Bhutan
Overview
Bhutan’s sustainable tourism concept is an approach the Bhutanese are particularly proud of. The number of tourists allowed to enter the country is limited and every foreign visitor must pay a daily $250 fee. This seems to make Bhutan one of the most expensive places to travel; however, the fee includes accommodation, food, transport and an official guide. The country itself stands as a unique blend of ancient and modern, with a deep Buddhist tradition, a focus on environmental protection and the happiness of the people as the government’s highest priority. The location of this safe haven seems as peaceful and serene as the place itself, tucked away in the magnificent mountains between India and China.
Top Attractions
- Explore the majestic dzongs (fortresses) of Bhutan, such as Punakha Dzong, Paro Dzong, and Trongsa Dzong, which serve as religious and administrative centers and are known for their stunning architecture, intricate woodwork, and vibrant Buddhist festivals.
- Discover the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang Palphug Monastery), perched on a cliffside in the Paro Valley, with its breathtaking views, sacred temples, and rich spiritual significance as the birthplace of Bhutanese Buddhism.
- Visit the sacred sites of Bhutan, such as the Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, and the Dochula Pass, with its panoramic views of the Himalayas and its 108 chortens (stupas) built in memory of Bhutanese soldiers.
- Explore the natural beauty of Bhutan with hikes to scenic spots like the Phobjikha Valley, home to the endangered black-necked cranes, and the Bumthang Valley, known for its historic monasteries, apple orchards, and traditional farmhouses.
- Experience the vibrant culture of Bhutan with visits to traditional festivals like the Paro Tsechu, Thimphu Tshechu, and Jambay Lhakhang Drup, which feature colorful masked dances, religious rituals, and local cuisine.
Local Cuisine
- Indulge in the flavors of Bhutanese cuisine, known for its spicy flavors, hearty dishes, and use of locally sourced ingredients like red rice, buckwheat, and yak meat.
- Sample iconic dishes like ema datshi (chili and cheese stew), phaksha paa (pork cooked with chili peppers), and momo (dumplings filled with meat or vegetables), as well as traditional side dishes like ezay (spicy condiments) and suja (butter tea).
- Try Bhutanese specialties like yak butter tea, a traditional beverage made with butter, salt, and tea leaves, as well as ara, a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grains like rice, barley, or maize.
- Savor refreshing beverages like bangchang (local beer), chang (fermented rice beer), and local fruit juices made from ingredients like apple, peach, and mango, as well as traditional desserts like khapse (deep-fried cookies) and goen hogay (candied fruits).
- Don’t forget to try Bhutanese snacks like kewa datshi (potatoes with cheese), paksha tshegum (beef jerky), and jaju (fried dough), as well as seasonal fruits like oranges, apples, and persimmons.
Outdoor Activities
- Go trekking in the Himalayas, with opportunities for multi-day treks like the Druk Path Trek, the Jomolhari Trek, and the Snowman Trek, which offer stunning views of snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and remote villages.
- Explore the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of Bhutan, such as Jigme Dorji National Park, Royal Manas National Park, and Phrumsengla National Park, which are home to diverse ecosystems, rare wildlife species, and scenic hiking trails.
- Take a bike ride through the countryside of Bhutan, with opportunities for exploring rural villages, rice paddies, and traditional farmhouses, as well as visiting cultural landmarks like temples, monasteries, and dzongs along the way.
- Go birdwatching in Bhutan, with opportunities to see endemic and migratory bird species like the black-necked crane, the Himalayan monal, and the satyr tragopan, as well as rare species like the white-bellied heron and the chestnut-breasted partridge.
- Experience outdoor adventures like whitewater rafting, kayaking, and mountain biking in Bhutan, with opportunities for adrenaline-pumping thrills on rivers like the Mo Chhu, Pho Chhu, and Mangde Chhu, as well as scenic routes through valleys, forests, and mountain passes.
Cultural Experiences
- Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan with visits to museums, galleries, and cultural institutions like the National Museum of Bhutan, the Textile Museum, and the Folk Heritage Museum, which showcase the artistic and cultural traditions of the country.
- Explore the vibrant arts and crafts scene of Bhutan, with opportunities to shop for locally made textiles, thangka paintings, and handicrafts at markets like the Thimphu Craft Market, the Paro Weekend Market, and the Bhutanese Handicrafts Emporium.
- Experience traditional Bhutanese music and dance performances, such as folk dances like the zhungdra and the boedra, as well as classical music like zhungdra and the chudrum, which reflect the diverse cultural traditions of the country.
- Discover the history and legacy of Bhutan’s Buddhist heritage with visits to monasteries, temples, and sacred sites like the Taktshang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), the Chimi Lhakhang Temple, and the Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, which are revered as spiritual sanctuaries and centers of learning.
- Participate in local festivals and celebrations, such as the Tshechu festivals held throughout Bhutan, the annual Paro Tsechu and Thimphu Tsechu, and the Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu, to experience the vibrant culture and spirit of Bhutan firsthand.
