Top Experiences in Bhutan

It’s interesting to see how Bhutan is embracing the modern world while keeping its own unique identity. The mystical country remained in seclusion for a long time before it opened its borders to foreigners in the year 1974.

Visit the last Himalayan kingdom Bhutan and experience its rich culture and tradition. It is a land of fabled tales that has interesting tales to tell. In an effort to protect its culture and environment, the government of Bhutan is practicing ‘High Value, Low Impact Tourism.’

Unique experiences in Bhutan are known to have an everlasting impact; before that, you need to meet these Bhutan travel requirements.

Here are the top experiences in Bhutan that you ought not to miss out!

Tiger’s Nest

You can’t miss out on a visit to Tiger’s Nest when in Bhutan. It is also known as Paro Taktsang and Taktsang Phalung Monastery. An incredible landmark of Bhutan, Paro Taktsang is perched high in a cliff surrounded by greenery.

The awe-inspiring location of the monastery looks straight out of an adventure tale especially when clouds hover around the monastery. A journey to the famous monastery with fabled tales is a wonderful way of spiritual immersion while basking in the beauty of nature.

Tiger’s Nest is the most sacred site for Buddhists in Bhutan. According to the legends, Guru Padmasambhava flew here on a Tigress back from Tibet. Around the 8th century, Guru Padmasambhava who introduced Buddhism in Bhutan is said to have meditated in one of the caves of Tiger’s Nest.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate hiked to Tiger’s Nest back in 2016. Also, Prince Charles walked only halfway point till the cafeteria and basked in its beauty from afar back in 1998.

Paro

When flying to Bhutan, you will be landing in Paro where the country’s sole international airport is situated. Enjoy a hike to Tiger’s Nest, visit Paro Dzong, and drive to the highest motorable pass in Bhutan.

Paro Dzong or fortress is also known as Rinpung Dzong which means 'Fortress on a Heap of Jewels.’ Walk on a cantilever bridge that takes you to the beautiful Paro dzong. An architectural delight, Paro Dzong stands tall as a reflection of Bhutan’s fine craftsmanship. Today the dzong houses district government offices including local courts as well as the monastic body.

If you fancy adding some adventure then drive to Chele La Pass which takes approximately 2 hours from Paro. Chele La Pass is the highest motorable pass of Bhutan situated at an altitude of 13000 feet. Traverse through dense forest filled with rhododendron and pine trees before you reach the pass. Enjoy the astounding views of the verdant valley below against the backdrop of snow capped mountains.

Thimphu

The capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu shows a contemporary side. You will see the city bustling with cafes, restaurants, shopping centers. However, it retains the cultural and traditional values while moving ahead with modern times.

A Thimphu visit is incomplete without going to Buddha Dordenma, Craft Market and a strategic visit to Weekend Market.

Buddha Dordenma dominates the skyline of Thimphu. The golden and bronze statue of Shakyamuni Buddha 5.15 meters high is one of the tallest statues of Buddha in the world.

Shop at a Thimpu Craft Market where you will see a display of handicraft items. There can’t be a better place than Craft Market to purchase souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones back home.

Walk in the local bazaar in the streets of Thimphu. Plan a visit to the Weekend Market that opens only on weekends. You see a wide display of items including local fruits and vegetables, dried fish, soft cheese, wild honey to aromatic incense and others.

Dochula Pass

Dochula Pass is located at 3100 meters high on the way to Punakha from Thimphu. It is famed for 108 memorial chortens built in the memory of brave soldiers martyred during a war against insurgents from India in 2003.

The mountain pass with a 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayan range attracts tourists to Dochula Pass. When weather favors you can see several high mountain peaks over 7,000 meters including Terigang (7,060 m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), and Masaganang (7,200m).

When visiting Dochula Pass on weekends and holidays you will see families out for picnics or groups of friends enjoying quality time with each other.

Punakha

Punakha was the capital of Bhutan before Thimphu was declared the capital in 1961. Soak in the city with a rich history and scenic beauty of the valley with the stunning Himalayas in the backdrop.

Punakha Dzong holds the title of the second largest and second oldest dzong of Bhutan. An impressive dzong boasting the skilled craftsmanship of Bhutan is located at the confluence of two rivers Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu.

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten was built to ward off evil spirits from Bhutan and spread peace in the world. The stupa was built in accordance with the traditional Bhutanese teachings. The 4-story pagoda-style stupa is the result of the hard work of Bhutanese carpenters, sculptors, and painters of nine years.

Chimi Lhakhang

Chimi Lhakhang is also famous as The Fertility Temple. Many pilgrims with the hope of having a child in their heart pay a visit to the Fertility Temple. A childless couple receives a blessing with a ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom.’ Also, couples with their new-born visits the temple to receive blessings.

Get ready to witness an unusual tradition in The Fertility Temple. Well, you will see paintings, carvings, and souvenirs of phalluses. Yes, you hear it right; not kidding! Especially near the village of the monastery, you will see the exterior walls of houses painted with a phallus. The imagery of phallus is believed to bring good luck and prosperity and ward off evil spirits.

Chimi Lhakhang is dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, popular as ‘Divine Madman.’ He is regarded as one of the key monks who brought Buddhism to Bhutan from Tibet. Drukpa Kunley had an unusual way of teaching Buddhism with songs, humor, and sexual connotations.

Festivals of Bhutan

The festive occasion adds joy among locals. It is the time of the year to enjoy, get ready in the finest clothes and accessories and merry make. Watch monks perform mask dances in colorful costumes in tshechus that they practice months in advance. There are many tshechus in Bhutan and are celebrated at a different time of the year in each dzong.

Some of the popular festivals of Bhutan are Paro Tshechu, Thimpu Tshechu, Haa Summer Festival, Dochula Druk Wangyal Festival, among others. Want to know the dates of Tshechus in the year 2020? Click Here!

Bhutan Hot Stone Bath Trek

When in Bhutan you are more likely to go on a hike to Tiger’s Nest; no one would like to miss out on this chance. The trail passes through a series of pine trees, near a waterfall tumbling down high from a cliff, and across a bridge. The scenic hike will be tiresome but equally rewarding.

Take a traditional hot stone bath in Bhutan. The combination of heated water, minerals from rock, and local herbs benefit your health. It is used for the treatment of arthritis, hypertension, stomach disorder, and joint pains.

Speaking of the best time for Bhutan travel, spring and autumn are a popular time of the year to visit Bhutan. Spring (March to May) is warm and pleasant while autumn (September to November) is warm during daytime and chilly during the night.

If you don’t mind cold winters accompanied by snowfall then choose to travel Bhutan from December to February. Experience thunderstorm and heavy rainfall of Bhutan, when visiting in summer (June to August).

Suggested Itinerary : Short Bhutan Tour 3 Nights 4 Days Bhutan Tour

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