Bhutan: what to see and do while respecting the environment


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Useful tips on things to do in Bhutan by booking an organized trip to discover the spectacular landscapes of this state.


Tourist information

The Kingdom of Bhutan has taken a cautious approach to tourism to avoid any negative impact on the country's culture and environment.

All tourists, group or individual, can travel only with an organized tour in the all-inclusive formula, booking exclusively through a tour operator registered in Bhutan or its respective correspondent abroad.


There are many potential tourists eager to explore the breathtaking mountains and valleys of this amazing country.

The tourism industry in Bhutan is based on the principle of eco sustainability, i.e. respect for the environment.

The number of tourists is limited to the level actually managed by the tourism infrastructure, which is not very high.


The name Bhutan means Land of Thunder Dragon.

Much of Bhutanese history is lost in legends, but the first major event was the arrival of Guru Rinpoche in the eighth century, who brought Mahayana Buddhism from Tibet with him.

Bhutan, the last Mahayana Buddhist kingdom in the world, became a coherent political subject around the 17th century and was never conquered and ruled by another foreign power.


Bhutan is a peaceful country with strong traditional values ​​based on religion, respect for the royal family and care for the environment.

What to do

Archery
Appreciate the skills of Bhutan in archery, the national sport of Bhutan. Competitions are held frequently. These events are usually fun and rowdy, accompanied by cheerful alcoholic drinks.

Recommended readings
  • Bhutan: useful information
  • Bhutan: what to see and do while respecting the environment

Birdwatching
Identify some of Bhutan's over 600 varieties of birds, including the rare black-necked crane whose wintering takes place in the valleys of Phobjikha and Bumdeling.

Buddhist festival
Get involved in one of the many Buddhist festivals of Bhutan, characterized by a riot of masks, dances and rituals in the courtyards, where Buddhist monks tell the story and myths through religious and folk dances.

Cheli La
See the beautiful and desolate Haa Valley, reached from Paro il Cheli La, at 3,810 m, the highest road pass in the country.

Drametse Goemba
Enjoy the spectacular view and the way to drive down the Drametse Goemba overhanging road, consider that this is not suitable for the faint hearted.

Drukgyel Dzong
Explore Paro with its imposing Dzong and traditional covered bridge by driving to the Dzong Drukgyel valley, once protected by Bhutan against Tibetan invasions. In good weather you can admire Jhomolhari, which is the second highest peak.

Emporium crafts
TO Thimpu there are shops with a vast assortment of unique souvenirs, including beautifully handcrafted and handcrafted products.

The Pass
Admire the breathtaking panorama of the Eastern Himalayas from the Dochu La Pass at 3,100 m.


What see

National Museum of Bhutan in Paro
Visit the National Library of Thimphu to look at the sacred books and scriptures, the National Museum of Bhutan in Paro, located in the Watchtower, where weapons, antiques, mammals and Bhutanese artifacts are exhibited.

School of Painting
Visit the 13 Arts and Crafts Institute in Tashi Yangtse, eastern Bhutan, or the painting school in Thimphu, where young artists and craftsmen hone their skills.

Punakha valley
There are many sacred temples, including Punakha Dzong. At the turn of the confluence of the Mo and Pho rivers, the Dzong was built by the founder of the kingdom, Ngawang Namgyal.

Taktsang
Taktsang Goemba, Tiger Nest, is the most revered monastery in Bhutan. It is located at the top of a precipice, 900 m above sea level in the Paro valley. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche came here on a flying tiger and stayed in a cave for three months to meditate.

Tashi Yangtse
See the remote valleys of eastern Bhutan, where women weave canvas on the doors of houses.

Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu
Main administrative and religious center of the country, it houses the ministries, the royal throne room and the largest monastery in the country, the summer home of the Je Khempo and its 1,600 monks.


Tongsa Dzong in central Bhutan
Visit the ancestral home of the royal family, which enjoys superb views over the valley, and then explore the holy places of Bumthang, the country's cultural and religious strongholds.

Trekking
A return to nature by following the trekking routes between the valleys and the mountain gorges, in a breathtaking landscape. Tourists can sign up for cultural visits that involve crossing villages on foot or by mountain bike along the Paro Valley for an exhilarating experience. Bicycles can be hired in Thimpu and trails are suitable for a wide range of skills.

Wangdiphodrang
Admire the slate carvings and bamboo weaving. Wangdiphodrang Dzong is located at the confluence of two rivers and for many centuries it was home to one of the most powerful Dzongpons in Bhutan.

What is Ecotourism? (February 2024)


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