Chang Gangkha, Thimphu:Bhutan
Serenity Journeys Tours & Treks
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Welcome to Bhutan, a country blessed with rich culture and living traditions. Bhutan is also referred to as Drukyul which translates to the Land of Thunder Dragon. The nation has remained immune to the global shift that has affected customs and cultures throughout the world. Bhutan is still one of the most gorgeous countries on the planet adorned with plenty of rich all-natural resources and biodiversity. Bhutan has a population of roughly 750,000 inhabitants and Buddhism is the main religion practiced in Bhutan. Since 1907, Bhutan became a unified country under the Institution of Monarchy and since then enjoyed a graceful development pathway in the last ten decades. The geographical terrain of Bhutan stretches from the snowcapped Himalayan ranges into the tropical forest in the south next to India. This makes Bhutan, the ideal destination for the enthusiastic traveler to trek through the magnificent valleys and temperate mountains of Bhutan.
Thimphu is capital of Bhutan, now consisting of more than one hundred thousand people. Its most modern and developed town in the country. The king and government rules Bhutan from here.
Paro is bustling small town and district. The only international airport is located here as well as the number of famous monuments including the must see Taktsang Gompa (Tiger's Nest). It is the stage of the annual Paro Tshechu, most famous festival in Bhutan attracting thousands of tourists and local alike.
Haa was open for tourism only in 2002 and even though it's quite near to Paro, it's still rarely visited. There is huge Indian military base in the valley. can visit the White and Black temples dedicated to local deities and enjoy the farmhouse hospitality. Another popular activity is fishing
Wangdue or Wangdue Phodrang is subtropical district south to Punakha. It's important junction for travel to central and southern Bhutan. It's main attraction is famous fertility Chimmy Lhakhang temple dedicated to divine madman Drukpa Kuenlay. The Wangdue Phodrang castle burned to ash in 2012 but now it's undergoing reconstruction.
Pleasant subtropical valley of Punakha used to be winter seat of the Bhutan rulers until 1970's. Punakha Dzong belongs to most beautiful castles in Bhutan. Mo chu and Po chu rivers which confluences near the dzong are ideal for rafting. Most of the interesting places in Punakha can be visited by short drive from Wangdue.
Highland district just recently connected by road. It's famous for its medicinal hot springs which are attracting huge numbers of local people. The district castle, the Gasa Dzong is also worth of visiting.
This southern district of Bhutan with long shared border with Indian state of Assam is rarely visited by tourist. Most inhabitants are Bhutanese of Nepali origins called Lhotshampas. District headquarters Gelephu has airport with somewhat irregular service to Paro and Jakar.
Zhemgang is district in central Bhutan rarely visited by tourists. Apart form interesting castle in Zhemgang town, it's famous as wildlife hotspot. Tingtibi town is famous as one of the finest birdwatching places in Bhutan while the Manas National Park is the most important low land nature reserve in Bhutan.
Strategically and historically significant district is the cultural border of western and central-eastern Bhutan. Royal family of Bhutan had risen from here at the end of 19th century. Trongsa Dzong, is mighty and large castle, worth of visit. Another sight is Royal Heritage Museum in the castle watchtower. Otherwise there not much to see and most people will spend maximum one night here.
Bumthang, dubbed as "Historical Heart of Bhutan" consists of four valleys, Chummey, Choskor, Tang and Ura. You can spend a couple of days here and still discover new interesting places. Domestic airport was open recently, improving the access significantly.
South-western district inhabited mostly by Nepali speaking Lhotshampas but also indigenous Lhop (Doya) people. Tourists are currently (as of 2019) unable to visit this region as the permits are not being issued by the immigration authorities.
South-west district important especially as a land entry gateway to Bhutan as the border town Phuntsholing is here. For tourist, there is little to see here. Popular stop is Kharbandi gompa near to Phunthosling. There is ongoing project of the Milarapa Tower, which might be interesting attraction once finished. The first hydro project, is located near Chukha town visible from Phuntsholing to Chuzom road.
Historically important south-west district used to be one of the most important centres of economy and power. Anyway, in modern age its significance faded. The large Dagana dzong is beautiful and large, although rarely visited by tourists due to long drive and lack of infrastructure. It's one of the possible end points of the Dagala trek.
South western district with headquarters in picturesque hill station Damphu is mostly inhabited by descendants of Nepali immigrants. is relatively prosperous though not yet much visited by tourists. It's main attraction is beautiful landscape, vivid subtropical nature, diverse local communities and various Hindu and Buddhist temples. Also fishing for Golden Masheer in Sankosh river is popular attraction. There are plans to develop trekking and other activities in the area.
Mongar is district in eastern-central Bhutan. Although it has fast growing economy for tourist it's basically place to go through while travelling from West to East (or opposite) and to visit Lhuntse district to the north. Yongkhola region below Thrumshingla pass is famous for birdwatching. Another important sight is Drametse monastery. Large referral hospital is located in Mongar.
North-eastern district of Lhuntse is known for it's beautiful dzong and also for it's beautiful, exclusive and pricey weaving in Khoma village. Dungkar, the ancestral home of Bhutan's royal family in the historical Kurtoe area, is also here. Rodong-la trek crossing from Bumthang to Trashi Yangtse crosses through the district's Kuri chhu valley. Another place of interest is the world's largest statue of Padmasambhava in Takey la.
Tashigang is eastern district of Bhutan. The first university in Bhutan, the Sherubtse is located here. Tashigang is basically transit point between on the way from West to East (or opposite) and to visit Trashi Yangtse to the north. Gomphu Kora (or Gom Kora) holy site related to 7th century saint Padmasambhava is one of the more important sights here. Another places of interest are Tashigang dzong (castle) and Rangjung monastery. Highland region of Merak-Sakteng inhabited by distinctive ethnic group Brokpa yak herders is another important attraction for visitor.
This north-eastern district is quite famous for it's Chorten Kora stupa, built as a copy famous Bouddhanath stupa of Kathmandu valley. It's very holy place on which two major festivals (Dakpa Kora and Drukpa Kora) are celebrated in winter months. Another famous place of interest is Omba Nye, the monastery which is dubbed as "Tiger's Nest" of the east. It can be accessed by trekking or hiking.
Samdrup Jongkhar is gateway to Bhutan when entering from India's state of Assam. Assam's capital Guwahati is just 4 hours drive from here, so the access is quite straightforward. There is little reason to stay here more than one night while transiting. Little bit north to Samdrup Jongkhar town, in Dewathang, the trespassing cars gets blessing from the hindu hermit who started small roadside Shiva temple. Don't forget to stop for his blessing for safe journey ahead.
This remote eastern Bhutan district is one of the core areas of Sharchop culture. It's only rarely visited by tourist, although it has number of festivals which might attract some. It's reachable by half day drive from Samdrup Jongkhar or Trashigang.
