Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La
Experience the enchantment of Bhutan, a Himalayan paradise where tradition meets tranquility and Gross National Happiness reigns supreme.
Bhutan, known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is a mystical country nestled in the Eastern Himalayas. It is famed for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unique approach to measuring development through Gross National Happiness. As you journey through Bhutan, you'll be captivated by its majestic mountains, lush valleys, and ancient monasteries perched on cliffs. The country's capital, Thimphu, blends modernity with tradition. Here, you can visit the grand Tashichho Dzong, a fortress-monastery that houses the throne room and offices of the king. The bustling weekend market offers a glimpse into local life with stalls selling fresh produce, traditional crafts, and vibrant textiles. Paro, home to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery, is a must-visit. This sacred site, clinging to a cliffside, provides breathtaking views and a sense of serenity. Nearby, the Paro Dzong and the National Museum offer insights into Bhutanese history and culture. The town of Punakha, with its stunning Punakha Dzong set at the confluence of two rivers, showcases the architectural brilliance of Bhutan. Bhutan is also a paradise for nature lovers and trekkers. The pristine environment is home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare species like the black-necked crane. Popular trekking routes such as the Druk Path and the Snowman Trek offer adventurers a chance to explore the country's remote wilderness and high-altitude landscapes. Bhutan's festivals, or tshechus, are vibrant celebrations of its Buddhist heritage. These events feature masked dances, music, and rituals, providing a deep cultural experience. The most famous is the Paro Tshechu, drawing visitors from around the world. In Bhutan, you'll find a perfect blend of spirituality, adventure, and natural beauty, making it a unique and unforgettable destination.
Local Tips
- Respect local customs by dressing modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
- The best time to visit is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) for pleasant weather and vibrant festivals.
- Purchase a local SIM card for better connectivity as internet access can be limited in remote areas.
- Be prepared for high-altitude conditions and pack appropriate gear for trekking.
- Carry cash, as many places do not accept credit cards.
- Hiring a local guide can enhance your experience and provide deeper insights into Bhutanese culture and history.
When is the best time to go to Bhutan?
Landmarks we love in Bhutan
- Buddha Dordenma Statue སྟོན་པ་རྡོར་གདན་མ།, Bhutan
- National Memorial Chhorten རྒྱལ་ཡོངས་རྗེས་དྲན་མཆོད་རྟེན།, Bhutan
- Clock Tower, Thimphu, Bhutan
- Royal Takin Preserve, Bhutan
- Simply Bhutan, Bhutan
- Folk Heritage Museum Kawajangsa, Bhutan
- Teem Travel Bhutan, Bhutan
- Simtokha Dzong སེམས་རྟོགས་ཁ་རྫོང་།, Bhutan
- Le Méridien Thimphu, Bhutan
- Royal Textile Academy རྒྱལ་འཛིན་ཐག་རིག་སློབ་སྡེ།, Bhutan
- Heavenly Bhutan Travels, Bhutan
- Centenary Farmers Market, Bhutan
- Terma Linca Resort & Spa, Bhutan
- Khamsum Inn, Bhutan
- Royal Botanical Garden Serbithang, Bhutan