Places to visit in Bhutan – Bhutan being the land of beautiful Himalayan landscapes is filled with panoramic valleys and plenty of fauna and flora. It still remains the least traveled and explored destination.
It’s a perfect destination for a breakthrough from a daily hustle, relaxing in the laps of nature and also it makes an ideal travel destination with its long list of forts, monasteries, and other Buddhist relics, trekking spots, and shopping areas which are surely worth a visit. The rivers, arising from the Himalayas, meander through the valleys and mesmerize with their beauty. It’s knows as the Last Shangri-La.
The unique culture and diversity of Bhutan makes it quite unique. There are many celebrations which are carried out throughout the year. Every place including every single village in this country have their own celebrations which are lavish. Few are quite popular such as their annual Tshechu and it’s a very sacred festival of this place.
This festival is celebrated at the nearest monastery or temple where people dress up dress up in colorful clothes and celebrate it together.
This celebration is usually done to pray to the second Buddha, the Guru Rimpoche. The people from village gather to have their traditional dance, they share meals which includes, red rice and spicy food. They also drink the traditional rice wine known as Ara. During these celebrations, the families gather together to spend fun times with each other.
It’s this blending of the ancient and modern that makes Bhutan endlessly fascinating
Here is the list of few places which you cannot afford to miss while you visit to Bhutan:
Places to visit in Bhutan
Chele La Pass
Chele La pass is being one of the famous tourist places in Bhutan having an altitude of 3,989 meters. The splendid pass is en-route the Haa Valley in Paro. On a nice and clear day, you get to witness the beautiful Jomolhari Mountain from here and the rest adjacent peaks from the northwest side and can sightthe valleys of Haa and Paro.
This pass is surrounded with an eye soothing views of the Himalayan range. It’s located about 13,000 feet above in the west from the Paro valley, which is the highest road pass of Bhutan.The Mount Jomolhari is known to the Country’s most sacred mountain and it’s over 22,000 feet. From the valley floor of Paro you will need to take a half and hour drive.
Haa summer festival is the symbol of the rich culture of the nomadic heaps is another Blissful attraction of this place. You can have a small daytrip, which will take only 2 and a half hours as many tourists visit this place for relaxation.
Dochula Pass
Dochula Pass is a beautiful situated on the way to Punakha and Thimpu. It’s built in the memory of Bhutanese Soldiers consisting of 108 Chortens or Stupas. These soldiers died in a war against the rebels from India. The beautifully built temple and stupas, with the attractive Gangkar Puensum peak in the background makes the Dochula Pass one of the most beautiful tourist places in Bhutan.
Every tourist who visit the country make sure to explore this place. From the pass, you can have a panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range. You will get to witness the snow covered mountains and the amazing backdrop of the place. This place has the many Bhutanese families visiting during holidays as the view from top is incredibly beautiful. Hold a cup of coffee or tea in your hand and enjoy the view of the place. You will love it.
Phobjikha
Phobjikha is a small town in the central part of Bhutan. Like many other beautiful places to see in Bhutan. Phobjikha valley has an altitude about 3000-meter and the place is in the shape of a bowl, and it’s on the western slopes of the mountains. The place is surrounded by mountains and lush greenery on all sides. This makes it one of the top Bhutan attractions. The place is known for its beautiful landscapes and passes. A day’s hike will take you through the town and the woods.
The place is at the border of the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. Which is one the most famous and must visit place in Bhutan. You can sight the big flock of black-necked cranes at the winter time and as it is at the side of the crucial wildlife sanctuary in the country, you might also see some barking deer nearby as well or hear their voice.
You must also know that there are leopards, wild boars, red foxes, Himalayan black bears and so many other species in the forest.
Rinpung Dzong:
Rinpung Dzong built in the 16th century, the towering walls makes this fort look the most beautiful. It’s also known as the Fortress on a Heap of Jewels, Rinpung Dzong is the typical example of Bhutanese architecture and rooted traditions.
The place is crowded with various temples and shrines. Some of the known shrines are, Kungarwa, Monk’s assembly hall, Sandalwood stupa, protector’s shrine etc. There is an annual festival which is celebrated every year known as tshechu and it is held in Rinpung Dzong. It starts from the eleventh day to the fifteenth day marked in Bhutan’s lunar calendar. It falls under the months of March to April.
In this festival holy images are carried in a procession, Monks perform mask dances which narrates many stories. On the fifteenth day before the dawn breaks a sacred banner which consists of eight manifestations of Padmasambhava is showed for the public in those early hours and the tradition is that there will be no sunlight to fall on the banner.
Paro Taktsang
Paro Taktsang is a Buddhist temple complex which is located about 3120 meters above sea level on the side of the upper Paro valley, Bhutan. Taktsang Palphug is its another name.
Paro valley is covered with mountains and it’s the heart of Bhutan. The Taktsang Palphug Monastery is cultural icon of the country and one of the most famous touristic destinations. Visit to the Paro Taktsang Monastery is going to be an unforgettable experience because of the views of surrounding majestic mountains and lush green valleys. It is only accessible by mountainous paths. It is the location of the place that makes it unique.
This place holds its simplicity and blessing of the nature’s finest views, this town also shelters the ancient monasteries. Between these architectural wonders, Paro Taktsang monastery consists of 4 main temples which are interconnected with staircases carved on the rock.
To witness the best views of flora in Bhutan, spring is the best time to visit. Starting from the month of April, the season ends up till May where the nature lovers can enjoy the dreamlike beauty of the surrounding while trekking up to Paro Taktsang monastery.
How to Reach Bhutan:
Indian nationals intending to visit Bhutan are required to carry any of the two valid ‘Travel Documents’ (a) Valid Indian Passport having validity of minimum 6 months; and/or (b) Voter Identity Card, issued by the Election Commission of India. No Visa is required to visit Bhutan for the Indians.
By Air:
The nearest Indian Airport to Bhutan is Bagdogra (IXB). Since it is an Army airport, the number of flights in a day are very less and the flights are mostly off schedule. It takes 4 hours to reach Phuentsholing from Bagdogra Airport. There are private Taxis and buses are available for travelling.
You can also take a direct flight to Paro Airport. Direct Flights are available from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Kathmandu etc.
Paro is 30 minutes’ drive away from Thimphu.
Best Time to Visit Bhutan:
October to December is the ideal time to visit Bhutan as the air is clear and fresh with sunny skies.
January and February are colder, but from then until April the climate remains dry and pleasant and in late spring valleys are covered with famous rhododendrons bloom, valleys looks attractive with lots of colors.
May month will be humid and hot, and from June to September the monsoon rains cover the mountains.
The rare black-necked cranes are spotted at the Phobjikha Valley between late October and mid-February.
Conclusion:
A visit to Bhutan will give an amazing experience and lot of knowledge about the Bhutan culture. This place is less known and it welcomes travellers to explore the place while adoring the beauty and simplicity of the country.
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