Holidays Packages in Bhutan
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Popular Sightseeing Locations in Bhutan
Bumthang
Peacefully located in the northern part of Bhutan, the Bumthang Valley is the spiritual centre of the country. Being a major part of isolated Bhutan, the valley has been able to preserve its ancient rituals and customs making it one of the most unique places to visit in Bhutan. The valley is enriched with historical and legendary tales of Guru Padmasambhava, making it one of the spiritual places of the country. Apart from its spirituality and rich history, the valley is also surrounded by lush greenery and scenic Himalayan vistas that attract tourists from all over the world.
Punakha
Known for its rustic charm and rich Bhutanese culture, the valley of Punakha has emerged as one of the best tourist destinations of Bhutan. Located on the junction point of Pho Chhu and Mho Chhu river majority of the place is filled with agricultural fields. Punakha Dzong is the main highlight of the valley located on the bank of two major rivers of the country. The valley is home to some of the oldest inhabitants of the country who follow old-age culture and rituals allowing tourists to get an insight of the true Bhutanese culture.
Paro
Considered the gateway to Bhutan and home to the only international airport in the country, Paro is a picturesque valley of Bhutan. Placed amidst the western part of Bhutan amidst the ridges of the eastern Himalayas, Paro is home to numerous sightseeing destinations and attractions sites that have helped it to be recognized among the top tourist spots of Bhutan. Paro Taktsang also known as Tiger’s Nest is the main highlight of the valley where tourists from all over the world visit throughout the year. Apart from natural beauty and majestic Dzongs, the valley of Paro is also known for its rich Bhutanese culture which can be seen right as you enter the valley. Hospitality is the major part of their culture which is seen from small street restaurants to 4-star hotels. From offering delectable food dishes to adventurous activities the valley of Paro is the perfect place for tourists.
Dochula Pass
Dochula Pass is one of the highest motorable passes located on the Thimphu and Punakha highways that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas. Surrounded by lush forests and towering mountains Dochula Pass is a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, trekking, and picnicking in the area along with blending the serene beauty of this place.
Phobjikha
Home to numerous endangered bird species including black-necked crane, the valley of Phobjikha is one of the sacred places in Bhutan. Overlooking the mesmerizing views of the Himalayan vistas and numerous ancient monasteries, the valley has emerged as one of the best places to visit in the country. The place is not only popular among tourists due to its natural beauty but also for its numerous adventure options ranging from trekking, hiking, mountain biking and bird watching. The valley being home to rich wildlife is a paradise for nature lovers and travel enthusiasts.
Thimphu
Widely known for showcasing the perfect blend of Bhutanese old-age culture and cosmopolitan vibes, Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan. Located in the central zone, the city is one of the largest cities in the country and is among the most favoured destinations for tourists. Being home to numerous historic sites and religious monuments the city is well known among history lovers and travel enthusiasts. The city is also popular for being the only capital city in the world that uses a traffic man instead of a traffic light. No matter whether you are a nature lover or want to explore the ancient monasteries and historic tales of Bhutan, then Thimphu can be the right destination to fulfil your wanderlust.
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Bhutan Travel Info
Geography and Climate
With a landmass of over 38,000 sq km, Bhutan offers a diverse topography that changes with changing altitude. Raging from 150m in the southern valleys to 7,300m in the northern mountains, you can experience different landscapes and climatic conditions in each city of Bhutan. The country experiences mild and moderate summers with cooler winters that can go as low as -1 degree Celsius. Bhutan also experiences heavy rainfall in the monsoons with average rainfall of 2006mm annually. Bhutan is located in the eastern foothills of the Himalayan region which faces tremendous storms and lightning that generates sound similar to the dragon's voice due to which the country is known as “Druk Yul” which means land of thunder dragons.
People and Culture
Bhutan is a culturally rich and isolated country with a population that inhabits people from diverse religions. Sharchop, Ngalong, Lhotshampas and Nepali are the oldest tribes of this region with Sharchop accounting for over 30% of the overall population. Bhutanese people cherish the traditions that have been passed down through generations and take huge pride in sharing them with their visitors. Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood, while Buddhism and Hinduism are the dominant religions. With its rich tradition and vibrant culture, Bhutan offers a truly unforgettable experience for visitors.
Food and Cuisine
The cuisine of Bhutan is deeply rooted in its rich history and culture. The cuisine features unique dishes such as Ema Datshi, Shakam Paa and Puta that are widely consumed all over the country. The food dishes include organic ingredients and are prepared in traditional methods that give them unique texture and flavours. Bhutanese food offers a blend of flavours influenced by the cuisines of neighbouring countries such as India and China which are widely admired by its visitors. While the cuisine is known for its unique taste, the use of chillies and fermented ingredients is a common thing which can be a challenging task for some food with sensitive pallets. Some of the popular food dishes of Bhutan include:
- Suja
- Puta
- Goep
- Ema Datshi
- Phaksha Paa
- Goen Hogay
- Yaksha Shakam
- Jasha Maru
Festivals
Bhutan, known as the Land of Thunder Dragons, is renowned for its rich and vibrant culture and the festival is a great time to witness the culture of Bhutan in its finest form. These festivals are held throughout the year, with most of them celebrated in honour of Buddhist saint Guru Padmasambhava. These festivals feature colourful dances, music, and religious rituals that attract tourists all over the year. The biggest festivals, called Tsechu, attract visitors from around the world who come to experience Bhutan's rich cultural heritage. Some of the popular festivals include:
- Thimphu Tshechu
- Paro Tshechu
- Haa Summer Festival
- Punakha Drubchen
- Gomphu Kora Festival
- Merak Tshechu
- Matsutake Mushroom Festival
- Black-Necked Crane Festival
Popular Activities in Bhutan
How to Reach
Air : Taking a flight is the fastest and the most popular way of travelling to Bhutan. Paro International Airport is the only international airport in the country located in the Paro Valley that offers regular flights to major cities in India.
Train : Bhutan does not have any rail routes therefore you cannot reach Bhutan via train. The nearest railway station is Hasimara located in the Indian state of West Bengal. After which you can take a share or rental taxi to reach the city of Phuentsholing located at the Indo-Bhutan border.
Road : Travelling to Bhutan via road offers the most satisfying experience. Siliguri is the major metropolitan city from where you can reach the border city of Bhutan, Phuentsholing. However, you need to showcase your document before entering Bhutan.