5 Must See Places In Bhutan
I once asked a friend of mine who had just travelled to Bhutan to tell me what he thought I should see if I ever went there. He said ‘there is nothing I can tell you about anywhere in particular, you should just see the entire country!‘.
With such a unique destination, you will need the best holiday travel insurance package you can afford. This is not meant to be a warning to put you off travelling to Bhutan; it is just plain common sense.
Although my friend told me I should just visit everywhere, I discovered that it was relatively easy to designate a few destinations that stood out from the rest. Bhutan is probably the most secretive country on the planet and has only recently opened its borders to the rest of the world. It is reputed to be amongst the poorest countries on earth but there is no evidence of the slums you would expect in other parts of the world. It is quite simply, completely unspoiled weather clothing, diet and religion are unique.
If you do have the opportunity to travel to Bhutan make sure you include at least some of these places:
- Thimphu. This is a natural starting point for any trip as it is the capital of Bhutan. You will be able to visit archery contests held in open arenas as they have been for centuries, and you will be amazed at the skill of the archers not to mention the surreal atmosphere that surrounds such an ancient event. Don’t forget to visit the silversmiths in the markets where you will find so many bargains you won’t believe your eyes.
- Gankar Punsum. This mountainous region is located in the northern area along the Tibetan border. You will be able to visit this area but climbing mountains above 6000 m is strictly forbidden in Bhutan, but you can still go high enough to experience the glorious outlook. The fact that you are forbidden from climbing too far makes it all the more special.
- Lunana. This mountainous region in the north of the country is almost impossible to reach without going through several high mountain passes. If you plan far enough in advance and can hire a local guide you will not be disappointed. This is an area that is rarely travelled by humans and you will feel privileged as you walk through the glorious valleys.
- The Tigers Nest Monastery. There are numerous Buddhist monasteries dotted throughout Bhutan, none more special than Tigers Nest. This is a red-and-white temple perched on the edge of a precarious cliff and is simply an amazing sight.
- Paro Tsechu. This is actually a five-day Buddhist religious festival that has to be seen to be believed. You can drink your fill of butter tea or barley wine, watch dancing and listen to traditional music well into the night.
As mentioned previously, it is absolutely essential to have adequate holiday insurance before making your plans. Once you have done this, you will embark on a journey of a lifetime and join the ranks of a rare group of travellers who have had the opportunity to visit possibly the last untouched frontier on the planet.
