Travel Places in Bhutan

Top-Rated and Must-See Attractions in Bhutan

There is no denying the fact that Bhutan is the happiest country in Asia, at least in the whole of Asia. The Land of the Thunder Dragon is a remote kingdom that has managed to hold on to its centuries-old Buddhist cultures while trying to cope with the current modernization. A remarkable land of museums, monks, and mountains, Bhutan has plenty of reasons to captivate travelers from all over the world despite its strict tourism policy. Foreign tourists have their own reasons for setting foot in this mysterious land of Druk Yul. Some visit the holy nation in search of spiritual realization, while others are lured by the Buddhist culture, traditional architecture, and cultural heritage that the country holds.

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Bhutan may be known to the world as a small country, but not many know where it actually lies. The small kingdom nestled between India and China has always been surrounded by mountains, religious and cultural heritage, and total national happiness. From the countless things the country has to offer, here is a list of the most famous attractions in Bhutan:

Top Attraction in Paro

• Rinpung Dzong
• Chele La Pass, between Paro and Haa Valley
• Paro Dzong
• Kyichu Lhakhang
• Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang
• Drukgyel Dzong Ruins
• Kila Nunnery
• National Museum

Top Attraction in Thimphu

• Buddha Dordenma Statue
• Buddha Dordenma Statue
• Norzin Lam Street
• Changangkha Lhakhang
• Tashichho Dzong
• Tango Buddhist Institute
• Simtokha Dzong
• National Textile Museum
• Simply Bhutan – A living museum
• National Folk Heritage Museum
• National Memorial Chorten
• National Institute for Zorig Chusum
• Weekend Market
• National Library
• Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory
• Clock Tower Square
• Motithang Takin Preserve

Top Attraction in Punakha

• Punakha Dzong
• Dochula Pass, en route Thimphu to Punakha
• Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
• Chimi Lhakhang Temple

Other Attraction

• Phobjikha Valley, Wangdue
• Jigme Dorji National Park, Gasa
• Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa
• Punakha Suspension Bridge
• Haa Valley
• Dagala Thousand Lakes trek
• Royal Manas National Park, Sarpang
• Kurje Lhakhang, Bumthang
• Tower of Trongsa Museum

Festivals & Holidays in Bhutan

Public holidays in Bhutan include both national holidays as well as local festivals known as Tshechus. National holidays are celebrated nationwide, while local festivals are celebrated regionally and at specific times of the year. Since Bhutan has its own calendar, the dates of some national holidays as well as festivals change every year. The 16 national holidays observed by the Bhutanese government are as follows:

• Nyinlong – winter solstice that falls on 2 January each year and is considered the most propitious day of the year.
• Buelwa Phuewi Nyim – the traditional day of offering that usually falls in January or February.
• Losar – the New Year celebrated between February and March that usually lasts for 15 days.
• Birth anniversary of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk
• Zhabdrung Kuchoe – the national day of mourning over the death of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Tibetan Buddhist lama who unified Bhutan. It usually falls in April or May.
• Birth anniversary of the 3^rd King, late Jigme Dorji Wangchuk – falls on 2 May.
• Coronation of the 4^th King, late Jigme Singye Wangchuk – falls on 2 June
• Parinirvana Day – falls on 15 June and is a day to honor the nirvana of Gautam Buddha.
• Birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche­ – falls on 10 July.
• First Sermon of Buddha – falls on 3 August and marks the first lecture of Lord Buddha at Sarnath.
• Thruebab – Blessed Rainy Day which generally falls in September.
• Dashain – the main Hindu festival of the Nepalese populace in Bhutan, which usually falls in September or October.
• Coronation of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk – falls on 1 November.
• Birth anniversary of the late King, Jigme Singye Wangchuk – falls on 11 November. This day is also known as the ‘constitution day’ as Bhutan’s constitution was enacted on this day.
• Lhabab Duchen – celebrated as the day when Lord Buddha returned to earth after attaining Nirvana. It generally falls in November.
• National Day – falls on 17 December and marks the coronation of the first king of Bhutan, late Ugyen Wangchuk.

Bhutanese festivals or Tsechu are known for their grandeur, liveliness and excitement. Most festivals are dedicated to Guru Rinpoche and include mystical dances, fearless fire displays and countless captivating performances. There are over 40 different major festivals in Bhutan, of which every traveler should try to miss at least some of the following:

• Trongsa Tshechu: a yearly 3-day event at the courtyard of Trongsa Choekar Rabtse Dzong.
• Punakha Drubchen &Tshechu: theatrical amusement depicting a scene from the 17^th century battle with the Tibetan army. Punakha Tshechu is held immediately afterwards.
• Paro Tshechu: the most popular spring festival in the country.
• Sakteng Festival:celebrated in Sakteng valley in the eastern part of Bhutan.
• Chhhukha Tshechu: annual offering to Guru Rinpoche.
• Takin Festival: held in Jigmi Dorji National Park of Gasa district.
• Nimalung Tshechu: a 3-day festival where people are blessed with the display of Guru Tshengye Thongdrol in the morning of the third day.
• Thimphu Tshechu: one of the biggest festivals in Bhutan.
• Ura Yakchoe: a 3-day festival in Ura valley witnessing sacred dance performances.
• Jambay Lhakhang Drup: traditional and mask dances are performed.
• Haa Summer Festival: celebration of traditional Bhutanese culture, sports, and religion.
• Jomolhari Mountain Festival: a 2-day event celebrated at the base of Mt. Jomolhari.
• Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu: the festival is famous for local songs and ornamental speeches.
• Matsutake Festival: harvest festival that marks the celebration of mushroom harvesting.
• Nomad Festival: nomadic people from all parts of Bhutan gather in Bumthang to celebrate the annual festival.
• Black-Necked Crane Festival: celebrated at Gangtey monastery to create awareness on conserving the endangered black-necked crane.
• Mountain Echoes: a festival of mix of different art forms, including visual arts, literature, music, film, theatre, photography, and dance.
• Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival: performed by the Royal Bhutan Army instead of monks as a tribute to the king.

17 Top Most Popular Tours in Bhutan

Day trips to and around the medium-sized cities and towns of Bhutan offer endless opportunities to enjoy the country’s rich cultural heritage. In addition, it is a great chance to explore the natural beauty, scenic views, and stunning environment of the Land of the Thunder Dragon. There are many private day trips that can be customized based on each traveler’s needs and time availability. Day trips in Bhutan are perhaps the easiest and fastest way to experience the authentic country. A typical day trip starts early in the morning and usually ends before dusk on the same day. There are many activities to choose from, depending on how busy you want to be during the day trip. A private day trip can be anything from short hikes and cultural tours to adventurous activities or wildlife engagements. Listed below are the most popular day trips in Bhutan that travelers can take during their Bhutan trip:

• Hike to Tiger’s Nest (Taktshang Palphug Monastery), Paro
• Thimphu Full Day City Tour
• Photography Tour through the valleys of Thimphu, Punakha & Wangdue
• Bird watching tour in Thrumshingla Pass at 12,300 feet above sea level
• Changangkha –Buddha Dordenma Cycling Tour
• Rain forest hike, starting in Chorten Nyingpo Temple in Punakha Valley
• Hike on Divine Madman’s Trail
• White Water Rafting in Bhutan
• Jiligang Village Hike in Punakha
• Paro – Thimphu Cycling Tour
• Bumdra Trek (overnight camping)
• Mountain Biking tour
• Gangtey Monastery Tour
• Wildlife safari tour
• Haa Valley Hike
• Phobjikha Valley Tour
• Zuri Dzong Hike, Paro

PLAN YOUR TRIP:
Implement your Bhutan travel plans as per your needs and make the best choice for yourself during your Bhutan vacation. For foreign tourists other than Indians, Bangladeshis and Maldivians, who are not required to book their Bhutan tour with a registered tour operator… Read more…