Tourism in Bhutan
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Overview
Nestled in the lap of Himalayas, Bhutan is also named as 'The Land of
Peaceful Thunder Dragon' due to the regular feature of storms in the
Himalayan region. Spread over 18,146 miles, Bhutan offers spectacular
mountain views, immense scenic beauty, fascinating wildlife and an
unparalleled culture & lifestyle which Bhutanese people still which
Bhutanese people still strives to preserve in the face of modernity,
which Bhutanese people still desire to preserve in the face of
modernity. Explore the beautiful Buddhist monasteries, carved wooden
houses and the fine crafts of Bhutan while on a tour to Bhutan.
Thimpu - The Capital of Bhutan
Thimpu is situated at an elevation of 2300 meters. It features the
breathtaking Thimpu Festival, also called the festival of dances. Some of
these dances are Shacham or the dance of the four stag, Pelage Gingsum or
the dance of the three kinds of ging, pacham or the dance of the heroes.
Prime Attractions
Paro Valley - A Beautiful Valley
Paro Valley is one of the most developed cities of Bhutan and also a
testament to the rich cultural heritage of the country. The picturesque Paro
valley has some of the most ancient temples and Buddhist monasteries in
Bhutan and for these very reasons Paro Valley is one of the most visited
destinations of Bhutan.
Historical Sites of Bhutan
Tongsa - Home of the Wangchuk Dynasty
Tongsa is an ancestral home to the royal family of Bhutan,. The Wangchuk
Dynasty controlled the country of Bhutan from the Tongsa Dzong till the time
democracy was officially incorporated in Bhutan. Tongsa also houses some of
the best shopping destinations in Bhutan selling hand woven textiles at very
competitive prices.
Bumthang Valley - Sacred Destinations of Bhutan
The valley of Bumthang has some of the oldest Buddhist temples and sacred
sites in its vicinity thereby making this valley a religious center of
Bhutan. Beautiful natural sceneries and its many old forts makes it one of
the must visit hot spots of the nation.
Forts of Bhutan
Mongar
The Bhutanese forts or Dzong as they are often called are one of the prime
attractions to this country. The Dzong in Mongar built in 1930 is the most
recent addition to the architectural delights of Bhutan. It is said that to
built the famous Mongar Dzong of Bhutan no drawings were used.
Lhuntse
Built in the year 1654, Lhuendrup Dzong in Lhuntse is considered to be one
of the most ancient monuments of Bhutan. Lhuntse captures within itself rich
ancient heritage of Bhutan.
Wildlife of Bhutan
Jigme Dorji National Park
Jigme Dorji National Park is named after the third king of Bhutan. It is
one of the largest and protected sanctuaries of Bhutan and like all other
national parks in Bhutan is operated under a development scheme operated by
the World Wide Fund.
Flora & Fauna
Bhutan has it all in the form of its rich Flora & Fauna. Starting from
the Blue Poppy which is also the National Flower of Bhutan, junipers,
magnolias, edelweiss, uncommon orchids, giant rhubarb, tropical trees, pine
trees and oak trees to its Fauna which includes red pandas, the golden
langur, snow leopard, musk deer and the himalayan brown bear.
Shopping in Bhutan
Bhutan is considered to a good shopping
destinations if one is looking for handicrafts and antique jewelry. Known
for its famous shops selling handmade textiles, wooden products, carpets,
metal jewelry and handicrafts. In fact the Handicrafts Emporium on the main
street of Thimpu is open everyday to cater to the tourist population. Also
famous shopping place is the Motithang Hotel souvenir shop which is located
in Thimpu where all sort of old coins and antique collections are found
here.
How To Reach Bhutan
By Air
Paro International Airport, the only airport in Bhutan is a 2-hour drive
away from the capital of Bhutan and is served by Druk Air, the only airline
connecting Bhutan.
By Road
Bhutan is connected to prominent places in India like Darjeeling and
Gangtok through road and is approx. 7 hours away from these Indian hill
stations. Buses and Taxis facilitate the movement around Bhutan.
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