L
ooking for a change in your travel experience and away from the urban city bustle? Consider Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon, where the untouched scenery, fresh mountain air and mystical heritage awaits you!
Bhutan is unlike any other destinations you've visited. This exotic Shangri-La, perched high in the Eastern Himalayas is rich with Buddhist culture and traditions, beautiful natural scenery and warm friendly people
The happiest country in all of Asia, Bhutan’s development is guided by Gross National Happiness Index instead of Gross National Product. The idea was first coined and introduced by the 4th King of Bhutan, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck in 1972. This philosophy implies that sustainable development should take a holistic approach towards both economic and non-economic aspects of the well-being of the people.
Having first opened up to tourism and foreign travellers in 1974, the scenery remains unspoiled and undisturbed. Bhutan has been observing and implementing eco-friendly practices long before the rest of the world and is the world’s first carbon-negative country. Plastic bags are also banned in the country starting from April 2019. Together with a constitution that requires 60% of the total land area needs to remain forested at all times, it’s no wonder the scenery here remains beautiful and breathtaking. Bhutanese people take great pride and care in living harmoniously with their environment.
Paro International Airport
Begin your exotic journey into the Land of the Thunder Dragon here.
The only international airport in Bhutan, Paro International Airport is one of four airports in Bhutan. The first airstrip was built in 1968 by the Indian Border Roads Organization while Bhutan’s first airline, Drukair, was established later in 1981. Paro International Airport lies at an altitude of 2,235 meters and is surrounded by mountain peaks up to 5,500 meters. Located just six kilometres away from Paro Town and 54 kilometres from Thimphu, the Capital of Bhutan.
Thimphu - Bhutan's Capital
Situated at an altitude of 2400m, Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan. Known for its breathtaking scenery and rich culture, it is a mini-metropolis with a blend of urban modernity and traditional architecture. Being the most modern city of Bhutan, you can find numerous shopping centres, cafes and restaurants. You might also be surprised to find that the nightlife here is buzzing with nightclubs and jazz bars too!
Climb up to Changangkha Lhakhang in the early morning or wander around the Weekend Market in the late afternoon. Mingle with the friendly locals and immerse yourself with the beautiful culture and people!
Changangkha Lhakhang
Lhakhang are religious temples that can be found throughout Bhutan. Changangkha Lhakhang is perched like a fortress on the ridge above Thimphu, just five minutes walk from the main road. First established in the 12th century, the locals come to Changangkha Lhakhang to get auspicious names for their newborns or ask for blessings for their young children.
Punakha - Bhutan’s Ancient Capital
Punakha was the capital of Bhutan from the 17th century until 1955 before shifting to Thimphu. Punakha amazes one with some of the most iconic and stunning scenery in Bhutan. Take in the beautiful sights of the Himalayas around you or listen to the sounds of the river and gaze into the gorgeous valley.
Located at a lower altitude of 1,300 meters, the climate here are also different and generally warmer than other districts. Apart from enjoying the natural scenery, be sure to make time and visit Punakha Dzong when you’re here.
Punakha Dzong
Be sure to visit Punakha Dzong, also known as the palace of great happiness. Punakha Dzong is arguably the most beautiful dzong in the country. It is the second oldest and largest in Bhutan.
It was constructed in 1637 and has served as the capital and seat of government until 1950s. During which, all of Bhutan’s kings have been crowned here.
Dzongs
In your visit to Bhutan, you will come across several dzongs. Dzongs are majestic fort-monasteries that can be found throughout Bhutan. The architecture is usually massive with towering exterior walls that surround a complex of courtyards, temples, administrative offices and residence.
Bhutanese dzong architecture reached its peak in the 17th century. Each of the dzong would be built on a site chosen for religious significance and also to serve as a defensive fortress. Hilltops and mountain tops are typically chosen as a site. The network of dzongs across Bhutan would help the Kingdom defend against frequent invasions by the Tibetans in the 17th century.
With traditional Bhutanese architecture, dzongs have stone foundation and walls of sand and clay bricks, together with wooden beams that are skillfully and precisely cut to fit together, usually without any nails or iron bars.
Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)
Nestled on the steep cliff edge high above the Paro Valley, Tiger’s Nest Monastery is one of the most iconic landmarks and one of the most revered sites to visit in Bhutan. Remember to come in your comfy hiking shoes. It is a steep two hours’ hike up to the monastery or you could also rent a pony/horse to take you some of the way up the hill. There is a wooden tea-house located on the ridge, where you can take a break and catch some of the most splendid views of the valley and beyond.
Intrigued yet? Check out our Bhutan packages that we’ve carefully curated for you here!
Intrigued to visit this perfect holiday getaway? Airelated Travel has the perfect package for you!
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