BEST OF BHUTAN

A small country nestled at the Himalayan Mountains’ southern foothills – Bhutan is definitely a top tourism spot to be reckoned with. Lush forests, mighty peaks and flowing glacial rivers make for the country’s beautiful landscape. While most of the country has highlands, the altitudes do vary, affecting the weather in the different regions. Nonetheless, the popular tourist areas in the middle valleys remain quite pleasant throughout the year. Given the fact that it remains more or less isolated geographically, the nation succeeds in protecting its rich and unique culture. We give you a quick list of the best places you must visit while on your tour of the country.

Thimphu

The capital city, in the mid-West valleys of the country, is not only the government seat but also famous for its many Buddhist sites. Kuensel Phodrang is the largest Buddha statue in the country at a height greater than 51 feet. Apart from being located on a beautiful viewpoint, it uniquely houses over a hundred thousand tiny Buddha statues inside it. The Memorial Chorten is an iconic stupa where you can often witness locals dressed in their traditional attire offering prayers. While the Changangkha is known among the oldest monasteries existing since the 12^th century, the Tasichho Dzong Monastery is significant too for being the seat of the government. Get a closer look at the musk-ox like an animal – Takin, the national animal of Bhutan at the Takin Preserve Centre.

Paro

With the country’s sole international airport, Paro is where you’ll first be if you fly in. Just 50 kilometres West of Thimphu, Paro is a charming town plentiful in sacred sites. Ta Dzong is the country’s first national museum built as a conch-shaped fortress in 1649 and later renovated in 1968. Bhutan’s final victory over Tibet is commemorated at the Drukgyel Dzong or the fortress of victory. Located on a hilltop and surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs, the fortress was almost burned down by a fire in 1951, leaving it in ruins. For the adventurous among you, don’t miss the hike to Taktsang Monastery (or Tiger’s Nest), situated on the edge of a clifftop, for a breathtaking view of the valleys. Built-in 659 A.D., the Kyichu Monastery is said to be the oldest and most beautiful temple in the country – majestic enough to be on your to-do list.

Punakha

If you get a sense of royalty in Punakha, it’s because the city was the capital until 1955. It’s best to visit this place by road from Thimphu so that you can experience the spectacular mountain and valley views from Dochula Pass (remember to get a permit in advance). The city is a winter palace nowadays for its elevated altitude. The Punakha Dzong built right at the confluence of two major rivers is a magnificent sight especially when the jacaranda trees around are in bloom. For couples trying to conceive a child, blessings from a visit to Chimi Lhakhang may bring them luck a little quicker.

Bumthang

Fondly referred to as the ‘Switzerland of the East’ Bumthang has similar wide and open green valleys, lined by ice-capped mountain peaks and a slower pace of life. Apart from the fantastic scenic beauty, this little valley town has plenty to offer to its spiritual visitors through its many monasteries like Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang, Chakhar Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang to name a few. The region is also popular for its fruit orchards so don’t forget to pick your apples, pears and walnuts right off the trees.

Breathtaking sceneries and pleasant climate backed by calming spiritual values of Buddhism – it almost is no wonder that the country has some of the happiest people in the world.

AUTHOR: Suma Mohan is a travel consultant by profession and considers herself to have inherited the travel bug from her parents. With holidays being an integral part of her childhood memories, she still attempts to create the best experiences of life during her travels. Bhutan is at the top of her bucket list.