Bhutan Tourism

Dotted with sacred monasteries, elaborate dzongs, sprawling green valleys and snow-covered crests, the Buddhist kingdom is a dream destination for travelers. The unique thing about Bhutan is that by the decision of the State, the country has not been transformed into a modern hub of tourism with all the typical contemporary draws. Bhutan tourism has somewhere held on to the cultures, customs, and traditions that have sustained the country and they did not exchange it for cheap attractions typical of the contemporary tourism. Their age-old heritage is still Bhutan’s number one source of pride, and that is what makes this small landlocked country so gracefully unique. The beauty and the appeal of Bhutan take time and observation to appreciate, as it is rooted in the history of thousands of years. And if you are someone who can afford both, the Land of the Thunder Dragon will not disappoint you at all.

A Bhutan trip will be as spiritually rewarding as it would be adventurous and exciting. For the brave-hearts who visit Bhutan, there are lots of adrenaline-filled activities waiting in the Land of Dragons. Whitewater rafting and kayaking are the two best water sports opportunities in the country. There are many glacial rivers flowing down from the Himalayan peaks and forming beautiful rapids for the visitors to ride through.

If adventure and excitement is not your thing, but you still love to be outdoors – trekking is the best thing to go for. Bhutan trip is sure to include numerous trekking trails, of which Jomolhari Trek is the most famous one. Climbing up Dochula Pass, the Druk Path, Snowman trek routes I and II and Dagala Thousand Lakes – there are many such trails all around the country with exciting paths and scenic beauties.

Taking a step back from fun and frolic, if you look around the country, the impact of Buddhism will be only too evident. There is a dzong – a fortress-monastery complex, or a simple monastery shrine or just a chorten in almost every nook and corner of Bhutan. Although the cities like Thimphu or Paro are much more urbanized now, if you dig deep and explore into the roots, you will stumble upon the religion propagated by Guru Rinpoche thousands of years ago.

The popular destinations are Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro, where Rinpoche or Guru Padmasambhava spent years meditating, Punakha Dzong, Tashicho Dzong, Gangteng Monastery and you can find many more such Buddhist spiritual institutions scattered around the country if you consult any Bhutan travel guide.

The markets of Bhutan will allow you to take home a part of its heritage in the form of Bhutanese handicrafts, colorful masks, thangkas and hand-woven textiles.