Do you dream of visiting a place where the untouched beauty of nature and rich culture collide? If so, then Bhutan should be at the top of your travel list. Having organized treks and tours in Bhutan for 19 years, Tibet Shambhala Adventure Co. Ltd is here to help you discover the hidden wonders of this enchanting country.
Here are some of the hidden gems that our Bhutan trek tours can take you to:
Paro Taktsang monastery
Bhutan trek tours usually start in the beautiful Paro Valley, where the country’s sole international airport is located. Here, you’ll find the breathtaking Paro Taktsang monastery, famously known as the Tiger’s Nest. This revered site sits high on a cliff at 3,120 meters and is a must-see. It’s open for visits from 8 AM to 1 PM and again from 2 PM to 6 PM for those wanting to explore inside, though you can also enjoy trekking around the area. For non-Bhutanese visitors, there’s an entry fee of 500 Ngultrum unless you’re part of a daily package tour.
Thimphu
When you head to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, you’ll quickly see it’s a different kind of city. There are no traffic lights here, giving the place a peaceful and relaxed vibe. You can visit the National Memorial Chorten, where locals gather to pray and walk around. As you drive via the Thimphu/Phuentsholing road, created in 1962 by the Indian Border Road Organization, enjoy the lovely views along the way. Make sure to stop by Kharbandi Goemba, a monastery built in 1967, before reaching Phuentsholing, where you’ll find impressive statues of Sakyamuni, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, and Guru Rinpoche.
Punakha
Punakha is a peaceful town that used to be the capital of Bhutan. The Punakha Dzong is an incredible building located at the meeting point of two rivers and is a must-see. Until 1955, it served as the capital, and it remains the winter home of the Je Khenpo (Bhutan’s senior religious hierarch). You should definitely check out the Punakha Dzong, which was built in the 17th century, where the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers meet. Although it has suffered from fires, an earthquake in 1897, and flooding from the northern glaciers, the Dzong has been beautifully restored. In the evening, you can explore the local market before settling in for the night at a hotel in Punakha.
Bumthang
Bumthang is often called the “Switzerland of Bhutan” because of its green valleys and stunning scenery. It’s also a key spiritual place that is home to many temples and monasteries.
You’ll have the opportunity to explore several temples renowned in this part of the world, including Kurjey Lhakhang, which is linked to Guru Rinpoche (the founder of Buddhism in Bhutan and Tibet). You can also visit Jambay Lhakhang, which originates from the 8th century AD and is one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 659 CE in a “single day,” according to legend, to subdue and permanently pin an ogress to the earth. and the historic Jakar Dzong. And then there’s Jakar Dzong (also known as Jakar Yugyal Dzong), which sits on a ridge above the town of Jakar in the Chamkhar Valley and serves as the fortress for the Bumthang District in central Bhutan. The fortress was built on the location of a previous temple that Yongzin Ngagi Wangchuk (a Ralung high-ranking religious leader) established when he first came to Bhutan.
And if the timing of your holiday aligns with the religious calendar, you might be lucky enough to witness festivals in Bumthang, which is known to host a long list of spiritual celebrations throughout the year. Taking the time to participate in local festivals is a great way to make your holiday even more interesting and immersive, as it lets you delve deeper into the cultural and religious essence of the country so you can experience a more genuine immersion.
When to visit Bhutan
The best time to visit Bhutan is from October to December when the weather is clear and sunny.
January and February are cold, but the weather remains dry and pleasant through April. In late spring, rhododendrons bloom beautifully, filling the valleys with vibrant colors.
From May, the heat and humidity rise, and from June to September, the monsoon rains fall on the mountains. To see the rare black-necked cranes, visit Phobjikha Valley from late October to mid-February.
Tibet Shambhala Adventure Co. Ltd
For reliable Bhutan trek tours, we can help. At Tibet Shambhala Adventure Co. Ltd, we specialize in providing high-quality trekking and cultural tours throughout Bhutan. We offer various tour packages that cater to different interests and preferences.
Call us today at +86-13908907271 or email us at sales@shambhala-adventure.com for more information about our Bhutan trek tours.