10 Best places to visit in Bhutan in 2021

The land of peace – Bhutan 

Bhutan, the last Himalayan kingdom, centers around the philosophy of Gross National Happiness to conserve and preserve the rich biodiversities. The country recently opened its door to the outside world, gaining more popularity for discerning travelers.  Bhutan is the least known travel destination country. Yet, its pristine environment, ancient artifacts, and sustainable philosophy (Gross National Happiness) have encouraged an escalating number of tourists visiting the country.

Bhutan pursues the ‘high-value low impact’ tourism policy to conserve its rich biodiversity. According to lonely planet,  Bhutan is declared the number one travel destination country in the annual publication of best travel 2020. 

Is Bhutan safe for tourists?

Yes, Bhutan is the safe and best country to start your new adventure. Bhutan tourism ensures the safety of travelers through a set of rules and directions. 

Here are the top ten 2021 best places to visit in the country for you;

1. Paro Rinpung Dzong

Embrace the aura of the most elegant dzong – Paro Rinpung dzong

Paro Rinpung dzong is the first wishlist for you to visit during your stay in Bhutan. It is one of the most beautiful fortresses built in the 16th century. The dzong is delineated with buttressed walls, religious shrines, and temples overlooking the Paro valley. It features classical Bhutanese architecture and is known as ‘the Fortress on a heap of jewels’

It holds different festival processions annually depicting the rarest religious mask dances in the world.  Paro Rinpung Dzong houses monastic bodies and the district government offices.

2. Chele La Pass

The stunning view of Mt. Jomohalri

Get yourself closer to the majestic mountains of Bhutan. Chele La Pass is one of the popular travel destinations among discerning tourists. It is situated at an altitude of 3,989 meters, featuring the most sacred mountain; Mt. Jomolohari. 

On reaching the pass, you will experience the unwavering fresh environment of gushing rivers and rich alpine flora. Chele La Pass is located west of Paro valley, and it is the highest road pass in Bhutan. 

3. The Fortress of Happiness – Punakha Dzong

 The second-largest dzong in Bhutan – Punakha Dzong

Punakha Dzong is known as ‘the fortress of happiness’ and is located between the Pho Chu (Male River) and Mochu (female river). It holds beautiful volumes of stories and Buddhist cultures. The fortress is covered with lilac and jacaranda trees during spring, providing a perfect time for your visit during spring. 

Punakha Dzong is considered the second capital place where the high monastic bodies dwell during the winter months. The fortress has intricate classical paintings of god and goddess and houses the sacred remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (the great saint) and terton Pema Lingpa (treasure revealer).

4. Tiger’s Nest – Paro Taktsang

The most iconic monastery in Bhutan – Paro Taktsang 

Paro Taktsang is one of the famous Buddhist temples that is located 3,120 meters above sea level. It is precariously suited on the cliff, overlooking the pristine valleys of Paro. Paro Taktsang is one of the most sacred monasteries in Bhutan where Guru rinpoche (the second lord buddha) flew to the site on the back of a tigress in the late 7th century.

The monastery is the most popular and trendy travel destination for tourists because of its unique location and serene views. You will witness the rugged mountains and fresh emerald valleys of Paro valley. 

6. The Big Buddha – Buddha Dordenma 

The gigantic statue of Buddha overlooking the southern place of Thimphu 

A 169 feet tall statue of Buddha is one of the best tourist places in Bhutan. It is built on the hill of Thimphu, spectacularly overlooking the place. The gigantic buddha symbolizes the dominant Buddhist religion in the country. It is home to 125,00 small figurines of the buddha and a must-visit place for you for 2021.

7. Phobjikha Valley

A perfect place to study birds – Phobjikha valley

Do you prefer birding? The top 7th travel destination for 2021 is visiting Phobjikha valley. The valley is known as the haven for bird watchers. Phobjikha is located in the central part of Bhutan, and the place offers you a rich green lush environment with beautiful scenery for picturesque. 

You will come across the flock of black-necked cranes in winter seasons grazing in the vast plain of phobjikha. The place is also perfect for trekking and hiking as the valley has rich vistas.

8. Jomolhari trek

Closeness to the Mt. Jomolhari

Jomolhari trek is one of the popular trekking activities for tourists to experience the blissful view of sacred Mt. Jomolhari. The altitude ranges from 2,500 m to 5,000 m and takes seven days to complete the trek.  

During trekking, you will come across eye-searing villages, monasteries, and sceneries. It is one of the most amazing places to visit for your 2021 adventure.  The snow-capped mountains, thick glacier lakes, and stunning landscapes are the key attractions for most tourists. 

9. National Memorial Chorten

National Memorial Chorten is a shrine built to dedicate the Third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, to his unwavering leadership. It is an essential and historical religious center for Buddhist practitioners to worship heavenly gods and goddesses.

The towering religious stupa offers a fantastic view of Thimphu valley. It is suited in the core city of Thimphu and is a bucket list spot for 2021. 

10. Dochu La Pass

The most  iconic stupas – Dochu La Pass

Dochu La Pass is situated on the way to Punakha and Thimphu. It consists of 108 small stupas beautifully circled. The pass is built in the memory of soldiers who lost their lives during the battle with insurgents of India.

You will experience the panoramic view of Himalayan ranges, temples, and rich greenery environments from the Pass. 

Visit the land of the last Shangrila to experience the culture, environment, and lives of the small country. Start your new adventure of 2021 in Bhutan by visiting all the top ten listed places above.

Do you know How much does it cost to go to Bhutan? Click the link to find about the carbon-negative country.

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