DESTINATION: BHUTAN

Whoever said Bhutan was the last Shangri-la could well have been right. Its reputation as one of the world’s ‘greenest’ countries is well-earned: tropical lowland forest and Himalayan mountains blanket much of its protected landscape and with its ‘sponge-like’ forests soaking up more carbon dioxide than it emits, Bhutan became the first carbon negative nation. But it’s not just the government that looks after it. The locals are also guardians of their sustainable way of life, finding it the key to their happiness. Visitors can get a sense of this joy in unhurried capital, Thimphu, where the main hustle centres around Tashichho Dzong, an ancient Buddhist monastery, and the civil and royal seats of office, too. While you might not get to see the Dragon King on his way to work, you can still shuffl…e around the complex to glimpse orange-robed monks deep in reflection, the silence only stirred by the squeak of their prayer wheels.

At night, the whitewashed building lights up, a view best enjoyed from Changangkha Lhakhang, a 12th-century temple. During the day, newborn cries spill out of this shrine to protective deities, often visited by new parents seeking blessings for their babies. One thing you won’t see from this panorama is tra‚ffic lights – there’s not a single one in the city. If the hills are calling out to you, make your way west of the Black Mountains, where trekkers may stumble across barking deer, Himalayan black bears and even leopard. Look to the skies for the real highlight, though: black necked cranes. At Phobjikha Valley’s RSPN centre, keen bird spotters can spy these rare birds swooping over glacial glades of open grassland during their winter migration. Those sacred cranes steal the show, at least until they disappear in mid-March; come November, you’ll find the locals in full celebration mode, singing and dancing to welcome the birds back to the region at an annual festival. It’s an attitude to life that most visitors can’t resist.

Bhutan is just perfect when you need a break from the monotonous activities and participate in rejuvenation with nature and spirituality. Accomplish it with the following top things to do in Bhutan:

• Trekking: Bhutan takes avid trekkers on such engrossing trekking trails that interweave natural splendour and cultural wealth together. Cultural Trek and Owl Trek of Bumthang, Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek, Jomolhari Trek, Punakha Winter Trek, Snowman Trek and Dur Hot Spring trek are just a few to mention. Snow-clad mountains, sprawling valleys, pristine lakes, dense forests and captivating sceneries are the rewards of taking up these trips.

• Explore Countryside: From the sleepy cities to the rural agricultural lands, Bhutan’s gratifying countryside would leave you overwhelmed. Explore Buddhist structures mushrooming at every footstep and interact with the ever-smiling local people.

• Turn Adventurer: River rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking and camping leave adrenaline gushing inside the daredevils visiting Bhutan. Extend the thrill further with wildlife safaris, bird watching, archery and other similar activities.

• Seek Revival: Experience Buddhism like never before while praying at Buddhist monasteries and chortens. Join yoga and meditation sessions at retreats perched on high hills amidst nothing but absolute serenity. Don’t miss hot spring therapy and hot stone bath to get rid of physical and mental stresses.

• Vibrant Festivals: Attend the unforgettable ceremonies of Tshechu Festival, including energetic and dramatic mask dances and Buddhist rituals. Other extremely entertaining festivals of Bhutan include Matsutake Mushroom Festival, Nimalung Festival, Sakteng festival and Black-necked Crane Festival.

• Shopping: Take back the beautifully woven wool textiles, cane and bamboo items; wood carvings, stone carvings, bronze work, wooden bowls and cups, traditional dresses and other exciting souvenirs.

1. Tiger’s Nest is the name given to Taktsang Monastery, which marvellously clings to a Cliffside in the stunning Paro Valley. It is believed that the Buddhist Master Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche who introduced Buddhism in Bhutan travelled to this place on a tigress’s back.
2. Paro Valley is adorned with oak and rhododendrons and lush green rice fields. Known for its rich Buddhist heritage, the valley boasts of the incredible Rinpung Dzong and Drukgeyl Dzong and other hotspots like Drakhapo Monastic complex and National Museum of Bhutan, including it amongst the most visited tourist places in Bhutan.
3. The erstwhile Bhutanese capital Punakha is home to the majestic Punakha Dzong which stands gracefully overlooking the confluence of rivers Pho Chu and Mo Chu. Fruit orchards and verdantly green farms add a distinct charm to the entire Punakha Valley. Talo, a traditional Himalayan village in the region, needs special mention for offering extravagant views of the towering Himalayas and enthralling countryside.
4. Jakar Dzong, Wangdicholing Palace, Tamzhing Monastery and a number of lhakhangs (monasteries) dot the scenic Bumthang Valley which is blessed with fertile farms and apple orchards.
5. Enticing Bhutanese Architecture can be best explored at the national capital Thimphu which accommodates chortens, monasteries, dzongs, royal palaces and many other structures. Motithang Takin Preserve is another interesting site to discover takin, the national animal of Bhutan.
6. Royal Manas National Park is a paradise for wildlife lovers as it houses tigers, leopards, rhinoceroses, wild water buffalo, gaur, golden langoor and several other wild denizens, apart from some rare birds. Other attractions include Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, Phobjhika Valley, Gangtey Valley, Dochula Pass and Mount Chomolhari.

Bhutan is a country of rolling hills and towering crags that exudes a certain charm. The mountains are magnificent, the forests are dense, the people are delightful, the air is pure, the architecture inspiring, and the art superb.

Though the weather is great throughout the year as such, the best time to visit Bhutan is from March to May and September to November. There are several festivals at this time, which is an added attraction. Winter in Bhutan is from December to March, and it gets very cold. The monsoon arrives in mid-June, with light rain through the season. Explore the magical the ‘Last Sangri-La’of the Himalayas with HolidayMonk’s Bhutan tour packages.

The summer rains are not as heavy as in the south of Bhutan. From mid-May to the end of September, the weather is warm. In winter, the temperature falls below zero and winter lovers would find this the best time to visit Bhutan! Spring and autumn are very pleasant with warm days and cool nights.

The summer rains are not as heavy as in the south of Bhutan. From mid-May to the end of September, the weather is warm. In winter, the temperature falls below zero and winter lovers would find this the best time to visit Bhutan! Spring and autumn are very pleasant with warm days and cool nights.

If you are a trekking enthusiast you can plan a climb to the cliff-perched Tiger’s Nest Monastery near Paro and if birds make you happy, don’t miss out on the rare black-necked cranes that migrate from Tibet. Trekking beneath the Himalayan peaks, taking a stroll along the hillsides, gazing through the massive landscapes; Bhutan Holiday packages can be filled with complete excitement.

On your Bhutan Package, make enough time to take a high-altitude trekking trail and witness the astounding flora and fauna of the region. You will be dazzled and inspired by the forests and the endless efforts of the state to flourish the vegetation. The country today stands at above 70% forestation, which offers a great wildlife experience, comprising a rich bird life as well. There’s much more to this Himalayan abode. If you are planning to get a Bhutan Tour Package, get in touch with us and we will make your Bhutan Holiday experience worthwhile.

Bhutan qualifies as your next holiday destination on all possible parameters. Find out the exciting Bhutan tour packages with HolidayMonk and explore the best of Bhutan tourism!