Traditional medicine or Sowa Rigpa as it is known dates as far back as the 17th century and to the time of Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal. Since then, traditional medicine has developed independently of its Tibetan origins and although the basic texts used are the same, some differences in practice make it a tradition particular to the …
Mountain biking in Bhutan is a whole new sport that is steadily gaining popularity amongst the Bhutanese and visitors alike. The country’s topography, especially in the western, central and eastern regions, are not the most cycle-friendly but that is precisely why mountain biking is gaining momentum amongst more and more visitors. The mode of transport …
As the stronghold of Vajrayana Buddhism, meditation and retreats is a common feature especially amongst the Buddhist practitioners and the monks. One can come across small retreat centers and hermitages all over the country next to temples, monasteries and monastic schools. These retreat and meditation centers provide the Bhutanese with the much needed respite from …
The clean and clear rivers of Bhutan are one of the kingdom’s best kept open secrets. Fed by the Eastern Himalayas, the six rivers (Wang Chhu, Sunkosh, Puna Tsang Chhu, Mangde Chhu, Kuri Chhu and Dangme Chhu and their tributaries) have been scouted for kayaking and rafting. They cut through high valleys and low plains …
Hot springs are found in most places in Bhutan and have been used for centuries to cure the Bhutanese of various ailments ranging from arthritis, body aches, to even sinuses. Come winter and it is a tradition for the Bhutanese to visit the well known hot springs. Known as Tshachus, the hot spring at Gasa …
Bhutan in the midst of the Himalayas prides itself in its biological diversity and the richness of flora and fauna. This has been possible because of its forest cover that is intact and the great altitudinal and climatic ranges of its location. Today, Bhutan boasts of ten protected areas covering 16,396.43 square kilometers, that is …
Bhutan is a paradise for bird lovers and ornithologists. Over 670 species of birds have been recorded and many more are yet to be discovered. Around 50 species of the known birds are winter migrants. These include ducks, waders, birds of prey, thrushes, finches and buntings. The partial migrants to Bhutan include cuckoos, swifts, bee-eaters, …
Duration: 25 days, Max. Elevation: 5,320m Highest Camp: 5,120m Standard: Hard Best Seasons: Mid June to Mid October Start: Drukgyel Dzong (Paro) Finish: Duer Village (Bumthang) Summary: The Snowman Trek is an extension of the beautiful Laya Gasa Trek, and leads from Laya further into the high altitudes of the Bhutanese Himalayas. It takes tough and enduring trekkers into the Lunana …
Duration: 25 days, Max. Elevation: 5,320m Highest Camp: 5,050m Standard: Hard Best Seasons: Mid June to Mid October Start: Drukgyel Dzong (Paro) Finish: Sephu (Trongsa) Summary: The Snowman Trek is an extension of the beautiful Laya Gasa Trek, and leads from Laya into high altitudes of the Bhutanese Himalayas. It takes tough and enduring trekkers into the Lunana region and further …
Duration: 10 days, Max. Elevation: 4,160m Highest Camp: 3,680m Standard: Medium to hard Best Seasons: October to early November and April to early May Start: Toktu Zampa (Bumthang) Finish: Trashi Yangtse Summary: This route was the most important trade route to eastern Bhutan till the road was built. Nowadays hardly anybody, except some ardent trekkers, travels along this route anymore. …
Duration: Four days, Max.Elevation: 3,400 Highest Camp: 3,360 Standard: Easy Best Seasons: September to May Start: Dechencholing (Thimphu) Finish: Zomlingthang (Punakha) Summary: The best seasons for this trek are March to May and September to November. But due to the low altitudes, the trek is possible throughout the whole winter. The trek is the old walking route from Thimphu to Punakha. …
Duration: 6 days, Max. Elevation: 1,500m Highest Camp: 1,500m Standard: Easy Best Seasons: October – April Start: Tongtongphey (Trongsa) Finish: Reotala (Trongsa) Day 1 Tongtongphey – Jangbi village (Total distance: 7-9.5 kms, 3-4 hours, altitude range 1,000m – 1,350m) After an early breakfast at your hotel, you could afford some time to strut around the Trongsa town, combining it with a …
Duration: 14 days, Max. Elevation: 5,005m Highest Camp: 4,220m Standard: Medium to hard Best Seasons: April to June & Mid September to Mid Nov Start: Drukgyel Dzong (Paro) Finish: Tashitang (Punakha) Summary: The first part of the Laya Gasa Trek goes along the same route as the Jomolari Trek I right till Lingshi. Besides the unforgettable views of Mount Jomolhari, the …
Duration: Eight days, Max. Elevation: 4,890m Highest Camp: 4,080m Standard: Medium Best Seasons: April to June, September to November Start: Drukgyel Dzong (Paro) Finish: Drukgyel Dzong (Paro) Summary: Jomolhari Trek – Jomolhari Trek II is the shorter one of the two Jomolhari routes- -the most popular trek in Bhutan. With altitude differences of 2,500m and nearly 5,000m (lowest and highest point …
Duration: Nine days, Max. Elevation: 4,930m Highest Camp: 4,080m Standard: Medium Best Seasons: March to June & October to November Start: Drukgyel Dzong (Paro) Finish: Dodena (Thimphu) Summary: Jomolhari Trek – Jomolhari Trek I is the longer one of the two Jomolhari routes- and the most popular trek in Bhutan. With altitude differences of 2,500m and nearly 5,000m (lowest and highest point …
Duration: Five days, Max. Elevation: 2,430 Highest Camp: 2,250 Standard: Easy Best Seasons: February to March & October to December Start: Tashitang (Punakha) Finish: Tashitang (Punakha) Summary: The Gasa Hot Spring Trek is one of the easier treks in Bhutanalthough it is advisable to connect the walking days and walk up to the tsachu from Tashitang road head in one day. …
Duration: Three days,Max. Elevation: 3,480m Highest Camp: 3,330m Standard: Easy Best Seasons: September to May Start: Phobjikha Finish: Tikke Zampa Although the trek is possible throughout the whole winter, the best seasons for the Gangte Trek are March to May and September to November. It is a short and relatively easy trek with beautiful villages and monasteries en route. Day 1: …
Duration: nine Days, Max. Elevation: 4,700m Highest Camp: 3,400m Standard: Medium to hard, Best Seasons: March to April & September to November Start: Bumthang Finish: Bumthang Summary: Duer Hot Springs are said to be the most beautiful natural hot springs in the Himalayas. The Duer Hot Spring Trek is a demanding nine day trek along the same route as the …
Duration: Six days,Max.Elevation: 4,200m Highest Camp: 4,110m Standard: Easy to medium Best Seasons: March to June & September to November Start: National Museum in Paro Finish: Mothitang (Thimphu) Summary: Druk Path Trek is one of the most popular treks in Bhutan. It is a short and scenic trek with some great views and beautiful lakes en route. Although it leads up …
Duration: Six days, Max. Elevation: 4,520m Highest Camp: 4,300m Standard: Medium Best Seasons: April to June and September to October Start: Gynekha (Thimphu) Finish: Chamgang (Thimpu) Summary: Although the trek leads up to plenty of beautiful high altitude mountain lakes and provides stunning views of the whole Bhutanese Himalayan range as well as Kanjenjunga (3rdhighest mountain of the world, Sikkim) it …
Duration: Three days, Max. Elevation: 3,360m Highest Camp: 2,800m Standard: Easy to medium Best Seasons: March to May & September to November Start: Toktu Zampa (Bumthang) Finish: Mesithang (Bumthang) Summary: The Bumthang Cultural Trek. Bumthang is well known as one of the main cultural centres of Bhutan and there are many opportunities to visit temples and small Bhutanese villages along the …
Wangdue Phodrang in central Bhutan is known for the Lozeys or the ornamental speeches. Some of the notable lozeys are the sorrows of Gaylong Sumdar Tashi, who was sent as a monk and that of Pemai Tshewang Tashi who served as an official at the Dzong. The Dzong serves as the administrative centre and was …
Ura valley in Bumthang is known for its famous dance known as the Ura Yakchoe. This festival that is held annually in the month of May is a festival where a sacred and an important relic is put on display for the people to receive blessings. Myth has it that one day an old woman …
Trongsa, the sacred and the temporal heart of the country is a two days journey from Thimphu. Situated in central Bhutan and once the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan, both the first and second kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat. All four kings were invested as Trongsa Penlop …
Trashigang is the largest district in the country and the bastion of the Tshanglas, the aboriginal inhabitant of the district. The dzong that sits majestically on a ridge overlooking the Dangmechu and the Gamrichu was built in 1651 and over the years has played crucial roles as the Administrative headquarter of the district. It also …
One of the biggest festivals is the Thimphu Tshechu, held in the capital city for three days starting from 10th day of the 8th month of lunar calendar. Before the actual tshechu that is being witnessed by thousands of people from the capital city and the nearby Dzongkhags, days and nights of prayers and rituals …
Takin Festival will be held every year in Gasa to showcase Bhutan’s rich natural heritage, raise awareness on conservation of biodiversity, create avenues and strive towards financial sustainability of the park management, provide off-season ecotourism opportunities to the tourism sector, and provide supplemental income opportunities to the park residents, specifically the upland communities. Jigme Dorji …
Sakten valley in eastern Bhutan under Trashigang Dzongkhag is another valley inhabited by a semi-nomadic people known as the Brokpas. Situated at the height of above 3000 meters, the valley remains untouched by the influence of the outside world. Living close to nature in the pristine wilderness, the Brokpas sustain through yak rearing and animal …
Punakha is located in the western part of Bhutan and it is the winter home of Chief Abbot of Bhutan, the Je Khenpo. Punakha played great importance in the history of Bhutan during the time of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 17th century. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal is known as the unifier of Bhutan as a nation …
Pema Gatshel is one of the six districts in eastern Bhutan and one of the newly established Districts. Untill its establishment as an independent District, Pema Gatshel was administered from Mongar, Trashigang and Samdrup Jongkhar districts. It borders Trashigang to its north, Samdrup Jongkhar to its south and Mongar to its east. Its major inhabitants …
The Paro tsechu in spring is a major attraction in Paro district. People come from neighbouring districts to participate in the festivity. On the final day, the best time to go is early in the morning as the monks of the Paro Dzong prepare to display a giant appliqué thangkha, the Guru Throngdel, inside the dzong. Day 1: (inside the dzong) Dance of …
Wangchuck Centennial Park will be organizing the Annual Nomads’ Festival at the Head Office Ground at Nasiphel, Chhokhortoe geog in Bumthang. The Nomads’ festival will showcase the tradition and culture of the nomads including dairy products, handicrafts, weaves, and nomadic way of life. It will also have other major attractions like traditional games-soksum, degor, pungdo, …
Nimalung Lhakhang is located in Chumey in Bumthang. It is approximately a 15 minute drive from the road that branches off from the village of Chumey. The Lhakhang was co-founded by Dasho Gonpo Dorji and Doring Trulku Jamyang Kunzang, the third mind reincarnation of Terton Jigme Lingpa in 1935. Doring Trulku visited Bhutan from Kham …
Mongar in eastern Bhutan is largely known as the “Bastion of the Zhongarps,” after the illustrious Dzongpons of Zhongar that played significant role in the history of Bhutan. One can still see the ruins of the Zhongar Dzong next to the highway in Lingmethang before reaching Mongar. The main inhabitants are the Tshanglas and the …
Merak valley in eastern Bhutan under Trashigang Dzongkhag is a unique valley inhabited by a semi-nomadic people known as the Brokpas. Situated at the height of 3000 meters, the valley remains untouched by the influence of the outside world. Living close to nature in the pristine wilderness, the Brokpas sustain through yak rearing and animal …
Lhuenste is one of the easternmost districts in Bhutan that borders with the autonomous region of Tibet. It is the ancestral home of our Kings and hosts a number of important and sacred monuments. The most important amongst others is the Dzong that sits majestically on a ridge overlooking the Kurichu river. A small hermitage …
The temple is located at Kurjey in the Chokhor valley in Bumthang district. It is 15 minutes drive from Chamkhar town. Kurjey Monastery The history of the temples at Kurjey is associated with Sindhu Raja and Guru Rinpoche. Sindhu Raja invited Guru Rinpoche from Nepal to Bhutan. Upon invitation, Guru Rinpoche visited Bumthang and meditated …
The 2nd Haa Summer Festival will be celebrated on the 9th – 10th July 2012.It offers a lively and uplifting combination of traditional living culture, nomadic lifestyle, demonstration of Bhutanese cuisines, processing of local Ara (drink), traditional sports, religious performance, dances, songs, artifacts, and natural alpine flowers. You can also stay the night at one …
Gomphu Kora lies in the heart of the agrarian belt of eastern Bhutan. It is 23 kilometres from Trashigang Dzong, the headquarters of Bhutan’s most populous district, and two kilometers from Duksum, a quaint hamlet consisting of a few shops. Gomphu means “Meditation Cave” and Kora means “Circumambulation”. The name is derived from a cave …
Chorten Kora is located in Trashiyangtse, the easternmost district of Bhutan. One can reach Trashiyangtse after two hours drive fromTrashigang following the banks of Dangmechu and Kholungchu rivers. The Chorten (Stupa) was built by Lama Ngawang Loday in 1740 in memory of his late uncle, Jungshu Pesan and also to subdue a demon that lived …
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Traversing the realm of Kheng culture Inhabitants of Zhemgang are culturally called the Khengpas. The region remained closed to tourism for many years. In the recent years only a small part was opened for bird watching. This newly opened region is the jewel of tourism in Bhutan. Zhemgang people here are grouped under three regions …
The inhabitants of Sarpang are a mixture of almost every ethnic group in Bhutan comprising of the Sharchopas, Ngalops, Bumthaps, Khengpas, Kurtoeps and then Lhotshampas. The vastness of agricultural land has enticed many farmers to Sarpang. Majority of the inhabitants are the Lhotshampas and nature worshippers which makes a great diversity of cultural experiences. The …
Trongsa: The Vanguard of the Warriors Pelela pass at 3300m is an important dividing range that separates Western Bhutan from Central and Eastern Bhutan. Crossing this important Pass, one may enjoy the pastoral feeling as you drive deeper into the valley with meadows where sheep and yaks graze. The bamboos that grow plenty on these …
Located along the way to the Tang village over the feeder road under Bumthang valley, it takes thirty minutes drive to the Mebar Tsho from the Chamkhar town. Mebar Tsho is considered one of the most sacred sites in the region as it relates to the renowned treasure reveler, Terton Pema Lingpa-incarnated disciple of Padmasambhava …
Bumthang: The spiritual heartland of Bhutan This region that spans from 2,600-4,500m is the religious heartland of the nation and home to some of its oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. Tales of Guru Padmasambhava and the tertons (“religious treasure-discoverers”) still linger in this sacred region. The district is sub-divided into the four blocks of Chokhor, …
Wangdue Phodrang: The Land of Ornamental Speech or lozeys Wangdue Phodrang is an important gateway to the far flung districts of Eastern Bhutan. The dzong perched on a ridge overlooking the Punatsangchu and Dangchu rivers was built in 1639. As the name speaks the dzong of Wangdue held a powerful position during pre-monarchy days. Apart …
Thimphu: Cruising the capital’s cultural core Thimphu, situated at an altitude of 2400m, is the centre of government, religion and commerce. The capital has an interesting combination of tradition and modernity, and includes some of the most advanced and remotest parts of the kingdom. It is home to the Kings and the Royal family members, …
Taktsang is located on a high cliff towards the north of Paro town. It was first built in 1692, around the Taktsang Senge Samdup, a cave where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated for three months in the 8th century. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambhava) flew to this location from Khenpajong, …
Punakha: The ethereal ancient capital Punakha has been inextricably linked to some of the most momentous events in the Bhutanese history and deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful and significant regions at the heart of Bhutanese culture. This district, levelling from 1300m at the valley floor rises to almost 3000m around Dochhula …
Paro: The valley of unsurpassing beauty Paro’s cultural bonanza The cultural highlights of Paro resemble so much the intricate and beautiful textiles worn by the people during the valley’s annual festival. Here we take you through the rice fields, orchards, farmhouses and temples of various ages. The pride of Paro is the hanging temples on …
Haa: the valley of the Guardian spirit The ancestral home of the Royal Grandmother and the Dorji family, the Haa district is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque of the districts in the country. The district adjoins the districts of Paro, Chhukha and Samtse, covering an area of 1706 sq. Km. It is one of …
Gasa: On the trails of discovery Gasa the northern most district of the country adjoins the districts of Punakha, Thimphu and Wangdue Phodrang and with Tibet to its north. This starkly beautiful region with elevations ranging from 1500 to 4,500 metres experiences extremely long and hard winters and short but beautiful summers. It has the …
These museums that were established in 2001 in Thimphu provide visitors and tourists with fascinating insights into the Bhutanese material culture and way of life. The Folk Heritage Museum with a three storied, 19th century traditional house provides you a glimpse of the Bhutanese lifestyle, and artifacts from the rural households. One can come across …
Dochula pass is located on the way to Punakha from Thimphu. The pass is popular for tourists for its ideal location from where one can enjoy 360 degree of beautiful panoramic view of Himalaya mountain range, especially on clear winter days. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens-108 stupa …
Trashigang: The Jewel of the East. Trashigang spans the easternmost corners of the kingdom, skirting up to the edge of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, and is the country’s largest district. The district has an altitude ranging from 600 m to over 4000m and Bhutan’s largest river, the Dangmechu, flows through the district. Trashigang …
Trashiyangtse: The land of spiritual awakening Trashiyangtse is a rapidly growing town and the administrative and religious center for the people of Trashiyangtse. It was carved out from Trashigang district in 1992 as a separate district. The district pushes up to into the north-east Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh and elevations range from 1000m to …
Samdrup Jongkhar: Gateway to Eastern Bhutan The gate way to Eastern Bhutan, Samdrup Jongkhar is situated in the south eastern part and shares borders with the Indian state of Assam. It is by far the largest urban centre in eastern Bhutan. It lies at elevations ranging from 200m to 3,500m. In the earlier past, many …
Mongar: The Bastion of the Zhongarps Mongar, one of the six districts that make up eastern Bhutan borders Bumthang, Lhuentse, Pema Gatshel and Trashigang. The district covers an area of 1,954 sq.kms with elevations ranging from 400m to 4,000m and has a population of about 38,000. The landscape is spectacular with stark cliffs an gorges …
Lhuentse: The Ancestral Home of the Kings In the north-eastern corner of Bhutan lies the ancient region of Kurtoe or Lhuentse as it is known today. It is the ancestral home of our Kings and boasts some sacred sites of pilgrimage in the country. It is located 77km from Mongar (3 hours’ drive) and is …