The thunderous natures of the storms that
originate from the Himalayas have earned Bhutan the name, the land of the
dragons. The rich culture, radiant snow capped mountains, lush green valleys,
magical rural landscapes and historical monasteries and monuments draw the
curious attention of esteemed explorers to Bhutan. The best way to explore this
extra ordinary land is by trekking its vast landscape.
Hiking The Bhumthang Valley
These cascading lush green valleys are
popular and have a magnificent landscape. Fill your lungs with fresh mountain
air as you admire the beauty of the stunning sceneries. The Paro valley is
normally the starting point. Here, visit the National Museum stocked with
prized artifacts and an incredible collection of silverware and Bhutanese art.
Also,
see the legendary Taksang Monastery also known as home to the Tigers Nest. It
is believed that a Mahayan Buddhist arrived to this
monastery on a tigress over a millennium ago. Explore the mystical legends
surrounding this historic monument.
Thimphu
A tour is incomplete without exploring the
capital of Bhutan, this fascinating kingdom that keeps its values is amazing. Imagine
a place where even street lamps do not exist for such a simple reason;
conserving the natural environment.
The attractions in Thimphu range from the
splendid Dzongs like the Trashi Cchoe Dzong that seamlessly fit with the views
of the pristine banks of Wang Chhu River. It holds the city’s most colorful
parties and royal festivities. See artisans at work at the Royal Goldsmith
Workshop and the Handicraft emporium famed for weaving, wood carvings and
paintings.
The Sunday markets are bustling with
activities along both banks of the Wang Chhu River: a stunning collection of
stalls selling local products, an authentic Bhutanese experience. Wander around
these stalls and fill your nostrils with the aroma of natural spices, dried
fish, red rice and homemade cheese.
Plunge into Bhutan’s art scene at Voluntary
Arts Studio, you may chat with professional artists as well as witness
instructors teaching art lessons to Bhutanese students. Artistic products are
also sold here.
Punakha Dzong
This used to be an old Capital of Bhutan,
and lies on the lowlands and surrounded by spectacular tropical forests.
Punakha Dzong has stood the test of time, glacier floods and fire. It is a
mighty fortress that stands majestically between two rivers and was built in
1637. If you happen to visit in February you get to witness a remarkable procession
in commemoration of a hard won victory over the Tibetans.
In these spectacular lowlands, you will
catch a glorious view of the highest Mountain in Bhutan: the Mount Gangar
Punsum and have an eastern view of the Himalayas.
You can take a break in the Gangtey Gompa valley
where there are numerous monks’ quarters and meditation centers. The
seriousness of the Bhutanese in conserving the environment is astonishing,
there are no electric or telephone lines. This is also a spectacular
destination for bird watching activities and is home to the rare Black Necked
Cranes that migrate from Tibetan plateaus to escape harsh winter climate.
Travel to Bhutan with Ampersand Travel
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