Notes

Official Alert: A Country Where Happiness Is More Important Than Wealth!
Bhutan suddenly shot to fame with the famous speech by their Prime Minister claiming that Bhutan is not only Carbon neutral, but Carbon negative. A time when our dear planet has sunk itself in tonnes of pollution, Bhutan generally is a breath of oxygen! Stunning Dzongs, monasteries and buildings that look right out of a film set... Bhutan is an impressive Kingdom. So without further ado let us spill beans about the country which measures its progress by Gross National Happiness (GNH) index... reallly!

THE PLACES

THIMPU - Only capital city on earth without any traffic signals!

Wow!! And trust us this is simply not the only reason Thimpu is interesting. Actually despite this fact it is fairly easy to travel and get around this pretty and petite capital of Bhutan. Thimpu gives you ample opportunities to soak in the culture of the beautiful country and the locals listed below are super friendly and approachable. Thimphu offers myriad attractions to visitor- there is National Folk Heritage Museum, National library, Zorig Chusum School of Traditional Arts for many who want to understand the annals and rich culture of this place. A stroll around Norzin lam which is just like a City Centre can be something you mustn't miss while here. Thimphu offers an excellent local shopping experience at the famous Crafts market. Thinking souvenirs?

Where to Stay:

Thimphu being the administrative centre city of Bhutan has a lot of choice to stay on your visit to Bhutan. All sorts of hotel can be acquired from luxury to budget. Our recommendations based on every budget are the following:

Amankora by Amankora Groups (5 star)
Taj Tashi by Tata and Tashi Group (5 Star)
Druk Hotel (4 Star)
Hotel Norbuling (3 Star)
Hotel Dorji Elements

PARO... In which a monastery hangs on a cliff!

And you must have definitely seen the images of the famous landmark to create Taktsang Monastery generally known as Tiger's Nest Monastery! In addition to the Monastery, Paro is a stunning valley in its right for the nature lovers. Enjoy the ancient air here at Drukgyel Dzong, a fortress that has stood the tests of time. Old, dilapidated but not forgotten! Paro also boasts of a National Museum that exhibits rare artefacts and photographs. The only real AIRPORT TERMINAL in Bhutan can be located here thereby rendering it an important city in addition to a host to heavy tourist activity.

Where to Stay:

Just like the Capital City, Paro offers its guests a varied selection of stay options beginning from luxurious five stars to more pocket friendly resorts. Our picks are:

Uma Resort by Como Group (5 Star)
Amankora by Amankora Group (5 Star)
Heaven Resort (4 Star)
Tashi Namgay Resort (3 Star)
Hotel Metta Resort and Spa (3 Star)

TRONGSA... movie set of a place!

Trongsa is very popular with visitors in Bhutan and there's big reason to be. This place is dotted by many fortresses from older times however they are in an excellent shape. Actually Trongsa appears like a film set for those Shaolin and Kung Fu movies! These colourful fortresses and palaces nestled amidst misty mountain sides create a mystical atmosphere around Trongsa. Trongsa was once the seat of power over central and eastern regions. Both the first and second kings of Bhutan ruled the united states out of this ancient seat and it is customary for the crown prince to serve as the Trongsa Penlop ("governor") prior to ascending the throne.This place also offers a number of guesthouses, restaurants and hotels owing to healthy influx of tourists. Probably the most spectacular tourist sites here include Trongsa Dzong, Ta Dzong, Ch�khor Raptse Dzong, Thruepang Palace, Kuenga Rabten Palace and Chendebji Chorten.

W here to Stay:

Most popular places to remain at are:
Puenzi Guest House (3 Star)
Tashi Ninjay Guest House (3 Star)
Yangkhol Resoort (3 Star)
Chendebji Resort

WANGDUE PHODRANG... spectacular wildlife and the biggest Bhutanese Monastery

Sitting at a height of over 1300 meters (4265 ft), this picturesque district is home to the biggest Monastery of Bhutan- Gangtey Gompa. As a result of height, Wangdue enjoys a perfect weather all through the entire year. It is also part of Black Mountain Conservation Area due to its rich nature. For those who prefer to observe wildlife, Wangdue Phodrang should be along with the bucket list. Red fox, Sambar, Himalayan Black Deer, barking deer are a number of the illustrious species found in these forest areas!

The other attractive place to offer spectacular scenic beauty to visitors here is Phobjikha Valley which is 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Wangdiphodrang. Additionally it is simply referred as Gangtey. This valley may be the habitat of rare and endangered Black Necked Cranes that roost there throughout their annual migrations. This valley also has interesting Home-stay options for tourists that entails coping with a family to see and learn about the way of life of residents including overnight stay static in the households, local food and drinks, interaction with family members and participation in daily household chores such as cooking, milking of cow, making butter, cheese, feed livestock etc. Depending on season, visitors may also have the opportunity to take part in gardening and farm activities including crop plantation, harvesting etc. For most of the foreign urban visitors, this experience provides a glimpse of the ancestral life-style - life that's hard work, without stress and sustainable.

Where to Stay:

Twenty homestays offer accommodation facility with each homestay getting the capacity of two rooms for four persons. The households are equipped with the essential modern sanitation and bedroom facilities. Aside from this, you can find normal hotels available too:

Amankora (5 star)
Hotel Dewachen
Gangtey Goenpa Lodge
Wangchuk Lodge

BUMTHANG

At dizzying heights ranging from 8530 ft to 14765 ft, Bum Thang is really a trekkers' paradise. Oh, and there's more to see around for those who are not much into walking and hiking. This magnificent place has its share of a few of the oldest temples and monasteries in Bhutan. Bumthang includes four main valleys Ura, Chumey, Tang and Choekhor. Choekho. Bumthang is one of the most richly endowed districts in terms of historical and spiritual legacy. Famous burning lake is also located here. Scenic Ura valley is just about 48 kilometers(30 miles) from here and worth a visit to take a look at the village and countryside lifestyle and culture of Bhutan.

Where to Stay:

A few of the places in which to stay Bumthang are:

Amankora (5 Star)
Jakar Vollage Lodge (4 Star)
Hotel Peling Hotel Ugyenling (3 Star)
Jakar View Guest House (3 Star)

PUNAKHA... former Capital and cradle to Red Rice!

Punakha served as the capital of the united states from 1637 to 1907 and the initial national assembly was hosted within 1953. Since it may be the former Capital, it really is but obvious that Punakha holds the spectacular Punakha Dzong (fortress and former power seat) whose location is on the equally mesmerising confluence of two rivers- Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu. Punakha also boasts of breathtaking trekking routes and rich wildlife on the way. You will find a unique suspension bridge which makes for a good spot and various Dzongs or fortresses owing to the history of Punakha.

Where to Stay:

Amankora (5 Star)
Uma Resort (5 Star)
Meri Phuensum( 3 Star)
Damchen Resort

RUSH OF ADRENALINE... and some more!

In the end that sightseeing, it is time to pump up the adrenaline with some great adventure activities Bhutan affords owing to its unique location, geography, climate and topography. Cycling is a superb way of exploring Bhutan on its most stunning and rustic routes. However, remember that the hilly terrain can pose its difficulties on the climbs so be sure you are toned to endure them.

rush you can experience here in Bhutan is one of the rapids of its many rivers where white water rafting may bring in the sheer joy of rising and falling with swell! Kayaking is also a popular adventure that many enthusiasts enjoy. For more hardcore visitors having an appetite for bigger challenges and thrill, rock climbing round the rugged mountainous terrain of Bhutan is something of a must try. Some of our softie team members are more content with fishing so when they put it- great way to pass sometime whilst getting a great catch for supper. Well I am not complaining, after all a hearty meal is what I'd need after that rafting followed by climbing!

For wild life enthusiasts, Bhutan is like a treasure trough that earns rich and exotic amalgamation of animal life and ample bird watching opportunities! And this you can match exploring less popular countryside of Bhutan on its amazing trekking trails, that take anything from the few hours to a relatively good days to cover!

VIBRANT FESTIVALS

Bhutan is nothing significantly less than an artist's canvas using its vivid colours and absolutely vibrant culture. This is the reason witnessing their festivals is something you mustn't miss. These fests also present the best of opportunities to mingle with locals and observe their Buddhism influenced culture close up. Though Bhutanese calendar is full of events, you can find two festivals that we have specifically picked:

Jomolahari Mountain Festival: This festival takes place at the base camp of Mt. Jomolhari and thus the name. The function showcases exhibitions, local cuisines, stirring performances by local communities and culture and traditions of the Dragon Kingdom.

Tshechu: Speciality of Tshechus is they take place throughout the year in different regions of Bhutan and so you have strong chances of addressing see one! Oh wait... I forgot to tell what exactly they're. Tshechus are religious festivals that are celebrated with dance, music, fervour and faith. Mongar Tshechu may be the most famous of all and is celebrated in Early November. However, local communities celebrate version of the festival throughout the year locally. If you are interested in seeing one, check with your guide or tour agency beforehand to include one in your itinerary.

Where to Stay:

Usually one can stay at the nearest city or town where the festival is taking place. However, visitors can be provided tents along with other necessary equipment for establishing camps by the tour operators at the festival site itself.

SPIRITUALITY... Discover the way to your soul

Have you ever observed how calming the current presence of a statue of Buddha usually is? Now imagine likely to a country that follows in his footsteps in its true spirit! When in Bhutan, phoning your inner self is something you need to look forward to. There are various meditation and wellness centres across this Himalayan Kingdom. The very views of snow capped peaks emerging from velvety lush become enablers towards the road of spiritual wellness. These centres have techniques based on concepts of peace, harmony and meditation.

Famous Wellness centres:

Como Shambhala Retreat at Uma Paro is really a centre for peace, harmony and happiness
Terma Linca Resort, Thimphu
Ngoba Wellness Centre, Paro
The Mindfulness Yoga & Meditationn, Ziwaling Resort, Paro

HOT SPRING TRAILS

Bhutan also has many hot spring trails around the country and probably the most famous of them are in Gasa by the banks of River Mo Chhu.. Locals believe that hot springs relieve them of many physical ailments. However, remember that the locals consider them holy and attach sentimental value to these hot springs. Apart from Gasa, other notable and famous springs are:

. Chubu Tshachu that is located alongside the banks of the Pho Chu River and is located inside a day's journey from Punakha town

. Dur Tshachu is situated in Bumthang Dzongkhag in Central Bhutan, Dur Tshachu is well-known for its medicinal value and is well known for curing body aches. It is located in the village of Dur

. Duenmang Tshachu is situated alongside the banks of Mangde Chu River, Duenmang Tshachu is fairly popular between the Khengpa population who visit it regularly.

. Gelephu Tshachu in Southern Bhutan is really a hot spring mainly frequented by the neighborhood residents. In winter, folks from all around the Bhutan journey come here to cure themselves of diseases.

HOW CAN I FORGET FOOD!

First and foremost, this is one country where red rice and Buckwheat are grown in abundance so make sure you taste the food made out of these ingredients because they're rare elsewhere. Also, Bhutanese love their spice and chillies if you are little allergic to them then let your servers and hosts know!

So let us focus on their National dish- Ema Datshi which is essentially gravy of Chillies and Cheese with variations where veggies may also be added. Another delicacy of spicy minced Chicken served on rice called Jasha Maru is high on must-try food list here. Another Pork dish that's famous here isPhaksha paa which has pork simmered in stew with Raddish, Ginger and Chinese greens (Bok choy) garnished with dry pork in the end. Momos- dumplings stuffed with pork, beef or cabbage. Now to down everything, you can test their local beverages that range from tea to beer. And do try their local version of Beer/ Sake which is called Ara.
Highly recommended Places to eat in Thimphu: The Bhutanese, Bhutan Kitchen, Tandin, Ama, Yangkhil, and the restaurant of the National Folk Heritage Museum.

Which means this is Bhutan for you, a country where development means smiles on people's faces and breathing means consuming the cleanest air on earth! This the main world is beautifully untouched and unexplored.

We are able to only say when you visit Bhutan, be mindful that you will be genuinely in another of the cleanest countries on the planet also it should stay exactly the same!

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