Most of us are aware that it is the only country in the world to measure its productivity in terms of Gross National Income (GNI), but there are other aspects that make this country truly singular. It has a carbon negative footprint, has fought no wars and is the world’s youngest monarch. While most of the world has sunk into material hedonism and promotes unsustainable lifestyles, Bhutan holds a beacon and shows us the way to lead a more empathetic, sustainable and fulfilling life. This unconventional thinking is reflected in its architecture, its cuisine, its people and its landscape. You’ll know what we mean when you check out this list of places and things to look out for in your next holiday in Bhutan.
Paro: It is home to the country’s only airport and derives its name from the Paro River that gurgles its way from the snowy Himalayan Mountains. Tiger’s Nest or Paro Taktsang is the most famous landmark in all of Bhutan. It is a cliff-side temple complex built in the 16th century by Guru Padmasambhava though it existed as a cave for meditation much earlier (the cave is still found deep under the temple complex).The trek to Tiger’s nest is scenic as well as arduous; it involves climbing uneven terrain and hundreds of rough rock-hewn steps. It is the dense pine and rhododendron covered hills provide ample oxygen and inspiration to keep going.
Kichu Lhakhang is another picturesque temple built by Emperor Songstan in the 7th century and is believed to hold several treasures. There is an orange tree in the central courtyard that is fruit laden throughout the year.
Rinpung Dzong (temple complexes built in typical Bhutanese architecture which serves as administrative, residential and religious units for the monks ) is an impressive fortress-like structure built on the banks of the Paro river. The inner walls of the dzhong are decorated with colorful and detailed images from Bhutanese/Buddhist mythology. At certain times of the day, the sound of Buddhist chants accompanied by the music of local instruments can be heard and it is a mesmerizing experience.
The National Museum provides a glimpse into the cultural, ethnic, geographical, botanical and zoological diversity of Bhutan. The dance forms, costumes, and their significance are explained through videos and displays.
Chele la Pass at an altitude of 13000 feet provides stunning views of the sacred Jomolhari and Jichu Drake mountains. While at Chele La taste the salty Yak milk tea and other local delicacies sold by villagers from the neighboring Han valley.
Thimpu: It is the administrative capital and home to the King of Bhutan. The people of Bhutan hold the royal family in great esteem and visitors are expected to show the same respect.
The rose plants with gigantic pale pink flowers one finds everywhere lining the roads are a treat for the eyes. The Buddha Dordenma, a gigantic golden statue of the Lord Buddha, built to celebrate the 60th anniversary of King Jigme Singye Wangchuk, is also found here. The golden Buddha can be seen from all over Thimpu and appears to be benevolently watching over the entire city.
Tango Monastery is reached after a lovely hike through forests thick with pine, wildflower and rhododendron. The path is peppered with Buddhist spiritual quotes to keep one contemplating through the hour-long trek.
Tashichho Dzong houses the throne room and offices of the King and looks beautiful at night when it is lit up. The Takin, is the national animal of Bhutan and appears to be a cross between a goat and antelope and can be seen at the Takin reserve which is a short distance from Thimpu.
The National Heritage Museum is a quaint little site that exposes you to the traditional Bhutanese way of life. A lunch buffet with Bhutanese delicacies can be had at the museum and home-brewed wheat wine can be bought for 100 Ngultrum (Bhutanese currency). The King’s Palace, however, is out of bounds to the public.
Punakha: This town serves as the summer capital and is home to the most beautiful dzong in the whole of Bhutan. The multi-storied Punakha Dzong, built on the banks of the Punakha River, is breathtakingly intricate in detail and elaborate in plan. The moat on the way to the entrance, with the Punakha River flowing below, lends the perfect backdrop for photography.
The Chimi Lakhang monastery on the outskirts of Punakha, is dedicated to “the divine madman” a legendary figure who saved the local inhabitants from a demon. Bhutanese come here after the birth of their children to pray for their good health and well-being.
Dochu La pass is another tourist attraction, primarily noteworthy for its 108 memorial stupas or chortens as they are known locally. In winter, a sheet of snow blankets the place, keeping it much cooler than its surroundings at all times of the year and offers great views of the valley and hills. The colourful prayer flags fluttering in misty breezes, amidst the numerous stupas give a feeling of spiritual sanguinity, a constant feeling that echoes through this blessed land.
While in Bhutan:
Eat : Yak cheese, wriggly head ferns, Emma Datse (a beautiful combination of chili and cheese) and its variations
Drink: Yak tea, local peach and wheat wine
Buy: Thangka paintings, beaded jewellery, hand woven scarves and dried cordyceps (a fungus that offers a host of health benefits including potent anti-ageing properties)
Admire: the quaint lifestyle and the pure tranquility
Try: The hot stone massage in Paro. Unlike the Balinese hot stone massage, this involves dunking heated stones into wooden tubs filled with water. It would be a good idea to try this after the Tiger nest trek to relieve aching muscles. Foot reflexology in Hotel Norbuling Thimpu are also highly recommended
Be adventurous: Indulge in a game of archery which happens to be the national sport and if in season try Matsutake mushroom hunting. Matsutake mushrooms are one of the most expensive in the world and sell for hundreds of dollars a kilogram.