Bhutan

            Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked country in South Asia at the eastern end of the Himalayas. Bordered with China and India. Bhutan's capital and largest city is Thimphu.

Places to Visit in Bhutan

   Thimphu, Dochu la Pass, Taktsang Lahkhang, Gangtey, Tashicho Dzong, Kurje Lhakhang, Chime Lhakhang, Trongsa, Rukha etc.

 Thimphu

The capital of Bhutan, visit its colourful weekend market and quirky shops, museums and landmarks like the National Memorial Chorten.

Rukha

A remote village in the Jigme Dorje Wangchuk National Park, Rukha is a hidden jewel. Accessible only by a precarious rope bridge, this collection of 20 houses dotted around the hillside are built in the traditional style with steep steps leading up to the first floor with the kitchen on the outside. Experience the other face of Bhutan close up with a homestay in this hospitable rural community.

 Tashicho Dzong

Known as the ‘fortress of glorious religion’, the Tashicho Dzhong was originally built in 1641. It was rebuilt in 1952 by the third king and is now used as the seat of the Royal Bhutanese Government. Situated in beautiful gardens,  it is also the summer residence of the central monastic body.

Kurje Lhakhang

Located in the sacred Bumthang valley, Kurje Lhakhang is a monastery of particular significance as Buddhists believe that Guru Rinpoche meditated here and left the imprint of his body on a rock.    It is also the final resting place of Bhutan’s first three kings. There are many religious and historical legends connected with this place which consists of three large temples and many smaller structures, rich with impressive adornments.

 Taktsang Lahkhang

Popularly known as Tiger’s Nest -High above the Paro valley,perches on a rocky mountainside at 3,000meter. Built in the 8th century, when legend has it the 2nd Buddha, Guru Rimpoche, meditated here, having flown from Kurtoe valley on the back of one of his consorts who had taken the form of flying tigress.

 

Chime Lhakhang

This small 16th century temple of fertility is dedicated to the Lama Drukpa Kunley, the ‘Divine Madman’, decorated with colourful phalluses and visited by childless couples seeking a special blessing to beget children.  This is one of the most revered temples in all of Bhutan.

Trongsa

The Dzong dominates the town of Trongsa. Perched above the Dzong, the actual town is little more than one street. Many of the town’s inhabitants are of Tibetan origin and so you may have the chance try some Tibetan specialities here. The new museum situated in the 300 year old Ta Dzong, watch tower, provides an insight into the religious history of Bhutan, the significance of Trongsa in the history of the Kings of the Wangchuck dynasty.

Gangtey

Located at 2900m above sea level. After hiking through dense forests dripping with lychen, a wide open expanse of dwarf bamboo come as a surprise. If Lucky enough you can get the glimpse of black-necked cranes that roost here in the winter, there are also barking deer, wild boar, red fox, leopard and Himalayan black bear. The valley boasts two beautiful meandering rivers, Nakay Chhu and Gay Chhu. Perched overlooking this beautiful, almost flat valley is the village and monastery of Gangtey.

Dochu la Pass

      Dochu La pass with its fluttering prayer flags, views over the majestic Himalayas, takes your breath away. Visit the highly ornate temple -Drukwangyal Lhakhang and the 108 chortens, built by the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck  to honour the Bhutanese soldiers who were killed while fighting the Indian rebels during 2003.