Highlights of Bhutan
- Discover the Bhutanese way of life in Thimpu
- Thimpu is Bhutan's capital and largest town that most people visit. The atmosphere is relaxing and friendly and by wandering around the streets you can begin to appreciate the Bhutanese way of life.
- Discover the Bhutanese way of life in Thimpu
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- Enjoy an easy day's trek from Jakar
- Jakar is the main town in a collection of 4 valleys known collectively as Bumthang. It is a great base for an easy day's trekking to nearby monasteries where you can enjoy the stunning scenery. The region is famous for the production of honey, cheese, apples and apricots.
- Enjoy an easy day's trek from Jakar
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- Explore the dzong at Punakha
- Punakha, in central Bhutan, is home to the country's most idyllic dzong, situated at the confluence of two rivers. Breathtaking from outside and rewarding inside, with rich wall paintings and friendly local monks.
- Explore the dzong at Punakha
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- Hike from Paro to the Tiger's Nest Monastery
- Paro is a picturesque town with an impressive dzong and interesting national museum containing many ancient artefacts. Nearby is Bhutan's most famous site, Taktshang or Tiger's Nest Monastery, and the walk from Paro is well worth the effort.
- Hike from Paro to the Tiger's Nest Monastery
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- Make the journey to Wangdiphodrang
- A large village with traditional houses, Wangdiphodrang has a unique, ramshackle feel to it. The dzong dominates the town which overlooks the confluence of two rivers.
- Make the journey to Wangdiphodrang
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- See black-necked cranes in Phobjikha Valley
- Phobjikha is a glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains. The valley is a designated conservation area and plays host to a flock of endangered black-necked cranes, which migrate here from Tibet each winter.
- See black-necked cranes in Phobjikha Valley
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- Soak up the relaxed atmosphere in Tashigang
- Tashigang, a small town located deep in eastern Bhutan, is renowned for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The proximity to a major route into India has allowed the town to become one of the more commercially-active Bhutanese towns.
- Soak up the relaxed atmosphere in Tashigang
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- Spend time at Ura Village in the Bumthang valley
- Bumthang is comprised of four valleys: Chokhor, Tang, Chhume and Ura. Ura is perhaps the pick of these, with a traditional village and almost medieval atmosphere.
- Spend time at Ura Village in the Bumthang valley
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- Visit the Gangtey Gompa monastery
- The dominating C17th monastery Gangtey Gompa is located on a hill with views over the entire Phobjikha Valley. During the summer months, the monastery is inhabited the local monks.
- Visit the Gangtey Gompa monastery
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- Visit the mountain top dzong at Trongsa
- Strategically located above a gorge with views of the Black Mountains, Trongsa dates back to the 16th century. This dzong is one of Bhutan's best.
- Visit the mountain top dzong at Trongsa
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Our country specialists have travelled the length and breadth of Bhutan - here are a few of their favourite things to do
Centuries of self-imposed isolation have left the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan virtually untouched by the influences of the modern world, and the traditional way of life, inseparable from a deep-rooted belief in Buddhism, continues virtually unchanged to this day. Modernisation is strictly monitored - new buildings must be made in the age-old Bhutanese style, and people are obliged to wear national dress in public.
The environment and pace of life
Remoteness and a profound and time-honoured reverence for nature has led this ‘land of the Thunder Dragon’ to be one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world and a leader in environmental conservation.
Urban settlements like Thimpu have sprung up in the last few decades, but the majority still live in small rural villages, the pace of life is slow and businesses open depending on the mood of their owners.
Buddhist influence
You should not be surprised if your tour plans are changed at the last minute following an auspicious sign or warning from a monk or perhaps even a generous invitation to join a religious celebration. It is this adherence to Buddhism and the dismissal of the material world that make Bhutan such a fascinating place.
For those with an interest in Buddhist culture or the prospect of visiting a country little known beyond its borders, Bhutan provides a unique experience.
Popular Places to visit in Bhutan
Bumthang comprises four valleys: Chokhor, Tang, Chhume and Ura. Ura is perhaps the pick of these with a traditional village and almost medieval atmosphere.
View place
Jakar is the main town in a collection of 4 valleys known collectively as Bumthang. It is a great base for easy day trekking to nearby monasteries where you can enjoy stunning scenery and peaceful, rural villages.
View place
Paro is a picturesque town with an impressive dzong and interesting national museum. Nearby is Bhutan's most famous site, Taktshang, or Tiger's Nest Monastery.
View place
Phobjikha is a glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains. The valley is a designated conservation area and plays host to a flock of endangered black-necked cranes, which migrate here from Tibet each winter.
View place
Bhutan's capital and largest town, Thimpu boasts an atmosphere that is relaxing and friendly. By wandering around the streets, you can begin to appreciate the Bhutanese way of life.
View place
Strategically located above a gorge with views of the Black Mountains, Trongsa dates back to the 16th century. The dzong is one of Bhutan's best.
View place
Practical Info
Flight time from UK
12 hours (via Delhi, Calcutta or Kathmandu)
When To Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
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Dec
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