Bhutan is treasure trove of natural beauty, phantasmal monasteries, fierce mountain alcoves, cosy resting places, lush greenery and magical mountain peaks. Customize your trip with Tourism Bhutan to soak in the best. Choose the best of stays that your budget permits, lengthen your stay as long as your work leaves permit, see all the wondrous man-made structures that you wish to see, visit all the natural grandeur that your itinerary permits, experience the sheer delight of being in heaven on earth. Build up an itinerary that includes the best of a Bhutan vacation package and gather soulful memories to last a lifetime.
1. Cling to the Sheer Cliff of Tiger’s Nest
Tiger’s Nest is a dominating landmark of Bhutan tourism. It is inevitably included in almost every itinerary. The tough climb up the sheer rock face of 900metresis absolutely worthy. The cliff nestling Tiger’s nest is 3,100 meters in the air. Tiger’s Nest is Bhutan’s most sacred site.
One has to climb about 900 hundred metres from the Paro Valley to reach the famous monastery Taktsang Lhakhang. The rock face with the unfathomable beauty of the monastery has launched a thousand picture postcard,brochures, travel books and tourism websites and is a coveted beauty. The cliff-face inflames the touristic fantasy of visiting Bhutan.
The popularity can be gauged from the fact that Bhutan has restrictions as to the number of visitors. The rocky cliff is located 10kilometres north of Paro Valley and is mythologically famous for being the chosen site of meditation by Guru Rinpoche, who,legend says, had arrived here on a flying tiger. Tiger’s Nest tops the list of must-have experiences in Bhutan.
2. Thimpu: Magical Capital of Bhutan
Explore the magic and melody of Thimpu, the solo capital in the world without traffic lights. Revel in the joys of shopping in the colourful weekend markets and quaint shops. It is the seat of Bhutanese art, culture and tradition. The architecture never ceases to fascinate the visitors.
3. Experience Bhutanese Festival
To catch the authentic flavour of Bhutan’s cultural richness and tradition attend their famous festival Tshechu. Tshechucomprises a large social gathering and is celebrated on the 10th day of Tibetan lunar month. Trading sees a peak during this time and ceremonial dances are performed to revel in the festive mood. This is the time when friends and family gather from far and near to enjoy together.
Paro tshechu that is held in thespring season in the Paro Dzongkhag is outwardly lavish and spectacularly colourful.Another festival that is celebrated with full pomp and exuberance is the DochulaDrukWangyel festival performed by the Royal Bhutan Army.
4. Pay Homage at Chimi Lhakhang
The most revered and strangest temple of Bhutan, is the Temple of Fertility or the Chimi Lhakhang. It was built by and dedicated to the “Divine Madman” or Lama Drukpa Kunley. It is temple especially honoured by childless couples who visit it to pray for fertility. The temple is decorated with images ofmyriad colourful phalluses.
5. Enjoy a Thrilling Bhutanese Archery Match
Archery being Bhutan’s national sport, the local people are really passionate about it. And you can be a part of that passion and thrill by just watching the throngingcrowd of men targeting a tiny sliver from distances as huge as 140 metres.
Men wearing brightly coloured traditional robes called ghos continue to shoot away while the onlookers from the neighbouring villagescontinue to cheer. The groups of women cheerleaders are seen singing and dancing in circles wearing their finest silk. The dancingalong with the war cries and the deadly accuracyof archery skills make these archery witnessing experiences phenomenal.
6. Drink Away to Glory
Having a glass of beer with the locals at a Bhutanese bar is an experience in itself. Bhutan being a Buddhist kingdom, tobacco is banned but Bhutanese populace drink quite a lot. Bars are found all over. The local bars give the impression of being seated in a family living room. You can then feel the ambience which is entirely different from a seasoned Western-style bar.
7. Eat to Taste the Authentic Flavours of Bhutan
In Bhutan, one can experience the innovation of the concatenation of rice and red chillies. In this country, you will savour the red rice and chilli seasoning. Bhutan’s national dish, EmaDatshi along withJashaMaroo or Maru or spicy chicken, PhakshaPaa or Pork in Red Chilies, ZowShungo are some authentic dishes to try.
8. Witness the Art of Wood Carving
If you want to experience the art of shaping wood on a pottery wheel, you can do it in Bhutan. Instead of clay, here the small elliptical machine churns out wood items.
9. Soak in a Hot Stone Bath
The hot stone bath experience of Bhutan is based on the concept of heating up of mineral stones gathered from mountains and caves across Bhutan andshovelled into a bathtub filledwith water. The therapeutic effect of the mineral stones released through the sizzling steam makes you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
10. Savour and Relish Bhutan’s Street Food
Bhutan serves a weird combination of a mixture of Western, Chinese, and Indian dishes. Try out the spicy chili cheese, the puffed rice cereals, Jaju soup, Ara and the traditional hot butter tea.Dishes aregenerally cooked in soybean or sunflower oil.
11. Dazzling Rhododendrons
The exuberant and richly coloured rhododendrons blossoming in spring are a site to watch out for during your sojourn across the mountain passes. Trek through mountains and valleys that oozes the romance of beauty and rich flora.
12. Dochula Pass
Dochula Pass is a wondrous mountain pass that remains snow covered and contains a concentration of 108 DrukWangyalChortensor stupas that were built in the memory of Bhutanese soldiers martyred in the 2003 war against the insurgents from India. The pass offers a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges.
