When you realize there is nothing lacking ,the whole world belongs to you.”
Bhutan is the last Himalayan kingdom, surrounded by spectacular snow-capped mountains and dense forests that form a beautiful scenery. But that’s not all; Bhutan is the only country in the world with a forest cover of 72 percent, making it not only carbon-neutral but also carbon-negative.
Apart from that, Bhutan is a fascinating and mystical country where ancient Buddhist culture collides with spectacular fortresses such as dzongs and monasteries. Bhutan is a one-of-a-kind destination due to its unique monastic architecture and graffiti on the walls depicting penises as a message to ward off evil.
This one-of-a-kind country, rumored to be the final Shangri-La, is undoubtedly the greatest place to come for family vacations, honeymoon tours, and even adventure vacations. And if you want to be a part of this fascinating area, you can do so by following this guide of the top sites visited by our guests in Bhutan that you must experience during your trip.
1. Welcome to Phobjikha Valley
Phobjikha(“The Valley Of Black-Necked Cranes”)at its best during summer
The bowl-shaped Phobjikha valley, set against the western slopes of the Black Mountains in Wangdue Phodrang, offers spectacular vistas of huge stretches of green fields. During the winter, it is home to the endangered black-necked crane, which migrates to this area. The Phobjikha Valley, also known as Gangtey, is one of Bhutan’s few glacier valleys.
During the winter, the valley is snowbound, so many of the valley’s 4700 residents, including monks, relocate to Wangdue Phodrang for the winter, just as cranes arrive to take their place. Even in the summer, it can get a bit cold, so do carry some warm clothes.
Apart from a few cultural visits to Lhakhangs and Goembas, the Phobjikha valley has a variety of trekking and hiking paths with some of the best scenery in the region. There are quaint little villages here where one can go and see rural life. The carefully patterned handmade carpets from the famed factory in Gangtey, as well as handicrafts from the village shops, might be taken back home. It’s a haven for bird watchers and hikers, and it’s even better for wildlife photographers.
2. Bumthang Valley
Bumthang Valley is Bhutan’s spiritual heartland. It is teeming with valuable and historic Buddhist sites. It is Bhutan’s religious capital, including some of the country’s oldest Buddhist temples.
Apart from Jakar, the main town in the Bumthang Valley, with its sloping topography, numerous temples, and apple trees, the Bumthang Valley is a visitor’s paradise. You can admire the picturesque Jakar Dzong, that sits on a steep slope that drops out amidst the clouds near the southern end.
3. Royal Manas National Park
The oldest national park in Bhutan, Royal Manas National Park is also one of the country’s largest. It is the greatest example of tropical and subtropical ecosystems in Bhutan, and is known as the “conservation showpiece of the Kingdom.” It is located in south-central Bhutan and shares its southern boundaries with India’s Manas Tiger Reserve. It is a natural wonder that shows the particular flora and fauna of Bhutan and the Himalayan Region. It is rich in wildlife species, including several endangered species.
The crown jewels of this national park are unique plant species used for medicinal, religious, commercial, and food purposes.
It is one of Bhutan’s most magnificent natural refuges for animal and wildlife enthusiasts. On this journey, you’ll pass through stunning plants and landscapes, including the famed hot spring.It is incredible, truly magnificent. It is a must-see attraction in Bhutan.
4. Jomolhari Trek
Mount Jomolhari is a moderately difficult high-altitude trip. Compared with the Everest Base Camp trekking of Nepal, Mount Jomolhari is the most famous trekking of Bhutan.
Mount Jomolhari (Altitude 23,996 ft./ 7,316m) means Goddess Mountain, and it reigns in majesty with its five sister peaks, which are the sources of the Paro Chu (River), which sustains the luscious rice fields, apple and peach orchards of Paro Valley. The sacred mountain is a renowned trekking path in the Eastern Himalayas and is a great source of respect and reverence for Bhutanese people.
The track begins at the Drugyel Dzong and follows an old caravan route to Mount Jhumolhari’s base camp, passing through dispersed hamlets and farmland before entering deep and densely forested valleys and high alpine pasture land where yak herders graze their animals. The walk provides a sample of a wide range of landscapes.
5. Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro
spa and treatment for your mind, body and soul.
The sanctuary offers guests to meet traditional Bhutanese medicine doctors for a free consultation, during which they will develop a personal well-being program, including dietary recommendations, aimed at harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit. Traditional massages, herbal treatments, yoga, meditation, hot stone baths, and woodland bathing are all available to guests.
They prefer to prevent long car rides or the need to change accommodations in order to provide clients with the best possible experience during their Bhutan discovery trip. Hikes in the Neyphug Valley, a visit to Thimphu, the Kingdom’s capital, a climb to the world-famous Tiger’s Nest, and many other day adventures are available.
They welcome guests to partake in an all-inclusive cuisine concept, which includes healthy breakfasts, 4-course lunches, 6-course dinners, snacks, and beverages (excluding alcohol). The devoted and passionate Kitchen Team prepares all of the meals using the farm-to-table approach. Guests are free to eat at any time and in any area they like. The ideal choice for visitors looking for the true essence of Bhutan.
6. Royal Bhutan Helicopter
government officials, it is also used for tourism purposes.
On November 11, 2015, the Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services Ltd (RBHS) was created. The date was chosen to honor His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo’s 60th birthday, and more than 1,000 people had been safely transported. Since its inception, it has flown for over 2,500 hours.
Bhutan’s first helicopter company, based at Paro Airport, provides emergency evacuations as well as chartered sightseeing flights for up to five passengers for 30 and 60 minutes. The trip takes you around Tigers Nest, and you can fly to the holy Jomolhari peak in 45 minutes, also flying along the magnificent Tiger’s Nest Monastery and taking in the views of various snowy peaks.
We can arrange your heli transports from Paro to any of the following locations in Bhutan. Flying from Paro to Thimphu and then from Thimphu to Punakha is an option. Fly to Bumthang or Phobjikha from Punakha. This will not only make your road trips shorter, but it will also provide you with incredible views of gorgeous hills, valleys, and forested mountains.
7. Bumdra Trek
Aside from the scenic majesty of the Himalayan ranges, your journey can take you to Bhutan’s two most respected Buddhist pilgrimage sites, Bumdra and Taktsang Monastery. Bumdra literally translates to “Rock with a Hundred Thousand Footprints.” According to mythology, a hundred thousand Dakinis (angels) fell here 800 years ago and left their imprints on the rock. Bumdra lies approximately 3800 meters above sea level, and the Taktsang Monastery is over 3100 meters.
Bumdra Trek mixes an easy hike around Paro with a guided tour of Paro and Thimphu. This can also be included if your trip is short and you are interested in hiking and camping. Starting and ending in Paro and taking you from the north to the north-west of the valley, ending at the Taktsang Monastery, also known as the “Tiger’s Nest,” one of Bhutan’s holiest sites. You have to do a lot of climbing, but you will be rewarded with some amazing views of the valley and the snow-capped mountains; the second day of the trek is much easier, with largely descending.
service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.”
Bhutan truly is a wonderful country to visit. It attracts a decent number of visitors because entry requires a full-fledged all inclusive tour. Bhutan is mostly off the main path, yet it does include several well-known attractions like Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The enjoyable Bumdrak trek is one of Bhutan’s most famous trekking routes for first timers.
Bhutan journey necessitates a bit more planning and preparation than most other travel destinations, but it is well worth it. Bhutan is home to some of the best Himalayan sceneries.
If you would like to talk to one of our travel guides to help you plan your first trip to Bhutan. Do leave your email and number by clicking here – https://www.drukheritage.com/contact/
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Click the link to learn about top 5 attractions for visitors in Bhutan.
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