Bhutan, a kingdom on the foothills of the Himalayas, is wrapped by Mother Nature's gift of lush greenery, breathtaking landscape and impeccable beauty. The snow-capped mountain peaks, the bright Rhododendron flowers, the tall pine trees, the gorgeous valleys and the quaint hamlets speak of its magnificence; alluring travel enthusiasts from all around the world.
Let us take a sneak peek into the country's lustrous beauty and plan out for a memorable vacation.
The top sightseeing spots in Bhutan:
1. Paro
Paro hosts the international airport of Bhutan. Situated at a height of about 2280 meters above sea level, the key attraction of the place is Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang. The monastery has been built in the honor of Guru Rinpoche. Besides, Paro is known to be the farmer's land and is surrounded by paddy fields.
2. Thimphu
Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan, surrounded by pristine mountain views, deep gorges, green meadows, gushing rivers and streams. The key attractions of the place is Memorial Chorten, constructed in the memory of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who was the third King of Bhutan, and Buddha Dordenma, the tallest Buddha in the world.
3. Punakha
Punakha is the previous capital and the current administrative center of Bhutan. It is located at the confluence of the rivers Po Chhu, the male river and Mo Chhu, the female river. The key attraction of the place is the Punakha Dzong, the second oldest monastery of Bhutan and its 180-meter long suspension bridge connecting the Dzong to the rest of the town.
4. Haa Valley
Popularly known as the rice valley due to the abundance of rice cultivation along with wheat and barley. The magical place offers numerous ways to entertain the visitors starting from trekking, hiking, mountain biking and many more. The Haa summer festival is one of the remarkable celebrations at the valley, held in July by the local tribes and nomads.
5. Gangtey or Phobjikha Valley
Shaped like a bowl, Gangtey valley is the home for one of the world's most endangered bird species, the black-necked crane. Many other local birds flock in the valleys, enticing the bird watchers from various parts of the world.
6. Phuentsholing
A town at the Indo-Bhutanese border, Phuentsholing is the the trading and commercial center of Bhutan. Temples, monasteries and wildlife sanctuaries are the key attractions of the place, namely the Karbandi Monastery, Zangto Pelri Lhakhang temple and the Amo Chuu – the breeding center for crocodiles and alligators.
7. Chele La Pass
Situated at a towering height of almost 13,000 feet above sea level, Chele La Pass is one of the splendid places to visit in Bhutan. The Pass offers astounding views of the snow-clad majestic Himalayan ranges.
8. Motithang Takin Preserve
If you are a wildlife admirer, then you will love to visit the Motithang Takin Preserve. Takin, the national animal of Bhutan is specially protected and preserved in the national park. Besides mountain goats, deer, Himalayan monals, monkeys, and langurs are commonly sighted in the preserve.
Which are the best hotels to stay in Bhutan?
1. Wangchuk Hotel
Address: Changlam 19, Thimphu, Bhutan
Price: INR 4460 per night for two persons
2. Namseling Boutique Hotel
Address: Phendey Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
Price: INR 4400 per night for two persons
3. Khangkhu Resort
Address: Paro City Center, Khangkhu, Paro, Bhutan
Price: INR 4132 per night for two persons
4. Kichu Resort
Address: Kichu Resort Complex, Lango Paro BT 12001, Bhutan
Price: INR 5000 per night for two persons
What is the best time to visit Bhutan?
The best time to visit Bhutan are the months between October and December. The weather is pleasant and fresh, perfect to engulf the greenery around. If you want to treat your eyes with the bright rhododendrons adorning the valleys, then late spring is the correct time to visit.
How to reach Bhutan?
By Air: Paro International airport is the only one for travellers coming by flight.
By Road: There are three different entry points to Bhutan for tourists travelling by road, via Phuentsholing, Gelephu or Samdrup Jhongkar.
By Train: You need to reach either Siliguri, New Jalpaiguri, New Alipurduar, or Hasimara railway stations and then travel by road to enter at the meeting point of Jaigaon (West Bengal) and Phuentsholing.
The traditions and customs of Bhutan are unique and extremely prestigious. So if you happen to add Bhutan in your bucket list, then you must check out their local cuisine, festivals, and their national sport archery.
Ready to travel for free? Earn credits and redeem them on Tripoto’s weekend getaways, hotel stays and vacation packages!
