Bhutan is a captivating Buddhist kingdom located in the mountainous region of the Himalayas between India and China.The Bhutanese take pride in preserving their unique identity as they still dress the way they have been doing since ages wearing their traditional ‘Gho & Kira’ robes. Every dwelling has an appealing architectural style that seems to complement the breathtaking topography of the land.
The fact that Bhutan has never been influenced by the outside world until recent times has proved fortunate for Bhutan as it has adopted “Gross National Happiness” as its state policy and is the only ‘Carbon-Neutral’country in the world.
Here are a few highlights of the 5 must visit places
1) Thimphu Valley:-
The magnificent views of Bhutan’s snowy peaks are a visual treat to folks visiting this part of the country. Thimpu being the capital of Bhutan, most of the first-time visitors are surprised not to find a single traffic light here. Wandering around this capital town gets you to various places of interest such as the “Buddha Point” which has the world’s tallest seated Buddha statue.
Another attraction is the Cheri monastery – which happens to be the first monastery instituted in Bhutan in 1620, from where one can get a panoramic view of the whole town.
2) Phobjikha Valley – Amazing Wildlife:-
Phobjikha Valley or the Valley of the Black-necked Crane, is a wonderful place to visit for nature lovers.
In fact a trip to Gangtey Goemba which is the winter home of the black-necked Tibetan crane makes it an interesting tour for wildlife enthusiasts.
The topography of this place is most notable for it’s unique never-ending flat fields of bamboo shrubs and great mountains.
3) PARO – Life in Slow mode:-
Traveling down the curvy, dusty roads that spiral around the mountainside one can see the colourful prayer flags wafting in the wind. Most of the mountains are covered with thick forest and there are many gold-plated Buddhas that overlooks the Paro valley. It feels so peaceful here that you would never want to leave!
Adventure companies like ‘Getupandgo’ conducts short treks across the chain of mountains which separates the two districts, Paro & Thimphu and that is why this place happens to be an excellent choice for those with a tight schedule.
4) Bumthang – Gift of Nature:-
Bumthang offers a pristine natural environment gifted with a diverse variety of flora and fauna. This place is also famous for hiking and has many ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries.
The area is also famous for its breathtaking view of Mt. Gangkar Phuensum, the highest ‘yet to be climbed’ peak in the world at 7,570 metres. Wildlife species like the lovely Himalayan Tragopan can be spotted across the region during April and May. The trekking routes here go criss-cross through lush forests with many beautiful trees like bamboo, birch, spruce, hemlock and if lucky, one also comes across a lot many varietiesof rhododendron, which bloom in April-May.
5) Places of Cultural Heritage:-
Promoting the social and cultural values of the country can be experienced first-hand in Bhutan when one visits places like the Folk Heritage Museum which happens to be an old style 19th-century house.
Also, the Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre which is run by an association of local women weavers and the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory are places that exemplify the deep-rooted desire for preserving the socio-cultural heritage of the land.
Bhutan is not about experiencing the best gastronomical delights or staying in the finest hotels. It is rather a journey to explore a nation where people love their king and come together as a nation to solve problems and issues that may crop up from time to time. Tradition and modernity have found a perfect balance.
Thus, it is a soulful mind that is the quintessential stimulus which will allow one to experience something that one cannot get anywhere else. That’s BHUTAN !
