Bhutan passport stamps are hard to get by, but there’s something unique about this fiercely autonomous, firmly traditional nation that evaluates development by Gross National Happiness.

Bhutan does not have the most lavish hotels, exquisite eating choices, or even the best value for money. On the other hand, few towns have successfully maintained their culture – even new structures must be built following traditional architectural techniques.

There aren’t many must-see attractions in Bhutan, except for the cliff-side Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro. Instead, spend your time here exploring the countryside, pausing to stroll through small towns that have sprung up around 17th-century dzongs (fortresses). Plan your vacation around a Bhutanese festival to see whole villages coming together in celebration.

Hiking across Bhutanese countryside brings you through vistas studded with chortens (shrines), prayer flags, and prayer wheels placed into streams and moved by the water. The Druk Path, an ancient trade route that connects Paro and Thimphu, runs through peaceful woodland paths and yak pastures.

In the spring, the valley walls are ablaze with rhododendrons. In addition, the central Phobjikha Valley is home to the majority of Asia’s black-necked cranes.

Historical, religious, and adventure-filled landmarks abound in this Himalayan country. The breathtaking beauty of the country’s rugged terrain is equaled only by the vivacity and enchantment of its people.

Bhutan, a mystical Himalayan country steeped in legend and enchantment, is a treasure trove of natural splendor, lively culture, spiritual and historical landmarks, and outlandish adventures.

A land of mystery and legend, Bhutan is bursting at the seams with physical evidence of its unique culture, from the stunning mountain forts and temples that dot the country’s landscape to Buddhist holy figures painted or carved into the rock face. Prayer flags and prayer wheels spin slowly in the pure mountain streams while prayer flags and prayer wheels fray in the magnificent mountain passes.

Only in 1974 was Bhutan willing to open its doors to visitors, proudly maintaining the destination’s sanctity. The genuine, ecological approach to tourism makes this a once-in-a-lifetime vacation experience for those who obtain one of the limited travel permits available each year.

Fascinating information!

• Bhutan is a landlocked country with an area slightly smaller than Switzerland (38,400 square kilometers).
• Just over 750,000 people live in this tiny area.
• Bhutan’s name, Druk Yul, translates as “Land of the Thunder Dragon” and is mysterious.
• Gross National Happiness, an indicator used to gauge overall well-being, is one method to measure happiness. Instead of focusing exclusively on Gross Domestic Product and material resources, this approach prioritizes people and their well-being.
• Bhutan’s official religion is Vajrayana Buddhism, often known as Tibetan Buddhism.
• As a result, Bhutanese people are passionate about preserving the country’s rich Buddhist culture and beautiful landscapes dotted with old monasteries and snow-capped Himalayan mountains and rivers.

REASONS TO FALL IN LOVE WITH BHUTAN

Green is the color scheme chosen.

Bhutan is the world’s top green destination because of its commitment to sustainability and constant emphasis on responsible tourist promotion. There are vast valleys and high mountains all around, with snow-capped peaks and rich flora to boot. It’s bordered by Nepal, India, Tibet, and China. Bhutan is covered in forests, making it a carbon-negative location where visitors may breathe in the pure mountain air and gaze up at the starry sky without worrying about pollution.

Habitats in the wild

Aside from the incredible diversity in its natural landscapes and environment, Bhutan is also home to some remarkable species, including Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, red pandas, and Himalayan black bears, as well as black-necked cranes in the mountains and Himalayan musk deer in the lowlands.

The Tiger’s Nest Hike

The renowned Paro Taktshang Monastery, perched on a cliff above the Paro Valley, is more than 300 years old. One legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava spent years meditating in the temple’s cave and then flew out on the back of a tigress to battle evil demons. The temple is considered an architectural marvel with stunning views of the surrounding verdant rice fields.

A sanctuary for adrenaline addicts

An outdoor enthusiast’s dream, ride a mountain bike through rough terrain, raft or kayak on cold rivers, or go on a safari to see the area’s diverse wildlife, including those that are threatened with extinction. The Snowman Hike to the Bhutan-Tibet border, which crosses 13 mountain passes and offers breathtaking alpine scenery, is a must-do when trekking through snow-covered mountains.

Food, and it’s a hot one at that.

Bhutanese cuisine consists of curries, stews, and rice, all of which are spiced with chilies to keep you warm. Bhutan’s national cuisine, ema datshi, is a favorite; it’s melted yak cheese topped with spicy chili peppers, and it’s delectable.

Inner peacefulness and hot stone baths

Relax in a hot, steaming pool as minerals in the water restoration and revitalize your body. Big stones heated over a roaring fire are the perfect spa treatment for warming your luxury bath in the winter. Bhutan is a spiritual haven where you may practice meditation and refine your mental condition. When you’re surrounded by nature, you’re inspired to get in touch with your inner self.

Festivals and cultural wonders

Due to a rich cultural history that has been handed down through the generations, religion, culture, and social mores have all come together uniquely. When visiting holy sites, government institutions, workplaces, and schools, males wear Gho, and women wear Kira. The seat of administration and the body of state monks were both housed in medieval fortifications. Bhutanese culture, history, customs, and traditions are rich in art, architecture, Thangka paintings, dance, and music. The Bhutanese take great pleasure in all of these things. People in Bhutan celebrate ‘Zorig Chusum,’ a collection of 13 traditional arts and crafts that exemplify their culture and serve as a metaphor for their spirituality.

A Bhutanese festival, or Tsechu, features whirling dances, colorful wooden masks, and festive music. It’s a high point of the Buddhist calendar, reenacting historical events and an excellent chance to learn about Bhutanese culture. February and March witness the Punakha Domchoe in the Punakha Valley; the famous Tsechu Festival occurs in March and April in Paro and Thimphu; in September and October sees one of the most celebrated festivals with memorable performances by monks dressed out in colorful masks and costumes.

A state of happiness and joy outlook

Since Bhutan is such a close-knit society, they are constantly looking for their neighbors; being polite and friendly is second nature. Because of its tranquility, it’s an excellent location to go and get to know. There are no fees for education or healthcare in Bhutan, and Bhutanese priorities and values diverge dramatically from those found in the rest of the globe.

Weather

Summer (June – August) Min 13˚C/55˚F – Max 31˚C/87˚F

Winter (December – February): Min -1°C/30°F – Max 19˚C/66˚F

Although the days are bright and pleasant, the nights may become quite chilly after the sun goes down, so bring thick clothes.

PLAN YOUR TRAVELS
Consult a Travel Specialist to personalize your experience, contact us at expeditionadvisor@npexpeditions.com and start realizing this journey dream.