The ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’ – Bhutan nestles in the mountainous regions of the Eastern Himalayas and is one of the cleanest countries in the South Asian territory. A remote kingdom that still clings to its Buddhist culture but embraces modernisation, Bhutan is a land with monasteries, traditional architecture, beautiful valleys, snow-clad mountain views and lush greenery. The country also offers adventure activities such as trekking, hiking, rafting and even archery competitions for those who enjoy them.

The best time to visit Bhutan is during the spring time i.e. from March to May when the weather is pleasant and the valleys become lush green with flowers blooming all over. This is the best time to visit Bhutan for sightseeing and other outdoor activities. October to November is also an ideal time to plan a visit to Bhutan as the days are sunny and you can even find snow at higher elevations. Hence, the best seasons to visit Bhutan are autumn and spring when the temperature is balanced and the skies are clear.

Meals mostly vegetarian, but non-vegetarian meals are also available. The most popular dishes are Datshi (Cow’s milk cheese) Be ready to savour some Ema Dhatsi (chillies and cheese), Kewa Datshi (potatoes and cheese) and Shawa Datshi (mushroom and cheese)

Other dishes include Tshoem (a spicy curry made with beef and mushrooms), Eue chum (Bhutanese red rice), Sha Kam (Dried beef), Hoentoe (Buckwheat dumplings), Jasha Maru (Spicy minced chicken), Goep (Tripe), Ara (alcohol made from fermented rice) and Chang (Local beer). Ema (Chillies) is a popular ingredient in the traditional Bhutanese Dishes.

One can find small stores in the hotels selling local handicrafts and souvenirs such as textile items, jewelry, herbs, and magnets. One of the most visited places for shopping is the base of Tiger’s Nest Monastery trek.

Most people prefer to buy from the Government emporiums, as there is the assurance of authenticity and fair price. National Handicraft Emporium in Thimphu is one of the best places for shopping. Bhutan specializes in thirteen different forms of art and craft categories which they call Zorig Chusum. One should definitely consider buying thangkas, hand-woven textiles, handmade wooden bowls called dappas, Dzi beads, masks and other local handicraft items as souvenirs.

Dzongkha, meaning the language of the fort, is the national language of Bhutan. Dzongkha, widely spoken in the western region became the state language in 1971. Bhutan is a multilingual society. There are 19 different languages and dialects spoken throughout the country. Besides Dzongkha there are three other dominant languages – Tshanglakha also known as Sharchokpa, spoken in eastern Bhutan, Lhotshamkha also known as Nepali, spoken in the southern region and Bumthangkha, spoken in central Bhutan. English is widely spoken as it is the medium of instruction in schools. Hindi, the Indian language is also widely spoken and understood by most Bhutanese because of the Bollywood (Indian cinema) influence.

1. PARO

Paro is a small town situated in the Paro Valley of Bhutan. It is one of the most fertile as well as historic valley of Bhutan which is the widest in the Kingdom. It is home to 155 temples and monasteries dating back to the 14th century and also Bhutan’s sole international airport.

With mesmerising landscape, Paro is dotted with traditionally built houses as well as paddy fields. One of the iconic monasteries of Bhutan- the Tiger’s nest or the Taktsang, is situated over a cliff in Paro. Apart from this, Paro has numerous sites that are worth visiting, from Monasteries to Museums like the Rinpung Dzong, National Museum of Bhutan and the Paro weekend Market for the Shopaholics. Paro is famed for its one of the popular festivals, called the Paro Tsechu, which occurs during the month of April.

Places to visit in Paro: Tiger’s Nest Monastery, or Paro Taktsang, Rinpung Dzong, also known as the Paro Dzong, Chele La Pass, National Museum of Bhutan, Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge, Drukgyel Dzong, Dumtse Lhakhang, Druk Choeding Monastery, Kyichu Lhakhang Monastery, Paro Weekend Market, Paro Chhu River, Archery Ground

2. THIMPHU

Sprawled over a valley in western central Bhutan, the capital city of Thimphu is famous for its numerous Buddhist sites, mountainous Himalayan landscape, rich culture, and pious locales. In Thimpu, you can explore blue alpine forests and peaceful lakes up to Jili Dzong via Druk Path Trek, admire cave murals at the 800-year old Changangkha Lhakhang Temple, and buy kukri knives and traditional garments at Weekend Handicrafts Market.

Thimphu is the stronghold of Bhutanese art, history and architecture. Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu’s most massive monastery, government palace and fortress, is blessed with ancient Ta-dzong architecture and gold-leaf roofs. National Memorial Chorten, devoted to World Peace, is a whitewashed monument with a gold spire. Another masterpiece is Thimphu’s 51-metre-tall gold-plated Buddha Dordenma statue. Thimphu’s other important attractions include Gangtey Monastery, National Bhutan Library, Royal Botanical Garden, Simtokha Dzong, and National Folk Heritage Museum.

Places to visit in Thimphu: 51 metres tall gold-plated statue of Buddha Dordenma, Tashichho Dzong Fortress, Changangkha Lhakhang Temple, Memorial Chorten, Weekend Market, Folk Heritage Museum, Simtokha Dzong, Tango Monastery, Cheri Gompa, Dechen Phodrang, also known as Palace of great bliss, Phajoding Monastery

3. PUNAKHA

Punakha is one of the 20 districts (dzongkhags) of Bhutan bordered by the Gasa, Wangdue Phodrang and Thimphu districts. Located at the height of 1200m above sea level, Punakha offers a mesmerising view of the Himalayas.

It is also fertile as the two rivers – Po Chhu and Mo Chhu converge here in the Punakha Valley making it an excellent terrain for rice cultivation. Located at a proximal distance from Thimphu around 72kms, Punakha can be reached within 3 hours. It is usually warmer in Punakha as compared to Thimphu or Paro, making it an ideal destination any time of the year. Home to plenty of slopes, the valley is an excellent place for mountain biking and trekking. Apart from this, Bhutan’s most popular adventure sport- river rafting is carried out in the Po Chhu River.

Places to visit in Punakha: Punakha Dzong, Punakha Suspension Bridge, Mo Chhu(River), Jigme Dorji National Park, Chimi Lhakhang Monastery, Dochula Pass, Ritsha village, Khansum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

4. TRONGSA

Trongsa is a hilltop town situated at the centre of Bhutan; hence known to be the heart of the Himalayan Kingdom. It’s translated as “new village” in Dzongkha that has a backdrop of the black mountains offering beautiful views of the surrounding valleys. Trongsa offers not just an insight into its heritage but also opportunities for hiking and trekking along the picturesque landscape.

Places to visit in Trongsa: Trongsa Dzong, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, Chendebji Chorten, Thruepang Palace, Kuenga Rabten Palace, Mangdue Foot Trail

5. BUMTHANG

Home to four beautiful mountain valleys and an array of ancient monasteries and temples, Bumthang takes its place as the most historic of all districts in Bhutan. Considered to be the spiritual centre of the Himalayan Kingdom, Bumthang is a beautiful place to visit if one has a keen interest in religion, spirituality and history.

When in Bumthang, there is a lot to be accomplished. Apart from visiting the major sightseeing spots like the Kurjey and Tamshing Lhakhang; one must go trekking up the mountainside or taste the beer, cheese and buckwheat delicacies the region has to offer. If not, you can check out the palace museum or head to the burning lake of Bhutan. Bumthang hosts the Bhutanese nomad festival every year in February.

Places to visit in Bumthang: Khurje Lhakhang Temple Complex, Jakar Dzong, also known as the “castle of the white bird”, Jambay Lhakhang Temple, Tamshing Lhakhang, Mebar Tso also known as the Burning lake, Ura Valley

6. PHOBJIKHA VALLEY (GANGTEY)

Against the backdrop of western slopes of the Black Mountains in Wangdue Phodrang, lies the bowl-shaped Phobjikha valley that offers breathtaking views of vast expanses of green fields. It is home to the endangered black-necked crane that migrates to this area during winters. Phobjikha valley also called Gangtey, is one of the few glacial valleys in the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Bordering the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, the valley is located at an altitude of 3000m above sea level, and hence comparatively cooler. It boasts being the winter home to black-necked cranes that fly from Tibet to escape the harsh winter and also one of the most prominent conservative sites of Bhutan. Relatively untouched by outsiders, the use of electricity in the valley began only a few years ago.

Apart from a few cultural trips to Lhakhangs and Goembas, Phobjikha valley houses quite a lot of trekking and hiking trails with the most beautiful views of the landscape. There are also a few villages one could visit and observe the rural life thereof. One could take home the intricately designed handwoven carpets from the famous factory in Gangtey or handicrafts from the village shops. It’s a paradise for bird watchers and trekkers, even better if you’re a nature photography enthusiast.

Places to visit in Phobjikha Valley: Gangtey Goemba, Black Necked Crane Information Centre, Kuezang Chholing Shedra (Buddhist school), Kumbhu Lhakhang, Nyelung Dechenling Temple, Khewang Lhakhang

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