Top Place in Bhutan for Family, Honeymoon & Group Tour
Bhutan is located in the eastern Himalayas, Known for its
breathtaking natural beauty, unique culture, and emphasis on Gross National
Happiness, Bhutan has become a popular destination for travelers seeking a more
authentic and immersive experience. It is home to the famous Tiger's Nest
monastery and the National Museum of Bhutan. Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and a bustling hub of
culture, commerce, and government. Punakha is the ancient capital of Bhutan and
the site of the Punakha Dzong, one of the most impressive fortress-monasteries
in the country. Bumthang Valley is the spiritual heart of Bhutan, with a number
of important temples, monasteries, and sacred sites.
Bhutan can be a truly transformative
experience, offering a rare glimpse into a fascinating and little-known corner
of the world. Explore the top attractions listed below on your family tour, honeymoon tour, or group vacation.
1. Punakha Dzong
Punakha Dzong is a fortress and Buddhist monastery located
in Punakha, Bhutan. It is situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo
Chhu rivers and is one of the most iconic and important landmarks of Bhutan.
Punakha Dzong was constructed in the 17th century and is
considered one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan. It served as the seat of
the government and the capital of Bhutan until the mid-20th century. The dzong
is an architectural masterpiece, with intricate woodwork and murals that depict
the history and legends of Bhutan.
Punakha Dzong is also an important religious site, housing
sacred relics and serving as a venue for important Buddhist ceremonies and
festivals. One of the most popular festivals held at Punakha Dzong is the
Punakha Tshechu, which is held annually in the spring and features masked
dances and other traditional Bhutanese performances.
Today, Punakha Dzong remains an important symbol of
Bhutanese culture and tradition, attracting visitors from around the world who
come to marvel at its beauty and learn about Bhutan's rich history and
spirituality.
2. Paro Taktsang
Paro Taktsang, also known as Tiger's Nest Monastery, is a
sacred Buddhist site located in the Paro Valley of Bhutan. It is one of the
most iconic and popular tourist destinations in Bhutan and is considered a
must-visit for anyone traveling to the country.
Paro Taktsang is built on a cliff, approximately 3,120
meters (10,240 feet) above sea level, and can only be accessed by hiking a
steep and challenging trail. The hike takes approximately 2-3 hours and offers
stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
According to legend, Guru Rinpoche, also known as
Padmasambhava, flew to the site on the back of a tiger and meditated there for
several months. The monastery was subsequently built around the cave where he
meditated and is now considered a sacred site for Bhutanese Buddhists.
Paro Taktsang features several temples and prayer rooms, as
well as stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It is also a popular site
for meditation and spiritual retreats.
Visitors to Paro Taktsang are required to dress
appropriately and show respect for the site's religious significance. The
monastery is open to visitors every day except for certain holidays and is
considered a must-see destination for anyone interested in Bhutanese culture
and spirituality.
3. Buddha Dordenma
The Buddha Dordenma is a giant Buddha statue located in
Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. It is one of the largest Buddha statues in
the world, standing at a height of 169 feet (51.5 meters) and made of bronze
and gilded in gold.
The construction of the Buddha Dordenma was commissioned to
celebrate the 60th anniversary of the fourth king of Bhutan, Jigme Singye
Wangchuck. The statue was completed in 2015 and is located on a hill
overlooking the city of Thimphu.
In addition to its impressive size, the Buddha Dordenma is
also surrounded by 125,000 smaller Buddha statues, which were also made of
bronze and gilded in gold. Inside the statue, there are 125,000 smaller Buddha
statues and other religious artifacts.
The Buddha Dordenma serves as a religious site and a major
tourist attraction in Bhutan. Visitors can climb up to the statue's base to
enjoy a panoramic view of Thimphu city and the surrounding mountains. The
statue also houses a meditation hall and a museum dedicated to Buddhism and the
history of Bhutan.
The Buddha Dordenma is considered an important symbol of
Bhutanese culture and spirituality, and its construction is seen as a testament
to Bhutan's commitment to preserving and promoting its unique cultural
heritage.
04. Dochula Pass
Dochula Pass is a mountain pass located on the way from
Thimphu to Punakha in Bhutan. It is situated at an altitude of 3,150 meters
(10,330 feet) above sea level and is known for its stunning panoramic views of
the Himalayan Mountain range.
The pass features 108 chortens (Buddhist stupas) that were
built by the Queen Mother of Bhutan to honor Bhutanese soldiers who were killed
in a military operation against Indian insurgents in 2003. The chortens are
arranged in a circular pattern and are surrounded by prayer flags, making it a
peaceful and spiritual place.
Dochula Pass is a popular tourist destination and is visited
by thousands of tourists each year. The pass is particularly popular during the
spring and autumn seasons when the weather is clear, and the views of the
mountains are at their best.
In addition to the stunning views, Dochula Pass also has a
cafeteria that serves traditional Bhutanese cuisine and a souvenir shop where
visitors can purchase handicrafts and other local products.
Dochula Pass is an important symbol of Bhutanese culture and
spirituality and is a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Bhutan.
5. Thimphu Chorten
Thimphu Chorten, also known as the Memorial Chorten, is a
large Tibetan-style stupa located in the heart of Thimphu, the capital city of
Bhutan. It was built in 1974 to honor the third king of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji
Wangchuck, and to promote world peace and prosperity.
The chorten is a popular destination for locals and tourists
alike and is considered a major landmark in Thimphu. It is surrounded by prayer
wheels and prayer flags, which visitors can spin and touch as they walk around
the chorten.
Inside the chorten, there are several shrines and statues
dedicated to various deities and Buddhist figures. Visitors can offer prayers and
make offerings at these shrines.
Thimphu Chorten is also a popular site for traditional
Bhutanese religious festivals, such as the Thimphu Tshechu, which is held
annually in the fall and features masked dances and other traditional
performances.
The chorten is open to visitors every day and is considered
a must-see destination for anyone interested in Bhutanese culture and
spirituality. It is also an important symbol of Bhutan's commitment to
promoting peace and prosperity in the world.
