Home » Asia » Bhutan

Bhutan

Welcome to the “Land of the Thunder Dragon”, where natural landscapes are untouched and ancient culture is cherished. Sheltered from the rest of the world high up in a nook of the Himalayas, the Kingdom of Bhutan holds many mysteries to travellers, revealing its unique identity slowly but surely.

This is a country where forest-filled valleys give way to mountain peaks that soar so high they could be mistaken as a roof to the world and where the rice is red and chillies are a main ingredient, not just a seasoning. Vast mountainsides are crowned with imposing fortress monasteries, where colourful prayer flags can be seen to flutter in the wind and where pilgrims flock to be part of vibrant festivals. The undulating terrain also makes Bhutan a wonderful destination for soft-adventures, including trekking, mountain biking and fishing. While naturally majestic, much of Bhutan’s charm owes itself to a population whose pride, Buddhist faith and values rooted in tradition have combined to create a national character unlike anywhere else in the world.

  • Paro

    Rich culture, scenic beauty and a plethora of myths and legends are encapsulated within the beautiful Paro valley and high on the cliffside in ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery. Reigning in white glory at the northern end of the valley and with glacial water plunging through deep gorges, Mount Jomolhari provides the area with a strikingly picturesque backdrop. One of the best Bhutanese towns to explore on foot, in Paro you will find colourfully painted wooden buildings, some of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, the National Museum, as well as the country’s international airport.

  • Thimphu

    Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, is approached along a winding road where each bend reveals a teasing glimpse of what awaits around the hillside. Here you will encounter a heady combination of old and new as deep-rooted culture and tradition fuses with recent modernisation. Expect to see crimson-robed monks blending in with western dressed professionals along the bustling main street; visit museums, wander the colourful markets or even play a round of golf overlooking the town.

  • Punakha

    Occupying a beautiful riverside setting within a fertile valley of rolling plains, Punakha served as Bhutan’s capital for over 300 years. At the centrepoint of this small serene town, where the Pho Chhu river meets the Mo Chhu river, you will find the imposing Punakha Dzong, perhaps the most beautiful building in all of Bhutan. With a temperate climate and fertile soil from the rivers, the Punakha valley produces abundant crops and fruits and is also home to one of the most famous festivals in the country, the springtime Domchoe.

  • Gangtey

    The name commonly given to the Phobjikha Valley in central Bhutan, is one of the kingdom’s few glacial valleys. Dramatically situated at the head of the valley you will find Gangtey Gompa, a 17th century monastery, which is inhabited by monks during the summer months. The area is however best known for the rare black-necked cranes, as these elegant, shy birds migrate from the Tibetan Plateau to avoid the extreme colds of winter.

  • Bumthang

    Distinguishing itself from other regions, Bumthang has an individuality that charms all who visit. Comprising of four valleys carved by glaciers, Tang, Ura, Choekhor and Chumey combine to make up this deeply spiritual region. Rich in Dzongs and sacred sites, including Jambey Lhakhang, Bumthang is one of the most historic parts of Bhutan and is shrouded in religious legend.