongs and monasteries, it’s definitely a beautiful and mysterious place to be. Its distinctive monastic architecture and the graffiti on the walls bearing penis paintings as a symbol of keeping away the evil make Bhutan a destination sui generis. Renowned as the last Shangri La, the country of its kind It is probably the best place to visit for a family vacation, honeymoon tours and even an adventure vacation. And to be part of this fascinating city, through this guided list of the top tourist attractions you need to see and do, you can have your own share of Bhutan experience.


Chime Lhakhang

Known as the Temple of Fertility, the holy Chimi Lhakhang is a revered place of magic and miracles. Blessed by the eccentric maverick yogi and saint Drukpa Kunley, regarded as the ‘Divine Madman’ and father of fertility, he had very unorthodox teaching methods and it is said that this Buddhist monastery is a place of fertility and blessings. Incapable of falling pregnant and childless couples Devoted pilgrimage here in the hope that the Buddhist monk and his ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom’ would grace them with a wang or blessing. Woman entering the temple who wishes to conceive will be forced to bring a wooden phallus three times across the temple.


Paro Valley

The elegant, traditional-style houses which dot the valley and surrounding hills accentuate the natural beauty. One of the distinctive features of Paro town is that it is located at the bottom of a flat valley, following a grid-like pattern. The central plaza is decorated with a huge prayer wheel and a small amphitheatre, where activities take place all year long.

The region boasts more than 155 temples and monasteries, some dating back to the 14th century. The city is also host to the country’s first and only international airport. Its close proximity to the region’s historical and religious sites has led to the construction of an array of luxury, high-end tourist resorts making Paro one of the tourists’ key destinations.

The area includes the Taktsang Monastery, the Tiger’s Nest, one of the most famous landmarks in Bhutan. This magnificent temple was built on a pure cliff face above oak and rhododendron forests. The Ta Dzong National Museum is also situated in Paro. An ancient watchtower showing hundreds of ancient objects and artworks from Bhutan, including traditional costumes, armour, weapons, and handcrafted implements for daily life. The National Museum collection retains a snap-shot of the country’s rich cultural traditions. Another place worth a visit is Drugyel Dzong or The Triumphant Bhutanese Fortress in Paro. It was built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over Tibetan marauding armies. In 1951 the fortress was destroyed by fire but the ruins remain an impressive and intimidating view.


Taktsang Monastery

Taktsang translates into The Nest of the Tiger. The monastery is precariously perched on a hill, 900 metres above the Paro valley. It has a history which is equally interesting. According to the legend, Guru Rinpoche travelled 3 months and 3 days in a cave to subdue an evil force and restore the land to the current site of the monastery riding on top of a tigress. Afterwards the monastery was founded at the site in 1692. Guru Rinpoche is a Buddhist saint who initiated the Buddhism in Bhutan according to tradition.

Tourists will arrive at the base of the monastery about a 20-minute drive from the area, and begin an uphill climb on foot. The Tiger’s Nest is Bhutan’s most visited tourist attraction, and is one of the most visited due to its history sacred religious site in the country. The wide dirt trail brings hikers through the forest of pines. As the hike reaches its top, visitors can take in the stunning panoramic view of the valley below and a close-up view of the above apparently floating monastery into the sky.

(Taktshang or Tiger ‘s Nest Monastery is truly one of the most beautiful sites and venerated pilgrimage sites in the Himalayan Buddhist world. At 2.950 metres above sea level the monastery clings to the side of a precipitous rock face. It takes about 2 hours for the average hiker to get to the monastery. Getting there does take some work, but every bead of sweat is truly worth it.


Punakha Festival

In Bhutan, mask dances are very common and there are many occasions that give you the opportunity to enjoy these. One such occasion is the Punakha Tshechu festival in Bhutan, an event that takes place within the Punakha Dzong once a year. In addition to being the administrative centre of the Punakha district, it is the second-oldest and second-largest dzong in Bhutan. In any travel guide to Bhutan it always finds a mention as a must-visit spot, both for its historical and cultural significance.

The word Tsechu means “tenth,” and on the 10th day of the Bhutanese calendar also this festival is celebrated. Also this date is associated with a significant religious celebration, Guru Rinpoche ‘s birthday. Also known as Padmasambhava, he was a Buddhist philosopher and master living in the 8th century. In fact his followers hold him in such high regard that he is revered by followers of Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan as “the second Buddha.” In all twenty districts of Bhutan, apart from Punakha, Punakha Tshechu, one of the most popular festivals in Bhutan, is held.


Dochu La Pass

Dochula Pass is a mountain pass of Bhutan, located along the Thimphu to Punakha route. The Dochula Pass, perched at an altitude of 3100mt, is Thimphu ‘s highest motorable point. Overlooking the snow-capped mountains, Aberula Pass is marked by 108 chortens in memorial.

Festooned with colourful prayer flags, Aberula Pass in Thimphu is considered a historical and religious site. With the breathtaking view over the valley surrounding the Thimphu Valley of shimmering Mt Gangkhar Puensum, Dochula Pass has become one of Bhutan’s must-visit places and a favourite sightseeing spot in Thimphu.


Gangtey

Gangtey Valley is one of Bhutan ‘s loveliest spots. The surprise of finding such a large , flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is compounded by an impression of vast space, and extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valley’s are tightly enclosed.

A few kilometres beyond Gangtey Monastery, The village of Phobjikha lies at the valley floor. This place is the winter home of black necked cranes migrating from the arid plains of the north to travel in milder and lower climatic winters. Phobjikha, at an altitude of 2900 m above sea level, falls under the Wangduephodrang district and lies on the Black Mountain National Park periphery. The valley boasts two small, meandering rivers, Nakay Chhu (Chhu Naap-black water) and Gay Chhu (Chhu Karp-white water).

The two rivers in reality represent a snake and a boar according to a local legend. If the two animals raced each other with an agreement that if the snake (Nakay Chhu) won, the Phobjikha valley could grow rice, but if the boar won, rice could never be grown in the region. The snake lost because during its journey, it had to meander all the way. Can’t cultivate rice in the valley even today.


Tashicho Dzong

Tashichoedzong, meaning the “auspicious doctrine” fortress, has historically been the seat of the Dharma Raja and the country’s summer capital. In 1641 Zhabdrung built the Tashicho Dzong instead of the Dho Ngon Dzong established by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa. When Dechen Phodrang was destroyed by fire in 1771, it all moved to the lower Dzong, which was then enlarged, and again to the 13th Druk Desi (1744-1763), And it expanded further in 1866. It was destroyed during an 1897 earthquake and repaired in 1902. After he moved the capital to Thimphu in 1952, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck had it fully renovated and extended over five years. It currently houses the King’s throne room and offices, the Secretariat, and the home affairs and finance ministries. The Tashichoe Dzong’s main structure is two-story with four three-story towers at each corner, surmounted by triple-tiered golden roofs. A broad central tower named utse is located in the centre of the building.
This fortress acts as the King’s office, ministers, and numerous governmental agencies. It is also the headquarters for Bhutan ‘s central monastic body. The spiritual leader of Bhutan, Je-Khenpo, and the monks of Thimphu and Punakha both live here during the summer.


Kurje Lhakhang

In the 8th century the king of Bumthang area became seriously ill after falling out with the local guardian deity. Desperate to recover from the curse, Guru Rinpoche has been invited to Bumthang to help the King regain his health. Guru Rinpoche meditated in a cave to subdue the local god, and forced the King’s health to be restored. There remained imprints of Guru ‘s body in that cave, and thus the name Kurje which means the imprint of the body.

First Governor of Trongsa built a temple surrounding the cave in 1652. Today the Kurje complex comprises three main Lhakhangs. Cypress tree near the entrance is also believed to be an offshoot of Guru Rinpoche’s walking stick.

(Kurjey Lhakhang, translated as ‘Holy Body Temple,’ is one of the most sacred places and an important place of pilgrimage for all devout Buddhists. It was built around a rock on which Guru Rinpoche left an imprint of his body while mediating there in the 8th century, where he had come to save the life of Sendha Gyelpo, the Bumthang king. At Kurjey, the Guru defeated and conquered the local deity Shelging Karpo, who had controlled the king’s life force, in the form of a Garuda. Having saved the king’s life, Shelging Karpo was further converted to the faith and made her faithful protector, bound by oath to protect and propitiate the Dharma. Today Shelging Karpo at Kurjey Lhakhang is worshipped as the Local Deity and is frequently propitiated by both tourists and locals.


Trongsa Dzong

The Warriors’ Vanguard-Trongsa Dzongkhag is located near Bhutan ‘s centre and has been considered crucial in governing the kingdom in earlier years because of its strategic location.

This town is built on a steep ridge and provides stunning views of the surrounding deep valleys. From their balconies the numerous hotels, guesthouses and restaurants all deliver breathtaking views. Trongsa Dzong is easily visible from anywhere in town and is always an impressive sight as it is perched atop a steep ridge on its southern side, falling into the clouds.

Founded in 1644, the Trongsa Dzong used to be the Wangchuck dynasty’s seat of power until they became Bhutan’s rulers in 1907. The King of Bhutan usually becomes first the Trongsa Penlop (governor) before being appointed the Crown Prince and finally the King. Founded on a mountain spur high above the Mangde Chhu Gorges, dzong has for centuries regulated east-west commerce. Also Trongsa boasts an impressive museum. The Trongsa Watchtower has been turned into a museum dedicated to the Wangchuck dynasty, and is a good place to learn about the kingdom ‘s history.

During December or January, a five-day festival known as the Trongsa tsechu is held at the northern courtyard.Every monastery in Bhutan observes this festival, which celebrates Guru Rimpoche ‘s arrival to Bhutan in the 8th century, a symbol of Buddhism ‘s triumph over evil. According to the Bhutanese calendar it is held in spring and autumn seasons.


Punakha Dzong

The Punakha Dzong (the palace of great happiness or bliss), is the Punakha District administrative centre in Punakha, Bhutan. Ngawang Namgyal founded the dzong, in 1637–38. It is Bhutan’s second-oldest and second-largest dzong, and one of its most majestic buildings. The dzong houses the holy artefacts of the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism Southern Drukpa Lineage, including the Rangjung Kasarpani and the sacred remains of Ngawang Namgyal and the tertoen Pema Lingpa.

The Dzong is located in the Punakha – Wangdue Valley, at the confluence of the rivers Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother). The source of the Mo chu river is in Bhutan, and Tibet, in the northern hills of Ligshi and Laya. The Pho Chu River is fed by Punakha valley glaciers in the Lunana region. The main river is known as Puna Tsang chu after the confluence of those two rivers.

In view of the region’s safe climate Punakha is Bhutan ‘s winter capital. The head of Bhutan’s clergy spend the winter in this dzong with his entourage of monks. Jacaranda trees flourish throughout the dzong, blooming in spring with mauve flowers. Punakha is also the hub of the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan (Punakha Suspension Bridge), which is approximately 7.5 km (4.5 miles ) away. by car to Chimi Lhakhang, the Divine Madman’s fertility temple.



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