Bhutan -Venture into the Dragon kingdom

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Bhutan is one of the most secluded Himalayan Kingdom shrouded with Buddhist mystics since ages. It is endowed with lush forests and valleys, time defying monasteries and typical art and culture with sky-high peaks surrounding it gives a serene touch to it.

Thimphu

Memorial Chorten, a famous landmark of the city has people praying while taking rounds around the central white structure laced with golden wires. Other places to view are Buddha Point, which is a 169 feet statue of Buddha with a great view of Thimpu valley around it, Motithang Takin Preserve – Takin, the national animal of Bhutan having the head of a goat and the body of a cow, the National Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum and excellent range of handicraft, silverware, jewelry to spend time on.

Punakha

This is the winter retreat and the administrative and religious seat of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan and the Monk body. This six-storey high monastery is one of the largest dzongs in Bhutan. The Dzong boasts intricately carved woodwork, prayer halls and beautiful religious paintings on walls and doorways.

Gangtey

Gangtey is “The hidden valley of Phobjikha” passing through banana plantations, poinsettias, bottle brush, cactus and pine is also the center of rare and endangered black-necked crane observation run by Royal Society of Protection who is trying to protect the environment, flora and fauna of Bhutan. It also gives us an insight into the rural lifestyle of Bhutan with wooden houses surrounded by fields.

Bumthang Valley

Bumthang Valley (2580mtrs) is noted as one of the most beautiful and sacred valley in Bhutan. This valley has a special history due to frequent visits by Padmasambhava as he was bringing Buddha’s message to Bhutan. The valley is wide and resplendent with fields of crops and also famous for its yak wool fabric known as ‘yathra’ with distinctive patterns and bright, earthy colours enliven the fabric, which is used for a wide variety of purposes and widely sought after throughout Bhutan.

Paro

Paro Dzong – the National Museum has an excellent collection of ancient artifacts of Bhutan with enticing costumes and painted and embroidered religious pictures from different regions of Bhutan.

Tiger’s Nest Monastery

This monastery, clinging to a cliff at a great height above the valley presents a spectacular view. There is Kyichu Lhakhang Temple and local archery grounds as well to view.