Bhutan

Bhutan, officially known as the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked kingdom located between China and India in the Eastern Himalayas. Bhutan is known as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” or “Druk Yul.” Bhutan is a constitutional monarchy that practices Vajrayana Buddhism. The ancient Bhutanese culture has influenced modern Bhutanese culture. This culture had an impact on the country’s early development. The primary Bhutanese languages, Dzongkha and Sharchop, are closely linked to Tibetan, and Bhutanese monks read and write chhokey, an old Tibetan dialect. The Bhutanese are physically similar to Tibetans, but no one knows when they crossed the Himalayas and lived in Bhutan’s south-draining lowlands. The plethora of lovely Buddhist monasteries, many of which are hidden away on spectacular mountaintops, is one of Bhutan’s primary charms. The Taktshang Goemba, commonly known as the Tiger’s Nest, is the country’s most famous Buddhist monastery. This well-known monastery and temple complex is perched on a cliff, with a steep drop of nearly 900 meters stretching beyond. Not only are the complex’s modest temples attractive, but the surrounding green surroundings make this destination appear like something out of a fairy tale. Bhutan is a cultural hotspot that, as you might assume, focuses on preserving the past. The thirteen traditional arts and crafts, which span from masonry and ironwork to papermaking, painting, and weaving, are given special attention. Painting, carving, and needlework talents have been passed down through the years and can be seen at the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. The Dochula Pass, located 3,100 meters into the mountains, offers breath-taking 360-degree panoramic vistas of the snow-capped Himalayas. 108 holy chortens can be found on the premises, which normally house the remains of Buddhist monks or nuns and serve as spiritual retreats. Bhutan is regarded as one of the world’s happiest countries, as seen by the kind and polite communities you will encounter during your vacation. It’s not unusual to be stopped and greeted by interested and polite locals, particularly groups of schoolchildren. A trip to Bhutan would be incomplete without trying the country’s delectable national cuisine, ema datshi. This spicy stew is packed with chili peppers, onions, and yak cheese from the area.

Bhutan has more mystery, wonder, and enchantment than probably any other country on the planet. Prepare to be awestruck; the country’s natural beauty is unparalleled. Bhutan is 90 percent covered in forest and has a plethora of gorgeous mountains to explore or simply admire. Brightly coloured prayer flags fly in the wind in the Land of the Thunder Dragon, bringing benevolence and positive energy over the mountain vistas. Bhutan is one of the world’s top ten biodiversity hotspots, with diverse terrain and topographical gradient ranging from ice and glacier fields to broad-leaved tropical forests that are home to a diverse range of exotic species and avifauna, making it a true nature lover’s delight. Bhutan is a biodiversity hotspot as well as the world’s first and only carbon-negative nation. There are 90 mammalian species, 770 avian species, and at least 5,400 plant species in the kingdom. Tigers, rhinos, clouded leopards, and sloth bears live in the thick tropical forest of the southern lowlands. Bird watching is one of the most soothing activities in Bhutan. Over 670 bird species have been recorded, with many more still to be discovered. Winter migrants account for around half of all known bird species. Ducks, waders, raptors, thrushes, finches, and buntings are among them. Many endangered bird species may be found in Bhutan, including the Imperial Heron, which is one of the world’s fifty rarest birds, and the rare Black-Necked Crane, which nests in Tibet and migrates over the Himalayas to Bhutan in the winter. Cranes can be seen in Western Bhutan’s Phobjikha Valley, Central Bhutan’s Bumthang, and Eastern Bhutan’s Bumdeling. The wildlife of the Himalayan mountains in the county’s north is comparable to that of the Tibetan Plateau, with the mysterious snow leopard, blue sheep, marmot, Tibetan wolf, and Himalayan musk deer among the species. Snow leopards, Bengal tigers, leopards, and clouded leopards all live in Bhutan. Snow leopards are located in the high-altitude valleys of the Himalayas, although few people in Bhutan are aware of them or have heard of them. According to the most recent population census, the kingdom is home to 103 tigers. From the plains in the south to heights of over 4000 meters in the north, they can be found all around the country. Though travellers are not unfamiliar with this isolated Himalayan nation, much of it remains unexplored, and there are many things to see and do. Climb to the cliff-top Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro, or visit the Phobjika Valley in the winter to witness endangered black-necked cranes migrating from Tibet. Make time to see the country’s dzongs, or strongholds, such as those in Trongsa and Punakha, as well as hike through the Bumthang Valley’s grasslands and stay in farmhouse homestays.

Things to do in Bhutan

• Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest)- One of Bhutan’s top adventurous activities is a walk to Taktsang monastery near Paro, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. The monastery was reconstructed in 1998 after it was destroyed by fire. Its steep meandering trail, which rises 9480 feet above the earth, presents a challenge to walkers. The trek will be accompanied by colourful prayer flags, the rattling sounds of prayer wheels, the beauty of Paro Valley, and relaxing mantras.

• Thimpu– Thimphu Tshechu, which takes place over three days in September and October, is perhaps the most important festival, during which locals reflect on the true meaning of life while purging themselves of any bad karma. Through mask dances like Dance of the Terrifying Deitiesand Dance of the Black Hats, they pay tribute to Rinpoche. 

• Punakha and Semtokha- Bhutan is committed to maintaining its culture, and art is an important component of that tradition. Bhutanese art is inspired by their religion and adheres to a consistent aesthetic. Rather of promoting innovation, the craftworks adhere to traditional traditions. Their art and craft are the most important aspects of their culture. Take a tour of the kingdom’s several dzongs, including Punakha Dzong and Semtokha Dzong, if you wish to see the wonderful art and skill. For every art fan, a DIY art and craft tour is one of the finest things to do in Bhutan.

• Bhumtang– Bumthang is one of the twenty districts (Dzongkhangs) in the Ura, Chumey, Tang, and Choekhor valleys. Rhododendron woods encircle the valley at a little higher height, providing the most magnificent views of the Ura La Pass. When you’re in Bumthang, there’s a lot to do. Apart from seeing the major tourist attractions like the Kurjey and Tamshing Lhakhang, one must also enjoy mountain hiking or sample the region’s beer, cheese, and buckwheat specialties.

• Gangtey– Known for its secretive Black-necked Cranes, Gangtey sees a spectacular influx of birds, which circle the monastery and surrounding verdant valley three times in October. During this month, Muntjacs, Himalayan Serow, Himalayan Black Bear, and a variety of avifauna can be spotted. In October, Gangtey hosts an annual mask dance festival.

• Hot stone bath– Locals have used the hot springs as a preferred health therapy remedy for decades. As a result, as a visitor, you could enjoy this therapy for a soulful renewal. Tshachus is the native name for these hot springs, which have therapeutic characteristics that can help with arthritis and bodily problems. Locals have a long-standing habit of taking hot spring dives throughout the winter months. Some hot springs in Bhutan provide amazing views of the surroundings, located near the river banks like Gasa Tshachu, Dhur Tshachu, Chuboog Tshachu, and Duenmang Tshachu.

• Bhutan Festivals– Bhutanese festivals are known for their richness, vibrancy, and joy. The country’s historic manifestations of Buddhist culture and epic conquests are re-enacted and celebrated with such pomp and show that visitors and tourists from all over the world come to see them. The majority of these festivals honour Guru Rimpoche, the saint who converted Bhutan to Buddhism in the early eighth century. The celebratory celebrations include mystical dances, bold fire events, captivating performances, illuminating re-creations, intriguing nude dances, and other activities.

• Black-Necked Cranes (Birdwatching)- Bhutan is a bird lover’s delight, and bird-watching is one of the most popular Bhutan activities. The Himalayan Monal, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Black-necked Crane, Ward’s Trogon, and Snow Pigeon are among the many bird species found in the country. It’s lovely to listen to birds sing and see them soar over the sky, spreading their colourful, silky wings. Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, Jigme Dorji National Park, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, Adjoining India’s World Heritage, and Thrumshingla National Parks are some of Bhutan’s protected regions where migratory and endangered birds can be found.

Archery- If you visit Bhutan, you must participate in archery contests, which are both a popular tourist attraction and a national sport. You’ll see colourful gatherings of men dressed in traditional robes taking turns shooting arrows while cruising the highways and byways of Bhutan. The archery competitions attract a large number of people to this social event, and they are held between municipalities, villages, and amateur teams. It’s a fascinating look into Bhutanese culture.