Simple living and high thinking is the mantra for the Bhutanese people. A nation that assigns statistical peg to its happiness (Gross National Happiness) and is delightfully cut off from Western influences, Bhutan is an otherworldly experience. It’s hilltop monasteries, vibrant local life, festivals and rich bio diversity makes it one of the most coveted destinations for the offbeat traveller. It is a fascinating place, which still holds its King in reverence. All in all Bhutan is all about heartwarming charismatic simplicity.
Bhutan
Trip to Bhutan can be planned throughout the year, but most suitable travel periods lie between March to May and September to November. The winter months from mid November to mid March are cold and the monsoons usually arrives in mid-June, with light rain falling mainly in the afternoons and evenings. Bhutan’s topography has a vast span from near tropical plains near India to snow capped mountains bordering Tibet. Temperatures vary in large degrees between nights and day. Travellers are recommended to dress appropriately in layers to be able to enjoy the scenic vistas and local life, despite the swing in temperature.
Major Cities / Tourist Places
The delightful ambience and the happy occupants of all the towns of Bhutan are what makes the country, the happiest nation in the world. Thimphu and Paro, the most popular of all are the expected ones on the itineraries. But apart from these, Punakha, Bumthang, Gangtey and many more offer a peek into local life and history. Tread towards the obvious and some of the offbeat to get a true sense of Bhutan.
Paro
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Thimphu
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Punakha
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Trongsa
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Gangtey (Phobjikha)
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Jakar, Bumthang
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Mongar & Lhuntse
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Trashigang
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Trashiyangtse Trashiyangtse
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Samdrup Jongkhar
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Phuentsholing
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Iconic Places
Apart from the capital, Thimphu, towns like Paro and Punakha figure high on the list for travellers. In Paro, sights like Paro Dzong, Drukgyel Dzong, the National museum and the bazaar are the top highlights. In Punakha Valley, one is likely to get regaled by the stunning views. The Dochula pass between Thimphu and Punakha offers brilliant views of the towering peaks. Trongsa and Bumthang are the other places that one must not miss.
Taktsang Monastery
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Ancient Ruin of Drukgyel Dzong
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Dzongs
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Paro Dzong
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Lhuentse Dzong
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Jakar Dzong
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Trongsa Dzong
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Punakha Dzong
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Tamzhing Monastery
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Royal Manas National Park
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Jigme Dorji National Park
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Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary
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Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary
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Sacred Sites associated with Phajo Drugom Zhigpo and his descendants
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Experiences
Of the many adventure and culture filled experiences, climbing the Tiger Nest Monastery (Taktsang Palphug Monastery) is on the list of essential experiences in Bhutan. Others include visits to the many monasteries and the Buddhist festivals that are held regularly through the year. These are called ‘tshechu’ in local language and are a good place to see masked dancers and whole towns draped in vibrant colours. The Bumthang valley is great for mild and tough treks. Bhutan has a wholesome offering of experiences for different moods and tastes.
Traditional Mask Dance & Cultural Show
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Archery – The National Sport
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Tshewang Ceremony
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Cooking Demonstration
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Meal with a local family
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Mountain Biking
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River Rafting in Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers
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Visit to a Traditional Farmhouse
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Interaction & meeting with a learned Monk
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Lecture on a choosen subject about Bhutan
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Visit to Phobjikha Valley
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Royal Botanical Park
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Visit to Swiss Farm
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Vocational Training Institute
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Voluntary Artists Studio
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Royal Textile Academy
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Traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath
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Traditional welcome with a tashi khadar
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Visit to Thimphu’s Weekend Market
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Lunch at Royal Golf Club
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Dressing up like a Bhutanese
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Festivals
A festival or ‘tshechu’ is the most vibrant time in Bhutan. Most of the festivals are held in monasteries where masked dancers and local musicians take to the stage, as locals sit in rapt attention. Travelling to Bhutan during these festivals is sure to add a great dimension to your travels. Many of Bhutan’s festivals are spiritual in nature, commemorating the great Buddhist teachers of the land. Monasteries and villages around them are the best places to see the full scope of the reverence that people still feel. The most unique festival is the Black Necked Crane Festival held in November at the Gangtey Gonpa in Phobjikha.
Paro Tshechu
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Thimphu Tshechu
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Punakha Tshechu
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Wangduephodrang Tshechu
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Jambay Lhakhang Drup
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Trongsa Tshechu
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Festival Calendar 2024
19thPunakha Tshechu, Punakha (19 – 21 Feb 2024)
16thPunakha Drubchen, Punakha (16 – 18 Feb 2024)
21stParo Tshechu, Rinpung Dzong, Paro (21 – 25 March 2024)
16thKurjey Tshechu, Choekhor, Bumthang (16 June 2024)
09thThimphu Drubchen, Thimphu (09 Sept 2024)
11thWangdue Tshechu, Wangdue Phodrang (11 – 13 Sept 2024)
13thThimphu Tshechu, Thimphu (13 – 15 Sept 2024)
10thJakar Tshechu, Bumthang (10 – 12 Oct 2024)
15thJambay Lhakhang Drup, Bumthang (15 – 18 Nov 2024)
11thBlack Necked Crane Festival, Wangduephodrang (11 Nov 2024)
10thTrongsa Tshechu, Trongsa (08 – 10 Dec 2024)
Top Stays
It is unlikely to find many starred accommodations in Bhutan, but one can be assured of the quality and comfort, given that the better stays are accredited by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. Traditional Bhutanese aesthetics are a given in most of the accommodations. But that is not to say that one will not find modern comforts. A mix of local and International cuisines is available in most of them. The one thing that is likely to be common to all of Bhutan’s accommodations is the scenic views from the windows. You will also find a smattering of high-end holistic healing focussed properties.
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Hotel OlathangBhutan
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Naksel Boutique ResortBhutan
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Hotel AriyaBhutan
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Hotel Taj TashiBhutan
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Le MeridienBhutan
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Termalinca Resort & SpaBhutan
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AmankoraBhutan
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Le MeridienBhutan
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AmankoraBhutan
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Uma ComoBhutan
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AmankoraBhutan
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Zhiwa Ling HeritageBhutan
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The Village LodgeBhutan
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Hotel DrukBhutan
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Gangtey PalaceBhutan
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Dewachen HotelBhutan
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Dewachen ResortBhutan
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Wangdicholing ResortBhutan
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Mountain LodgeBhutan
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Six SensesBhutan
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Hotel GakyilBhutan
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Nivvana Lodge & Home StayBhutan
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Six SensesBhutan
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Six SensesBhutan
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Six SensesBhutan
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Six SensesBhutan
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Dhensa Boutique ResortBhutan
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Namgay HeritageBhutan
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Lechuna Heritage LodgeBhutan
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Uma ComoBhutan
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