Why Travel to Bhutan?
Bhutan is an exceptional travel destination, offering unforgettable experiences and lifelong memories. Though small, Bhutan is a beautiful and happy country, often called “the last Shangri-La on earth.” A visit here promises a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality.
Bhutan's Top Attractions
Bhutan offers some of the best holiday experiences in Asia. A must-see is the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched on a cliff in Paro. Legend says that Guru Rinpoche flew to this spot on a tigress and meditated in a cave, which visitors can still see today. Bhutan is also home to numerous other stunning sites that reflect its deep spiritual heritage.
Thimphu - The Capital
Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, is a city where modernity meets tradition. While many buildings have a contemporary design, traditional Bhutanese architecture still shines through in some homes. Key landmarks include the towering Buddha statue, the Trashichho Dzong fortress, and the Memorial Chorten, a significant religious site built in honor of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.
Chimi Lhakhang Temple
Located between Thimphu and Punakha, Chimi Lhakhang is a revered temple dedicated to the “Divine Madman,” Lama Drukpa Kuenley. It’s especially famous for blessing couples with children, making it a popular pilgrimage site for those seeking fertility blessings.
Bhutan's Natural Riches
Once known as the “land of medicinal herbs,” Bhutan is home to over 300 types of medicinal plants, 46 varieties of rhododendrons, 90 species of mammals, and around 770 species of birds. The Phobjikha Valley, renowned for its stunning beauty, is also famous for the rare black-necked cranes that migrate there.
What Makes Bhutan Unique?
Bhutan’s rich history is filled with stories of great lamas and scholars who shaped the nation by introducing Buddhism and building many monasteries and fortresses. The annual Tsechu festival is a highlight, featuring traditional dances and reenactments of historical events. Attending Tsechu is believed to bring blessings and cleanse one’s sins.
Bhutanese Cuisine
Bhutanese food is pure and organic, with agriculture as the backbone of the country. Farmers grow their own vegetables and crops without using chemicals. The national dish, “Ema Datshi,” is a spicy blend of green chili and locally produced cheese, often served with red rice and butter tea, known as “suja.”
Alcohol in Bhutan
Yes, alcohol is available in Bhutan, including both international and national brands. It’s sold at affordable prices, and drinking in public is allowed. For those with adventurous tastes, Bhutan offers a traditional drink called Ara, a strong, locally made alcohol from fermented rice.
Bhutan’s Special Qualities
Bhutan is famous worldwide as the country of Gross National Happiness (GNH), where the well-being of citizens is prioritized over material wealth. While the world rapidly modernizes, Bhutan remains deeply rooted in its unique culture and traditions, which are carefully preserved and proudly showcased. Bhutan is also the only carbon-neutral country in the world, committed to maintaining this status by preserving its vast forests.
Tourism in Bhutan
Bhutan’s tourism policy of “high value, low impact” ensures that the country’s environment and culture are protected. This approach has helped create an image of exclusivity while minimizing the impact on Bhutan’s natural and cultural heritage.
