Destinations in Bhutan:
The Kingdom of Bhutan, or the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is in the eastern Himalayas. Magnificent mountains, lush fields, thick forests, traditional lifestyle and a serene atmosphere are attractions of Bhutan. Bhutan and its people have largely lived a life of isolation from the rest of the world. Western values have little or no impact. The Bhutanese have succeeded in maintaining their cultural and spiritual heritage and belief that they live in the last Shangri-La by strictly limiting the number of tourists to the Kingdom to a maximum of 5000 a year. The country is dotted with monasteries, which are repositories of Buddhist texts, impressive images and exquisite scroll paintings. Almost three quarters of Bhutan are covered by forests and is rich in bio diversity. Tourists from different part of the world make a combined tours in Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. Hence Tibet tours from Nepal can be considered an integrated part of Nepal Tourism. Please find the description of important destinations in Bhutan.
Thimpu is the capital city Bhutan lies at 7600 ft. The Tashichhodzong is the center of administration and also summer residence of the monastic order. The annual Thimpu festival (Tsechu) is held in its courtyard. Thimpu city is small but a lively city.
Places of Interest: SAARC Secretariat which houses the National assembly, The Handicraft Emporium, and the Memorial Chorten which is dedicated to the Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk
Paro: Paro valley is one of the largest and fertile valley in Bhutan. It has only one airport in Bhutan. It is linked with Kathmandu, Delhi, Kolkata, and Bangkok.
Places of interest: The Rinpung Dzong which has National Museum, ruins of Drugyel Dzong, Taksang Monastery which is popularly known as Tiger's Nest. This monastery is built on a sheer rock face. According to legend the Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) flew to this place on the back of a tigress.
Phuntsoling: is the gateway of Bhutan from West Bengal, India. It is a small town at the foothills of the mountains that lead into the interiors. Phuntsoling is the center of business and industries in Bhutan. Phuntsoling has good surface links with Shilguri, Sikkim, Darjeeling, and Kakarbhitta in Nepal. Hence it is an entry point for those who want to go Bhutan via Darjeeling, Sikkim, or Kakarbhitta.
Wandue Phodrang: is a last town on the highway before entering Central Bhutan. The town is little more than a village with a few well provided shops and hotels. Wangdue Phodrang Dzong is the land mark of the town. In this district lies Phobjikha valley. It is a winter roosting ground for the endangered Black Necked Crane. Other places of interest includes the 17 the century Gangtey Gompa.
Punakha: valley is reached via Dochula Pass (10,500 ft). The pass is the best point to view a panorama of black mountain range. Its center of attraction is Punakha Dzong which is between two rivers. It is also a winter home for Monk body. Another places of interest includes Chime Lakhang or the temple of fertility.
Trongsa: is at four drive from Wangdue Phodrang. It is also an ancestral home of present royal family . Trongsa Dzong is the land mark of Trongsa. The dzong has many temples.
Bumthang: is accessed through Yotongla pass (11,500 ft). This is on of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. This is also an important religious center and pilgrims in Bhutan. Places of interest includes Dzong at Jakar, smaller monasteries are scattered all over the valley. Tales of Padmasambhava dominate these holy shrines. The valley is home to the Jambay and Kujey Lhakhangs where body imprints of Guru Rimpoche remains preserved upon a rock.
