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 why don't we 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 not the only reason Thimpu is interesting. In fact inspite of this fact it is fairly easy to travel and get for this pretty and petite capital of Bhutan. Thimpu offers you ample opportunities to soak in the culture of the beautiful country and the locals here 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 individuals who want to understand the annals and rich culture of this place. A stroll around Norzin lam that is like a City Centre is also something you mustn't miss while here. Thimphu also 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 plenty of choice to stay on your visit to Bhutan. Every type 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 own right for the nature lovers. Revel in the ancient air 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 International Airport in Bhutan can be located here thereby rendering it an important city in addition to a place of heavy tourist activity.

Where to Stay:

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 group of a place!

Trongsa is very popular with visitors in Bhutan and there's big cause 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 all those Shaolin and Kung Fu movies! These colourful fortresses and palaces nestled amidst misty mountain sides develop 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 in fact it is customary for the crown prince to serve because the Trongsa Penlop ("governor") ahead of ascending the throne.This place also offers numerous 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.

Where to Stay:

Most popular places to Stay 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 largest Bhutanese Monastery

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

The other attractive spot 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. How to Use LinkedIn 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 local people including overnight stay 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 get the chance to take part in gardening and farm activities including crop plantation, harvesting etc. For some of the foreign urban visitors, this experience will provide a glimpse of the ancestral life-style - life that's hard work, devoid of stress and sustainable.

Where to Stay:

Twenty homestays offer accommodation facility with each homestay having the capacity of two rooms for four persons. The households are equipped with the basic modern sanitation and bedroom facilities. Apart from this, there are 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 a trekkers' paradise. Oh, and there is more to see around for individuals who are not much into walking and hiking. This magnificent place has its share of a number of the oldest temples and monasteries in Bhutan. Bumthang consists of four main valleys Ura, Chumey, Tang and Choekhor. Choekho. Bumthang is probably the most richly endowed districts with regards to historical and spiritual legacy. Famous burning lake can be located here. Scenic Ura valley is merely 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 is 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 along the way. There exists a unique suspension bridge making for a good spot and various Dzongs or fortresses owing to the annals 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 very nice adventure activities Bhutan affords owing to its unique location, geography, climate and topography. Cycling is a great method of exploring Bhutan on its most stunning and rustic routes. However, understand that the hilly terrain can pose its difficulties on the climbs so be sure to are physically fit to endure them.

rush you could experience here in Bhutan is amongst 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 indulge in. For more hardcore visitors with an appetite for bigger challenges and thrill, climbing around the rugged mountainous terrain of Bhutan is something of a must try. A few of our softie associates are more quite happy with fishing and as they put it- great way to pass sometime whilst getting a great catch for supper. Well I'm not complaining, in the end a hearty meal is what I'd need from then on rafting followed by climbing!

For wild life enthusiasts, Bhutan is like a treasure trough that brings in rich and exotic amalgamation of animal life and ample bird watching opportunities! Which you can combine with exploring less popular countryside of Bhutan on its amazing trekking trails, that take anything from the few hours to quite some 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 why 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 filled with events, you can find two festivals that we have specifically picked:

Jomolahari Mountain Festival: This festival takes place at the bottom camp of Mt. Jomolhari and thus the name. The event 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 that means you have strong chances of addressing see one! Oh wait... I forgot to inform what exactly they're. Tshechus are religious festivals which 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. So if you are interested in seeing one, check with your guide or tour agency beforehand to add one in your itinerary.

Where to Stay:

Usually one can stay at the nearest city or town where in fact the festival is occurring. However, visitors could be provided tents and other necessary equipment for setting up camps by the tour operators at the festival site itself.

SPIRITUALITY... Discover the path to your soul

Perhaps you have 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 get more info , getting in touch with your inner self is something you must look forward to. There are many meditation and wellness centres across this Himalayan Kingdom. The views of snow capped peaks emerging from velvety lush become enablers towards the path of spiritual wellness. These centres have techniques based upon concepts of peace, harmony and meditation.

get more info 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 the most famous of them are at Gasa by the banks of River Mo Chhu.. Locals think that hot springs relieve them of several 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 which is located alongside the banks of the Pho Chu River and is situated within a day's journey from Punakha town

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

. Duenmang Tshachu is situated alongside the banks of Mangde Chu River, Duenmang Tshachu is quite popular amongst 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 crafted from these ingredients because they are rare elsewhere. Also, Bhutanese love their spice and chillies if you are little allergic in their mind then let your servers and hosts know!

So let us start with their National dish- Ema Datshi that is essentially gravy of Chillies and Cheese with variations where veggies are also 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 it all, you can try their local beverages that range between tea to beer. And do try their local version of Beer/ Sake which is called Ara.
Highly recommended Eateries in Thimphu: The Bhutanese, Bhutan Kitchen, Tandin, Ama, Yangkhil, and the restaurant of the National Folk Heritage Museum.

So this is Bhutan for you, a country where development means smiles on people's faces and breathing means taking in the cleanest air on the planet! This portion of the world is beautifully untouched and unexplored.

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

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