Bhutan is beautiful

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Thimphu

Bhutan lies between China and India and has a population of approximately 780,000. The capital, Thimphu, is a cultural center with traditional and modern influences – if you want to get a taste of the city vibe after days in nature, this is the place for you. Otherwise, the area can be explored on a multi-day trek from Paro town to Thimphu. For example, it rises to a height of 4300 meters from Druk Road Mountain.

Do you know? Only certified pilots are allowed to land at the country’s only international airport in Paro, near the capital. It is necessary to learn to fly from the peaks of the Himalayas with the weather conditions.

ha valley

The Haa Valley in western Bhutan is known for its beautiful scenery. There are several hiking trails here that are best explored with a local guide. Anyone new to Bhutan should start with an easy hike because the body needs to get used to the country’s altitude of 1500 to 7000 meters. At the summit, the air may become thinner and symptoms of altitude sickness may appear, especially at the beginning of the journey.

Fly: A special highlight in the Haa Valley is the Kila Goempa monastery, which clings to the steep cliffs. The oldest monastery in the country was founded in the 9th century as a meditation center.

Mohitang Takin Reserve

Bhutan’s Buddhist religion affects every aspect of life. Mahayana Buddhists believe that what you do in this life has an impact on your life after rebirth. They do not see themselves as separate from their environment, they see all the components of nature as a great whole. Therefore, animals are also sacred to them. Takin, like the national animal. It resembles a small version of the bison and lives in the Mothitang Royal Takin Sanctuary near the capital, Thimpu, among other places.

Culinary Knowledge: Those who love to eat meat can eat in Bhutan. However, a large part of the population prefers a vegetarian lifestyle. Most meat is imported from India.

Zorig Chusum Institute

The capital’s government-funded arts institute trains youth in the country’s 13 traditional arts. This serves to preserve the millennial culture. For example, students learn to make Buddhist wooden sculptures. Clay and metal artworks are also made here with great precision and great attention to detail.

Fly: One of the world’s largest sitting Buddha statues is located in the capital, Thimpu. It is an example of the country’s craftsmanship and Buddhist faith. The statue also offers a great view of the entire city.

punakha

Punakha, the former capital of the country, is slightly lower than Thimpu. Therefore, the climate here is warmer with ideal conditions for growing rice that characterizes the landscape. But there is a lot to see not only in the surroundings but also in the quiet town of Punakha. For example, the fertility temple with its phallic paintings. The visitor magnet, however, is the Punakha Dzong, one of 20 forts in the country.

Fly: Each of Bhutan’s 20 districts has such a facility (Dzong). They are all different sizes and artistically decorated. They were originally built to defend the country against invaders.

bar song

The Paro Taktsang Temple is at an altitude of 3120 meters and was built on the rock in 1692 like a bird’s nest. It is said that Guru Padmasambhava, the protector of the earth, meditated here for three years, three months, three days and three hours in the 8th century. The challenging climb to the meditation point is about eleven kilometers long. In daily walking, an altitude of about 900 meters is overcome, which is tiring even for experienced hikers. Luckily, halfway there is a tea house where hikers can relax and enjoy a wonderful panorama.

Phobjikha Valley

Phobjikha valley is located in the heart of the country where the mild climate prevails. The monsoon brings a lot of rain in the summer, while the winters are quite dry and cold. That’s why black-necked cranes come here to overwinter. Every year on November 11, a festival is held in their honor to welcome them. It is located in the Gangtey Monastery, which was built in the 16th century. Even when there is no festival, the monastery is a popular place to visit. The environment, in which many farmers make a living from cattle raising and potato farming, is also beautiful – as in all parts of Bhutan.

Good to know: Bhutan is expensive

Tourism in Bhutan is designed for quality travel, aiming to have the least impact on the country’s pristine nature. Tourists therefore have to pay a sustainability tax of approximately US$250 per day. On top of this hefty price is accommodation, meals, guides, entrance fees and transportation costs. A trip to the Himalayan country is anything but cheap. After all, after the Corona pandemic, visitors no longer have to enter the country in an organized group, they can now visit the country individually.

Already knew? Bhutan does not have a single traffic light. If necessary, traffic is controlled by police officers using hand signals.

Source : Blick