Bhutan- The Land of the Thunder Dragon

Bhutan is all about the magic of mountains and monasteries! A pristine sliver of the Himalayas shrouded in myths & mystique, Bhutan is the last Himalayan Kingdom in the world. Gorgeous landscapes, dense forests, gushing rivers and a government that measures its wealth in terms of happiness & not material gains; Bhutan seems like a land lost in time.

A culture mostly untouched by the ravages of the West, a capital with no traffic lights, and a land with negative carbon footprint; Bhutan is a Himalayan legend. Let’s take a tour in this land of happiness and delve deeper into its natural splendor, stunning dzongs and delightful Buddhist culture.

Major Destinations of Bhutan

Thimphu- The Pulsating Capital

This charming capital of Bhutan is also the seat of Bhutanese monarchy. No traffic lights, no honking, traditionally dressed people, and fascinating temples are the essence of Thimphu.

Major Attractions of Thimphu

• Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point) - 51ft high seated Buddha statue.
• Tashichho Dzong- Buddhist Monastery
• National Memorial Chorten- Dedicated to Tantric Buddhism
• Institute for Zorig Chusum- Art & Craft Institute
• Zilukha Nunnery- Home to Buddhist Nuns
• National Textile Museum
• Thimpu’s Weekend Market- On the west bank of River Wang Chhu

Paro- A Charming Portal to the Himalayan Kingdom

This picture-postcard town of Bhutan is framed by lofty mountains and dotted with lush rice fields, stunning landscapes, sacred temples, and fascinating monasteries. Home to Bhutan’s only airport, Paro is the world’s gateway to Bhutan.

Major Attractions of Paro

• Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)- A massive hilltop monastery
• Rinchin Pung Dzong ( Paro Dzong)- Ancient Fortress
• Dumtse Lhakhang- Buddhist Temple
• Chhoeten Lhakhang- Buddhist Temple
• Zuri Dzong- Buddhist Monastery
• National Museum, Paro
• Paro is the base for many Himalayan treks.

Punakha- Adventure Calling

The ancient capital of Bhutan, Punakha rests on the confluence of Rivers Chuu (father) & Mo (mother). Fringed by towering mountains and covered in an emerald blanket of paddy field; Punakha seems like a meadow of paradise.

Major Attractions of Punakha

• Punakha Dzong- Buddhist Monastery
• Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten- Buddhist Temple
• Chimi Lhakhang- Buddhist Monastery
• Jigme Dorji National Park
• Druk Wangyal Chortens-108 Buddhist Stupas.
• White water rafting, hiking, suspension bridge-walking, trekking and bird watching.

Fairs and Festivals of Bhutan

• Thimphu Tshechu- Monastery Festival celebrated at Tashichho Dzong in Thimpu.
• Paro Tshechu- Spring Festival in Paro
• Jambay Lhakhang Drup Tshechu- Fire dancing and masked dancing
• Jomolhari Mountain Festival and Trek- Adventure Festival
• Haa Summer Festival- Tourism Festival

Shopping in Bhutan

Intricately woven Bhutanese fabrics & textiles, cane & wooden artifacts, warm blankets, Buddhist Thangakas, colorful masks, and collapsible models of traditional Bhutanese homes, are some of the handcrafted specialties of Bhutan.

Best Time to visit Bhutan

Bhutan is a destination for all seasons. However, the peak tourist season is in spring months from March to May when the valleys bloom with flowers and are simply gorgeous.