Places to visit in Bhutan

Or literally translating to Tiger’s lair, the Paro Taktsang is also known as the Tiger’s Nest and is one of the first images you will get to see when you Google Bhutan. The picturesque monastery is nestled between mountain cliffs and valleys and is situated at an altitude of 3,120 meters above sea level. According to legends, Guru Rinpoche flew from Tibet to here on a tigress and hence the name. This is the birthplace of Buddhism in Bhutan and is very significant, sacred and one of the must-visit attractions in Bhutan.

Location

Taktsang trail, Bhutan

Known for

Being the birthplace for Buddhism in Bhutan, a sacred site, home to one of the oldest monasteries and location of the sacred site on a cliff

How to Reach

The Paro Taktsang lies approximately at a distance of 10 kilometers from Paro and you can easily get a cab at from there. The taxi will take you until the last motorable stretch which is either the parking lot or the beginning of the monastery’s path. The remaining distance has to be covered on foot or on a horseback if you feel trekking is quite tedious. 

Approximate Cost

From Paro, you can get a cab at approximately Rs. 800. The approximate price for a horse ride is Rs. 1000 per person and you can reach the monastery within 90 minutes. On foot, it takes up to 3 hours depending on the number of breaks you take. 

Operating Hours

8:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Any Precautions

Always carry adequate water and snacks to keep up your stamina through the trek. There are eateries and cafes along the way. Carry a trekking stick, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreens and dress conservatively before entering the monastery. Do not photograph within the temple premises and maintain silence. Also, do not take a horse during the rainy season as the terrain gets slippery and risky for a horse ride. 

Type

Buddhist Monastery

An extension of its Indian counterpart, the Royal Manas National Park is a nature reserve and a wildlife park that is home to over thousands of species of flora and fauna, including diverse indigenous species. The park was very recently opened to publicand it shares its boundary with the Manas National Park in Assam, India. It is a protected area and houses several endangered species from around the world. Besides, it is also one of Bhutan’s oldest protected areas.

Location

Bhutan

Known for

Housing several endangered species of fauna and approximately 40 tigers. It is also a transnational biosphere reserve and has animals like Himalayan black bears, Gangetic dolphins, clouded leopards, one-horned rhinoceros, rare golden langurs, and more.

How to Reach

Reaching the Royal Manas National Park is quite tedious considering its location and route. From Paro, you need to reach Zhemgang, which is about approximately 130 kilometers. From there, another 3-hour drive will lead you to Gomphu, from where a trail will take you to the Panbang village.

Approximate Cost

NA

Operating Hours

9:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Any Precautions

Carry your camera but ensure your flash is off when taking pictures. Do not wear bright clothes during the safari. It is best to visit during the months of November through March.

Type

Animal Sanctuary

RinpungDzong, or the RinchenPungDzong in Paro literally translates to a fortress that is constructed on a heap of jewels. The place is known for its surreal architecture and location on the cliffside. It has made it to Bhutan’s list of tentative UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is home to the government and monastic bodies. Constructed in the 16th century, the place is flocked by tourists for its chapels and construction. Though most chapels in the dzongare restricted from tourism, the place is still worth the visit for the glimpse of the legacy it carries. 

Location

Paro, Bhutan

Known for 

Being a reflection of an era of architectural excellence and for being the venue for an annual festival conducted during Bhutanese lunar calendar’s second month. 

How to Reach

Located very close to the city of Paro at around one kilometer, you can take a cab or simply walk down to the place from the city. There is a quality ascend to the top of the Dzong so you have to make sure you can make it to the top without any trouble. You need to cross a suspension bridge over the Paro river to gain entry to the place from where the place becomes very idyllic.

Approximate Cost

Entry Free

Operating Hours

8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Any Precautions

Carry water and snacks if you feel difficulty in climbing up to the top. Take frequent breaks and appreciate the architecture as you make your way up. Dress conservatively and carry a camera.

Type

Landmark

The National Museum of Bhutan stands as a testimony to art’s timelessness. Home to some exquisite Bhutanese art, the National Museum is the present’s bridge to the past and a glimpse to the country’s rich cultural and traditional background. 

Known for 

Possessing over 3,000 pieces of art by Bhutanese craftsmen and preserving over 1,500 years of Bhutan’s heritage. The museum also houses bronze sculptures and paintings.

How to Reach

From the main city of Paro, the museum is located at a distance of approximately 4 kilometers via the Dop Shari Valley. Taxis ply from the city to the museum and can cost you approximately Rs. 300 to 500. 

Approximate Cost: 

Entry Free

Opening Hours

9:00 AM to 4:30 PM and up to 3:30 PM during the winters

Any precautions

Cameras are not allowed inside the museum and the place remains closed on national holidays.

Type

Museum

Why you should attend this event

This is perhaps one of the biggest and grandest festivals celebrated in Bhutan. Locals in their new attires visit the capital for the festivities and head to the fortress, where stages for dancing are set up and people perform their traditional dances and customs. It happens during the month of September.

Who should visit?

If you love to study diverse cultures and public gathering and festivities excite you, there is no better event in Bhutan than the ThimphuTshechu.

Why you should attend this event

If there is one festival that offers a glimpse of the nomadic lifestyle of the locals, it is the Haa summer festival. Happening in one of the most picturesque valleys in Bhutan, the event marks the gathering of the locals over dance, sports, music and local food. It happens in the month of July.

Who should attend this festival?

Those looking forward to taking part in the festival can attend this and participate in some of the sports like yak riding and try their hands on indigenous cuisines and delicacies during this festival.