BHUTAN
The Land of Thunder Dragon
Bhutan nestles in the mountains of the eastern Himalayas, home to unspoiled picture-book landscapes dotted with majestic, fortress-like monasteries. Its remoteness and ancient Buddhist traditions shroud it in mystery and magic, leading it to be considered the last Shangri-La.
The Himalayan Kingdom, now a constitutional monarchy, is guided by the unique philosophy of Gross National Happiness, which aims to enhance the collective happiness of its population. A nation that is immensely proud of its culture and environmental wealth, it has chosen a sustainable approach to life and tourism, protecting its pristine forests, rivers, wildlife, architecture, arts and traditions.
The small country has much to delight the traveller with – masked dance festivals, nature trails and treks, monasteries, archery, adventure sports and the lovely smiling faces of the people.
Here are just a few of the places we would like to show you. Click on the city names below to know all about them.
PARO
This beautiful valley encapsulates a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. Mt. Jhomolhari (7,300m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley, its glacial waters plunging through deep gorges to form the Pa Chu (Paro River) on which the town of Paro is situated.
Complementing this natural beauty are the colourful traditional houses with slanted roofs and carved wooden door and window frames. Numerous temples and monasteries dot the region, some of which are over 600 years old. Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang Monastery is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark, located spectacularly on the side of a cliff 900 meters above the valley floor. An excursion to this pilgrimage destination involves a steep climb up through pine forest but the journey is worthwhile for the superb views.
Home to the only international airport in the country this is where you will begin your journey to the land of happiness.

THIMPHU
The political, economic and religious centre of Bhutan, Thimphu is a bustling town where contemporary and traditional Bhutanese lifestyle can be observed side by side. The town is home to Bhutan’s royal family, the civil service, and foreign missions. Historic monuments built in the traditional architecture have been carefully maintained, a fine example being the Tashi Chho dzong monastery which has been remodelled to house the offices of the royal government. Restaurants, nightclubs, internet cafes and shopping centres abound, making it the Bhutan’s only modern city. Modern as it may be it has not lost its Bhutanese charm, with terraced fields and pine scented forests surrounding the town. Red robed monks, locals clad in traditional attire and farmer’s markets make it a wonderful town to explore and photograph.
One of the important highlights of Thimphu is the four-day Tshechu festival. Masked dances, popularly known as Chams, are performed in the courtyards of the Tashichho Dzong to honor the Guru Rinpoche the “Lotus-Born Teacher”, who brought Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century.
Thimphu is the most modern city in Bhutan and well equipped with ATM banking facilities, this is a good place and probably your last chance to stock up on some much-needed cash.
One of the important highlights of Thimphu is the Tshechu festival. Masked dances, popularly known as Chams, are performed in the courtyards of the Tashichho Dzong. This four day festival is held every autumn during September and October, honor the Guru Rinpoche the “Lotus-Born Teacher”, who brought Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century.
Tashichho Dzong, has a long history dating back to 1216 A.D when it was first constructed. This Dzong has been the seat of the government since 1952 and presently houses the throne room and offices of the king, the secretariat and the ministries of home affairs and finance.

PUNAKHA
Punkaha is best known for Bhutan’s most beautiful Dzong or Buddhist monastery which is located at the confluence of two rivers namely the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu. These two rivers are home to the endangered white-bellied herons.
The majestic dzong has been inextricably linked with momentous occasions in Bhutanese history. The first King of Bhutan, Ugyen Wangchuck, was coronated in the Punakha Dzong in 1907. At the same location, in 1910 the British signed a treaty agreeing not to interfere in the internal affairs of Bhutan and Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs. Most recently the wedding of the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in 2011. Inside the whitewashed walls of the structure are brilliant wall paintings and the preserved remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan as well as the sacred relic Ranjung Karsapani.
The ‘rice bowl’ of Bhutan, the valley is a lovely sight to behold with its bright green paddy fields and gardens. Also located here is the temple of the famous Divine Madman, a very unorthodox but favourite saint of Bhutan.

Image Credits: We are grateful to our friends who so generously allow us to use their photos on our website.
On this page, by:
Bhutan Map: FreeVectorMaps.com https://freevectormaps.com/bhutan/BT-EPS-02-0001?ref=atr
Share this:
- Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
- Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)