Have you ever envisioned a country where joy is the prevailing currency and the fresh scent of crisp mountain apples fills the atmosphere? If so, then you can probably picture your ideal getaway being to Bhutan. If you are hoping to visit Bhutan for the first time (with Andari Journeys), but are unsure of what to do or where to go when you arrive, then allow us to assist you in planning your first vacation to this unique Himalayan Country; this is not your typical “plug-and-play” travel destination. Visiting Bhutan requires a little extra “soul” and planning than many other travel destinations.
Once your plane travels through the mountains to reach Paro, you will truly experience your first glimpse of this destination. In this Travel Guide to Bhutans, we will provide details of the “Top 10 Bhutan Travel Highlights” that are essential must-do experiences for your first trip to this beautiful country.
1. Conquer the Hike to Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang)
Among everything you can enjoy while visiting Bhutan, the hike to Paro Taktsang, more commonly known as Tiger’s Nest, is an experience you do not want to miss. This stunning Buddhist monastery, or lhakang, is built right onto the side of a granite cliff face, which rises to 900 meters above the valley floor below.
If you’re going to hike up to the Tiger’s Nest, be sure to leave early enough to start your hike by 8:00 am. You’ll not only be able to avoid the hottest part of the day, but if you time it correctly, you may get to experience the monastery while it is hiding behind the morning fog—an experience that cannot be recreated in a photograph. The trail is completely uphill the entire way to the monastery, and it will be covered in pine forest while being draped with Spanish moss. When you arrive at the waterfall and finish climbing the final flight of stairs to the Tiger’s Nest, you will be enveloped in the scents of centuries-old incense, and you will be able to hear the chants of the monks, and all the sweat you’ve created will feel like it was well worth it.
2. Immerse Yourself in Spiritual Architecture at Punakha Dzong
Punakha Dzong – also known as the “Palace of Great Happiness” – may be one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Bhutan’s tourism portfolio. Situated at the junction of two glacial rivers, the Pho Chhu (father river) and the Mo Chhu (mother river), Punakha Dzong is reminiscent of a fairytale castle when viewed in the springtime when its floral beauty is complemented by the purple jacaranda trees in full bloom.
At Andari Journeys, we recommend that you don’t just hurry through the courtyards but also look for wild honeybee hives in the golden eaves of the buildings, which are considered to be sacred by the locals and are considered a symbol of wealth.
3. Savor the Bold Flavors of Bhutanese Cuisine
Your Bhutan travel experience is not complete until you have tested your spice tolerance! Forget the “mild” meals in tourist buffets; try the real deal with Ema Datshi. Ema Datshi is a well-known dish made of chilies and cheese served at every meal.
If you want something that is more filling, consider getting Phaksha Paa which consists of pork with red chilies or Momos (dumplings). To wash it all down, be sure to try a cup of Suja. Suja is a traditional salt tea made with butter; this is definitely an acquired taste but very suitable for the cold of the mountain.
4. Find Your Zen in the Thimphu Valley
There are no traffic signals anywhere in the entire world, except for in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. It perfectly illustrates how modern-day Bhutan harmoniously blends together both ancient and contemporary values. While visiting the capital city, you definitely don’t want to miss checking out the huge golden statue that sits high above the city and the rest of the valley, known as Bhutan Dordenma.
If you want something a little less commercialized to do during your stay, Andari Journeys offers small tours to the Pangrizampa College of Astrology. At this location, monk-astrologers will create an astrological chart for you based on your birth date and time. This will give you a unique perspective on how you fit into the larger picture of life, as well providing you with personal insight into who you are as an individual.
5. Experience the Magic of a Tshechu (Festival)
If your visit is timed right, your experience at the Tshechu can be an overwhelming explosion of colour and rhythm from a spiritual perspective. The main events of these festivals are the sacred masked dances performed by monks and laymen in elaborate costumes. While the Thimphu and Paro Tshechus are the most famous, you may find the smaller valley festivals such as those at Phobjikha to be much more personal and intimate.
Essential Guidelines for a Respectful Visit
Bhutanese people take their culture and religion very seriously. Tha-Damtsi is the term used to describe this belief. To be a good guest, please respect these guidelines:
- Dress Modestly: When entering temples and Dzongs, your shoulders and knees must be covered.
- No Photos Inside: You can take incredible photos of the exterior of the temples and Dzongs, but taking photographs inside the temple and Dzong shrines is prohibited.
- Walk Clockwise: As you walk around a stupa (chorten) or prayer wheel, always walk in the clockwise direction.
- Remove Your Shoes: You will be doing this quite often, so wear shoes that can be easily removed and put back on.
Bhutan is an experience that continues to resonate with you long after departing it. From gazing over the edge of Bhutan’s most famous cliff at Tiger’s Nest to sharing a simple, home-cooked meal in one of Bhutan’s many traditional farmhouses, you will find a magic that’s almost impossible to find anywhere else in the world.
Are you excited? Andari Journeys. can help you to plan out your adventure through this one-of-a-kind kingdom in the Himalayas.
