Top places in Bhutan for the cultural exploration

Bhutan is a beautiful Himalayan country whose natural phenomena and cultural richness is beyond any mere imagination. Lying in the lap of Himalayas and covered with 72 percent of forested area, Bhutan is the only country with such a fresh and pristine environment. Above all, the rich Buddhist culture preserved by the local people makes this country a mystical place to visit. Also known as the land of Thunder Dragon, the place has been regarded as a natural paradise by many travelers. The country was not connected to rest of the world until 1970. But after the policy for strict and controlled tourism was formulated, the country was opened for tourism purpose. Hence, the country has not been exposed too much with other culture, people and practices therefore their own culture, practices and religion is still intact.

Apart, from the Himalayan ranges and lush landscapes, the vivid Buddhist culture is the major attraction of Bhutan. The dzongs, monasteries and museums in Bhutan are colorful and artistically built. The traditional dresses, costumes, makeups, acts, plays, songs and dances are vivid that adds vibrancy in the atmosphere. People are warm and welcoming. If you are opting for travelling to Bhutan this season, there you should know about some of places to visit in Bhutan. Some of the places to visit in Bhutan are enlisted below:

           1. Tiger’s Nest monastery

If you are travelling to Bhutan, then one of the places to visit in Bhutan is Tiger’s nest monastery. It is a popular touristic place in Bhutan and no trekking packages in Bhutan will miss this place for you to visit. Tiger’s nest monastery is a sacred religious site located in a dramatic location on a hill top near Paro. It was constructed in 1692 and is amongst the thirteen holy places where Guru Rinpoche had meditated. There is a myth about this place. It is said that Guru Rinpoche was carried the back of a tigress from Tibet to this place for meditation. Guru Rinpoche meditated at this place and then introduced Buddhism in Bhutan. Presently, the monastery comprises of four temples with accommodations for monks residing in the monastery.

              2. Rinpung Dzong

Built in the 16^th century, Rinpung dzong is a beautiful fort with towering walls. Also popular as the fortress on the heap of jewels, Rinpung Dzong is one of the touristic places in Bhutan to visit. It is one of the magnificent examples of Bhutan’s rich culture, art, architecture and preserved traditions. At the dzong, you can visit a beautiful temple and paintings that are related to Buddhism religion. There are fourteen shrines and chapels inside the dzong. Kungrawa, Monks' assembly hall, Sandalwood Stupa, Protector's shrine, Temple of the Guru's Eight Manifestations, Chapel of the head lama, Chapel of Amitayus, The Clear Crystal Shrine, Chapel of the Eleven-faced Avalokitesvara, Apartments of the Abbot, Chapel of Akshobhya, Temple of the Treasure Revealer, Apartments of the King and Temple of the Bursar comprises of Rinpung dzong. Outside the dzong lies a temple known as Deyangkha Temple.

            3. Chele La Pass 

Chele La pass at an altitude of 3989 meters is a wonderful way to relish the glorifying beauty of lush hills, valleys, waterfalls, mountains and alpine flowers in Bhutan. The pass is often visited by tourists and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Bhutan. The pass lies in the route to Haa valley in Paro. It actually separates Paro from Haa valley and it the highest road pass in Bhutan. The path to Chele la pass goes through the dense forests of spruce and larch. The pristine environment along the way is enough to blow your mind. But the beauty of Bhutan is not just limited to its forests. The view of Paro and Haa valley from the pass is spectacular. On a clear day, you can get views of Mt. Jumolhari with Jichu Drake which is phenomenon.

              4. Punakha Dzong

Punakha dzong is the second largest dzong in Bhutan. It is well known for the fantastic art and brilliant structure it possesses. The dzong is white washed with towering walls that reflects the peculiar structure of Buddhist style dzongs. Punakha dzong has been the place where all the Bhutanese king’s has been crowned till date. Punakha dzong is six storied building 180 meter long and 72 meter wide. The building is adorned with a gold dome on the top which was built by Gyaltsen Tenzin Rabgye, a local ruler in 1676. Followed by this, many additions to the building were made by various rulers that have made the dzong very grand and magnificent. The thankas and other paintings in the dzong reflect the rich culture of Bhutan. Presently, the dzong is the winter residence of Dratshang, the official monk body of Bhutan.

             5. Buddha Dordenma Statue

Located at a top of a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, Buddha Dordenma statue is an attraction of Thimphu city. It is a 169 feet tall statue of Lord Buddha that overlooks the entrance to Thimphu valley. It is painted gold and bronze and is quite noticeable for anyone who visits the Thimphu city. Buddha Dordenma Statue is one of the touristic places in Bhutan that attracts a lot of tourists. The statue is one of the biggest statues of Lord Buddha in the world. The base of the statue sits upon a large meditation hall and it is said that the statue spreads positive aura around the world.

               6. Dochula pass

Dochula pass is amongst the beautiful passes that you’ll have encountered during your lifetime. The panoramic view of mountains from the pass is best thing to sit and appreciate. Around twenty kilometers away from the main city of Thimpu is a pass popularly known as Dochula pass. The pass was actually built in the memory and honor of 108 Bhutanese soldiers who died in a military operation in 2003. There are 108 memorial stupas here which is also known as Druk Wangyal Chortens. The place is not only popular for its historical importance but for the 360 degree views of mountains that this place offers. As a whole, Dochula pass has become one of the best sites for tourists to visit.

              7. Phobjikha valley

Phobjikha valley is a vast U shaped glacial valley in Bhutan that is renowned around the world for its magnificent views and rich biodiversity. Also known as the Gangteng valley, the valley is the place where one can see some graceful black necked cranes. They are the unique and rare species of cranes that are found in this valley. The valley is full of marshland and offers some pleasing views of diverse biodiversity around. Some area of the valley has been declared as the protected area keeping in view the rare species of floras and faunas found in this area. Phobjikha valley is a wonderful place to visit if you are a true nature lover. The spectacular beauty of nature that this valley offers is beyond any words of description.

            8. Chomolhari

Chomolhari is a wonderful location in Bhutan if you are opting for a trek in Bhutan. It is a challenging trek in Bhutan that starts from the streets of Paro and goes up to the heights of 5000 meters. The journey to Chomolhari offers some magnificent views of snow capped mountains, hills, valleys, forests, rivers and waterfalls. The journey to Chomolhari is a retreat to any nature lover that lets you experience every form of nature in Bhutan. The scattered farmlands, charming villages, forested area to glacial lakes and alpine pasturelands are some of the features that the trek to Chomolhari offers. Besides, you will be blessed with some astounding views of Mt. Chomolhari with Jichu Drake peaks.

           9. Norzin Lam street

After a special retreat with nature and culture bliss of Bhutan comes a perfect place for all those shopping lovers around the world. If you are a shopaholic then yes, Nozim Lam Street in Bhutan is the place for you where you can shop for whole day and enjoy your vacation. There are many shops in this street and you can pick up your choice of item peacefully. You can find various items in this place like woolen clothes, craftworks, souvenirs, textiles and other handmade items.

             10. Main street in Paro

Paro is a charming town which in itself a wonderful place to roam around and spend some quality time. The main street of Paro was built in 1985 where you can find some colorful restaurants and shops to cater your need for food and other items. A short distance from Paro lies a popular Paro Dzong. Besides, Paro is a beautiful valley with pristine nature and tranquil environment around. If you are visiting Bhutan then the main street of Paromis amongst the must visit places in Bhutan. You can also enjoy a sightseeing tour in Paro which includes hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery.

Himal Eco Treks offers different packages that lets you experience some of the above mentioned wonders in Bhutan. If you are interested in visiting any of the above places, let us know! Himal Eco Treks arranges some wonderful trips to Bhutan at your convenience.