Thursday, 9 January 2020

The best destinations to visit in Paro within 2 days

The best destinations to visit in Paro within 2 days
Paro, Bhutan’s very own valley town, is one of the widest valleys in Bhutan and is home to a large number of rice fields. It is also a very religious town, with as many as 155 temples and monasteries located here. Owing to its unique culture and variety in terrain, there are numerous things to do in Paro.

Also, Paro has the country’s only international airport, which is in close proximity to most of the top tourist attractions. That and the many luxury resorts in the area make Paro one of the best travel destinations in Bhutan. The numerous things to do in Paro often attract travelers who like to experience the cultural side of their destination.


Tiger’s Nest

Tiger’s Nest
Few kilometers drive from Paro, it is a steep climb to Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang), a monastery clinging the side of a rocky cliff at the elevation of 3120m above the sea level and 3000 feet above the Paro valley in Bhutan. Tiger’s nest is on the side of the mountain overlooking Paro Valley in Bhutan.

The trail to Taktshang is well constructed and maintained with fresh and cool mountain air. You will ascend a thousand of steps and it gives plenty of opportunities to admire the breathtaking views.  The two and half hour stroll up the mountains to Tiger’s nest (Taktshang) is through forests of rhododendron and pines with many birds and smaller animals to be enjoyed.

National Museum of Bhutan

National Museum of Bhutan
It is always a good thing to learn about the history and culture of any place you visit, and the same goes for this valley town, Bhutan’s National Museum, located in Paro, houses depictions of some of the greatest saints and leaders in Bhutan, as well some of the historically significant traditional masks and costumes. In addition to all this, you also get the VIP view to the best sunset watching spot in the whole of Paro. These interesting things are what makes visiting the museum one of the best things to do in your Paro vacation.

Kyichu Lhakhang Temple

Kyichu Lhakhang Temple
Photo Apisak Kanjanapusit
Kyichu Lhakhang (also called Lho Kyerchu and Kyerchu) is a majestic seventh-century temple revered as one of the most magnificent sites of worship in Bhutan. Located in the town of Paro, some sources reference the temple as one of the oldest in the nation; others name it the oldest.

The original temple is said to have been built overnight on the left foot of a colossal ogress, otherwise referred to as a demoness, who intercepted the spread of Buddhism as she lay across the land. It is thought to be one of over 100 temples established to overpower her so Buddhism could flourish far and wide.

Paro Craft Market

Paro Craft Market
For all you shopaholics who want to do some shopping in Paro, do not expect three-story malls or designer boutiques here. However, you can shop or some locally made handicrafts like handbags, lanterns, clothes, and wall decorations as well, either for your own home or as souvenirs. There are also a few cafes nearby where you can enjoy some sweet tea and pastries.

Drukgyel Dzong

Drukgyel Dzong
For much of human history, the land that makes up modern Bhutan was recognized as the territory of Tibet. It was not until the early-to-mid-17th century, when Bhutan and Tibet went to war and Drukgyel Dzong was built, that things began to change.

In 1634, a Tibetan refugee by the name of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal rose to power in Bhutan and led an army to victory over Tibet in the Battle of Five Lamas. Through this war the Bhutanese state was effectively born, and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal became its first ruler.

Local Food

Local Food
One of the top things to do in Paro is relishing some delicious local cuisine. If you love street food, almost every street has some street vendors selling delicious piping hot momos, along with their special soup, a Bhutanese specialty.

If you are looking for a finer dining experience, you can check out some of the best restaurants in Paro, like the Bukhari Restaurant, which has a sophisticated menu that focuses on healthy eating, and Tou Zaiga Restaurant, which has some of the best local flavours of Bhutan, like Ema Datshi, as well as some western food.

Source Internet

Tuesday, 19 November 2019

Admire the natural beauty in Bhutan

Admire the natural beauty in Bhutan
Bhutan, “The Land of Thunderbolt”, is still one of the least heard or traveled destinations, even by the young travel enthusiasts of its neighboring country, India. But it is long list of forts, monasteries, and other Buddhist relics, trekking spots, and shopping areas are surely worth a visit.

Known as the Last Shangri-La, the entire country comprises of panoramic valleys, majestic Himalayas, and abundance of rare fauna and flora. The rivers, arising from the Himalayas, meander through the valleys and mesmerize with their beauty. Offering a kaleidoscope of sceneries and experiences, the best tourist places in Bhutan must feature on your itinerary while visiting the Land of the Thunder Dragon. If not all, at least a few of them.

Zuri Dzong Hike

Zuri Dzong Hike
The peak of the Zuri Dzong Trek is probably the perfect spot to have a bird-eye view of the entire Paro valley. The Zuri Dzong is the oldest Dzong in Bhutan, and in there lies a cave where Buddha came to meditate in, in the 8th century. This peaceful place allows both Bhutanese and tourists to soak in the tranquil that radiates from the extraordinary view, something one can stare at for hours in wonder and awe. The total journey time to get there will take approximately 30 minutes if one starts from the museum watchtower, and an additional 1 hour to exit out towards Uma. Tourists can expect to sit and relax there, and also remember to catch the amazing side view as you hike through Trek.

Dochula Pass

Dochula Pass
The most well-known pass in Bhutan, Dochula Pass is located an hour from Thimphu at an altitude of 10,000 feet. It can be visited on the way to Punakha. There are 108 Buddhist stupas overlooking the Himalayas. These stupas were built in 2004, in memory of the war between the Assamese (of India) and Bhutanese militants. When the sky is clear, the mountain view is spectacular.

Tiger’s Nest

Tiger’s Nest
Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang Monastery is one of the must visit places in Bhutan. It is known for the beautiful and the sacred monastery of Guru Rinpoche. It is considered as a place of pilgrimage and is an easy half trek, which gives you the panoramic views of the Paro valleys.

According to the legends, Guru Rinpoche also considered as the second Buddha rode to this place on a tigress’s back to suppress a local demon and thus he meditated here for 3 months. This place is Bhutan’s most religious site and it hangs on the cliff as it stands above the lush forest of thousands of species of rhododendrons and blue pine. Tourists can come to this monastery by standard permits which your guide will arrange for you. Also, you have to register your at the entrance deposit your cameras and bags because photography is prohibited inside of the temple.

Gangtey Valley

Gangtey Valley
The valley of Gangtey is one of the most stunning valleys in the Himalayas, and many call it the Shangri-La of Bhutan, just as how Bhutan is well known for being “one of the world’s happiest nations,” and “the last Shangri-La on Earth.” The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, which is an extremely rare experience in Bhutan as most of the valleys are tightly enclosed.

This moderate trek visits the villages of Gogona and Khotokha, passing through meadows and fields, then forests of juniper, magnolia and rhododendrons, which will be in full bloom in April. Besides the attractive scenic valley and mountain trails passing through the magnificent forest with its undergrowth changing from rhododendron and magnolia to ferns and dwarf bamboo, we can also visit the historical Gangtey monastery and the blacked necked crane information centre. Additionally, there will be a special treat for those visiting the Gangtey during the winter season, as they will be able to catch the graceful Black-necked Cranes in action as they head to the roost.

Haa Valley

Haa Valley
Haa Valley, which is situated only 13 miles away from the India-China border, connects major Bhutanese villages like Chhukha, Paro, and Samtse. It stretches over an area of 1700 square kilometres. The valley was opened to the public in 2002. However, do not expect to find any luxury hotels in Haa Valley. You can expect to find basic homestays in the valley. The locals of Haa Valley are hospitably warm.

Read more: What you need to know before visiting Bhutan
Source Internet