Reasons To Visit Bhutan
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Request a Brochure
Indian Subcontinent
People from surrounding villages start arriving on Friday evening and come to buy and sell produce, ranging from dried chillies and yak butter to textiles and bamboo products.
Take an early morning stroll around the colourful weekend market, which is held just north of the sports stadium. People from surrounding villages start arriving on Friday evening and come to buy and sell produce, ranging from dried chillies and yak butter to textiles and bamboo products. The market continues until Sunday afternoon.
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.
15 miles away in Paro
16 miles away in Punakha
51 miles away in Trongsa
Further reading:BhutanWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout BhutanCountry Guides
Other countries in The Indian Subcontinent:IndiaNepalSri LankaThe Maldives