About Bhutan
Reduce the volume and slow down the pace. Add a pinch of chilli and a splash of green. In your paint box, find every shade of green you can think of. Allow the mountains to soar to new heights. Put on a mask and dance. Allow the flags to float in front of the monastery. This country is a mishmash of emotions. A kaleidoscope of sight, sound, and flavour. It's a place where time stretches out like a happy cat. Where the air cleanses itself of all contaminants. This is the place where happiness is measured.
Bhutan is not an average place; it is the most popular tourist destination in the world. Bhutan's tourist attractions have always drawn visitors from all over the world, whether it's for its vibrant culture or mystical mountains. The undulating hills and attractive culture of this region emanate an unmistakable appeal. A great experience is always provided by delightful people, lush forest, massive mountains, and special cuisine. Bhutan is a location where you may experience and feel its warmth, which will stay with you for the rest of your life. It elicits a strong emotional response while maintaining its opacity to keep you fascinated. Bhutan is a fascinating country with a strong sense of heritage.
A flight to Paro will undoubtedly be the most memorable aspect of your tour, with the mysterious snowy mountains beckoning you to explore them. Hilltop monasteries abound in Bhutan, providing the tranquilly that you seek during your visit. These monasteries are almost a century old and still stand strong in terms of construction and the comfort they provide. Some of these monasteries are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and they provide an introduction to a long-lasting faith. Bhutan is noted for its vibrant festivals, which have been held since the kingdom's inception. These celebrations bring the culture to life and reveal the tale that lies behind.
Masked characters, bright clothing, and music are enough to keep you engaged and pique your curiosity. Then there are textiles and handicrafts, which showcase the people's true art. Bhutan tourism includes not only festivals and monasteries, but also adrenaline-pumping mountain adventures, river rafting, and archery tournaments. All of this combines to make Bhutan the Gross National Happiness country, which paints a quite different picture. So pack your luggage and travel to this cheerful country to see Bhutan's most anticipated tourist attractions.
Location of Bhutan
Bhutan's magnificent splendour is encased in the close embrace of Tibet, China, and India. Bhutan is located in the Eastern Himalayas and shares borders with Tibet in the north, Sikkim in the west, and Tibet's Chumbi Valley in the east. Bhutan is bordered on the east by Arunachal Pradesh, and on the south by Assam and West Bengal. Bhutan, after the Maldives, has the world's second-lowest population.
Cuisine of Bhutan
Bhutanese cuisine is based on the philosophy of "spicy, spice, and more spice." This is particularly evident in the world-famous Ema Datshi, a chilli-and-cheese stew. If your taste buds can tolerate the heat, try Jasha Maroo, a diced chicken stew with garlic, tomatoes, onion, ginger, coriander, and, yes, chilies. Phaksha Paa – silky pork slices stir-fried with chilies, ginger, and Bok Choy – is another hearty stew to try. Suja, a Bhutanese butter tea produced from fermented yak butter and cooked with tea leaves and milk, will soothe your tingling taste senses. For all you vegetarians out there, Zow Shungo, cooked with vegetables and red rice, will calm and fill you up. Jaju Soup, a creamy dish cooked with local spinach or turnips in milk and butter, is another excellent option. Also available are plump momos loaded with minced pig, beef, chicken, or cheese. Pick up a serving of Khatem — crispy gourd rings fried in butter – for a crunchy snack.
Places of worship in Bhutan
When you enter Bhutan, your journey to the soul takes on a physical aspect. Peace and spirituality are so close to being one with the air that you can almost smell them. The Taktsang Monastery has already been discussed. Don't worry if you can't make it to the monastery. Bhutan has a plethora of temples and monasteries to calm even the most restless of spirits. Take, for example, Thimphu's Tashichho Dzong, a large monastery. The tranquil red and white building has golden roofs, and the interiors are basic and soothing. If you're at Punakha, the Punakha Dzong is the country's second-oldest dzong. With the beautiful sky stretching behind it, the colourful monastery stands simply and proud.
You must go to Chimi Lhakhang, which was erected by Drukpa Kunley, the "divine crazy." This is Buddhism with a twist — laughter, singing, and, on sometimes, Kunley's downright awful behaviour. When you hear the stories, you'll be entertained, intrigued, and startled. Every committed parent has a special space in their hearts for the next temple. Changangkha Lhakhang bestows blessings on children and is occasionally involved in infant naming ceremonies. The enormous Buddha Dordenma (a 51m bronze sculpture of Buddha), Dechen Phodrang Monastery (Palace of Great Bliss), Gangtey Monastery, Rinpung Dzong, and Trashigang Dzong are among the other places of worship.
Nature and Bhutan
Bhutanese people and the land they live in have a special bond. You'll see magnificent forests, untouched valleys, enormous meadows, rushing rivers, and sparkling lakes in this pristine, lush, and lovely setting. In the background, Alpine mountains rise up, and the land is home to 5,500 plant varieties, 600 orchid species, and a variety of medicinal herbs. With so much biodiversity, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to National Parks and Wildlife Preserves. Which route will you take first? What is the Royal Manas National Park? Is Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park worth visiting? Is it possible to thresh La National Park? Is there a wildlife sanctuary in Bumdeling?
What a variety of options you have! Bhutan is a nature lover's paradise. This is the home of elephants, tigers, golden langurs, rare butterfly species, water buffaloes, and yaks, in addition to a diverse flora and fauna (which are sometimes kept as pets). The elusive and rare snow leopard can also be found in the Himalayas' higher elevations. Bird lovers will be on the lookout for any of the 620 kinds of birds that call this place home. If you want to see Bhutan's wild side, you'll need to arrange multiple trips.
Cities in Bhutan
Consider Bhutan to be an emerald: it sparkles, is green, and has various facets and tints at its core. Bhutan's cities are represented by these hues, sides, and facets. The first stop is Paro, which is home to some of the world's oldest Buddhist monasteries and temples. Bhutan's only international airport is likewise located in Paro district. When in Paro, visit the famed Paro Taksang monastery, also known as the Tiger's Nest Monastery, like many other travellers do. This is a difficult trek, perched 900 metres high on a cliff, but the rewards at the end are well worth it. Thimphu, the capital, is the next stop. This is the world's fourth highest capital city, and it is here that you will find Bhutan's cultural centre.
Visit the Motihang Takin Nature Preserve and meet the Takin (Bhutan's national animal). Punakha, the former capital city, follows Thimphu. The Pungthang Dewachen Phodrang is located in this city (Palace of Great Happiness). A trip to Wangdue Phodrang is required for all trekkers in the crowd. You'll see the famous Gangtey Monastery and come across the nesting grounds of Black-necked cranes on one of your hikes. You can also go to Trongsa, Bumthang, and Phuentsholing, which are all rich in Bhutanese stories, breathtaking mountain views, and magnificent monasteries.
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