If you are looking for peace, calm, and untouched natural beauty, Bhutan is the ideal destination.
With its misty mountains, turquoise rivers, whispering forests and sweeping plateaus, this Bhuddist kingdom remains one of the world’s most mysterious and alluring countries. But hiding amidst this wilderness are some of the world’s most exclusive luxury retreats and lodges, where you can indulge in gourmet cuisine, spa treatments, and yoga with unforgettable views of the Himalayas.
Thimphu, Paro and Punakha are three of Bhutan’s most thriving towns and cities, are the must-sees as you wind your path through the country. Hiking and trekking are superb, and one of the best and most adventurous ways to experience Bhutanese life is by wandering off the trails into remote villages. Head out into the fresh forest air and trek across sacred mountains, observing religious and cultural practices at the monestaries en route.
At an elevation of 1,200 metres above sea level, Punakha is Bhutan’s administrative capital. The Punakha Dzong is widely known to be the most beautiful Dzong in the whole country. The region is famous for farming both white and red rice and it makes for a beautiful sight along the banks of the Pho and Mo Chu, two of Bhutan’s most famous rivers. Paro is home to one of the most beautiful valleys, Paro Valley, in Bhuta. It is also site of the country’s only international airport. The main street in Paro is very traditional and filled with little shops, businesses and restaurants.
10 kilometres outside of the town is the famous Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) Monestary. It lies on the face of a sheer 1000 metre cliff, and legend has it that the father of Bhutanese Bhuddhism, Guru Rinpoche, landed there on the back of a tigress.
Thimphu is the capital, largest city, and political and economic centre of Bhutan, and is located in the western central part of the country. Most of Bhutan’s important political buildings are located in Thimphu and it is also home to the King’s official residence, the Dechencholing Palace.
Festivals hold a special place in the heart of Bhutanese residents and are intrinsically linked to its culture.
The Bhutanese love socialising, joking around, and celebrating these religious celebrations, and they are so frequent that it sometimes seems as if one festival or another is taking place somewhere around the country throughout the year. The Tsechu Festival is one of the most popular and most monestaries hold their own Tsechu at different times of the year – definitely not to be missed! We adore Bhutan for its religiousness, its antitode to the stresses of modern day life, and for the sheer romance of the country – it really is an ideal honeymoon destination. Whatever you are searching for -adventure, culture, or a spiritual sojourn – Bhutan promises memories to last a lifetime.