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Bhutan

7

Reasons To
Visit Bhutan

  • Buddhism

    Buddhism is ingrained into Bhutan's landscape and daily life, with prayer flags, prayer wheels and white chortens. A basic understanding of Buddhism really does add to the experience of travelling through Bhutan, and helps one to really appreciate the complex visual tapestries that are found throughout the country.

    Buddhism

  • Dzongs

    Bhutan's dzongs are the most striking architectural feature of the country; large white washed forts with battered walls (inward sloping to appear larger than they actually are). They are the administrative and religious centres of authority in each region. Two of Bhutan's best known dzongs can be found at Punakha and Trongsa.

    Dzongs

  • Festivals

    Festivals or 'tsechus' are a major part of Bhutanese life and offer a unique cultural insight into this Himalayan Kingdom. They are colourful affairs with lots of masked dancing and bright costumes offering wonderful photo opportunities. During the larger festivals Bhutan is very popular with tourists and some of its charm can be lost, so visiting the smaller festivals is advisable.

    Festivals

  • Gross National Happiness

    Gross National Happiness is a truly unique and very Bhutanese idea. It is a more holistic approach to development and is drawn from the Buddhist belief that the ultimate purpose of life is inner happiness. It has been used to measure Bhutan's development since 1972 when the fourth king proposed the idea.

    Gross National Happiness

  • Off the beaten track

    Bhutan only has a fraction of visitors compared to most countries, with only a limited number of flights in and out of one airport. Visiting Bhutan you are able to experience a way of life that in the rural areas has largely remained unchanged for centuries. You may wish to visit a local farm or even stay in a simple traditional Bhutanese home.

    Off the beaten track

  • Unspoilt landscapes

    Travelling through Bhutan it is easy to take the picturesque valleys for granted, but as soon as you leave you realise just how unspoilt Bhutan is. Although Thimpu, the capital, has expanded, the towns are very small - over each pass you descend into another beautiful and unspoilt landscape.

    Unspoilt landscapes

  • Walking

    One of the best ways to explore Bhutan is by foot. There are numerous day walks that can be arranged and for those who want to trek we specialise in offering short two or three night treks.

    Walking

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Audley Indian Subcontinent brochure 2011

Indian Subcontinent

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Visit Thimpu, Bhutan

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.

Royal Palace, Thimpu, Bhutan
Royal Palace, Thimpu, BhutanBoy monks, ThimpuChillies drying on roofPrayer wheelsTrashi Chhoe Dzong, ThimpuKing's Memorial Chorten, Thimpu, BhutanKing's Memorial Chorten, Thimpu, Bhutan

Thimpu

Bhutan

Established as the permanent capital of Bhutan in the 1950s, Thimpu has gradually grown over the last decade but remains a relatively small town dominated by the impressive Tashichoe Dzong.

The Dzong

Buildings steeped in ritual and tradition encircle the dzong's vast courtyards and house the secretariat, king’s headquarters and the summer residence of the central monk body, while nearby lies the world’s highest golf course.

Shops & Market

A wander along the streets is recommended and reveals small shops stuffed with indispensable goods imported from China and India and religious paraphernalia, while the weekend market attracts people from miles around to bargain for everything from dried chillies and yak butter to hand-woven textiles.

Further reading:
BhutanWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout BhutanCountry Guides

Other countries in The Indian Subcontinent:
IndiaNepalSri LankaThe Maldives

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