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Bhutan

Places Of Interest

Paro

The city of Paro is the only international airport in the Royal kingdom of Bhutan. This is a small establishment just 58 kilometers from Thimpu the capital of the Himalayan kingdom. Paro is bordered by Haa dzongkhag to the west, Tibet to the north, Thimpu to the east, and Chukha dzongkhag to the south. Taktshang, a cliff side monastery popularly called the Tiger's Nest overlooking the Paro Valley, is one of the country's major attractions. This temple is incredibly sacred to Buddhists situated inside the temple is a cave in which the Buddhist Deity who brought Buddhism to Bhutan fasted for 90 days as he battled the demons that inhabited this valley, in order to spread and establish Buddhism. The temple was built over a thousand years, has suffered two fires and the damage has been repaired. There are Dzongs or Monastery in all the towns or villages of this kingdom but the Dzong of Paro is supposed to be the best of the lot especially the Dragon’s Nest. Rinpung Dzong is also known as Paro Dzong, is a fortress / monastery which is also the administrative center of the dzonkhag. The movie Little Buddha was filmed in and around this dzong. Places to visit are Taktshang, or Tiger's Nest, National Museum, Kyichu Lhakhang, which along with Jambay Lhakhang.

 Fast flowing rivers have carved out deep gorges in the lower mountain areas near Paro and with woodlands the place is an ideal tourist spot. The main market town in the dzongkhag is always booming due to an influx of tourist mostly from foreign countries. Places of interest include Drukgyel Dzong, Paro Dzong, National Museum, Druk Chodeing Temple, Kichu Lhakhang, Taktsang Monastery, The Tiger’s Nest, Jambay Lhakhang, etc. Paro has many options for tourist. 

Airways and roadways are the only two means of travel in Bhutam. Paro has flights from Kathmandu, Bangkok via Bagdogra and other places. Druk is the Official airlines of Bhutan. Druk Air and Royal Bhutan Airlines have flights which operate in seven cities in six different countries. Nearest major Rail station is Guwahati and New Jalpaiguri. Hashimara is also close to Phuntsholing in India. Roadways - Despite difficult terrain, mountains, steep slopes, low valleys Bhutan has a well developed network of roads and all major towns Bhutan are accessible by roads. Bagdogra in India to Phuntsholing is 185 kilometers and is 4 - 5 hours drive by national highway no 31. Phuntsholing to Thimpu by road is 179 kilometers and is 6 - 7 hours drive. Paro to Thimpu is 55 kilometers. The government is quite aware of the environmental impact tourists can have on its unique and virtually unspoiled landscape and culture. Hence they have restricted the level of tourist activity from the start, preferring higher quality tourism only.

 
Thimpu

Thimpu is the Capital city of the Roayal Kingdom of Bhutan. The country is known as the land of the Thunder Dragon or Druk Yul. It is still regarded as one of the last Shangri-La's in the Himalayan region because of its remoteness. It has its spectacular mountain terrain, varied flora, fauna and its unique ancient Buddhist monasteries. Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan with a sizeable population. It is the most densely populated city / district in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. Thimphu is situated at an elevation of nearly 2320 meters / 7656feet. Though Paro is the capital yet Tashichoedzong in Thimphu, the fortress monastery on the edge of the city, built in the 17th century, has been the seat of Bhutan's government. An interesting fact is Bhutan is the second country in Asia without any traffic signal. There are Traffic Sergeant and they have a nice gesture to handle traffic. Norzin Lam the main thoroughfare is lined with shops, restaurants, retail arcades and public buildings. As per the norms of the government of Bhutan all buildings are required to be designed in traditional style with Buddhist paintings and motifs, hence guest will find the towns similar yet strange. Thimpu is surrounded by forests which make the city look even greener. Festivals of the various tribes are a treat to watch and are one of the major tourist attractions. Places of interest for tourist includes National Textile Museum, National Library, Painting School, Folk Heritage Museum, National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Handicraft Emporium, National Memorial Chorten (Stupa), Semtokha Dzong, Phajoding monastery, Excursion to Dochu La Pass, BBS Tower, Anim Dratshang, Traditional paper factory, etc. Excursions around Thimphu Valley which tourist can enjoy are many. Some of them are the visit to Tango Goemba, situated north of Thimphu, one way it takes about 30 minutes drive and one hour walk through shaded rhododendron forests to reach the monastery. Next is the Cheri Goemba, it is situated about half an hour walk from Dodena at 26000 meters. The one way walk to the monastery is nearly 4.5 kilometers and takes about 2 hours. Phajoding Goemba is a 5 kilometers uphill walk from Motithang. Lungchuzekha Goemba is an interesting three to four hours round trip walk around Dochula pass, offering fascinating view of Bhutan Himalayas. Takin Preserve and the Botanical Gardens at Serbithang nearly 10 kilometers from the city along with the Coronation Park and Tandin Nye nearly 1 kilometer from the main town, built on a cliff, just like the Tiger’s Nest in Paro are worth visiting.

Paro is the only International Airport in Bhutan with regular flights from Kathmandu, Bangkok via Bagdogra, Kolkata, Delhi and other places. Nearest major Rail station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) and Guwahati. Hashimara is also close to Phuntsholing in India. Despite difficult terrain, mountains, steep slopes, low valleys Bhutan has a well developed network of roads and all major towns Bhutan are accessible by roads. Bagdogra in India to Phuntsholing is 165 kilometers and is 4 – 4 ½ hours drive. Phuntsholing to Thimpu by road is 179 kilometers and is 6 - 7 hours drive. Paro to Thimphu is 65 kilometers and Paro to Paro is 65 kilometers.

Bumathang

Bumathang like any town of Bhutan is a unique blend of the old and new. Bumthang is situated at an elevation of nearly 2700 meters and is known as the spiritual region of the kingdom. Even its small local festivals are a treat to attend and to catch an insight of the culture and spirit of the people. Numerous monasteries, spiritual sites reflect the kingdom's culture and traditions. The town is in a scenic valley of beautiful houses, and fields of buckwheat, barley and apple orchards. Some of the places of interest are Kurjey Lhakhang, Jampey Lhakhang and the Jakar Dzong. This is a town that is slowly opening up to the modern world in a fine balance with its ancient traditions. Bumathang is deeply spiritual and mystical experience and an adventure like no other destination. The festivals are colorful with traditional dances, sports and many other attractions. Another place of interest is the town of Jakar, the administrative headquarters of Bumathang District. It is said that this is the place where Buddhism entered Bhutan. The culture is closely related to that of Tibet though politically close to India. Places of Interest includes Jambay Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang, Jakar Dzong, Lamey Gompa, Tamshing Lhakhang, Mebartsho – burning Lake, Tang valley, Ura valley, Traditional Bhutanese archery, etc.

Excursions around Bumthang or Jakar valley are many. Some of them are like Tangbi Goemba, a walk of half an hour north of Kurje Lhahang leads to this monastery with a temple of terrifying deities. Next is Ngang Lhakhang, it is a  few hours walk from the Tangbi Goemba is the small region of Ngang Yul (Swan Land) and this temple here is 100 meters above the valley floor. The site was visited by Guru Rinpoche and a three days festival is held here each winter with masked dances. Ura Valley is 48 kilometers about one and a half hour drive. The route crosses Ura la pass nearly 3600 meters with a magnificent view of Mount. Gangkhar Puensum. Next is Tang Valley or the Terton (treasure discoverer), it is a short drive past the Dechenpelrithang sheep farm to an unpaved road that leads to the north. Just under a kilometer ahead, there is a rough track on the left and another kilometer ahead, there is junction where vehicle can be parked. From parking, it is a short walk down to the river. Membartsho (The Burning Lake) in Tang valley is a wide spot on the Tang Chhu (chhu - water / river) and is considered to be one of the greatest pilgrimage sites of Bhutan. Ugyenchholing Palace in Tang valley is another attraction. Tang Rimochen Lhakhang in the valley is a sacred place of Guru Rimpoche. Kunzangdrak Goemba is two hours walk above Chel Tang Valley and the Pelseling Goempa is a sacred monastery with rich historic values. Situated on a steep mountain, it is a half day trek (3 - 4 hours) from the area of Jakar. Bumthang to Trongsa is 68 kilometers and is two – 2 ½ hour’s drive.

Trongsa

Trongsa is situated in central Bhutan and is a nice destination. It is one of the upcoming tourist spot of Bhutan and is visited by many. It is a special due to the Dzongs, which has the largest and the most magnificent of all the Dzongs in Bhutan. One of the most beautiful places of Bhutan where the tourist are countable in number and it’s really worth visiting. As usual the festivals of the region are a treat to attend and to catch an insight of the culture and spirit of the people. Monasteries, spiritual sites reflect the culture and traditions of the kingdom and its people. Migratory birds, wild life, scatterd villages, colorful festivals and many other options are there for the tourist to enjoy the region. The area of Trongsa is bordered by Wangdue Phodrang dzongkhag to the west and Bumthang dzongkhag to the east and to the south it bordered by Tsirang, Sarpang and Zhemgang dzongkhag. It is the ancestral home of Bhutanese Royal family and literally means new village. Places of Interest Trongsa Dzong, Traditional Bhutanese archery, Bhutanese Village, Mangde Chhu, Changangkha Lakhang, Ta Dzong, Dochu La Pass, Phobji monastery, Wangdue Phodrang, Gasa, Bumathang, etc. Places of interest in and around Trongsa are Chendbji Chorten, nearly four hours drive from Wangduephodrang patterned on Swayambhunath temple in Kathmandu. It was built in 18th century by Lama Shida is worth visiting. Trongsa Dzong architecture dominates the entire Trongsa horizon dwarfing the surrounding buildings. Both the first and second King ruled the country from this ancient seat. Ta Dzong was built in 1652 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, it has been resurrected into a classy museum, that represents a tasteful blend of tradition and modernity. The Ta Dzong is the only structure that has been restored specifically to tribute the Wangchuck dynasty as Bhutan celebrates the centenary of the Monarchy.

Excursion around Trongsa is to Kuenga Rabten. It is nearly 23 kilometers drive to Kuenga Rabten takes about an hour. It was the winter palace of the second King and the excursion from trongsa offers further insights into the early days of Bhutan’s monarch. Single tourists are discouraged in the country. Perhaps Bhutan is the only country in the world to have banned the sale of tobacco.

Paro is the only International Airport in Bhutan with regular flights from Kathmandu, Bangkok via Bagdogra and other places is close to Trongsa. Nearest major Rail station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) in Indian state of West Bengal. Hashimara is also close to Phuntsholling in India. Despite difficult terrain, mountains, steep slopes, low valleys Bhutan has a well developed network of roads and all major towns Bhutan are accessible by roads.

Haa / Punakha

Haa is one of the 20 dzongkhag or districts comprising Bhutan.  The population of Haa dzongkhag was approximately around 11,000, making it the second least populated dzongkhag in Bhutan. Two important temples in Haa is the Black Temple and the White Temple. This was built at the same time as Kyerchu Temple in Paro in the 7th century AD. The two temples can be found near each other at the sacred site known as Miri Punsum, or The Three Brother Hills. Also near the Black and White temples is a special chorten marking the site where an imprint of Guru Padmasambhava's body and hat may be found in a large rock. In the Samar side - valley there is another holy site i.e. Lake. There is a bridge known as Samarpudung, below the bridge is the lake of a wishing cow. It is culturally rich valley and some of places of interest are Lhakhang Karpo (White temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black temple) at the foothills of mountains known as Meri Puensum. The grand annual Haa Tshechu is also performed here at Lhakhang Karpo on the 8th-10th day of the 8th Bhutanese month.

Punakha Dzong and the Mo ChhuPunakha is the administrative quarter of Punakha Dzongkhag and is situated at an elevation of nearly 1200 meters. It is one of the most photogenic of all Bhutan's ancient fortresses; one can come across the photograph in most of the tourism sites and books. It was the earlier capital of Bhutan and the seat of government until 1955. It is nearly 72 kilometers away from Thimphu and it is about 3 hours drive. The beauty of the region is enhanced by the location at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in the Punakha - Wangdue valley. Excursions around Punakha are many some of them are Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a beautiful hike takes one to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten. Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang. Limbukha, The view of Dzong, Pho Chhu, Mo Chhu rivers and surrounding village is superb amidst chirpine forests. The climb is another two and a half hours to Limbukha. Talo is a village of Talo at 2800 meters  is scattered along the hill slopes, known for its cleanliness and hygiene among Punakha villages. Punakha Ritsha Village, Guru Rimpoche Caves / Geon Tsephu, Koma Hot Springs / Koma Tsachu and Nalanda Buddhist College are also worth visiting.

Our Address

Tourist Services Agency
Loknathbal Sarani
(Behind Delhi Hotel)
Post: Pradhan Nagar
Siliguri
District: Darjeeling
West Bengal
PIN: 734003
India