Asia Transpacific Journey’s guide to Bhutan Travel will take you to the destinations that most fully capture the essence of the country. Asia Transpacific Journeys essential Bhutan vacations package includes trips to the essential regions to ensure your travel to Bhutan is a journey beyond the ordinary
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Paro
Asia Transpacific Journeys Bhutan tours begin in Paro. Site of Bhutan’s only airport, Paro will be your first introduction to the kingdom unless you choose to travel overland from India. Small in scale and pastoral in feel, it is extraordinarily scenic, and is also home to one of Bhutan’s most impressive dzongs (fortress monasteries). Visit the Paro Dzong, dominating the valley. Here you will see one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture, and get a feel for a working monastery that houses hundreds of monks.
The Ta Dzong (National Museum) towers above the Paro Dzong. Viewing its well-interpreted collection of historic artifacts makes for a great introduction to Bhutan’s unique culture. Its six floors house ancient and recent paintings, bronze and stone objects, and a four-sided carving that depicts the history of Buddhism.
The Dumtse Lhakhang is a temple with three floors representing the Dante-esque themes of hell, earth and heaven. It houses some very lovely paintings.
Just north of Paro is the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the most sacred temples in Bhutan. Bhutanese history books say that this temple was one of 108 temples built in a single day in 659 AD by Songtsen Gampo of Tibet for the specific purpose of pinning down an ogress who, covering all of Bhutan and Tibet, was impeding the spread of Buddhism in the area. Pilgrims come from all over the region to worship at this sacred site.
At the head of the Paro Valley are the ruins of the once massive Drukgyel Dzong. This fortress sat along a strategic route to Tibet and once provided protection from invasion from the north. From a vantage point on top of the ruins one can see the picturesque Paro Valley below and sacred Jhomolhari Mountain above.
One of the most breathtaking destinations you will see during your Bhutan travel is the iconic Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) is recognizable at first sight as the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries and is a must-see. It clings dramatically to a cliff almost 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley floor. Unfortunately, it suffered great fire damage in 1998 and may only be visited inside with a special permit. However, a small café and a mountainside viewpoint is accessible by a round-trip walk of about four hours. The journey can be made on horseback by prior arrangement.
Thimphu
Thimphu is the capital city and Bhutan’s cultural heartland of Bhutan tourism. It’s a laid-back town amidst rolling hills and a beautiful, winding river, and is said to be the only national capital in the world without traffic lights.
The imposing Trashi Chhoe Dzong dominates the valley. This capitol building is the office of the reigning king, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk. Here the king and the Je Khenpo (supreme religious leader) rule side-by-side to provide for the welfare of their people’s secular and spiritual well being. Recent democratic elections and reforms mandated by the last king are propelling Bhutan into the modern era as a constitutional democracy. The king is still the head of the state, while the elected Prime Minister is the head of the government and occupies an office in the parliament building, located just across the river.
The Memorial Chorten was built to honor the memory of the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is generally credited with ushering in the progressive social reforms that currently shape domestic policy. It is the focus of daily worship for many of Thimphu’s citizens, who walk in clockwise circumambulations around the structure.
Nearby the National Library was built to preserve ancient sacred texts in both the Dzongkha (Bhutanese) and Tibetan languages. Perusing its collection is an interesting way to while away a few hours. A visit to the Royal Academy of Dance offers a revealing glimpse into the current state of Bhutanese performing arts. Charged with preserving the sacred masked dance tradition, this school nurtures young dancers in their craft.
If you’re Bhutan travel to Thimphu occurs on a weekend, don’t miss the weekend market, a great place to pick up handicrafts or just wander about. If you’re interested in checking out the national pastime of Bhutan, an archery tournament, or at least a boisterous practice session, is also usually held on weekends on a large target field near the stadium.
Outside of Thimphu is the dramatically set Tango Goemba, roughly a half-hour drive plus a steep hour and a half walk away. Here amidst the pine forest, clinging to the cliff-side, is a half-round building, built in the 17th century by Desi Tenzin Rabgye, a descendant of one of Bhutan’s most well loved figures, Lama Drukpa Kunley, “The Divine Madman.”
You may want to pay a visit to the National Institute for Zorig Chusum (National Painting School). Government scholarships await the talented and motivated who attend this academy to learn traditional arts. We can also arrange a meal accompanied by a folk dance performance at a studio in Thimphu, or enjoy a traditional country style dinner at a local private residence.
Punakha
From Thimphu, a beautiful two and a half-hour drive northeast through various ecosystems brings you to Punakha. Along the way, you will ascend the Dochu La Pass (3,150 meters or 10,332 feet), which is marked at the summit by prayer flags. You may also stop at the Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple, built by “The Divine Madman.” His humorous and shocking antics and many sexual exploits were meant to shake up a stodgy clergy and reveal the true nature of Buddhism to the people. The cheerful flying phallus that one sees painted on homes is a tribute to this saint, whose presence distracts and thus repels evil spirits. Women hoping to bear children ask for fertility blessings at Chimi Lhakang. You may see grateful couples with newborn infants making a pilgrimage to the shrine in thanks.
Once in Punakha, visit the Punakha Dzong, recently renovated due to damage caused by a fire in 1986. Traditional building techniques were used that eschew the use of nails, plans or power tools.
About an hour’s drive from Punakha is Wangdue Phodrang, home to the famous Wangdue Dzong, that sits high atop a ridge with views of the beautiful valley below. Next, take a drive to the wonderful Phobjikha Valley, which will likely be one of the more memorable destinations during your travel to Bhutan. Phobijkha Valley is a designated conservation area that is home to a picturesque agrarian village and in the cold months a population of migrating black-necked cranes from Tibet. The Bhutanese holds these stately birds in high regard. On a walk you may also spot barking deer and the Himalayan black bear, as well as fox and numerous bird species. Remarkably, there are no telephones or electrical lines in the region, as the currents are thought to disturb wildlife.
Bumthang Valley
Your travel to Bhutan will be made more special by a trip to the Bumthang Valley. Only about 20% of annual visitors make it this far so a trip here is both unusual and delightful. This four-fingered valley embodies the essence of Bhutan—traditional villages, historic monasteries, pristine natural beauty, gentle walks and challenging treks through the heartland. Explore its many amazing monuments, including the imposing Jakar Dzong for a beautiful view of the valley.
According to Bhutanese history books, Guru Rinpoche, the central figure in Tantric Buddhism, visited this valley in the 8th century. He hid treasures of enlightenment, or terma, throughout the valley and Bhutan. Once these terma are found by a “revealer,” the benefit inherent in the treasure is dispersed and a monument commemorates the great event. Kurjey Lhakhang, the monastery where Guru Rinpoche meditated, is one such place, and it is said one can see the imprint of his body in the rock where he sat.
Visit the Tamshing Goemba, founded by the great “revealer of treasures,” Pema Lingpa. The Bhutanese believe that terma (treasures of spiritual or socially beneficial significance) may be found by a “revealer” and bestow good tidings upon the land once they are found. This goemba contains exquisite paintings and statuary said to date back to the time of the great revealer himself.
An interesting stop can be made at the Swiss Guest House, cornerstone of the large Swiss Project that has helped Bumthang farmers upgrade their agricultural practices. Savor the fresh baked bread, homemade jam, cheese and tea. It is possible to visit the home compound of a local farming family, to learn of their daily life, see their traditions, and enjoy conversation, local snacks and tea.
From there, embark on a steep one-hour walk to Ugyen Chholing Palace. This remote palace dates from the 16th century and has an interesting collection of masks, rhino-hide shields and other weapons dating back to conflict with invading Tibetans.
Bhutan tourism is enriched in Ura, a picturesque agrarian village, with cobblestone streets, that exudes a medieval feel. In the spring or fall Ura hosts wonderful festivals. Local people, wearing their finest hand-woven clothes, come from miles around (most on foot) to gain the blessings of attendance at these rites, and to enjoy the camaraderie of family and friends. Performances of sacred dances go on all day amidst swirling incense, streaming costumes, and ancient, magically charged masks.
Trongsa
Don’t miss the Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family. At one with an undulating ridge top, it is arguably the most impressive dzong in the kingdom.
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