BREATHTAKING BHUTAN
Forever in peace and a meditative calm-pose, this land of no arguments and zero confrontation seems completely lost in a romantic affair with itself. To a visitor, happiness might not be guaranteed, but this tranquil land will offer a sure disconnect from the outside world and hopefully, a direct connect to the world within. A week to ten day stay in Bhutan will generally include several bustling days in the capital city Thimphu. There you will be engaged with many museums, art schools, weekly markets and the Bhutanese lifestyle. Leaving the capital, you will take a beautiful drive through the Himalayas, winding through high passes and valleys to only to discover a myriad of hidden wonders. The forts (dzongs) of Punakha, Wangduphodraeng, Trongsa, Jakar and Paro are each stunningly located and proudly kept as living heritages. Merging within the steep mountain sides are Goembas (Buddhist monasteries); each one a world within itself with monks, texts, paintings, and religious rituals. Among the trip’s most notable attractions are a hike all the way up to Tiger Nest Monastery near Paro, a high altitude birding site in Phobjika Valley and the perfect mountain countryside feel of Bumthang Valley. Tours can also be planned to coincide with a few masked- dance festivals in some of the many dzongs and Buddhist temples.
Coexisting with the supernatural and natural, Bhutan is always about giving back gracefully. Reverence, worship, the caring of nature, friendliness and smiles all come naturally to the Bhudanese. Myriad images of dark meditative interiors, all night dances in Lakhangs ( temples), formally dressed officials in Dzongs and smiling kids forever waving at you are some of the kind reflections you might want to carry home. Here in Bhutan, you will find every man and woman completely at peace with themselves and the world they inhabit.
Indian Moments’ most popular Bhutan itineraries have the following essentials
- Capital
- City
Thiumphu
02 Days
Bhutan’s only city without traffic lights is a charming place to explore with it’s many cultural centers, museums, art workshops, cafes, curios and markets. Here there are many art schools that preserve the traditional arts of mask making and Buddhist painting.
Punakha
01 day
A beautiful drive combined with visuals of stepped farms, high pass and the most grand looking Punakha Fort (Dzong). Also
involves a short hike to a temple that venerates the phallus of an ancient divine figure.
Phobjika Valley
01 day
Spectacular journey to Alpine heights that takes to uninhabited valleys full of bamboos, yaks and various birds. Stunning setting of
Gangtey monastery with small villages around where the people profess horticulture and animal husbandry and enjoy pastimes in
archery. Praiseworthy conservatory of a broad valley of grasslands to facilitate the annual migration of Black Necked Cranes.
Bumthang
02 to 03 days
A scenic journey interspersed with a massive Trongsa Fort, beautiful Tower Museum, dense forests, villages of weavers and crafsmen will end in the lush valley of Bumthang known for orchards, farms, natural sceneries and breweries. Drives and treks to several ancient unknown monasteries, Dzongs and temples.
Paro
03 days
The most diverse affair will be in the end. Paro’s broad lush valleys are inviting enough for adventures like trekking and cycling. The best
activity is the hike to Tiger Nest Monastery which has imposing location on steep mountain face. The pleasantness that abounds in this valley, makes Paro an ideal setting for spa sessions and shopping.