Bhutan
Aside from the breathtaking natural scenery, the most memorable aspect of Bhutan for most visitors is the strong sense of culture and tradition that unites the kingdom and distinguishes it from its larger neighbors. Bhutan is a small country in the Himalayas located between China’s Tibet Autonomous Region and India.
Bhutan is the world’s only Vajrayana Buddhist nation, and the profound teachings of this tradition are well preserved and have a tremendous influence on many parts of life. Bhutan has been dubbed “The Last Shangrila” due to its pristine environment and happy society. Despite its small size, Bhutan offers a glimpse into the new and whimsical world of the Himalayan Kingdom, with many masterpieces of Dzong architecture buried amid precipitous cliffs.
Bhutan’s currency is the ngultrum, with a fixed value to the Indian rupee. The rupee is accepted as legal money in the country. Despite being one of the world’s smallest economies, Bhutan has experienced tremendous growth in recent years.
Bhutan’s economy relies on agriculture, forestry, tourism, and the export of hydroelectric electricity to India. 55.4 percent of the population earns its living mostly via agriculture. Agrarian practices mostly involve subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Handicrafts, especially weaving and creating religious art for home altars, are a minor cottage industry. The environment, which ranges from hilly to ruggedly mountainous, has made road and infrastructure construction challenging and costly.
Bhutan is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of governance. The current monarch is Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Bhutan’s current Prime Minister is Tshering Tobgay, the leader of the People’s Democratic Party.
Here are several venues to explore medieval feudalism in natural settings:
Paro
The lovely valley of Paro in Bhutan is tucked among the snow-capped Himalayan range and is well-known for its rich cultural diversity and scenic splendor. The stunning temples and monasteries nestled in the colorful communities along the valley are breathtaking. The terraced fields of crimson rice in Paro are also a popular tourist attraction.
Phuentsholing
The city of Phuentsholing is located near Jaigarh in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is Bhutan’s second largest town and, like the rest of the country, it provides a clean and safe environment. The most popular attractions in Phuentsholing include Amo Chuu, the Crocodile Breeding Center, Bhutan Gate, and scenic sites on the city’s outskirts.
Thimphu
Thimphu, the capital city, is home to some of the country’s most remarkable attractions, including a 51.5mt bronze statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. Thimpu, known for its religious monuments and Bhutanese art galleries, is one of the world’s most beautiful capitals.
Drukgyal Dzong
The ruins of the historic Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1649, are located approximately 14 kilometers from Paro. The Dzong’s most popular attraction is the fake entrance, which was built to block Tibetan invaders from entering the courtyard. The stunning vistas of the Jhomolharis from Drukgyel Dzong make this a perfect location for bike riding.
Chelela passes.
Bhutan’s Chelela Pass is the highest observation point (13000 ft.), offering stHaa Valleyws over Haa Valley on one side and Paro on the other. A two-hour journey from Paro, and the route across the Chele la pass is breathtaking. Thousands of colorful flags waving, frozen rivers, and Alpine flowers everywhere provide a moving panorama of the sacred Jomolhari Mountain.
Jakar
Jakar, also known as Choekor Valley, is Bhutan’s trending core and is dubbed the “Little Switzerland of Bhutan”. Many pilgrimage sites are strewn around the area, with Kurje Lhakhang, Zangtopelri Lhakhang, and others being the most sacred. Tourists can be seen photographing and purchasing locally manufactured items and handicrafts.
Paro Taktsang (The Tiger’s Nest)
Paro Taktsang, also known as Tiger’s Nest, is a Himalayan temple complex located in the upper Paro valley. It is a Buddhist holy site because Guru Padmasambhava is claimed to have meditated in the caves here for three years. The complex includes 30 temples and various shrines for worship, as well as breathtaking views of the surrounding alpine terrain.
Haa valley
From the Taktsang Monastery, continue exploring the environmentally protected Haa Valley. Haa’s popular attractions include the Black, White, and Haa Gonpa temples, as well as a remarkable chorten or stupa featuring Guru Padmasambhava’s body and headgear. A permit from Thimpu is necessary to enter the Haa valley.
9. Bumdelling Wildlife Sanctuary
The Bumdelling Wildlife Sanctuary comprises 1,520.61 square kilometers and is regarded a very significant bird refuge in the Himalayas, including alpine lakes and the Bumdelling Valley. The sanctuary is well-known for sustaining Black-necked Cranes, one of the rarest bird species; you may also see Takins, which are only found in the Himalayan region and are Bhutan’s national animal.
Trongsa Dzong
Trongsa Dzong, Bhutan’s largest Dzong castle, is located in the country’s center along the Mangde River. This complex contains up to 25 temples, and listening to more than 200 Buddhist monks chanting is just calm. The Mangde Chuu Valley backdrop adds to the beauty of the area, making it a must-see destination.
Punakha
Punakha, located in the Pho and Mo Chu river valleys, is a popular tourist destination for those interested in the Dzong architecture of Pungthang Dewachen Gi Phodrang, which is regarded as Bhutan’s most magnificent. Punakha’s lovely Rishta village, where dwellings are made of pounded mud with stone foundations and are surrounded by rice fields, is a popular tourist destination.
Bhutan is known for pioneering the notion of Gross National Happiness.
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