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Nestled in the northeastern part of Bhutan the place is home to the kings of Bhutan along with some of the most sacred sites of the country. The place is widely known for its wavering handicrafts and is regarded as the best in Bhutan. Ara is a popular traditional alcohol of Bhutan and is consumed by the people of Lhuentse. The place is also home to the world's largest statue of Guru Padmasambhava with a height of 173 feet built on the slope of Takila Mountain.
Trongsa is a valley located at the junction of the roads of Bumthang and Punakha that offers scenic beauty and lush greenery covered by forest attracting tourists. Trongsa Dzong is among the popular tourist site that offers serene vibes and a peaceful atmosphere making it an ideal place for meditation and people in search of Spirituality. The place is home to some of the most beautiful monasteries in Bhutan.
Haa is among some of the hidden gems of Bhutan that are also known as the “hidden land rice valley”. Haa is one of the most isolated places in Bhutan that offers thrilling activities such as trekking, camping, mountain biking, and many more making it a paradise for adventure lovers. Surrounded by alpine forest the people of Haa follow a unique lifestyle and have their own cuisine known as Haapi cuisine.
Located in the northernmost part of Bhutan, Gasa is popular for its scenic beauty is covered with alpine forests, and includes numerous trails for trekkers and adventure seekers. The place is home to the nomadic tribe known as Layaps for whom Yak is a source of livelihood. Gasa is also famous for its hot springs and Royal Highlander Festival.
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas and surrounded by lush mountains and greenery, Paro is also home to the historical monuments and buildings of Bhutan making it a popular tourist destination Bhutan. The place receives the highest number of visitors with Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) being the most popular attraction for the tourists. The place is also home to the only airport in the country.
Being nestled in the higher ranges of the Himalayas, Thimpu is also the capital of Bhutan and offers some of the best views of the Himalayan range and the rich culture and cuisine of Bhutan. Buddha Dordenma and Motithang Takin Reserve are among the popular tourist sightseeing destinations. The city follows unique traffic systems with traffic lights being replaced with human traffic controllers.
Punakha is another popular destination among travel enthusiasts and adventure seekers as it offers a wide range of activities and sightseeing options for tourists. The place is also famous for the old fortress Punakha Dzong which dates back to the 17th century and reflects the culture and architecture of Bhutan along with world famous mask dance that attracts people from all over the world.
Phuentsholing is the second largest town in Bhutan shares an international boundary with India and attracts a huge number of tourists from all over the world. The place is popular among tourists as they can visit Phuentsholing without a permit with access to the beauty of Bhutan amidst a clean and safe environment. Amo Chuu, Kharbandi Monastery, and Bhutan Gate are among the popular tourist attractions in Phuentsholing.
Air : Tourists can visit Bhutan by airways by taking a direct flight from Kolkata to Paro.
Train : There is no direct route for the train. Hasimara is the nearest railway station that can be reached by boarding to Intercity Express from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Station Siliguri.
Road : Tourists can travel to Bhutan by road from Jaigaon a city of West Bengal followed by a permit from the Government of Bhutan.
The country reflects a blend of traditions from all three major ethnic groups displaying diverse culture and lifestyles that is followed by the people of Bhutan. The majority of Bhutia house is built in a two-storied structure made from timber and stone with livestock being kept on the ground floor. Yak is regarded as the major source of livelihood for the people of Bhutan as it is used for milk, oils, cheese as well as meat. Music and dance are part of traditional culture that can be witnessed on the eve of festivals and occasions. Rigsar is the most popular genre of music followed by the people of Bhutan.
Apart from serene vibes and scenic beauty Bhutan is also renowned for offering unique cuisine and mouthwatering food dishes making it a paradise for food lovers. Cheese and chilies are the most essential part of Bhutan cuisine with it being used in the majority of dishes. Ema Datshi is the national dish of Bhutan which is made up of cheese, Chilies, and seasonal vegetables that are consumed along with a bowl of rice. Some of the popular foods of Bhutan are Dumplings, Ema Datshi, Phaksha Paa, Puta and many more.
Bhutan's vibrant traditions and festivals bring to life the country's rich cultural heritage
Paro Tsechu - Dance of the Thunder Dragon : Witness the mesmerizing masked dances and rituals at the Paro Tsechu, a grand festival celebrating Guru Rinpoche's triumph over evil forces.
Thimphu Tshechu - Capital's Grand Celebration : Delight in the lively atmosphere of Thimphu Tshechu, Bhutan's largest festival. Revel in the traditional Bhutanese dances, religious ceremonies, and the unveiling of the sacred Thongdrel, a giant religious scroll believed to confer blessings on all who witness it.
Jambay Lhakhang Drup - Sacred Fire Dance : Experience the mystical Jambay Lhakhang Drup, where sacred masked dances are performed around a sacred fire to honour Guru Rinpoche. The festival's unique highlight is the Mewang, a fire ceremony believed to cleanse sins and bring blessings.
Punakha Drubchen – Fortress of the Blissful
Journey to Punakha to witness the Punakha Drubchen, a festival celebrated within the ancient walls of Punakha Dzong. Experience the reenactment of historical battles and religious rituals, showcasing Bhutan's rich cultural heritage.
Haa Summer Festival - Highland Revelry : Immerse yourself in the traditional nomadic culture of Haa Valley at the Haa Summer Festival. Enjoy traditional sports, folk dances, and the opportunity to savour local cuisine while surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of Bhutan's westernmost valley.
Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu Festival : Wangdue Phodrang in central Bhutan is known for its Lozeys - ornamental speeches and songs. The festival includes the famous 'Dance of Ox' and concludes with the unfurling of Guru Tshengye Thongdrol - a gigantic scroll of paintings.
Nimalung Festival : Bhutan's Nimalung festival is a vibrant celebration featuring traditional folk dances, performances, and a mask dance.
Bhutan, the 'Land of the Thunder Dragon', is a true masterpiece of serenity and cultural opulence. Tucked away in the Eastern Himalayas, this kingdom boasts breathtaking landscapes, ranging from subtropical valleys to majestic alpine peaks. The country's distinctive fusion of tradition and modernity shines through in its lively festivals, iconic monasteries, and unwavering dedication to Gross National Happiness.
Here's essential travel information to enhance your experience
1. Entry Requirements: Get a visa through an authorized travel agent. Make sure that your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure.
2. Weather: Bhutan experiences diverse climates due to varying altitudes. Pack accordingly for the season and region you plan to explore.
3. Attractions: Explore iconic sites like the Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) and Punakha Dzong. Immerse yourself in Bhutanese culture by attending local festivals and visiting traditional villages.
4. Transportation: Paro International Airport is the main entry point; domestic flights connect major towns. Consider hiring a local guide for seamless exploration.
5. Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is the official currency; Indian Rupees are widely accepted.
6. Trekking and Adventure: Bhutan offers spectacular trekking opportunities; plan and acclimatize accordingly. Engage in outdoor activities like river rafting and biking for an adventurous experience.
Indian citizens can enter Bhutan without a visa requirement. They only need a valid photo ID. Foreign nationals, except for those from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, need a visa. Tourists must book through authorized Bhutanese tour operators who will process their visa applications. The visa must be obtained before the tour starts, and payment for the tour package must be made in full in advance. If the visa is not stamped in the passport upon arrival, further entry is not allowed.
As you embark on your journey to Bhutan, get ready to witness the majestic mountains, pristine valleys, and ancient monasteries that define the country's geography. The untouched beauty and rich cultural heritage of this kingdom will leave you spellbound and make your trip an unforgettable experience.
Bhutan's climate varies with altitude, offering diverse experiences all year round. Western Tashigang and southern Bhutan have a humid subtropical climate, with cool and dry winters and hot and moist summers. Temperatures range from 10o to 20o Celsius in winter and 25o to 40o Celsius in summer.
