Introduction:-
Bhutan is a remote Himalayan kingdom located east of Nepal and west of Burma, between Tibet and India. On its northern border, Bhutan is flanked by some of the tallest mountains in the world.The Eastern Himalayas, the 47,000 sq km small kingdom of Bhutan. The government system is a constitutional monarchy;the chief of state is the king, and the head of government is the prime minister. The Bhutanese themselves call their country Druk-Yul or the “Land of the Thunder Dragon.” The ruling monarch of the country carries the title Druk Gyalpo or Dragon King. Bhutan has a largely traditional economic system in which the allocation of available resources is made on the basis of inheritance and primitive methods.
Bhutan was born in the early seventeenth century when a Tibetan Buddhist monk established his authority as king, taking the title of Dharma Raja. As of the late 1990s, the king was Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuk. Bhutan’s relations with other countries were controlled by British India. It is also one of the few countries in Asia that was never colonized. The Vajrayana branch of Buddhism dates back at least to the 700s in Bhutan, when its esoteric teachings were propagated by the great saint Padmasambhava, known in Bhutan as Guru Rinpoche. The government estimates the total population at over 800,000 people. ibetan Buddhist culture, Bhutan is slowly emerging from self imposed international isolation and is in the process of evolving into a constitutional monarchy with a representative government. Cultural highlights of the Land of Thunder Dragon are majestic dzongs and sacred monasteries located dramatically including the Tiger’s Nest which hangs on a cliff 90 m above Paro Valley.
Sightseen:-
1. Taktsang palphug monastery, Pare:-
Taktsang Monastery, famously known as Tiger Nest Monastery, is located in Paro, Bhutan. The monastery is one of the most venerated places of pilgrimage in the Himalayan. Perched at an attitude of 3120mt on the precipitous cliff Paro Taktsang Monastery is situated in the upper valley of Paro. In the native language the word Taktsang stands for “The Tiger’s Nest”. Built in 1692 around the Taktsang Senge Samdup Cave, where Guru Rinpoche meditated over thousand years ago, Paro Taktsang Monastery is one of the most famous destinations in Paro among the travelers visiting Bhutan. Mountainous Paro valley is the heart of Bhutan.
2. Punakha dzong, Punakha:-
Punakha Dzong in western Bhutan it’s often considered the most beautiful Dzong in the country, it is also the most important Dzong in Bhutanese history. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan from 1637 to 1907. The Punakha Dzong is by far the most famous sight in Bhutan, at par with The Tiger’s Nest in Paro, so it´s easy to understand why the Punakha Dzong it´s one of the top three sights in Bhutan, the two others being the Tiger Nest Monastery and Dochula Pass. Punakha Dzong takes pride as the second oldest and also the second largest Dzong in the country. The building has become one of the most frequented tourist attractions.
As a tourist here, you can’t fail to view the one-hundred pillar hall featuring exquisite murals. The inside of the Dzong is beautifully decorated with carved woodwork and colourful paintings.
Besides, the Nag Yul Bum Temple houses the original volume of the Kanjur, which is the golden holy book of the Drupka School of Thought.
3. Rinpung dzong, Paro:-
The construction of the Paro Dzong began in 1644 on the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Paro Dzong’s full name is Ringpung Dzong, which means ‘heap of jewels – fort’ in 15th century it found by two brothers Gyelchok and Gyelzom. Gyelchok left for Tibet to study theology and when he returned, moved to Humrelkha and built a small structure that would later become the Paro Dzong. Gyelchok’s descendants, who controlled a large portion of the valley, were known as Lords of Humrelkha. In 1645, the Lords of Humrelkha relinquished their small fort to Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, recognizing his religious and political prowess.
Now, like most dzongs, houses both the monastic body and district government offices, including the local courts. Most of the chapels are closed to tourists but it’s worth a visit for its stunning architecture and views. The most precious object of the Dzong, is the Thongdroel, a 20×20 meter wide Thangka –applique work. It was saved from the fire and is annually displayed to public during the Paro Tshechu Festival.
4. Chele la, Paro:-
Chele La Pass at over 13,000 ft to the west above the Paro Valley is the highest road pass in the country and has amazing views of the Himalaya especially that of Mt. Jhomolari, Bhutan’s most sacred peak at over 22,000 feet. It is located between the two of the most picturesque location of Bhutan, Haa Valley and Paro valley. The distance between Paro to Chelela Pass 37 kilometers. October to March the winter season is the best time to visit Chelela Pass to witness the snow capped Himalayan range looming above the Haa Valley. Legend has it that the Tibetan King Songsten Gempo released a white and a black pigeon so that wherever they landed would stand the respective temples. These two are among the 108 temples built by the King.
An added attraction is the Haa Summer Festival which showcases the unique culture and traditions of the nomadic Haaps.
5. Punakha suspension bridge:-
Punakha, the former capital of the country, Bhutan is a quaint town in the heart of Punakha-Wangdue Valley. Amidst all the elegance of this little town, this place is also home to the marvelous Punakha suspension bridge which is the second longest suspension bridge in Bhutan and connects the old administrative centre of Punakha Dzongkhag to the rest of the valley.
This iron chain bridge has been a precursor for modern suspension bridges in the world. For all the adrenaline junkies, here is a handy guide to the beautiful yet scary suspension bridge in Bhutan. It was built to connect the villages of Shengana, Samdingkha and Wangkha to the Palace of the Wangchuk Kings. The bridge was built as the Dzong lies in the confluence of the rivers Po Chu and Mo Chu rivers and is vulnerable to the flash floods caused by the glacier lakes.
6. Budha Dordenma, Thimpu:-
A giant golden Buddha Statue sits at one of the mountains in Thimphu known as Kunzangphodrang. The huge 51m-tall steel statue of Buddha Dordenma commands the entry to the Thimphu valley. The massive three-storey base houses a large chapel, while the body itself is filled with 125,000 smaller statues of Buddha. This massive statue of Shakyamuni measures in at a height of 51.5 m, making it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. The statue was made in China and then shipped and
trucked in from Phuentsholing.
7. National museum, Paro:-
Perched above Paro Dzong is its ta dzong (watchtower), built in 1649 to protect the undefended dzong and renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. Driving to the museum involves a 4km loop into the Dop Shari valley. Housed in a 17th century watch tower, it has a unique character and beautiful panoramic views over Paro Valley. There are also textiles, jewellery, and handicrafts sections as well as galleries of stuffed animals and butterflies from Bhutan. The stamps’ hall is very popular and displays, among others, 3-D stamps, record stamps, silken stamps, embossed stamps and the famous triangular stamp depicting the yeti. The museum has different galleries which provide better display and various categorizations such as anthropology, arms and armor, pre-history, manuscript, paintings, textiles, bronzes, decorative arts, philatelic items, epigraphic items and numismatics.
8. Jigme dorrji national park, Gasa:-
Jigme Dorji National Park (JDNP) is the second largest national park in Bhutan with an area of 4316 sq. km. It is one of the most biologically rich areas in the Eastern Himalayan region. It is also the treasure trove of medicinal plants, natural hot springs, medicinal waters, and jaw-dropping sceneries, highly unparalleled in the country. JDNP is the only park in the country that has all the four national symbols: blue poppy, takin, raven, and cypress. It is also the only park where the Royal Bengal Tiger meets the Snow Leopard.
The park is very significant from the strongpoint of national economy, because four major rivers, namely, Pachhu, Wangchhu, Pochhu, and Mochhu, originate from the park, and major hydropower dams are built on these rivers. It was established in 1974 as a wildlife sanctuary in memory of the late Third King of Bhutan. A distinct culture of Layap, a semi nomadic community is also preserved in the park. It is a conservation heritage of culture and nature in harmony. JDNP is rich in biodiversity with a present record of 36 mammals, 328 birds, 5 reptiles, 300 medicinal plants, and 39 butterflies.
9. Tashichho dzong,Thimpu:-
One of the popular and biggest landmarks in Thimphu, the Tashichhodzong stands tall two kilometers away from the main town. The central monastic body and some government ministries are also located in the dzong. When he moved the capital to Thimphu in 1962, King Jigme Dorji wangchuck began a five-year project to completely renovate and enlarge the dzong. The outer structure is two storey high with three-storey towers at the four corners projecting out over the walls. Below the dzong is an excellent example of the traditional cantilever bridge. The northern portion is the summer residence of the Je Khenpo and the Central Monastic Body.
10. Simtokha dzong, Thimpu:-
About 5km south of Thimphu on the old road to Paro and Phuentsholing. This temple was later gifted to Zhabdrung by Lama Pangka Shong. History says that a Tibetan Lama Zhang has prophesied that Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel would build a Dzong at the junction of three western lands. Simtokha is also called Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang which means Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras. Simtokha dzong covers about 650 sq ft of the area.
At the time of construction, Simtokha Dzong was attacked by an alliance of Tibetans and five Bhutanese lamas from rival Buddhist schools who opposed the rules of Zabdrung. However, their attack was repelled and the leader of the coalition, Palden Lama, was killed. The site was also a vitally strategic location from which to protect the Thimphu valley and entryway to the Dochu La and eastern Bhutan.
11. Tango budhist institute, Thimpu:-
Located 14km from the capital city Thimphu adjacent to Cheri Mountain is a Buddhist monastery called Tango Monastery. Tango Buddhist Institute was founded in 13th century by Phajo Durgom Zigpo and restored in its current form by the fourth temporal ruler Tenzin Rabgye in 1688. Perched upon a cave, where the Tibetan monk Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1616 meditated, Tango Buddhist Institute belongs to the Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism in Bhutan.
As per the local legend, the location of Tango Buddhist Institute is a hallowed place where Avalokiteshvara revealed himself as “the self-emanated form of the wrathful Hayagirva”, the main deity of Tango Monastery. On the third floor of Tango Buddhist Institute is a unique set of murals which depicts an expression of sorrow at the demise of Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye, at the age of 59 years. Visitors can also see a natural fountain in the courtyard of Tango Monastery behind the central tower along with the Chaitya also known as Jangchub Chorten which is made by the ashes of Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye which is quite creepy. Travelers who have planned to go for a visit in Tango Buddhist Institute should keep the timing of monastery in mind. Tango Monastery stays open for all the seven days of the week the main gates of monastery only stays open for the outsider from 8am-5pm.
12. Dochula Pass, Thimpu:-
Dochula Pass, situated along the Thimphu to Punakha road is a mountain pass of Bhutan. Perched at an altitude of 3100mt, Dochula Pass is the highest motorable point of Thimphu. Overlooking the snowcapped mountains, Dochula Pass is marked by the 108 memorial chortens. Dochula Pass is considered as a historic and religious site in Thimphu. Dochula Pass has become one of the must visit places in Bhutan and a favored sightseeing place in Thimphu. The best time to visit Dochula Pass, Bhutan is from September to February for picturesque. Decorated with small chortens on lush green hillside, this place tells an interesting story of spirituality, bravery, and Bhutanese culture.
The temple is so beautifully built that lovers of ancient art and architecture come from far and wide to see this piece of beauty. The intricate design and structure of the temple present a marvellous blend of history and mythology.
13. Gangtey monastery, Wangdue:-
Situated atop a hill at an altitude of 2800 m, Gangtey Monastery The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, and extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valley’s are tightly enclosed.
A few kilometers beyond the Gangtey Monastery, on the valley floor lies the village of Phobjikha. The valley boasts two beautiful meandering rivers, Nakay Chhu (Chhu Naap-black water) and Gay Chhu (Chhu Karp-white water). The Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of the Monastery. From the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba, you head downhill through flower meadows to Semchubara village and from here through beautiful forests and into open valley.
14. Rafting in Mo chu river:-
The Mo Chhu starts high in the Himalayas and has a few runnable sections before meeting the Pho Chhu at the Punakha Dzong. A bridge that crosses the Mo Chhu and leads to a trail that goes up to the Khansum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. The highlight is rafting by the Punakha Dzong, an old military fortress built in 1637 that is currently used for government offices, monasteries, and is the winter home of the Je Khenpo (the leader of Bhutan). Just past the Punakha Dzong the Mo Chhu joins with the Pho Chhu and becomes the Puna Tseng Chhu. Being the native of Punakha valley of Bhutanese prime tourism destination.
15. Haa valley:-
Located in South West of Paro and covering an area of roughly 1706 sq. km, Haa is one of the smallest Dzongkhag in the country. Haa valley is one of the most beautiful valleys of Bhutan. Haa is the ancestral home of the Queen Grandmother and the illustrious Dorji family. This valley remains one of the least visited areas in the country and retains the air of an unspoiled, primeval forest. Haa’s major feature is the Haa Valley, a steep north-south valley with a narrow floor. When you drive to Haa valley, you will cross Chele – la – pass. Standing at a height of 3988 meters above sea level, its gives the perfect view of Mount Chomolhari and Jichu Drakey. Haa town is known for its ancient traditions and rituals, and with its thinly populated valley region. October – November is the best time to visit Haa Valley. The weather is moderate and perfect for a hike in the valley.
16. Dagala thousands lake:-
Dagala is the off beaten track as you hardly see trekkers on the trail. It is often named as the Thousand Lakes. Here takes you through bird rich areas, alpine flowers, attractive meadows and several traditional Bhutanese villages. The villages is famous for producing masutake and chantarelle mushrooms. It is a moderate trek with short trekking days but with few steep climbs. The best months for this trek are April, September and October. Dagala trek follows a trail along the ridge-line of Dagala range. The lakes are flourished with brown trout. The trail descends steeply through mixed forest of rhododendron.
17. Chomolhari:-
Chomolhari Trek is one of the most popular high altitude treks of Bhutan. It is one of the most popular trek offering fantastic views of 7314m high Mount. Chomolhari Bhutan’s deeply venerated guardian peak. The trek is possible from late March until mid June and from September to November. A variety of meals are available in most hotels the most popular being Indian, Chinese, and the more common continental food.
18. Royal manas national park:-
The Manas National Park represents the largest example of tropical and sub-tropical ecosystems in Bhutan. This park recently been opened to the public and offers thousands of animal and plant species, many of which are globally endangered, it is not only the most diverse protected area in the Kingdom but also noted as one of the world’s biologically outstanding parks. Manas is connected at the southern border with India’s Manas Tiger Reserve, a World Heritage Site. Royal Manas was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1966 making it Bhutan’s oldest protected area. The area was upgraded to a National Park in 1993. There are wide climate variations in Royal Manas. More than 365 species of birds have been officially recorded in Royal Manas National Park.
WWF and Bhutan’s Nature Conservation Division jointly developed a five-year conservation management plan which includes training and equipping park staff, improving park infrastructure, and supporting biological and socio-economic surveys and park monitoring programs. The weekend market is in a permanent set of stalls north of Changlimithang Stadium.
19. Weekend market:-
Vendors from throughout the region arrive on Friday afternoon and remain until Sunday night. Depending on the season you may find potatoes, onions, numerous varieties of chillies, red and white rice, buckwheat, flour, cauliflowers, cabbages, lettuces, eggplants, asparagus, peas, squash, yams, several kinds of mushrooms and ferns, strange species and herbs. This is the only time that fresh produce is easily available and the shopping is enhanced by the opportunity to catch up on the week’s gossip.
20. philatelic bureau:-
Thimphu’s main post office is the unlikely location for one of Bhutan’s most unique gifts. The shop also sells postcards, which you can then post back home using stamps with your likeness on them. There are also a few first-edition stamp sets. The museum gives you a glimpse of the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle, in addition to artifacts from rural households.
21. The folk heritage museum:-
Folk Heritage Museum located in Kawajangsa, in the heart of the capital city, Thimphu. It is within the walking distance of the National Library of Bhutan and the National Institute for zorig choesum. It is within the walking distance of the National Library of Bhutan and the National Institute for zorig choesum. The Folk Heritage Museum dedicates itself to connecting people with the rich Bhutanese Folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs and documentation of Bhutanese rural life.
Folk Heritage Museum is also known as Phelchey Toenkhyim was established on July 28th, 2001 with the initiative of the Queen Mother of Bhutan. Folk Heritage Museum is the oldest historical place in Bhutan.The Museum is more than 150 years old. The ground floor entrance to the farmhouse is accessible via a small, partially covered. The next two levels of the house is accessible via steep, open-tread timber stairs in which visitors are advised to take caution while moving between floors. The form and the design of the house are that of a conventional; household in the Wang area of that era.
22. Motithang takin pressure:-
Takin is the national animal of Bhutan, and a visit to Motithang Takin Preserve is a must-do in Thimphu. This one-of-its-kind animal can be found only in Bhutan which has got face of a goat, and the body of a cow. The story goes that once he was requested by Bhutanese devotees to conjure a miracle before them. He agreed on a condition that he should be fed a cow and a goat for lunch. After completing his meal, the yogi left the bones. He then joined the head of the goat on the skeleton of the cow. With a crack, he created a live animal known as takin today.
Due to religious connection, the animal was declared the national animal of the country Bhutan. Few years ago when Takins were confined in a mini Zoo, the King of Bhutan that time felt bad for the confinement of the animal, and ordered to free the animal from the clutches. Surprisingly, Takins strayed on the streets of Thimphu in search of food for weeks. Thereafter, it was decided to keep them in a forested habitat from where the preserve came in. An area of 8.4 acres was fenced for the preserve.
23. National library:-
The National Library was established in 1967 to preserve ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts. the library contains works of several hundred years old literary treasures of Bhutan. It also has a small collection of foreign books. The world’s biggest published book is also in this library. Bhutan, the book weighs 68 kilograms and is over two meters tall. The hall looks like Bhutanese architecture, but there are some great historic photos and on the top floor is a copy of a letter sent from the Druk desi.
24. jungshi handmade paper factory:-
This small factory produces traditional Bhutanese paper handmade from the bark of the daphne bush. It is located approximately 1 km from Thimphu City. Visitors can observe the entire process of producing handmade paper using ancient traditional methods. You can see the whole process, from soaking and boiling the bark to sorting, crushing, pulping, layering, pressing and drying. Visitors can get an insight about the history of paper making by visiting the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory of Thimphu Bhutan.
25. National institute for zorig chusum:-
This institute, commonly known as ‘the painting school’, operates four- to six-year courses that provide instruction in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts. Students specialise in painting (furniture, thangka s – painted religious pictures, usually on canvas), woodcarving (masks, statues, bowls), embroidery (hangings, boots, clothes) or statue-making (clay). Aspiring artists attend the courses from one to four years.
26. Thimpu chorten:-
The Memorial Chorten is situated in the southern part of Thimphu Bhutan.This large Tibetan-style chorten is one of the most visible religious structures in Thimphu, and for many Bhutanese it is the focus of their daily worship. The Thimphu Chorten, is a stupa in Thimphu, Bhutan, located on Doeboom Lam in the southern-central part of the city. With its serene ambiance and eye catching white washed walls and golden annexes, the Memorial Chorten has caught the attention of tourists visiting Bhutan. Early morning and evening are the best time to visit this stupa as there are lesser tourists and more locals.
27. Clock tower squre:-
Clock Tower Square located in the heart of Thimphu Valley is one of the most happening places to visit in Bhutan. Bounded by café, shops, and restaurant Clock Tower Square was entitled with this name for housing the iconic Clock Tower. Situated in the heart of town, Clock Tower Square is an architecture marvel and a pleasure to eyes. t is one of the most well-known landmarks in the capital drawing a steady stream of people at all times of the day. Notable restaurants in the area is Druk Hotel’s kitchen known for their Indian food and there is lots of gift shops in the area ranging from Clothes, Shoes, Phones to more traditional Bhutanese gift items such as hand woven bags and prayer wheels.
28. Changangkha lhakhang:-
Changangkha Lhakhang built in 12th century is a Buddhist fortress like monastery in Thimphu Bhutan.It was established in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo, who came from Ralung in Tibet. Changangkha Lhakhang is divided into 3parts. The first part of Changangkha Lhakhang is dedicated to the anims who have devoted their life to learn and other two part of Changangkha Lhakhang consists of an inner sanctum with the remains of Guru Rinpoche and meditation hall for monks. Parents traditionally come here to get auspicious names for their newborns or blessings for their young children from the protector deity Tamdrin. The base of the monastery has good parking space.
29. Wangchu river:-
The Wang Chhu, or Raidāk, rises in the Himalayas. The Wang Chhu is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River, and a trans-boundary river. It flows through Bhutan, India and Bangladesh. It subsequently flows southeast through a comparatively open valley, its course strewn with large boulders against which the water foams violently. The Raidak confluences with the Brahmaputra at chainage 327 km in Kurigram District in Bangladesh. The main river is a rapid stream, running over a bed of large boulders. Between Thimphu and the confluence with the Paro Chhu.
30. Soi yaktsa trek:-
Jomolhari Loop is the shortest of the Jomolhari trekking routes, which are the most popular treks in Bhutan. The altitude differences of 2,500m and nearly 5,000m it offers a wide range of landscapes, fauna and flora.Trekkers who want to avoid high passes and high altitude can chose an easier version of the Jomolhari Loop. The trail climbs 100m over a ridge to drop to another stream then. After crossing the Takhung La pass (4,520m) you descent to Thombu Shong, three yak herder huts with your campsite next to them.
31. Druk path:-
Druk Path Trek is one of the finest short treks in Bhutan. This trek will take you through thick alpine jungles, beautiful pine trees, various rhododendron trees and spectacular lakes. Incredible views of valleys, lakes, green Himalayan mountains and Himalayan snow capped mountains are the order of the days throughout the trek. Phadjoding monastery and the view from there is one of the highlights of this trek. This trek also offers hikers stunning views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest unscaled peak in the world. The best times to embark on the Druk Path Trek are between March-June or September-November.
32. Bumdra:-
Buddhist Pilgrimage spot in Bhutan, Bumdra Monastery. High up in the mountains one hundred thousand angels descended and left footprints on a rock 800 years ago. Bumdra means ‘Rock of One Hundred Thousand Foot Prints’. Bhutan is in the Himalayas and we were climbing in the mountains of the Himalayas. Although it is not any Everest, the view was splendid. The lush thick green forest, the colorful bundles of wild flowers and the view of the roads and valley below. The trek like most places in Bhutan have some flat areas and many uphill areas but regardless of where you are the scenic view is extraordinary. The start of the Bumdra trek in Punakha, there is 108 small statue along the way to the Dochula pass which many Bhutanese stops for a break and walk around to admire the sight.
33. Drukgyel dzong:-
Drukgyal Dzong was one of the four principal Dra Dzongs (defense fortress). Near the end of the paved road, 14km from Paro, stand the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, built in the 17th century to cement Bhutanese control over what was then the main route to Tibet across the Tremo La. The high and massive stone masonry walls of Shabkhor buildings stood on the steep slope of the hill entirely enclosing the inner space of the Dzong, making approach to Dzong possible only from the single entrance, which is heavily guarded by several ta-dzongs (watching forts) cylindrical in shape situated between the entrance and foot of the hill.
34. Champaca cafe:-
Champaca café in the heart of main street is the place to get caffeinated in Paro.They serve over 15 varieties of coffees-all freshy brewed, with specially good lattes and Americanos-along with cakes and pastries backed fresh in limited quantities in daily.It definitely best coffee in town.Champaca displays light food as well: teas; milkshakes(banana,mango,watermelon); French fries; grilled vegetable sandwiches; omlettes; home veggie burger; kidney bean dal combo dish with rice and more.
35. Kila nunnery:-
Kila Gnunnery or Chele la Gompa is located on the cliffs below Chele pass at about 3,500m above sea level. There are seven small temples and several retreat huts built into a dizzying Cliffside. There are great views from here of Paro valley below, Jele Dzong across on the far ridge and also seen to the north, are Mt Chomolhari and Jichu Drake on a clear day. Kila in Sanskrit means a subjugating spiritual dagger that destroys the negativities. Around 50 nuns pursue higher Buddhist college studies in a series of nunnery buildings that are pressed dramatically against the cliffs. Combine a visit here with the scenic hour-long hike from the Cheli La, passing chortens, prayer flags and a delightful stretch of forest en route. Kila Gompa Nunnery that dates back to the ninth century is a hidden treasure, nestled in the wilderness of Chalela. Kila is an offbeat destination attracting very few tourists. Kila Goemba one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. The Kila Nunnery was established as a meditation site in the 9th century and is probably the oldest nunnery in the country.
36. Jantsa dumtseg lhakhang:-
It is located on the edge of a hill between the Paro valley and the Dopchari valley, across the bridge from Paro. The temple is notable as it is in the form of a chorten, very rare in Bhutan. The Buddhist iconography depicted in the Chorten is considered a unique repository of the Drukpa Kagyu school. legend says that Lhakhang was built on the head of a demoness.
37. Pilgrims valley:-
The western and central regions of Bhutan form the country’s cultural heartland, and is where Buddhism first got its foothold. A trip to Bhutan is in a cheap priced bucket list which is made worthwhile with the best and good holiday tour package to the major various locations of the country from an integral part of the trip to Bhutan. Bhutan attractions and sightseeing is the opportunity to delve into nature and pristine surroundings, the chance to visit the largest sitting Buddha statue in Thimphu along with a visit to all encompassed to the Takin zoo. Bhutan is widely considered to be the loveliest time in the month March to May which is spring in Bhutan. Fresh vegetation and fruits trees are at their productive best during spring and they add to the loveliness of the landscapes that lights up with a rainbow of colours in the valley. Spring is the best time to visit Bhutan when it is the time of splendid with Festival occurs. All the places he visited and in which he meditated are places of Pilgrimage for the Bhutanese, who also worship his Eight Manifestations in almost all the temples in the country.
38. Tachogang lhakhang bridge:-
Tachogang Lhakhang is located near the Paro-Thimphu highway and was built by the renowned iron bridge builder Drupthob Thangtong Gyalpo in the 14th century. Tachogang means ‘temple of the hill of the excellent horse’.Tachogang lhakhang bridge built by Lam Thangthong has become old. Traveller felt umcomfortable walking over the iron bridge. The bridge is about 2km away from Chuzom- confluence of Pachu and Thimpu. famous iron bridges later carried away by floods in 1969. A traditional style bridge with iron chains was restored in 2005. The temple is privately run by the descendents of Thangtong Gyalpo. It is a great spot for pictures, peaceful and offers beautiful view. People are also seen rafting below the lhakang on the Pa chu.
Honeymoon package:-
Packages of Bhutan:
Itinary:-
Day 1: Paro
Before you even set foot in Bhutan you get to see what dramatic place this is from the airplane. Most people will fly to Bhutan from Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, or Singapore. Only Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines fly to and from Bhutan.
Thimphu
From the airport it is a 45-minute drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The afternoon is spent in Thimphu. For a capital city, it’s a relatively small place. Thimphu is a beautiful, colorful city in an idyllic landscape, with bright blue skies, green mountains, and rice fields. Visit the Takin Preserve, a “zoo” where the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan.
Day 2: Thimphu
Cheri Monastery
After breakfast, it’s a short car ride up into the mountains to the Cheri Monastery. And for many people, this is probably your first visit to a Bhutanese Buddhist monastery. From the parking lot, it takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to walk up the hillside to the monastery. Spin the prayer wheels, visit the temple, and listen to your guide’s lesson about Buddhism and the monastery.
Paper Factory
After lunch in Thimphu, you have the option to visit a paper factory. Learn how paper is handmade and dyed with various pigments.
National Memorial Chorten
This stupa is one of the most recognizable religious landmarks in Bhutan. Many Bhutanese people visit this Chorten every day to spin the prayer wheels and circumambulate around the Chorten. This increases their good karma, which gives them a greater chance for a favorable next life. This place with a funny name is the highlight of the day. A dzong is a fortress, similar to the castles that were built in Europe.
Tashichho Dzong
This place with a funny name is the highlight of the day. A dzong is a fortress, similar to the castles that were built in Europe. Inside of the temple 1000 Buddhas are painted on the walls.
Day 3: Paro to Punakha (125 Km, 4 Hours)
Buddha Dordenma Statue
This is the largest Buddha statue in the world. It is made of copper, gilded in gold, and filled with 125,000 smaller golden Buddha statues. This statue sits on a hill overlooking Thimphu. Take in one last view of Thimphu, because now it is time to travel to Punakha. Afternoon in Paro visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of the Kingdom. Originally built as Watch Tower since 1967 it is serving as the National Museum of the country and holding fascinating collection of art.
Day 4: Punakha - Wangduephodrang - Thimphu (90 Km, 3 Hours)
After breakfast, drive to Wangduephodrang. The last town in the young lama bhutanwest before arriving at the central region of Bhutan, Wangdue is typical small Bhutanese town. After lunch, drive to Thimphu, small charming city sandwiched in the heart of Himalayas. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 5: Thimphu - Phuentsholing (179 Km, 6 Hours)
Morning visit, Trashichhoedzong, situated on the banks of Wang Chhu. It is home of the National Assembly and the summer residence of capital’s venerated monastic community. Thimphu / Phuentsholing road was built in 1962 by Dantak, the Indian Border road organization. The drive on this route is very pleasant with numerous scenic spots en route.
Day 6: Depart
End of journey and we will see up Bhutan.
