Bhutan is a country roaring in the honor of its ancient culture, traditions, intact cultural monuments and unharmed environment. Bhutan is renowned as the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Bhutan blesses you with a calm environment away from the hustle and bustle of other major cities around the world. Imagine a place where red hot chili is not used as a seasoning but as the main element of the food, where people still believe and follow the traditions passed to them from the 7th or 8th century, where a king abdicated for the sake of his people, and where happiness is valued more than economy. The place where your imagination comes true is Bhutan. The Last Shangri-La, as it is said, has its magical potion to leave anyone speechless and spellbound. Here are some things you shouldn’t miss while you’re in Bhutan:
1. Hike up to Tiger’s Nest
The popularity of Tiger’s Nest, aka Paro Taktsang, can be defined as when you search for Bhutan on Google, the first picture you see is of this amazing monastery clinging to the side of a cliff. It hangs on a cliff 900 m above the Paro Valley. It takes about 3 to 5 hours to complete the hike. This is also a good way to test your stamina and challenge yourself. The view you get after reaching the top is the best reward for your hard work. It is just a 20-minute drive from Paro.
2. Visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue
Standing 51 m tall, this statue of Buddha can be seen from almost every part of Thimphu. Around this huge statue of Buddha, there are 125,000 small Buddha statues. It regally sits on the top of a hill above. It symbolizes Buddhism as the dominant religion of Bhutan. You can see people praying around the statue. Visiting in the early morning rewards you with a photogenic view of this statue.
3. Visit Chimi Lhakhang temple
Also called the Temple of Fertility, this temple is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, aka ‘Divine Madman.’ It lies at the confluence of Thimphu, Punakha, and Wangdue Phodrang. Here, childless couples visit in the hope of begetting a child. They are blessed with a wooden phallus. On the way to this temple, there are paddy fields, which make the trip to this temple more beautiful.
4. Spot Takin at Motithang Takin Preserve
The national animal of Bhutan is an odd-looking species of goat that resembles the beast from ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ It seems as if someone joined the body of a cow with the head of a goat. Legends also have a similar story about it. Previously, in a zoo, animals were freed as Bhutan was against their confinement. But Takin refused to leave the immediate area, which is why it was made a preserve. Except for Takin, a few sambars and barking deer are also seen here.
5. Admire sacred relics at Punakha Dzong
Lying royally at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu in the old capital, this dzong is one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. There are great collections of ancient paintings, shrines, and statues with an amazing view of the Dzong with a clear sky backdrop. This religious and historical fortress looks lovelier when purple Jacaranda blooms around it.
6. Archery – National sport of Bhutan
The national sport of Bhutan, archery, has been gaining more popularity both inside and outside the country. It is believed that archery helps in socialization among people, while the archers have more concentration for sound mental health. Archery tournaments are widely organized at all levels, mostly during holidays and festivals (tshechu). Try your concentration power and also get a chance to interact with the locals.
7. Honor Bhutanese soldiers at Dochu La Pass
This pass lies on the way from Thimphu to Punakha and gives a 360-degree panoramic view of the majestic mountains on a clear day. There are 108 memorial chortens in honor of Bhutanese soldiers who were killed in the 2003 battle. It is called Druk Wangyal Chortens, which is located at the top of this pass. A small temple opposite the chortens, called Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, has paintings on the wall explaining Bhutan as a place where ancient traditions meet modern technology.
8. Suspension bridge over Pho Chhu river
This is one of the oldest suspension bridges in Bhutan. As Punakha Dzong lies at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and the Pho Chhu, this bridge is the only way to reach there. It can give you a mini heart attack when it swings a bit more due to the wind by the flowing river. You’ll be thrilled while crossing this bridge with it’s beauty, as it is draped by prayer flags and it’s sure that you’ll get an awesome picture for your Instagram.
9. Indulge in the local cuisine
Ema Datshi is a finger-licking combo of cheese, meat and red chilies that will leave you in a sweat. Tibetan dumplings or popularly called momo, is also a must-try cuisine. You can add a separate charm to the dish with the locally prepared alcoholic beverage Ara. For those who are not choosing alcohol, try butter tea. Restaurants in Bhutan also serve Indian, Chinese, and Continental food. The Bhutanese cuisine is more fun to be eaten at a local’s home than in a restaurant.
10. Farmhouse dinner and hot stone bath
What’s greater than living a life in a Bhutanese lifestyle? A farmhouse dinner takes you closer to Bhutanese culture and hospitality. The hot stone bath is the best way to relax and let go of all your stress. The water can be taken to any temperature by adding the hot stones or by adding cold water. A hot stone bath is a demanding activity for your body, while a farmhouse dinner is a compliment to your taste buds.
11. Celebrate with festivities
Bhutan is also called the Country of Dancing Monks. Bhutan loves to celebrate festivals. It has annual tshechus at different Lhakhangs and Dzongs. The peaceful towns become vibrant with the excitement of tshechu. The monks from different monasteries gather at one place and perform. Some dzongs are opened only during these festivals. Still, you cannot take pictures inside the dzongs.
12. National Museum
The sole purpose of the national museum is to exhibit the valuable paintings, shrines, and statues of the country that show the history of Bhutan. From ancient paintings to modern thangkas, this museum has more than 3000 masterpieces. The best place to study the history of Bhutan is along with the flora and fauna. The museum also displays traditional costumes, armour, and things used in the daily life of the Bhutanese people. It provides an insight into Bhutan.
