Sure, the moniker ‘the happiest place on Earth’ sounds like mere exaggeration but in South Asia, Bhutan ranks first when it comes to economic freedom, ease of doing business and most importantly, peace! It was also the least corrupt South Asian country in 2016.
Located on the southern slopes of the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is mostly steep, high mountains, swift rivers, deep valleys and plains. That’s a lot of different terrain which makes for breathtaking views and all your holiday pictures would be worthy to be put on a postcard.
Entering Bhutan may be a little bit of work but getting it done will ensure that you’ll have a smooth trip. Before travelling to Bhutan, tourists will have to get visa clearance via an online system by a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or through a foreign travel agent. You will need to send a copy of the photo page of your passport to the authorised tour operator who will then apply for the visa for you. This visa will then be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan when you’ve made full payment for your holiday. Upon entering Bhutan, you will need to show your visa clearance letter and the visa will then be stamped into your passport.
Paro
Paro, the former capital of Bhutan is a valley town and is where the country’s only international airport is located. The monastery that you see on the left is Paro Taktsang: The Tiger’s Nest Monastery located on the cliffside of Paro valley, north of the town. Do be warned that it is a two hour climb from the valley floor and the monastery is situated at 10,000 feet above sea level. The trail is well maintained but quite steep and it’s best to trek as early as possible in the morning to enjoy the cooler weather.
If hiking up 700 steps isn’t your thing, the National Museum of Bhutan is definitely a must see as well with traditional clothing, jewellery, armour and Buddhist paintings housed in a former watchtower.
Rinpung Dzong is a large dzong – Buddhist monastery and fortress – of the Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school. It houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag.
Thimpu
Bhutan’s capital lies to the west and in addition to being the centre of government, Thimpu is well known for its Buddhist sites. Near the National Library of Bhutan is the Bhutan Textile Museum which aims to promote Bhutan’s achievements in the area of textile arts. If you love the beautiful and colourful woven textiles that Bhutan is famous for, this is the best place to learn about the processes and also see exhibitions of textiles used by the royal family or the special textiles worn in days long gone.
The Tashichho Dzong or Thimpu Palace is a Buddhist monastery and fortress located on the northern edge of the city of Thimpu. It houses the throne room and offices of the king, cabinet secretariat and ministries of home affairs and finance. There are thirty temples, chapels and shrines within the Tashichho Dzong.
Punakha
Punakha is well known for the Punakha Dzong, a 17th century fortress located where the Pho and Mo Chhu rivers meet. This fortress is where the Punakha Tshechu, a religious festival, is hosted which features masked dances and music. This festival usually occurs in February but may start and end at different dates so do check with the Tourism Council of Bhutan for definite dates at www.bhutan.travel/events.
If you want a bit of adventure, check out Mo Chhu, a major river in Bhutan that’s known for being super scenic and also whitewater rafting!
Sidebox: Good to know
- Bhutan is the only country in the world which has banned the sale and consumption of tobacco so smoking is generally not allowed in public spaces.
- On Tuesdays, the sale of alcohol is prohibited so bars will be closed.
- If you want to take photos or film inside Dzongs, monasteries, temples or any other religious place, do check with your tour guide whether it’s allowed.
- Remove your shoes before entering any monastery or nunnery.
- High season for tourists is from March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn). The view of the Himalayas is the best in October!
- December to February can be cold but there are less tourists and travel rates may be cheaper.
References: Atlas Obscura; Druk Asia; Forbes.com; Lonely Planet; Tourism Council of Bhutan.
