10 Top Places To Visit In Bhutan - tapank

1. Tiger's Nest

The temple was first built in 1692, it is said that Guru Padmasambhava had meditated around the Taktsang Senge Samdup cave for Four Months in the 8th century. Also known as Paro Takstang, A half day trek will take you to a prominent sacred site of Himalayan Buddhist - One of the best places to visit in Bhutan.The Trip to Bhutan would not be complete without visiting The Tiger's Nest which is a cliff, 900 meters off of the ground.It consists of four temples with residential accommodations for the monks. Despite the daily visits by tourists, Paro Taktsang still functions as a monastery today.Due to the cliff, hiking is the only way to get to the monastery. However, hiring a horse is an option but it can carry to half the way only.But still, worth struggling to reach the monastery, once you are there, extraordinary views around will make you forget all tiredness.

2. The Punakha Dzong

It's known as Pungthang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang - The second oldest and second-largest dzong in Bhutan and the administrative centre of Punakha District.The Dzong is beautifully decorated with carved woodwork and colourful paintings from inside.So, it has become one of the most frequented tourist attractions.It is 180m long and 72m wide and the utse (central tower) is six storeys high.At the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu Rivers, Punakha Dzong sits.Zhabdrung Ngawayang Namgyel, the founder of Bhutanese State, himself chose the location and built this emblem of the Bhutanese religious architecture.Crown ceremony of all Bhutan's kings is held here.The Dzong served as the seat or the central location for the Government of Bhutan for many years, which was later on relocated to Thimphu.If anyone wants to visit only one Dzong in Bhutan, then its only The Punakha Dzong.

3. Buddha Dordenma Statue

The largest sitting statue of Shakyamuni Buddha of 51.5 meters in height and made of solid bronze with a cover of gold will make one speechless.It also marks the 60th anniversary celebration of fourth king Jigme Singye Wangchuck.There are 125,000 miniature Buddhas expressed inside of its enlightened bronze chest, ranging from 8 to 12 inches tall.While gazing at the statue, one can have the other view too, the view of the valley of Thimphu parking their cars along the roadside bringing snacks and drinks. Both views of Thimphu make a strange harmony of man-made and natural wonders that captivate.

4. Simply Bhutan Museum

Real experience of The Bhutanese traditional culture and first hand experience of archery, followed by drinking Suja Bhutanese tea..."It is a unique project whose primary aim is to conserve the culture and tradition of the Bhutanese people along with creating job opportunities for the young people.It is also an opportunity to see the traditional Bhutanese houses construction. You can also have a try at the archery and the dart game that is locally known as Khuru.It is a perfect destination for anyone looking for beautiful scenery as well as looking to learn more about a different culture from theirs.

5. Dochula Pass

Incredible 360 degree view of the Himalayan range forms a majestic backdrop with 108 Chortens.It is built under the patronage of the eldest Queen Mother, in honor of 108 Bhutanese soldiers, who died in a 2003 military operation.From juniper trees, the Square wooden poles have been carved, found within each chorten.It's called the 'sokshing' and believed to provide a link between heaven and earth.It is closely located to Mt Masanggang, the highest peak in Bhutan at a whopping 23,000 feet elevation.For locals, this is an important place of worship, who visit this place almost daily to pray.

6. Phobjikha Valley and Gangtey Monastry

A valley in the shape of a 'U' at 3000 mts. which is mostly famous for Gangtey Monastery- an important monastery of Nyingmapa school of Buddhism and black-necked cranes, one of the most important wildlife preserves in Bhutan.Best-known marshland and breathtaking views of vast expanses of green fields is the main attraction here.During winters, the endangered black-necked crane migrates here.It is heaven for a deep affectionate nature lover.Due to a wide range of grassy meadows and the vegetation in the valley, the view of cattle and horses grazing the fields adds more beauty to it.Feel the silence of land and enjoy the fluttering prayer flags, birds chirping and the tinkle of the prayer bells.it will automatically lower your own voice.

7. Chele La Pass

Here, Get ready to have a mesmerized view of Mt. Jumolhari at the Highest motor-able point in Bhutan.Two hours drive from Paro to Chele La Pass is through dense forests which consists of marvellous sightingssuch as waterfalls, yaks grazing, frozen river and rhododendron forest.The main attraction is, stunning views of Mt. Jhomolari, the most sacred peak at 22,000 feet andParo and Haa valleys too.The surrounding area of this pass has several trails for hikers.Amazing snow capped mountain range of Chelela pass has become one of the 'must' visit places due to its serene ambiance.

8. National Institute for Zorig Chusum

Place also known as 'The Painting School' is for specializing traditional arts of both furniture and thangkas - painted religious pictures, usually on canvas, woodcarving (masks, statues, bowls),embroidery (hangings, boots, clothes) or statue-making (clay).It takes 4-6 years of training to specialize any art there.It doesn't Only preserve the traditional art of Bhutan, but enlightens the next generation too.As a memory, you can buy some wonderful handmade things from the souvenir shop located in the facility.

9. Ugeyen Pema Monastery, Paro

Hidden gem of Paro, is having the marvelous structures of Buddha and the huge statue of Guru Tshen Geyed inside the monastery.It is located in the less frequented corner of Paro.Despite being lesser-known, it is one of the most well-constructed structures and Buddhist monasteries in the area.Photography is not allowed inside the monastery, still you will find some great clicks of the intricately crafted exteriors as well as the scenery around. Clear views of the city, the airport, and the valley is also enjoyable here. Colorful lighting at night makes it more beautiful.

10. Motithang Takin Preserve

Dedicated to preserve national animal Takin, is surrounded with dense forest of alpine trees and one can have a panoramic view of snow capped mountains too. Other animals like summer dear, tragopan, sorrow, mountain goat and mountain deer are also there.Himalayan monal, which is a very beautiful high-altitude bird and mostly seen above 3500m, is also wonderful to watch .Same as other preserves here too, no one is permitted to feed any of these creatures.Ths natural reserve is also home to different rare species of flora and fauna.It's worth investing your time here to witness these oddball creatures.