2. Why I love Bhutan
A trip to Bhutan is like a gust of fresh
air when you feel claustrophobic in
the daily hustle and bustle. Its gross
national happiness index, go-green
environment policy and spiritual
fondness adds to its untouched
beauty. Bhutan’s vibrant culture and
festivals are worth exploring and its
quintessential tranquillity is worth
giving yourself over to. It surely offers
an exotic experience at a fair cost.
Bhutan is a go-to destination for
adventure explorers, for Bhutan
tourism offers everything ranging
from rafting and kayaking to biking
and trekking.
3. Best places to visit in Bhutan
Paro
The beautiful valley of Paro delights the aura around you. An integral part of Bhutan
tour packages, Paro is dotted with traditional-style houses and a multitude of
bakeries restaurants and cafes. These are best places to visit in Paro.
Taktsang Monastery - Perched on a vertical rocky mountain, Taktsang monastery is
a must when in Bhutan. The 4-hour trek to the top acquaints you with mesmerising
beauty and peace.
Kyichu Lhakhang - Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest temples and popular
attraction in Paro. Interior is done up with murals with a tinge of blue everywhere on
the walls.
Paro Dzong - It’s the high point of Paro and the epitome of Bhutanese architecture.
It's aesthetically appealing entrance is the best place to click pictures.
4. Best places to visit in Bhutan
Thimphu
The capital and the largest city of Bhutan, Thimphu is one of the two national
capitals in the world that do not have traffic lights. It’s a very well-organized city
with every attraction surrounded by the beautiful backdrop of mountains. You
can experience Bhutan’s hip culture in Thimphu.
National Memorial Chorten - The beautiful white façade and massive gold-
coloured spires of Memorial Chorten attracts a lot of tourists. Here, you can see
how Buddhists offer their prayers and enjoy the lively murmurs.
National Institute for Zorig Chusum - Here you watch little kids learning their
traditional arts and crafts. Their happy and lively faces reinforce the idea that the
country has an undying penchant for its tradition and culture.
Big Buddha - Big Buddha is the high point of Thimphu. It features the largest
Buddha statue in the world. It’s a great place to enjoy a bird eye view of the
Thimphu town.
5. Best places to visit in Bhutan
Punakha
Situated at the confluence of Mo Chhu (Mother River) and Pho Chhu (Father
River), Punakha Valley is famous in Bhutan for rice farming. The 3-hour
enchanting ride Thimphu to Punakha acquaints you with the most scenic views in
Bhutan.
• Punakha Dzong - Strategically positioned at the river confluence, Punakha
Dzong is one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan. The location and the
aesthetic appeal of the Dzong are spell-binding.
• Radak Neykhang - Radak Neykhang is a 17th
-Century temple standing by the
tall cypress trees of the district court. Make an offering, roll the chapel dice and
the resident monk will read your future.
6. Best things
to do
in Bhutan
•Trekking
Bhutan features a lot of amazing treks including
the divine Takt Sangh. From one day treks easy
treks to 15 days challenging treks, Bhutan has a
lot to offer to adventure seekers.
•Rafting
Rafting routes of Po Chu River and Mo Chu River
are most popular rafting courses in Bhutan. It
can be done from March to May and October to
November.
•Kayaking
Kayaking in the majestic and crystal clear rivers
of Bhutan is a unique experience. Paro Valley,
Trongsa and Punakha Valley are the places to go
for Kayaking in Bhutan.
7. Best things
to do in
Bhutan
•Cycling
Bhutan features diverse cycling routes that are
suitable for both beginners and experts alike.
Paro Valley is the starting point of most cycling
tours in Bhutan.
•Wildlife safari
The deep-seated Buddhist values induce the
preservation of nature, making Bhutan one of
the finest places to witness diverse flora and
fauna.
•Meditation
Bhutan offers the quintessential tranquillity to
meditation lovers. Apart from temples and
monasteries, you can peacefully meditate at the
meditation and yoga centres throughout the
country.
8. Best time to visit Bhutan
• From December to February Bhutan is at its coldest, but the valleys
are warmer and sunny with clear views of the incredible Himalaya.
• March and April are one of the preferred months to travel as
temperatures are pleasant and the valleys are abundant in nature.
The blooming flowers in the valleys are the sight to behold.
• May experiences warm and humid climate but fewer visitors and
lower prices can make it a viable time to visit. The rhododendrons are
still in bloom, making it ideal for photographers and nature lovers.
• June to August is monsoon season in Bhutan. It is not an ideal
season for trekkers, but certainly an ideal time for retreating to a spa.
• September, October and November are ideal for hiking, seeing
festivals and enjoying spectacular views and pleasant temperatures.
Higher altitudes experience cooler temperatures.
9. How to reach Bhutan
•By train - You will need to reach Kolkata to embark on a train which
will take you to Hasimara. And from here, Phuensholing, Bhutan’s
border is 30 minutes away. From the border, you can either hire a cab or
take a bus to Thimphu.
•By flight - There are frequent flights to Bagdogra, West Bengal, from
all major airports. There are direct flights from Delhi, Kolkata and six
other major cities. Take a cab or bus from Bagdogra to Phuensholing.
You can also fly directly to Paro from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bagdogra,
Gaya and Guwahati.
•By road - You can take a road trip from India to Bhutan via West
Bengal. If you are starting your road trip from Delhi, you need to reach
Gorakhpur, UP first, and then from here to Siliguri to Phuensholing.
