Gems of Magical Bhutan

Spanning across the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan, officially called the Kingdom of Bhutan is known as a mystic land, which is still unexplored. Sandwiched between China and India, this landlocked Buddhist country, started opening-up to the world only during the 1960’s. This country surely leaves its visitors charmed through its unique and perfect amalgamation of the old and the new world. Bhutan tours are just ideal for you to explore the architectural marvels, to treat your eyes to the beautiful scenery, taste sumptuous food, partake in adventure activities, soak-in the spiritual feel, take delight in cultural extravaganza and more. One of the smallest countries in the world has a lot to offer:

Adventure:

Adventure in Bhutan  

Bhutan is slowly becoming one of the popular destinations for adventure sports. Placed amidst the mighty Himalayas, Bhutan offers ample opportunity to adventure enthusiasts to partake in a number exciting activities. The list of adventure activities that you can try your hands at includes Fishing, Trekking, Cycling, Kayaking, Hiking, Rafting, Rock Climbing and Mountain Biking. The lush forests, crystal clear rivers, high rugged mountains, all become the venues to indulge in adventure activities.

Spirituality and Wellness:

Spirituality and Wellness in Bhutan

If you are one of those who is looking for some peace, away from any hustle-bustle, Bhutan is the place to be. The serene and pristine environment is just the ideal setting to soak-in the spiritual air that is flowing all around. You can opt for a calm and relaxing meditation session to rejuvenate your tired mind, body and soul. There are a number of meditation centers all around the country, offering you the right kind of environment where you can meditate. Amazing Bhutan weather is great for some yoga and wellness sessions. The rich flora of Bhutan is used in a number of medicines for curing various kinds of ailments. You can opt from a list of therapies such as Hot Spring Therapy, Chubu Tshachu, Dur Tshachu, Duenmang Tshachu, Gasa Tshachu and Gelephu Tshachu.
                                            [ Read more about  Spirituality and Wellness in Bhutan ]

Tourist Attractions:

Punakha-Dzong,  Bhutan

Lovingly given many names ‘the Land between Heaven and Earth’, ‘Shangri La’ and ‘the Fairyland Kingdom’, Bhutan is home to a number of  tourist attractions, surely enough to leave you mesmerized. It has historical dzongs, museums, valleys, temples, monasteries and much more. The natural beauty of Bhutan in itself is the prime charmer. Visiting Bhutan’s capital and the largest city, Thimpu is a must. explore attractions like Tashichho Dzong, Buddha Dordenma Statue, National Memorial Chorten and shop for jewelry, masks, carpets and more. Drukgyel Dzong, Jangsarbu Lhakhang, National Museum of Bhutan, Rinpung Dzong and Kichu Lhakhang are the major attractions in the historic town of Paro. From Paro’s local markets, do not forget to buy traditional Tibetan coins, antique silverware and weaving products. The other must-visit places include Trongsa, Bumthang and Phobjika. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, partake in wildlife safaris at Satkeng Wildlife Sanctuary and Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park. Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan is its prime attraction.

Colorful Fairs and Festivals of Bhutan:

Fairs and Festivals of Bhutan

There are a number of colorful fairs and festivals, which are celebrated in Bhutan, according to the lunar calendar. Monasteries and Dzongs, sprinkle all around the country becomes the venues for these celebrations all round the year. Religious mask dances by monks in the monasteries and by village at the other places are the major attractions for the visitors and the on-lookers. The local people meet each other and seek the blessings of the religious head. Mongar Tsechu, Nimalung Festival, Nomad Festival, Paro Tshechu, Pema Gatshel Tshechu, Punakha Tshechu and Drubchen, Sakteng Festival, Takin Festival, Thimphu Tshechu, Trongsa Tshechu, Ura Yakchoe, Wangduephodrang Tshechu, Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival, Trashigang Tshechu, The Black-necked Crane Festival, Chorten Kora Festival, Haa Summer Festival are some of the major festivals.
 
Culture:

Bhutan Culture

Bhutan is known for its strong identity and the influence of Buddhism on its culture. Spirituality, monasteries, prayer wheels and prayers flags are important parts of the intricate Bhutanese culture. The people of Bhutan follow a traditional lifestyle and their main occupation is agriculture. The traditional clothes of men and women in Bhutan are generally hand-woven while the machine clothes are for daily use. As far as the food is concerned, chilies are an important part of Bhutanese cuisine. People here are fond of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies. Ema Datshi, Phaksha Paa, Momos, Red Rice, Khur Le, Jasha Maru and Goep are some of the popular dishes.
 
Flora & Fauna:

Flora in Bhutan

Fauna in Bhutan

Bhutan boasts of rich flora and fauna, which is largely conserved by the government and the locals. Over 60 percent plant species, over 300 medicinal plants and around 46 Rhododendrons species are found here. Some of the animals that you pay spot during wildlife safari here include Wild pigs, snow leopards, gray langurs, leopards, Gorals, One horned Rhinoceros, Golden langurs, Himalayan Black Bear, Gorals, Sambars, along with a number of others. During you tour to Bhutan, treat your eyes to the beautiful flower collection including the National Flower Blue Poppies, Genetian, Magnolias, Orchids, Junipers, Oak trees, Pine, Daphne etc.

Arts & Crafts:

Arts & Crafts in Bhutan

13 traditional art and crafts of Bhutan are its jewels and are a part of its heritage. Paintings, weaving, textiles, cane and bamboo products, other wooden items, wooden stone and slate carvings bronze items, Bootmaking, Thangkas, appliqué art are all a part of art and craft of Bhutan. Some of the major textiles of Bhutan include Dungsam Kamtham, Bura textiles, Yathra and Bumthap Mathra, Kushithara, Adang Mathra, Adang Rachu and Adang Khamar. Tsha-Zo, Shag-Zo, Lha-Zo, Shing-Zo, Do-Zo, Par-Zo, Jim-Zo, Lug-Zo, Tshem-Zo, Gar-Zo and E-Zo are some of Bhutan’s art and crafts techniques.
 
Bird Watching:


With being home to more than 670 avifauna species, Bhutan can rightly be termed as Haven for Bird Watching enthusiasts. Bhutan is known as one of the top 10 biodiversity hotspots in the world and during winters, around 50 migratory birds can be found here. During bird watching, you can spot beautiful colorful birds like Pallid Harrier, Satyr Tragopan, Blackish breasted Blabber, Woodsnipe, Black necked Crane, Grey bellied Tragopan, Bee eater, Blyth’s Kingfisher, Beautiful Nuthatch. Popular sanctuaries for bird watching include Wangchuk Wildlife Sanctuary, Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park, Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, Torsa Strict Nature Reserve, Trumshingla National Park and Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary.
 
                  [Plan your Holiday With these   Bhutan Tour Packages ]

Written by Geetika Handa