Located in Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is nestled between snow Peak Mountains and shadowy forests. It is a country landlocked between China and India and is known for its diverse landscape experiences. Bhutan offers panoramic valleys, majestic Himalayas, and an abundance of rare fauna and flora for its visitors.
The government of Bhutan allocates a limited number of visas every year to protect this Himalayan paradise from overcrowding. With its well-preserved cultural heritage and natural environment, those who get the chance to journey to this Himalayan kingdom enjoy the authentic experience that Bhutan has to offer.
If you’re planning a holiday in Bhutan, you will definitely want to make the most of your time there. With a diverse range of things to do, Bhutan can be a bit overwhelming for first-time visitors. If you don’t know much about the destination, we can help you put together a tailor-made travel experience based on your interest and preferences. For a start, here are some quick inspirations on the unique experiences you can go for in Bhutan.
Bumthang Cultural Trek
If the purpose of your trip is to get an escape from your regular routines and the stress of your lifestyle, we suggest you visit the Bumthang valley. Not only will you be able to find some peace of mind away from bustling city life, but you’ll also be able to find joy and serenity in your seclusion at this spiritual heartland. It is a place that will take you back in time, or make you feel as if time stands still here.
Bumthang valley is a place where many of the country’s oldest temples and monasteries are located. The valley is inhabited by tightly knit farming communities so you are guaranteed very hearty, wholesome, and homely experiences upon interaction with the locals. Bumthang is also known for its four glacier-carved valleys; Choekhor, Ura, Chumey, and Tang.
One way to experience this all is to take the Bumthang Cultural Trek, which offers picturesque views of the village, and its various monasteries and temples.
Visit The Royal Manas National Park
Another rather exciting experience that Bhutan has to offer is the Royal Manas National Park, which is Bhutan’s oldest national park. The Royal Manas National Park is particularly famous because it is home to a great variety of wildlife.
In fact, the Royal government considers this park to be a “conservative showpiece of the Kingdom”. This also includes many endangered species such as tigers, Pygmy Hogs, Indians Rhinoceroses, and Indian elephants. Other animals commonly found in this park include the Himalayan Bear, Wild Boar, Swamp Deer, Asiatic Buffalo, and Clouded Leopard.
This park is also home to many valuable plants. The Royal Manas National Park forms a belt of greenery, giving the park a very pleasant ambiance and giving you great room to breathe, especially if you are accustomed to living in a city.
Visit The Museums
Visiting the museums in Bhutan is something tourists often do when on holiday in Bhutan. This is because tourists to Bhutan are often intrigued by the ancient cultures and their heritages. Bhutan has a rich history and therefore if you are a lover of such places, visiting the right museums would give you a lot of insights into the well-preserved way of life.
There are a number of museums that you can visit in Bhutan to learn about its history, religion, culture, and tradition. The first of these is the National Museum of Bhutan, which is a cultural heritage museum located in a 17th-century watchtower, populated with various Bhutanese statues, paintings, and other art. Another museum is the Folk Heritage Museum which connects you to the Bhutanese Folk Heritage through exhibits and demonstrations.
You can also visit the National Textile Museum, Bhutan Postal Museum, Royal Heritage Museum, and National Handicraft Emporium.
Dochula Pass
The Dochula Pass is a mountain pass in Bhutan, a popular stop located on the road between Thimphu and Punakha. The pass is situated at an elevation of 3100 meters above sea level.
The biggest attraction of the Dochula Pass is the 360-degree view of the Himalayan mountain ranges that it offers at the top. If nature is on your side, you can witness clear views of the highest peak in Bhutan, the Gangkar Puensum. Another popular site is the 108 memorial stupas, which are also known as the Druk Wangyal Chortens.
There are also a number of attractions in the vicinity of the Dochula Pass, which include the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple and the colourful Druk Wangyal Lhakhang Festival held in the month of December by the Royal Bhutan Army as a tribute to the wise leadership of the Fourth king.
Punakha Suspension Bridge & Punakha Dzong
Punakha Suspension Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the world. The bridge itself is 160 meters long and in your walk across this bridge, you can witness various scenic views on all sides. However, the walk across the bridge is not all that the experience of visiting the Punakha Suspension Bridge is good for. You should also include a visit to Punakha Dzong, ranked as the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan.
The Punakha Dzong, which used to serve as an administrative and religious center, is currently also a winter resort for the main Monk body of Bhutan. This place is associated with serenity and bliss. The grand Tsechu Festival is an annual activity here, so you might want to plan your visit to the Punakha Dzong in accordance with it.
Escape to Bhutan On Your Next Holiday
Bhutan offers the perfect blend of nature, culture, and history which makes it an ideal destination for all types of tourists. It is a great destination to get away from the fast-paced world that we live in and experience their world that is strangely familiar but yet led with a different approach, where happiness manifests in different ways. While this article covers some of the things you can do, there are many other activities to explore and as you know, our travel designers are just one call away.
