Explore the Natural Beauty of Bhutan
- 5 Days
- People : 1
- Wifi Available
Description
Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas between China and India, the small Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan opened itself to the outside world only in 1960s. Hithertho, it had been largely mysterious even to its neighbours but abandoning its self-imposed policy of isolation had it grappling to find a precarious balance between modernization and the preservation of its culture and traditions.However, it does seem that Bhutan has found the perfect balance between the two and now though it is making tremendous developments in all sectors, it also manages to hold onto its unique identity that makes it unlike any other country in the world with a population of just over 0.7 million.
Bhutan has a rich culture that has remained intact because of its self-imposed isolation from the rest of the world until five decades ago. Dzongkha, meaning the language of the fort, is the national language of Bhutan. Small though it is, Bhutan has a rich variety of culture. The difficult topography of the country succeeded in keeping each ethnic group separate and vibrant…
Bhutan measures prosperity by taking into consideration the citizens’ happiness levels and not the gross domestic product. We call this development philosophy the Gross National Happiness; a term coined by His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck the fourth King of Bhutan.
Bhutan has four seasons and the climate varies depending on the altitude. March to May is spring when the weather is pleasant and the flowering trees blossom. June to August is summer, also referred to as the monsoon season because we get plenty of rain.
Bhutan Tour Itinerary (5 days)
Bhutan is the land of natural beauty, history, culture and happiness! There is so much to see and do in this stunning Himalayan kingdom, that 5 days may fall short. But, if that’s all you have, then here is a power-packed five-day itinerary for you, wherein you can cover some of the top attractions in Bhutan.
Day 1 - Kick start the trip, Paro to Thimphu
Day 2 - Marvel at the Regal Architecture of Thimphu
Next stop, the Memorial Chorten, which is also the most visible religious structure in Thimphu and then head over to the Buddha Dordenma, the 51-metre tall steel statue of Buddha seated on the three-story base. This magnificent structure houses a large chapel. The upper body of the monument is filled with over a lakh smaller statues of the Buddha. After a hearty lunch proceed to the Takin Mini Zoo, a wildlife reserve area for takin, the national animal of Bhutan. End your expedition with a tour of the Trashi Chho Dzong, traditionally, the seat of the head of Bhutan's civil government on the northern edge of the city.
Day 3 - Experience the esoteric side of Bhutan in Punakha
While in Punakha, visit the Punakha Dzong, the administrative centre of the district. It stands majestically on an island between the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Male) and Mo Chhu (Female) river and is one of the most photogenic of all of Bhutan's ancient fortresses. The Dzong joins the mainland by an arched wooden bridge and houses many precious relics of the previous monarchs.
Day 4 - Trace your steps back to Paro
At the end of the day, reward yourself with a trip to the neighbouring brewery for locally produced beer and its popular variants before retiring to your hotel for the day.
Day 5 - End your holiday 3000 feet high!
For a peek into the life of the people of Bhutan, make your way to a local farmhouse, meet the locals and sample some home-cooked delicacies. You could also try your hand at Bhutan’s national sport – archery; deck-up in Bhutan's national dress (gho and kira) and gulp down some Ara, a local beverage made of rice.
When in Paro, take a moment to stop and shop for souvenirs from the local stores. There are 13 traditional arts and crafts that Bhutan is particularly proud of that you will be able to admire and even bring home. Local markets in Paro also have an interesting selection of woven cane and bamboo products, as well as deities and artworks carved out of wood, stone and clay.
