Neha Raheja
Neha has a passion for discovering unique and less-traveled destinations. She also enjoys reading extensively. When she’s not engrossed in a book, she can be found singing while cooking, daydreaming about food, or spending quality time with her delightful 7-month-old daughter.
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Bhutanese call their homeland “Druk Yul” which translates to the Land of the dragons due to the mighty storms in the Himalayas and can be heard in Bhutan. The Kingdom Of Bhutan is a landlocked country located in Eastern Himalayas in Southeast Asia. Bhutan is a hidden jewel, with some mind-blowing facts. When I read about them, I was intrigued to know more and pay the visit a place. I bet you wouldn’t know these amazing facts about Bhutan-
- Bhutan is the only Carbon Negative Country in the World.
- Bhutan remained cut off from the rest of the world until the 1970s.
- There are no Traffic Lights in Bhutan
- The King relinquished his position as ruler in favor of a democratic system.
- Happiness Prevails Over GDP
- Bhutan Declares Opposition to Plastic
- Only few Pilots are qualified to fly to Paro Airport
- Smoking is not allowed in public areas in Bhutan.
- Birthdays in Bhutan are commemorated on New Year’s Day, ensuring that nobody’s special day is ever overlooked or forgotten.
- Bhutan has the Highest Unclimbed Peak in the World.
- In 1999, Bhutan became the final nation to introduce television.
- All citizens have access to free education and healthcare.
- The National Sport is Archery in Bhutan.
- The people of Bhutan still hold a belief in the existence of the Yeti.
- In Bhutan, women hold a position of greater authority. Following marriage, men typically relocate to the homes of their wives.
- Marriage Laws are Unique in Bhutan. Polygamy is allowed in Bhutan.
- Wearing the National Dress is obligatory as it is a means of safeguarding their cultural heritage.
The information presented is bound to captivate anyone and pique their interest in visiting Bhutan. Consequently, I made the decision to personally explore the destination.
Explore this amazing Bhutan Bike Trip.
Getting there:
The nearest airport to take a road entry to Bhutan is Bagdogra (Siliguri), West Bengal. It is approximately 150 kilometers away from the border town of Jaigaon / Phuentsholing and takes around 4-5 hours to drive leisurely. If you prefer to fly to Bhutan, you can do so from Delhi / Calcutta to Paro International airport. Paro is located 55 kilometers away from the capital Thimphu and can be reached within an hour’s drive. Paro is also a significant tourist spot in Bhutan.
You do not require a permit to travel within Phuentsholing from the Indian side. The entry is unrestricted, with no obstacles, inspections, or delays. If you prefer, you can choose to stay in Phuentsholing instead of Jaigaon. It is important to note that Bhutan time is 30 minutes ahead of Indian time. Therefore, it is advisable to adjust your watch 30 minutes ahead upon entering Phuentsholing to align with the local time.
The currency of Bhutan is called Ngultrum, and it has the same value as the Indian Rupee. Specifically, 100 Ngultrum is equivalent to 100 Indian Rupees.
Hindi is spoken widely in Bhutan and Indian currency is accepted everywhere. So currency and transaction there are no issues.
Important Names:
Llakhang: Temple or place of worship.
Dzong: These are fortress-like buildings that serve as the headquarters for the government or as monasteries where children are educated in the Buddhist way of life. Festivals are regularly celebrated in these locations.
Chorten, also known as Stupas, are vibrant religious structures that can be found in various locations such as highways, hilltops, valleys, and even remote areas. These structures are considered to be the oldest Buddhist religious monuments. In Buddhism, there are 8 distinct types of Chortens, each representing significant events in the life of Buddha. It is uncommon to come across all 8 Chortens in one place, but one can be found near the bridge in Wangduephodrong. The 8 different types of Stupas or Chortens are The Lotus Blossom Chorten, The Chorten of enlightenment, Chorten of many doors, Chorten of descent from God Realm, Chorten of miracles, Chorten of reconciliation, Chorten of Victory, and Chorten of Nirvana.
Read: Bhutan Bike Tour – What to Know Before you Go
Places to Visit in Bhutan
- The Buddha Point, also called Kuensel Phodrang or Buddha Dordenma, is located approximately 8 kilometers away from Thimphu City on a hill. This hilltop is home to the world’s largest Buddha statue, standing at a height of over 160 feet (52 meters). The immense Buddha statue can be seen clearly from Thimphu city.
- Taikin Reserve – The Bhutan National animal is Ta-Kin, a goat antelope. It is a protected animal.
- Changanga Llakhang close to the Takin Preserve. Llakhang means Temple in Bhutanese.
- Thimpu Dzong – It is a magnificent 350 year old structure also known as Tashichho Dzong. It’s near the seat of power (King’s palace) and is open only from.5:30 to 6:30 pm in the evening. Dzongs are seat of festivals in Bhutan and these festivals are area wise and seasonal. Check out if any festival is happening during your time of visit and plan accordingly. These festivals are absolutely magnificent to watch.
- Norzim Lam: The main road of Thimphu with many hotels, important government buildings, and some interesting shops for shopping and exploring the Bhutanese culture.
- The Clock Tower: At the beginning of the Norzim Lam (Lam means road) on your right side is an Old Classic Clock Tower with an open amphitheater-like space for strolling and relaxing. The clock tower is an important landmark of Thimphu city. There is a beautiful Llakhang (temple) near the clock tower and colorful prayer wheels too.
- National Memorial Chorten (Stupa): it is extremely popular and is located about 1 km from Thimphu Bus stand.
- Coronation Park: it is a huge park about 6 acres on Chhogyal Lam (road) on the bank of river Thimphu Chu (Chu means river). There is a huge Buddha statue in the centre of the park it is a Govt park and entry is free.
- Changlimithang statium: It is the only stadium in Thimphu and located near bus stand and the coronation park.
- Weekly market / Centenary Market: It is located on Chhogyel Lam and half a km from the coronation park.
- Dechencholing Palace: It is in the far north of Thimphu city and about 4 kms from Tashichcho Dzong and was the King’s former palace. Entry is not allowed and it is strictly guarded property. The present King stays at another palace known as Samteling Palace or Royal Cottage close to the Tashichcho Dzong. The present palace is not visible to visitors and is camouflaged by a thick bush of trees and is heavily guarded and off-limits to tourists.
- Dechen Phodrang Llakhang: it is a beautiful monastery situated at the end of Gaden Lam (road). This is at a height on a mountain but approachable by road. It is about 4 kms from city centre.
- Zilukha Nunnery (Thangtong Dewachen Dupthop Nunnery): There is a beautiful Llakhang here and it is a school for girls who are studying to be nuns. It is usually busy with prayers and religious activities and studies.
Bhutanese Food
Bhutanese Cuisine is different from India. Their staple food is Red rice which is different from our rice and a must try.
Their daily home food is National Dish – Ema Datshi (Tomato, Cheese, Chillies), Keva Datshi (Potato, cheese, Chilies), Sumo Datshi (Mushroom, Cheese, chillies), Jasha Maru (Chicken spicy), Fish Maru and Fish Paa to name a few. Momos are also common here. Local Drink Ara (arag) is also something to try. Also don’t fail to try the local drink SUJA, made of Yak milk and tastes salty.
Read: Happiness and Joy in the Bhutan Himalayas
The optimal period for visiting Bhutan
I traveled to Bhutan during the month of July, which is known for its rainy season. The rainfall is not intense, but rather consists of light drizzles that last for a short period of time.
However, the best time to visit Bhutan is from September to December. Bhoomthang is said to be the most beautiful place in Bhutan and between September to December, it is virtually a replica of Switzerland with lush meadows and flowers blooming all over. March to May is a bit sunny. Hotels are relatively cheaper in the monsoon season though.
Please keep in mind that men are required to wear shirts with full sleeves in order to enter a Dzong, while women must dress modestly. If you are wearing a short-sleeve shirt, the authorities may refuse you entry into the dzong.
Bhutan is an exceptional nation that offers unique experiences beyond your expectations. It is definitely worth exploring at least once in a lifetime.
