Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan
The Tiger's Nest monastery, known locally as Paro Taktsang, has earned a reputation as one of the most remarkable tourist spots in central Asia. It has become the most iconic cultural landmark in Bhutan, and…
In Bhutan it is said that they care more about their GNH (Gross National Happiness) than their GDP (Gross Domestic Product) – and it shows. The tiny Buddhist nation tucked between India and China has continually been ranked as the happiest country in Asia.
It’s easy to see why. The last great Himalayan kingdom, which only opened its doors to visitors in the 1970s, is home to magnificent landscapes, from verdant green valleys and dramatic mountain ranges to fairytale-like forests and storybook villages. Buddhism is central to Bhutanese culture and many people live a life close to nature that enhances wellbeing. Part of the reason nature is so well-preserved in this tiny country is because of a focus on the environment. By law, at least 60% of the country’s forests must remain intact for future generations. For this reason, the landscape is close to pristine, with breathtaking forest hikes and vibrant flora and fauna.
An unhurried ocean of calm in a crowded continent, Bhutan is scenically magnificent. Join our small group escorted tour and walk up the mountain to the famous Tiger’s Nest monastery. The Bhutanese will welcome you to share their distinctive culture, unpolluted environment, and colourful festivals.We explore centuries of Buddhist tradition inherited from Tibet that have shaped this land with art, dance, music, and even medicine shaped by religion.
Join Odyssey Traveller on this small group tour in the Indian subcontinent, taking us from the verdant tea gardens of Darjeeling nestled in the Himalayan mountain range, to the hilltop monasteries of the former independent kingdom of Sikkim, and finally to the pristine and beautifully isolated mountain landscape of Bhutan.
Bhutan has preserved its traditional culture as well as it has its beautiful scenery. Delve into traditional arts and handicrafts at the Institute for Zorig Chusum, and take in history at the National Museum of Bhutan. Unlike other parts of the world, however, traditional Bhutanese culture does not just reside in museums. Prayer flags and stunning monasteries dot the landscape while annual religious festivals (known as tshechu) are a living form of art and an enduring expression of culture, the social highlight of the Bhutanese calendar.
The Tiger's Nest monastery, known locally as Paro Taktsang, has earned a reputation as one of the most remarkable tourist spots in central Asia. It has become the most iconic cultural landmark in Bhutan, and…
Over the past decade, the Bhutan Textile Museum in Thimphu has steadily established itself as one of the best adverts for local Bhutanese culture. The museum finds the right balance between past and present, highlighting…
Modern day Bhutan has a deep affinity with its Buddhist past. Buddhism is the source of religious and cultural identity for the majority of Bhutanese people. The history of Bhutan goes some way to explaining…
The Nalakhar Tshechu festival runs for three days in the Nalakhar village in Bumthang. The celebration is part of the national Tshechu, one of Tibet's biggest religious festivals, which runs for three days throughout the…
Festivals of Bhutan Tshechu, or religious festivals are at the very heart of Bhutan‘s unique way of life. These sacred festivals take place all year round – in every monastery and temple, even in the…
Bhutan: a journey into the Hidden Kingdom Bhutan, a tiny and remote nation nestled within the Himalayas, has been described as a real-life Shangri-La. It is famed for its Buddhist spirituality, pristine mountain landscape, and…
Odyssey travels by coach and occasionally uses local transport, including trains and ferries. Specifics are always outlined in your tour itinerary. Bhutan has a limited domestic air service but no passenger rail. Bigger cities are serviced by taxis (though they do not operate to a metre). Bhutan’s one main road is the National Highway, and it is narrow and winding. But the best way to experience Bhutan is by road, because you can come so close to mountains and feel immersed in its rugged landscape.
In major cities, Odyssey stays in centrally located 4-5 star hotels, with access to public transport where available. In smaller towns or rural areas, we usually stay in family-run hotels or guesthouses. On our long stay tours, during which you spend the length of the tour in a single location, we use serviced apartments.
Odyssey always engages local guides with regional knowledge to ensure an authentic experience during which you can learn as much as possible about the history and culture of places you visit.
Bhutan is nestled in the eastern Himalayas between China in the north and India to the south, east and west. The altitude varies from 180m (590ft) in the southern foothills to over 7,300m (23,950ft) in the north. Bhutan has three distinct climatic regions. Due to Bhutan’s location and unique geographical and climatic variations, it is one of the world’s last remaining biodiversity hotspots.
Bhutan’s pristine environment, with high rugged mountains and deep valleys, offers ecosystems that are both rich and diverse. Conservation of its rich biodiversity is one of the government’s development paradigms. The government has enacted a law that shall maintain at least 60% of its forest cover for all time.
As yet, no sites in Bhutan are officially inscribed on the World Heritage List. However, there are a number of Tentative sites that are well worth visiting. These include:
The Ancient Ruin of Drukgyel Dzon, which is situated on the ridge of the upper Paro valley. Constructed in 1649, it was originally a defense base. After being destroyed by fire in 1951, its’ ruin remains an integral symbol in Bhutan’s heritage
Tamzhing Monastery is known for its unique mural paintings and other cultural artifacts. The monastery is the principle seat of Pema Lingpa, who built it in 1501.
Royal Manas National Park is one of ten global biodiversity hotspots. Located in south central Bhutan, it includes tropical and subtropical ecosystems, grassland and river beds. Thus, it is home to a great variety of wildlife. It also has the world’s highest tiger density!
The Thimphu Tshechu is one of Bhutan’s biggest festivals. It takes place over three days in September, which are designated national holidays. People wear their finest garments and pack into the courtyard of the Tashichho dzong (fortress). Mask dances are performed upon a specially installed dancing stage.
In March, in the spring, Paro Tshechu takes place. This popular festival sees monks and locals dress up in vibrant, brocade costumes. They reenact Buddhist legends, wearing masks that represent deities. The festival culminates with the viewing of the four storey high, 350 years old thangkha (Buddhist religious scroll), celebrating the deeds of Guru Rimpoche.
Jambay Lhakhang Drup occurs in October. Guru Rimpoche is celebrated with traditional dances, as people also mark the establishment of the Jambay Lhakhang Monastery. The highlight is the fire ceremony, or Mewang. Locals run beneath a large flaming gate made from dry grasses.
Another notable event within Jambay Lhakhang is the Tercham, or Dance of Treasure. Traditionally, masked dancers perform naked in the middle of the night. They believe this dance will bless infertile women so that they may bear children.
Bhutan’s unofficial national dish is Ema Datschi. This spicy stew is similar to a curry, and is often eaten daily accompanied by red rice. Ema Batschi is made of chillies and cheese from yak or cow’s milk. Taste with caution – Bhutanese chillies are hot!
Other classic stews include Jasha Maroo, which is a spicy, diced chicken with tomato, coriander and ginger, served bathed with a chicken broth; and Phaksha Paa, simmered pork shoulder and spices topped with dried pork and fresh chilli.
Momos are perhaps the most familiar choice for the Western palate. They are similar to Chinese dumplings: steamed buns typically filled with minced meat, cabbage and spices
While much of Bhutan is usually safe to travel around, it’s important to stay alert to anything unusual. Also, you will often see signs warning of pickpockets in areas popular with tourists, so it’s important to keep a close eye on your belongings at all times.
Whenever you travel overseas, it’s always wise to take an appropriate travel adaptor. The electricity supply runs at 230V, 50Hz. Bhutan accepts plugs of Types C, D, F, G and M.
Bhutan’s time zone is GMT + 6 . Bhutan does not observe Daylight Savings time.
If you’re on an Odyssey tour, we take care of tipping so you don’t need to give it a second thought. However, in your free time, or if travelling independently, it is recommended that you tip up to 15USD for guides and 6USD for drivers. Information on this custom varies, with some saying tipping is discretionary. Staff tend to earn low wages, so tips would be greatly appreciated.
Some hotels will provide wifi to their guests, and there are a few internet cafes in major towns. But on the whole, internet access cannot be relied upon. The networks are continually undergoing expansion.
Check with your cell phone provider to see whether you’re able to make calls and use data while in Bhutan. Many providers will offer a daily fee that allows you to make calls and check the internet while only being charged your regular rates. However, be certain to inform your provider that you’re heading overseas, because just like a bank they can turn off your service as a result of unusual activity.
Bhutan: A journey into the Hidden Kingdom.
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