Bhutan: Kingdom of Thunder Dragon and more

Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest Monastery): One of the most iconic landmark in Bhutan not only from religious but also from architectural perspective. The Tiger’s Nest Monastery is a small collection of buildings precariously perched on a cliff, 900 meters off of the ground. An entirely uphill hike which takes around 2-3 hours, visitors can also take pony rides to reach monastery. The Key attractions of this place are The tiger’s nest, the cave temple inside the monastery, the majestic views, and the many small temples inside the premises of the monastery.

Rinpung Dzong: Meaning ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’ and Famous as Paro Dzong. This place has finest example of Bhutanese architecture, with its colossal fortress and monastery which dominates the landscape of the beautiful city. Outside the dzong is the ground where dancers perform the popular dance forms of tsechu.

Chele La Pass: The drive to Chele La is through a number of passes in the mountainous landscape The pass connects Paro to the lesser known valley of Bhutan, known as the Haa Valley. On the days when the surroundings are particularly clear, one can witness the spectacular views of Mount Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, other northern peaks and also the Paro and Haa valleys.

National Museum of Bhutan: Housed in a 17th century watch tower, it has a unique character and beautiful panoramic views over Paro Valley. National Museum of Bhutan is a cultural museum that has different galleries which provide better display and various categorizations such as anthropology, arms and armor, prehistory, manuscript, paintings, textiles, bronzes, decorative arts, philatelic items, epigraphic items and numismatics.The stamps’ hall is very popular and displays, among others, 3D stamps, record stamps, silken stamps, embossed stamps and the famous triangular stamp depicting the yeti.

Punakha Dzong: Punakha Dzong takes pride as the second oldest and also the second largest Dzong in the country and the most beautiful of all.Situated at the confluence of the two rivers – Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother), the location couldn’t have been better. With the surrounding mountains, the fast flowing river and the perfect blue sky, the view of Punakha Dzong from afar is arguably the closest to a postcard perfect image that Bhutan has to offer. 

Chimi Lhakhang Temple: Also known as The Fertility Temple, it is a Buddhist monastery idyllically placed on a rotund hill. Thousands of pilgrims flock to The Fertility Temple in the hopes of having a child, as well as receiving a wang, blessing, from the saint with the ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom.

Jigme Dorji National Park: Jigme Dorji National Park is one of the oldest and most diverse National Parks of the country. With more than 300 avian species, the park acts as home to animals like serow, Indian leopard, sambar deer, barking deer, pika, marmot, goral etc.It is one of the most biologically rich areas in the Eastern Himalayan region, and stretches from warm broad-leaved forests to permanent ice fields and glaciers on Bhutan’s north-western border.

Rishta Village: Located on the banks of Mo Chu and Pho Chu river this is village you must visit. This model rice-growing village is famous for its contemporary techniques of rice farming alongside traditional architecture.

Memorial Chorten: As the name suggests ” Memorial Chorten” it is a Stupa build in memory of the Third King of Bhutan. This Memorial Chorten lies in the heart of Thimphu City and is a very important landmark in Bhutan. 

Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha view point): World’s largest mountain top statue of Buddha Dordenma is located at a height where one can see the beautiful views of Thimphu city and magnificent views of Himalayan mountains around the place. The huge structure of Buddha is made of bronze and is gilded in gold and the view from here is breathtaking.

Trashi Chhoe Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion): Sheer splendor , stunning and serenity of these white coloured Dzongs setting amidst the mountains and the rice terraces overlooking gushing rivers will make you fall in love with this place immediately. Trashi Chhoe Dzong looks spectacular by the side of a manicured lawn and has a large courtyard. Just below its premise is the Bhutan king’s modest home in the forest.Inside the dzongs, you can tour the courtyards and temples.

Motithang Takin Preserve: Situated on the outskirts of Thimphu Valley , It is one of the most protected areas of Bhutan , dedicated in preserving the national animal of Bhutan – Takin. Perched at an altitude of 2500 ft, Motithang Takin Preserve is bewitched with a dense alpine forest that you must explore while you are in Bhutan. It’s worthwhile taking the time to see these oddball mammals. The best time to see them is early morning, when they gather near the fence to feed.

The Amo Chhu Crocodile Breeding Centre: If you enjoy some wildlife, don’t miss out on the Amo Chhu Crocodile Breeding Centre in Phuentsholing, Bhutan.A few ponds are there where you can see the endangered gharials, mugger crocodiles, migratory birds, tortoises and fishes in the water. 

Bhutan is at its coldest during these months – especially in the high altitude zones. The valleys are warmer and sunny with clear views of the incredible Himalaya. This is the best time to be here and embrace the cold winds. During winter, most of the east-west highway remains snow bound. Winter is the ideal time to travel to Bhutan.

Bhutan experiences moderate rainfall, with frequently occurring showers. These showers mostly occur at night, but it is advised to avoid trekking or hiking and to always carry a raincoat or umbrella. The natural beauty of this place is at its scenic best during these months.

Summers are also a good time to be here as the temperatures are pleasant and the valleys are lush green with beautiful flowers. Generally, it isn’t too hot but humidity is high in the southern regions of the country.

Paro International Airport is the one and only international airport to enter into Bhutan by air.

There are no direct trains from India to Bhutan and tourists have to reach any of the last few railway stations in cities like New Jalpaiguri, Bagdogra, and Siliguri and then take a bus or car to Phuentsholing.