Worth getting out of bed for
Highlights the best Bhutan has to offer, from art and culture to fun-packed activities; we've even found the most inspiring place to enjoy the views from.
- Viewpoint
- One of the most stunning views in the country is actually just a short drive – followed by a long walk – from Bhutan’s airport. Taktsang Goemba, also known as the Tiger’s Nest monastery perches dramatically on the pine-lined Paro cliff-side. Revered as one of the most important Buddhist sites in the country, it’s the legendarily the spot where Guru Rimpoche – the man who brought Buddhism to Bhutan – parked his magic flying tiger.
- Arts and culture
- Bhutan’s biggest cultural attractions are its manifold mountain monasteries, temples and forts (dzongs) Dotted across the country, these beautiful buildings are often up to 600 years old and many are still in use today. Travellers need permits, but your assigned guide should have no problem securing them. Housed in a former fortress, the country’s National Museum (www.nationalmuseum.gov.bt) in Paro provides an essential insight into Bhutan’s unique backstory, with a trove of religious and historical artefacts. The highlight is the Tshogshing lhakhang, ('tree of life’). This is a brightly hued,
- Something for nothing
- Although it will certainly cost you a pretty penny to get into the country, once there, most activities are either free or covered by the rate you’re already paying. Entry to monasteries and dzongs, and trekking, is free. Schedule your visit to coincide with one of the many festivals held at various temples across Bhutan from March through December (with most in October).
- Shopping
- Thimphu has hordes of handicraft, jewellery, art and fabric stores. For astonishing woven fabrics – such as those used for the Bhutanese national costume – visit the traditional Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre (+975 2 327534/325583) in Chamzamtog, or the slightly more touristy Kelzang Handicrafts (+975 2 321353). For a fine selection of old textiles, exquisite and often antique jewellery, visit Lungta Handicraft (+975 2 333855; lungtahandicraft.com). If you happen to make it all the way (east) to Punakha, visit the Bhutan Souvenir Production and Training Centre (+975 2 584664). Run by the country’s Youth Development Fund (www.ydf.org.bt), this centre trains young women in making traditional handicrafts and then provides them with start-up capital to open their own businesses.
- Daytripper
- Thanks to those pesky mountains getting in the way, nothing in Bhutan is nearby. Be prepared to spend hours navigating steep passes and one-lane roads. Thankfully, you won’t be doing the driving. Day-trips are only possible if you’re already close to your destination. Our favourite little daytrip destination is a couple of hours from Thimphu and a short (for Bhutan) 40-minute drive from Punakha. Chimi Lhakhang is Bhutan’s most revered fertility temple. It was founded by Drukpa Kinley, the ‘divine madman’ whose Buddhist teachings are revered in Bhutan. Kinley’s somewhat maverick approach to sainthood was to beat away devils with his penis, hence the flying phallus murals that adorn the temple walls. The Bhutanese come to this temple to pray for children and ask the monks to predict the gender of their offspring. If you ask, they’ll even tell you your future child’s Bhutanese name.
- Perfect Picnic
- For a Paro picnic you’ll never forget, pack some edibles and drive to Drukgyel Dzong, the 400-year-old fortress just 14km from the town. An imposing building, historically important for deflecting invading Tibetans, the fort was ravaged by a fire in 1951 and has been left in ruins ever since. Nonetheless, it’s still a grand prospect and because of its ragged condition, a tad mysterious. Beyond the fort, you can see the snowy summit of Jhomolhari, a legendary embodiment of prosperity goddess (and herbal tea brand) Tsheringma.
- Activities
- Himalayan trekking is Bhutan’s big banana. The trails range from moderate to leg-strainingly hard but the mountain views are their own reward, (rock climbing, however, is forbidden). Adrenaline junkies who make it to Punakha, the sub-tropical valley where the king spends his winters, might enjoy some white-water rafting (your hotel can arrange this, or try the Bhutan Travel Bureau at www.bhutantravelbureau.com), while ornithologists should head to the Phobjika valley in October and November to catch the annual migration of hundreds of black-necked cranes.
- And...
- Bhutan is the only country in the world to outlaw the sale of tobacco.
Diary
Bhutan’s red-letter days are closely associated with the Buddhist lunar calendar and other events tend to happen on dates calculated as auspicious by the country’s astrologers. Here’s an approximate breakdown:
February/March The Punakha Dromche celebrates the defeat of Tibetan armies in the 17th Century. Mach/April The Paro tsechu is the nation’s largest and most impressive, featuring dramatic masked dances performed by trained monks. Local townspeople set up the Bhutanese equivalent of a county fair. September/October Tsechus in Thimphu, Bumthang and Tangbi. Thimphu tsechu is held in the courtyard of the capital building, where the offices of the king and other government officials are housed. Bumthang’s festival is perhaps the most authentic, as few tourists have set out to see it.
