Tourist Attractions of Bhutan

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1 Tourist Attractions of Bhutan Located in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, Bhutan is a country known for its peaceful environment and its large variety of tourist activities like trekking, river rafting, cycling, biking expeditions and so on. In the past few years, it has become one of the most sought after tourist destinations owing to its majestic mountains, colossal monuments, magnificent rivers, abundant monasteries, exotic destinations and enigmatic valleys. How to reach By- Air: There are not too many airports in Bhutan. One is Paro which is an international airport and the other one is Yongphulla Airport which is a domestic airport. Since these airports are surrounded by mountains they are considered one of the most challenging airports in the world. By Train: If anyone from India wants to go to Bhutan by train he or she will have to reach some of the railway stations in North Bengal like Hasimara, Alipurduar, and New Jalpaiguri. From there they will have the sole option i.e to reach Bhutan only by car. By Road: Phuntsholling is the gate way to Bhutan. One can hire a car from Phuntsholling and reach Thimphu.

2 Thimphu Thimphu is regarded as one of the best tourist destination in the world as the city is surrounded by mountains and valleys which reflect the scenic beauty of the Himalaya. It s a very small city yet it has a population of close to one lakh people. It consists of several monasteries, historical sights and pilgrimage destinations all of which makes it one of the best tourist attractions. Memorial Chorten Thimphu Memorial Chorten which is located at the heart of the capital is considered as one of the best historical sight in the country. It was built in memory of one of the late king of Bhutan. It is considered as one of the best religious landmark of the country.

3 Buddha Dordenma A gigantic statue of Lord Buddha has been built as a religious as well as historical tourist attraction of Bhutan. It is considered as one of the biggest Buddha statues of the world. Hundreds and thousands of people visit this place every year to witness this magnificent architecture. Simthoka Dzong: It is considered as one of the most sacred place for people belonging to the Buddhist religion. It is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan with great historical and religious importance. It consists of several distinct artistic features.

4 Changangkha Lakhang: This is a temple which is very uniquely built as it looks very similar to a fortress. It is one of the oldest pilgrimage destinations of Bhutan. Hundreds of people belonging to the Buddhist religion visit this temple as it s a very popular pilgrimage destination for them. Nationa l Library: In order to preserve the critically important religious as well as other important documents the national library of Bhutan was established in the year Apart from great documental resources the library also represents the religious, traditional and cultural resources of Bhutan. The Folk Heritage Museum Thimphu: There are not too many museums in Bhutan like this one since it represents the heritage of Bhutan in the true sense of the term. The museum hosts a number of elements which represent the culture, tradition and lifestyle of Bhutan. Apart from the historical, cultural and religious tradition the museum also seeks to promote the rural tradition of Bhutan.

5 The Institute of traditional medicine: These institutes produced traditional medicine and provide medical treatment services too. Centenary Farmers market It is one of the largest domestic markets for the farmers of Bhutan. It s a weekend market where farmers gather form all parts of the country to sell their products. The market has become one of the most attractive tourist spot because of its massive volume. The BBS tower The BBS tower provides a wonderful view of the Thimphu Valley. The National Stadium The National Stadium occupies the field where in 1885; a battle took place that helped the supremacy of Ugyen Wangchuk, Bhutan's King. The school of arts and crafts: This school of arts and crafts teaches students several traditional arts and crafts. It offers four to six years courses on several crafts like embroidery, wood crafting and statue making etc. The school, however, specializes in offering courses on painting and photography. Institute of zorig chusum In an effort to impart knowledge of traditional arts and crafts this institute has been created. The idea is to pass down the traditional knowledge generation after generation so that it doesn t become extinct. The institute has been providing training on several fields related to arts and crafts.

6 Zangdopelri Lhakhang It is small temple located in the city of Phuentsholing. Since this place is very close to India many tourist from the country visit this temple very often. Here people belonging to the Buddhist religion offer their respect and prayer to Guru Rinpoche. There are several paintings and articheture which represents the traditional art and culture of Bhutan. Motithang Takin Preserve It was originally a zoo which has been turned into a reserve forest to preserve and protect the national animal of Bhutan i.e takin. It s a unique type of animal which has a head of the goat and body of the cow. They are very docile and often behave like a domestic animal. Hundreds of people visit this preserve every year to witness the rare animal. Tashichho Dzong Built over a large area it is actually both a Buddhist monastery as well as a fortress. In the earlier days it was the main office of the head of the Bhutan civil government. It was also the summer capital of the country at that time. There are several temples and shrines which are located inside this Dzong.

7 Dochula Dochula pass is actually a mountain pass which is located in between the road from Thimphu to Punakha. The main tourist attraction here is the memorial stupas which were built in the honor of one of the previous head of the state of Bhutan. The place is very attractive because of its scenic beauty. Paro Paro is a major town in Bhutan which is located in the Paro valley. There are several temples and monasteries which are situated in this beautiful town. The place is famous for its unique architecture. The town also hosts the only international airport of Bhutan i.e the Paro Airport.

8 Druk Gyal Dzong In the earlier days it was a monastery and a fortress but now it s in ruins since it was destroyed by a major fire. Tourist interested in historical elements visit this place during their sight seeing of Paro. Druk Gyal Dzong was built as one of the four principal Dra Dzongs (defence fortress).others believe that it was Tenzin Drugda the second Desi and the Paro Penlop who built it at the behest of Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal. Ta Dzong Ta Dzong is the national museum of Bhutan. It represents some of the best specimens of the art and culture of Bhutan which includes the traditional handicrafts and paintings etc. It holds a fascinating collection of traditional, cultural, religious heritage. Ringpung Dzong: Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first non secular and temporal ruler of Kingdom of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district body head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a standard bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good read of the field surprise of the Dzong in addition as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in the spring. Kyichu Lhakhang Kyichu Lhakhang or Kyerchu Temple is a Buddhist temple in Paro District in Bhutan. It is one in every of the oldest monasteries within the country in-built the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo.

9 Tiger Nest / Taakastshang Monastery: It is one amongst the foremost famous of Bhutan's monasteries, perched on the aspect of a drop-off 900m on top of the Paro vale floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here in the disguise of a tiger and meditated at this religious residence and therefore it's known as "Tiger's Nest". This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and currently visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their time period. On 19 Gregorian calendar months, 1998, a fire severely broken the most structure of building however currently this Bhutanese jewel has been reconditioned to its original splendour. Punakha Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan till and still it's the winter seat of Je Khenpo (the chief abbot). Blessed with temperate climate and thanks to its natural drainage from Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers, the Punakha valley produces plethoric crops and fruits. There are splendid views of the distant chain of mountains at Dochula pas (alt. 3,050m) on Thimphu Punakha road.

10 Built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637, by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and body centre of the region, Punakha Dzong has played Associate in Nursing vital role in Bhutan's history. Damaged by four ruinous fires Associate in Nursing an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully fixed up by the gift King. The Dzong is open for visitors throughout Punakha pageant and in summer months once the monk body moves to Thimphu. Entry fee for the tourist spots in Bhutan(Updated) for Indian Citizen Thimphu Memorial Chorten- NU 300 TashiDzong- NU 300 MotithangTakin Zoo - NU 100 Folk Heritage Museum - NU 100 Handicraft Institute Thimphu- NU 100 Paro Museum - NU 100 RinpungDzong- NU 300 Taktsang Monastery - NU 500 KitchuLakhang- NU 300. Important Note: Please carry 4 copies of colour passport size photograph each tourist with Govt voter ID card / Passport, for child original birth certificate & school id card must. Bhutan permit office will remain close on Saturday, Sunday & Bhutan national holidays, arrange your tour accordingly. A/C is not allowed in the vehicle on the hill side, if you want a/c then please do speak with driver directly.