Spending a vacation isnt confined to the beaches or the hill towns. Sometimes, you have to think out of the box and plan a vacation (according to the budget, no doubts). If you too are bored with conventional tourist places, this time spend your holidays at a place where there are no urban noises and purity in the air, yes it is Bhutan, the ultimate destination for you.
Nestled in the belt of the majestic Himalayas, Bhutan is a beguiling country. Due to its geographical location, it is dotted with numerous travel attractions. The enthusiastic globetrotters swarm to Bhutan extensively. Being a Buddhist nation, this country lures the followers of Buddhism on a large scale and is a home to some astounding monasteries where one can find the mental calmness.
Apart from the ancient monasteries, there are ensnaring valleys that are seen as a perfect trekking spot for the trekking aficionados. All in all, Bhutan serves as an appropriate holiday destination. In order to make your vacation even memorable, heres a compilation of the must-visit tourist attractions in Bhutan.
Hemmed in the beauteous hillocks of Himalayas, Taktsang Palphug Monastery is an alluring monastery located in Bhutan. Also known by the name of the Tigers Nest, this sacred shrine rests on a huge hillock at a whopping height of 3,937 feet above the sea level. It displays the skillful Bhutanese architecture. Due to its location, it can be accessed by trekking through the rugged terrains.
Perched at the conflux of Mo Chu and Po Chu rivers, Punakha Dzong is a tantalizing architectural marvel of Bhutan. Surrounded by a scenic landscape, this ancient building is the administrative sector of Punakha district. Punakha Dzong was built by Ngawang Namgyal in the 16th century. The architecture of the building reflects the Bhutanese royal culture and holds the relics of Ngawang Namgyal. At present, it is considered as a beguiling picnic spot.
The hunt for serenity ceases at Dochula Pass. Hoisted 10,000 feet above the sea level, Dochula Pass is an arresting landscape located in Bhutan. It is beckoned by the snow-clad Himalayas in all four directions and is bedecked with chortens. Due to its geographical location, the temperature of this place remains cold throughout the year and during winters, a shimmering white blanket of snow adds more charm to the beauty of Dochula Pass.
Literally translating into the fortress on the heap of jewels, Rinpung Zong is an ancient Buddhist monastery and a fortress. Founded by Drung Drung Gyal in the 15th century, this monastery cum fortress was built in order to protect the scenic valley of Paro from infiltration. The interiors of Rinpung Dzong are bedecked with the astounding Bhutanese art and teachings of Buddhism. A majority of monks visit this pious site daily.
If you wish to learn about Buddhism from the grass root level, Gangtey Monastery is the place you should visit. Resting atop a lush green hillock, Gangtey Monastery is a well-known tourist attraction located in Bhutan. Dating back to the 17th century, it was built by Pema Thinlay, an individual that was regarded as an incarnation of Pema Lingpa, a renowned Tibetan saint. To celebrate his birth anniversary, Techu, a masked dance is organized in the month of September.
With the backdrop of alluring and misty hills, Tango Buddhist Institute is another place to learn about Buddhism. Constructed in the Bhutanese style of architecture, TBI is a home to the statues of Lord Buddha and his teachings. The ground floor of this building is a temple that houses an alluring idol of Buddha made up of gold and copper. The other two floors also house the relics of the great Buddhist saints and some ancient hand-written scripts.
Perching on a lush green hillock, Drukgyel Dzong used to be a fortress that was erected in the 16th century by Tenzin Drukdra. It is surrounded by the mighty hills of the Himalayas that make this site even exquisite. This Dzong lies on the path between Tibet and Paro Valley and was used to bat an eye on the passage. In the early 1950s, Drukgyel Dzong was devastated due to fire and now, only the ruined remains exist.
Time to meet the furry pals! Jigme Dorji National Park is a popular tourist attraction in Bhutan. This national park was established by Jigme Dorji, the 3rd king of Bhutan. It is a beauteous destination that spreads across 4,316 sq. km. and covers a major part of Gasa district. JDNP houses a rich flora and fauna. One can find the rare medicinal herbs and animals like the snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, Nilgai, Asiatic Dhole etc.
Another astounding marvel on the bucket list is Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary. Formerly known as the Kulong Chu Wildlife Sanctuary, This sanctuary is a must-see travel attraction in Bhutan. It unrolls over 1,400 sq. km. and is a home to a unique avifauna. Here, you can spot the migratory birds like black-necked crane and flamingo, birds of prey like the golden eagle, and a lot more winged creatures. Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary is simply a haven for bird watchers.
Blest with serene surroundings, Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary is picturesque landscape located in Bhutan. It is an ecoregion adorned with the beguiling flora. Being a wildlife sanctuary, it is a home to the fauna like bear, leopard, civet cat, snow leopard, red panda, and others. But, you wont believe what were telling next. SWS was established to shelter the Yeti! Yes, the mythical creature with a monstrous physique covered with hair. Though it cant be spotted, the locals claim to see that beast walking in the woods.
Wangchuck Wildlife Sanctuary is a compelling tourist attraction in Bhutan. This beautiful sanctuary was established in the year 2008 and spans a gross area of 4,914 sq. km. It is considered as the largest wildlife park in Bhutan. The majestic feline predator tiger rules the major portion of this sanctuary and can be spotted lurking around. To capture them in the camera, you should be a part of the jungle safari that is organized for tourists.
The mammalian species is full of unique creatures. Spotting such creatures isnt a tough thing, it just requires efforts. By paying a visit to Motithang Takin Preserve, you can witness the animal called Takin. A Takin is a goat-antelope that is found in the Himalayan region of Bhutan. It is the individual species that is often considered as a hybrid creature. The presence of this unique mammal has fetched fame to Motithang Takin Preserve.
Bhutan is dotted with the various splendors and the Tower of Trongsa is one amid them. It was built in the 16th century by the first governor of Bhutan on a quaint hillock. It served the motive of spying on the suspicious acts. At present, it has been converted into a museum. There are 11 galleries in the museum where the Buddhist artifacts and reminiscence of the royal family of Bhutan are displayed.
Established by the 4th king of Bhutan, Dasho Choki Dorji, Choki Traditional Art School is a renowned institute in Bhutan. This attraction is known for teaching the traditional Bhutanese art of weaving, sculpting, painting, carving, and embroidery to all age groups. By visiting this institute, one can observe and learn that how the traditional Bhutanese handicrafts are made. And when you visit, try to donate as per your potential for the welfare of this art school.
Constructed in the Bhutanese architecture, the miraculous shrine of Chimi LHakhang is a major attraction in Bhutan. It is blest by Lama Drukpa Kuenley. He was a saintly figure in Bhutan and has an eccentric way of preaching. It is said that Chimi LHakhang temple is the place where the childless couples are blessed with a munchkin. Each day, hundreds of devotees swarm here to thank the lord for his blessings or to seek his blessings for a child.
Simply laudable are the two words that will come out of your mouth when youll see the idol of Buddha. Buddha Dordenma is an architectural masterpiece that stands at a height of 164 feet. Entirely made up of bronze and gold, this astounding masterpiece is beckoned by the tantalizing hills on all 4 sides. Such a serene environment is a picture perfect destination for spending a one-day itinerary. You can also attain the mental peace by meditating in this hilly area.
Visiting Bhutan and not gathering some information about its traditional lifestyle, Nah, thats disrespectful. If you wish to know about the traditional lifestyle of Bhutan, values, and the heritage then head towards the National Folk Heritage Museum. Established in 2001, this museum displays the ancient practices of oil extraction, brewing etc., that was carried 100-150 years ago in Bhutan. Also, this museum is ornamented according to the seasonal theme.
With the backdrop of the murky mountains, the National Museum of Paro is a popular travel destination. First of all, lets us tell you that the structure of the building never existed until the chorten was developed in 1968. After renovation, the chorten tower became a multi-storey building. The National Museum of Paro houses the ancient stone carvings, monolithic structures, stone weaponry, and other items that portray the bygone times of Bhutan.
And here, a small tour to Bhutan comes to an end. Throughout the voyage, you gained knowledge about the monasteries, museums, temples, sanctuaries, and many other places. These places are visited by people on a large scale. You should also give a try.