Destination Bhutan

About the place

The independence of Bhutan has endured for centuries, and the territory was never colonized in its history. Situated on the ancient Silk Road between Tibet, the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, the Bhutanese state developed a distinct national identity based on Buddhism. Headed by a spiritual leader known as the Zhabdrung Rinpoche, the territory was composed of many fiefdoms and governed as a Buddhist theocracy. Following a civil war in the 19th century, the House of Wangchuck reunited the country and established relations with the British Empire. Bhutan fostered a strategic partnership with India during the rise of Chinese communism and has a disputed border with the People's Republic of China. In 2008, it transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy and held the first election to the National Assembly of Bhutan, that has a two party system characterizing Bhutanese democracy.
The King of Bhutan is known as the "Dragon King". Bhutan is also notable for pioneering the concept of gross national happiness. The country's landscape ranges from lush subtropical plains in the south to the sub-alpine Himalayan mountains in the north, where there are peaks in excess of 7,000 metres (23,000 ft). The highest mountain in Bhutan is the Gangkhar Puensum, which is also a strong candidate for the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. There is also diverse wildlife in Bhutan.


  • Attractions Places
  • Transport
  • Culture
  • History

  • Tiger’s Nest Monastery

    Trek up to the iconic Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. This is the site at which Guru Rimpoche is believed to have meditated in the 8th century. The original structure was built in the 17th century, which burnt down; and what we visit today was built in 1998. The trek is beautiful – it takes between two to four hours of first walking uphill and then downhill. It’s not an easy trek, but the fluttering of prayer flags and rattling prayer wheels along the way draw your attention away from the boulder-strewn path. Once you’re up there, check out beautiful Paro valley a thousand metres below you – by far one of the best sights anywhere.

  • Kurjey Lhakhang Monastery

    A milestone location in the history of The Kingdom, a visit to the Kurjey Lhakhang Monastery is essential for those who want to gain perspective of the evolution of Buddhism in Bhutan. Guru Rimpoche is said to have meditated here and blessed the place. Plus, Bhutan’s first three kings are buried here too.

  • Thimphu

    Thimphu, one of the culturally must see places in Bhutan, is charming capital city nestled in the Himalayas with the beautiful sights of the Chuu River flowing through it. Interestingly, it is the only city in the world with no traffic lights. Thimphu has retained its culture and old world charm as modern development is closely monitored and new buildings can be built only in Bhutanese style and up to a certain height. Go for Bhutan the Last Shangrila Tour and explore the top landmarks of Bhutanese capital. Basically, Tashichho Dzong, National Memorial Chorten and Motithang Takin Preserve are the top attractions of Thimphu for visitors.

  • Paro

    Situated in the valley of eastern Himalaya, Paro is a small and beautiful country in Himalayas with two storeys houses good looking, rectangular in plan decorated. It is bordered by Haa Dzongkha to the west, Tibet to the north, Thimpu to the east, and Chukha Dzongkha to the south. It is full of legends, heroism, and natural splendor and is home to some of the Bhutan's oldest temples, monasteries and the only airport of Bhutan. Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngwang Namgyal and Ta Dzong watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th Century, now holds the National Museum is worth a visit. Taktshang, or Tiger's Nest, Kyichu Lhakhang the oldest temple, Drukgyel Dzong, at ruins since a fire in the 1950s. Rinpung Dzong where the movie Little Buddha was filmed are all beautiful sites to be visited around the town of Paro. One our tourist is of the view that Bhutan has about 700,000 citizens, 17,000 tourists per year, and two airplanes. It’s a tourist paradise and it has to be seen to believe. All the trek route and packages either initiate or pass through Paro.

  • Trashi Chhoe Dzong and its gardens

    A dzong is a monastery and an administrative centre built like a fortress, and so it functions as all three. Amongst the many dzongs in Bhutan, this one stands out for the peace that its meticulously manicured gardens provide in the middle of bustling Thimpu. Built originally in the 18th century, it was restructured in 1962 to accommodate both the national government and the central monastic body. Remember to dress decently when visiting a dzong.

  • Haa Valley

    If you’re the trekking type, embark on the famous ‘The Haa Planters’ Trail’ walk. The route follows an ancient path taken by rice planters from Haa Valley to Paro during the rice planting season. A relatively simple trek without high altitudes, this is more of an experience of the country as a whole – cultural interaction, beautiful scenery at every turn, and dramatic views. Best time to visit is Spring, mid-March to June, when Bhutan’s famous rhododendron forests explode into colour.

  • Trongsa

    Located in the centre of Bhutan is of great importance in the history of Bhutan. His Majesty King Ugyen Wangchuck, who was elected the country's first hereditary monarch, and his successor, King Jigme Wangchuck, ruled the country from Trongsa's ancient dzong. The present King continued this tradition when he was appointed Trongsa Penlop in 1972 shortly before he ascended the throne of Bhutan. Trongsa Dzong is an awe-inspiring and impregnable fortress. It has a labyrinth of temples, corridors and offices holding court over the local community. Trongsa is one of the quaintest and most charming of all Bhutanese towns. Its vista is traditional in appearance with wooden slatted houses lining the side of the hill.

  • Bumthang

    The majestic Rufous necked Hornbill, Blue napped Pitta, Blue fronted Robin, wedge billed, Bar winged Wren Babblers, Yellow rumped Honey guide, Emerald Dove, Large Niltava, and Russet Bush Warbler. One can also spot the rare Golden Langur. Here the landscape is dotted with palaces, ancient temples and monasteries. The drive from Punakha to Bumathang over the Do Chula Pass and Pelela Pass. On the way visit to Chume Valley, where local women weave the famous Bumathang Yathra from pure woolen cloth woven in the traditional method with beautiful colored patterns is worth visiting. Bumthang countryside are brilliant and one can enjoy the drive or trek whichever one opt for offers an exceptional opportunity to be in contact with the rural life.

  • Punakha

    Punakha, the breathtaking destination in Bhutan, has been inextricably linked to some of the most momentous events in the Bhutanese history and deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful and significant regions at the heart of Bhutanese culture. This district, leveling from 1300m at the valley floor rises to almost 3000m around Dochhula pass, served as the capital of Bhutan from 1637 till 1907. People visit this place mostly to understand the Bhutanese history and to enjoy its natural beauty. Punakha Dzong, Chhimi Lhakhang and Limbhukha are the things you love to see in this beautiful area.

Airport

Paro Airport is the only international airport in Bhutan. Yongphulla Airport in Trashigang is a small domestic airport that underwent upgrades through 2010. Yongphulla Airport was scheduled for completion in January 2010 but as of January 2015, the airport remains closed due to ongoing runway repair. National carrier Druk Air operates flights between Paro Airport and airports in Jakar (Bumthang Dzongkhag) and Gelephu (Sarpang Dzongkhag) on a weekly basis.


Rail Way

Bhutan has no railways, though it has entered into an agreement with India to link southern Bhutan to India's vast network by constructing an 18 kilometres (11 mi)-long 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) broad gauge rail link between Hashimara in West Bengal and Toribari in Bhutan. The construction of the railway via Satali, Bharna Bari and Dalsingpara by Indian railways will be funded by India.


Road

The Lateral Road is Bhutan's primary east–west corridor, connecting Phuentsholing in the southwest to Trashigang in the east. In between, the Lateral Road runs directly through Wangdue Phodrang, Trongsa and other population centres. The Lateral Road also has spurs connecting to the capital Thimphu and other major population centres such as Paro and Punakha. As with other roads in Bhutan, the Lateral Road presents serious safety concerns due to pavement conditions, sheer drops, hairpin turns, weather and landslides.

Bhutan has a rich and unique cultural heritage that has largely remained intact because of its isolation from the rest of the world until the mid-20th century. One of the main attractions for tourists is the country's culture and traditions. Bhutanese tradition is deeply steeped in its Buddhist heritage. Hinduism is the second most dominant religion in Bhutan, being most prevalent in the southern regions.[128] The government is increasingly making efforts to preserve and sustain the current culture and traditions of the country. Because of its largely unspoiled natural environment and cultural heritage, Bhutan has been referred to as The Last Shangri-la.

Stone tools, weapons, elephants, and remnants of large stone structures provide evidence that Bhutan was inhabited as early as 2000 BC, although there are no existing records from that time. Historians have theorized that the state of Lhomon (literally, "southern darkness"), or Monyul ("Dark Land", a reference to the Monpa, the aboriginal peoples of Bhutan) may have existed between 500 BC and AD 600. The names Lhomon Tsendenjong (Sandalwood Country), and Lhomon Khashi, or Southern Mon (country of four approaches), have been found in ancient Bhutanese and Tibetan chronicles.
The Dzong in the Paro valley, built in 1646. Buddhism was first introduced to Bhutan in the 7th century AD. Tibetan king Songtsän Gampo (reigned 627–649), a convert to Buddhism, who actually had extended the Tibetan Empire into Sikkim and Bhutan, ordered the construction of two Buddhist temples, at Bumthang in central Bhutan and at Kyichu (near Paro) in the Paro Valley. Buddhism was propagated in earnest in 746 under King Sindhu Rāja , an exiled Indian king who had established a government in Bumthang at Chakhar Gutho Palace.