Perched high up in the Himalayas, Bhutan is the last of the Himalayan kingdoms, synonymous with pristine natural beauty, serenity, and mysticism. Bhutan sometimes feels like a fairy tale kingdom and is often touted as ‘the world’s last Shangri-La.’ Ancient monasteries and fortresses clinging to cliff sides, valleys carpeted with rhododendron, dizzying snow-capped peaks, and crystal-clear mountain rivers are all part of its charm. Whether you are exploring Bhutan’s rich culture and traditions or following a well-planned Bhutan tour itinerary, every moment feels magical.
For those seeking Bhutan tour packages from Mumbai, the best way to experience this captivating land is to visit during the best season to visit Bhutan, ensuring a memorable journey through its mesmerizing beauty and mysticism. Bhutan's slow-paced, serene lifestyle will leave a lasting imprint on your memory, with surprises waiting around every corner!
PLACES YOU SHALL VISIT
Phuentsholing
The first town as you enter Bhutan through Jaigaon in West Bengal, Phuentsholing will instantly give you a feel that you are in a different country due to its architecture, sparser population, far lesser hustle-bustle and the traffic rules. Phuentsholing is a perfect blend of a business hub, serenity and amalgamation of cultures of Bhutan, Nepal and India. It is a place where different ethnic groups co-exist in perfect harmony. For those entering Bhutan by road this is where the immigration formalities need to be processed.
What’s in store for you here?
The first glimpse of the unique architecture of the buildings that pretty much maintain a uniformity and the first taste of the easy pace of life in Bhutan. You shall also get to visit the Amo Chhu Crocodile Breeding Centre and the calm Karbandi Monastery from where you can get a bird’s eye view of Phuentsholing and the plains of India.
Paro
Situated in one of the most charming valleys in the Himalayas, Paro town can best be described as a fairytale land. Imagine yourself in a wide valley with paddy fields, mountain cliffs on all sides covered with pine trees, quaint houses dotting the slopes and plain areas, imposing Dzong ( fort ) perched high up, overlooking the valley, serenity and calmness all around, cool breeze and a crystal clear river flowing through this small town. Can it get any better?
What’s in store for you here?
At Paro your itinerary would include visit to Drug-Yel Dzong, Kyichu Lakhang , the National Museum, a bird’s eye view of Bhutan’s one and only international airport that is located here and walking around this small town that would give you a feel of being in a wild west movie. You would also enjoy long walks, chatting with the friendly natives and even sitting by the river, unwinding and soaking up the best of nature. The itinerary would also have an exhilarating hike through pine forest to the spectacular Tiger’s Nest!
Thimphu
The capital city and hence the most modern city in the kingdom but what is sure to strike you is despite it’s internet cafes, shopping centres, more buildings and cars, more hustle bustle and even a few nightclubs, Thimphu has strongly been holding on to its culture and traditions. Situated at a height of about 8000 feet above sea level, with river Wang Chuu dissecting the city, Thimphu remains cool to cold round the year and is blessed with stunning natural beauty as well.
What’s in store for you here?
Apart from visiting the Trashicho Dzong ( the seat of his Majesty ), Memorial Chorten, Painting School, Changangkha temple, the monolithic Buddha Doderama Statue there is a lot more in store for you. At Simply Bhutan you shall get to see various traditional articles and clothing of Bhutan, watch a cultural performance and even sample the local cuisine and if you are lucky you might even get to watch an open air concert at the Clock Tower right in the heart of the city!
Punakha
Located in a valley at a much lower altitude than Thimphu and Paro, Punakha is a town with great historic importance. It served as a capital city of the kingdom from 1637 to 1955 and it was only in 1961 that this country’s capital was shifted to Thimphu. However Punakha still holds the title of ‘The Winter Capital of Bhutan’. Situated at the confluence of two rivers the Punakha Dzong ( Fort ) is perhaps the grandest and most ornate of all the Dzongs of Bhutan. Punakhka is known for its languid pastoral life and of course its scenic beauty as well.
What’s in store for you here?
The Visit to the spectacular Dzong and Chimi Lakhang known as the ‘Temple of Fertility’ which is famous for phallus worship. Newly married and childless couples from far and wide visit this temple to get blessed by this ‘divine thunderbolt’. You would also enjoy the thrilling drive from Thimphu to Paunakha through dense forest and passes through the beautiful Dochu La (Pass).
TRIVIA
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Bhutan is known as a land of one of the happiest people in the world!
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In 2010, Bhutan became the first country in the world to ban the production and sales of tobacco products
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Bhutan was among the last countries in the world to adopt television and internet
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Thimphu is the only capital in the world without traffic lights
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The Bhutanese believe that phalluses protect them from evil!
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The country was virtually isolated from the world until the 70s
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It is mandatory to wear the national dress in Bhutan
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In keeping with the Buddhist philosophy, no animal is killed in Bhutan
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Bhutan has never been conquered Bhutan is the first country in the world with specific constitutional obligations on its people to protect the environment. Among its requirements: At least 60 percent of the nation must remain under forest cover at all times.
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It is one of the few countries in the world that is fully mountainous
PLEASE NOTE
Indian nationals need an Entry Permit and foreign nationals need a visa to visit Bhutan. Assistance in procuring these shall be provided by us.
