Official Alert A Country Where Happiness Is More Important Than Wealth

Bhutan suddenly shot to fame with the famous speech by their Prime Minister claiming that Bhutan isn't only Carbon neutral, but Carbon negative. A period when our dear planet has sunk itself in tonnes of pollution, Bhutan generally is a breath of oxygen! Stunning Dzongs, monasteries and buildings that look right out of a film set... Bhutan can be an impressive Kingdom. So without further ado let us spill beans about the country which measures its progress by Gross National Happiness (GNH) index... reallly!

THE PLACES

THIMPU - Only capital city on earth without the traffic signals!

Wow!! And trust us this is simply not the only reason Thimpu is interesting. In fact inspite of this fact it really is fairly easy to visit and get around this pretty and petite capital of Bhutan. Thimpu gives you ample opportunities to soak in the culture of the beautiful country and the locals listed below are super friendly and approachable. Thimphu offers myriad attractions to visitor- there's National Folk Heritage Museum, National library, Zorig Chusum School of Traditional Arts for many who want to understand the annals and rich culture of this place. A stroll around Norzin lam that is just like a City Centre is also something you must not miss while here. Thimphu also offers an excellent local shopping experience at the famous Crafts market. Thinking souvenirs?

Where to Stay:

Thimphu being the capital city of Bhutan has a lot of choice to stay on your own visit to Bhutan. All sorts of hotel can be acquired from luxury to budget. Our recommendations predicated on every budget are the following:

Amankora by Amankora Groups (5 star)

Taj Tashi by Tata and Tashi Group (5 Star)

Druk Hotel (4 Star)

Hotel Norbuling (3 Star)

Hotel Dorji Elements

PARO... In which a monastery hangs on a cliff!

And you will need to have definitely seen the images of this famous landmark to create Taktsang Monastery also known as Tiger's Nest Monastery! In addition to the Monastery, Paro is really a stunning valley in its own right for the nature lovers. Revel in the ancient air here at Drukgyel Dzong, a fortress that has stood the tests of time. Old, dilapidated but not forgotten! Paro also boasts of a National Museum that exhibits rare artefacts and photographs. The only real AIRPORT TERMINAL in Bhutan is also located here thereby rendering it an important city and also a host to heavy tourist activity.

Where to Stay:

Just like the Capital City, Paro offers its guests a varied selection of stay options beginning from luxurious five stars to more pocket friendly resorts. Our picks are:

Uma Resort by Como Group (5 Star)

Amankora by Amankora Group (5 Star)

Heaven Resort (4 Star)

Tashi Namgay Resort (3 Star)

Hotel Metta Resort and Spa (3 Star)

TRONGSA... movie group of a place!

Trongsa is very popular with visitors in Bhutan and there is big reason to be. This place is dotted by many fortresses from older times however they are in a great shape. In fact Trongsa appears like a film set for all those Shaolin and Kung Fu movies! These colourful fortresses and palaces nestled amidst misty mountain sides develop a mystical atmosphere around Trongsa. Trongsa was after the seat of power over central and eastern regions. Both first and second kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat and it is customary for the crown prince to serve because the Trongsa Penlop ("governor") ahead of ascending the throne.This place also offers a number of guesthouses, restaurants and hotels due to healthy influx of tourists. Probably the most spectacular tourist sites here include Trongsa Dzong, Ta Dzong, Ch�khor Raptse Dzong, Thruepang Palace, Kuenga Rabten Palace and Chendebji Chorten.

Where to Stay:

Most popular places to Stay at are:

Puenzi Guest House (3 Star)

Tashi Ninjay Guest House (3 Star)

Yangkhol Resoort (3 Star)

Chendebji Resort

WANGDUE PHODRANG... spectacular wildlife and the biggest Bhutanese Monastery

Sitting at a height of over 1300 meters (4265 ft), this picturesque district is home to the largest Monastery of Bhutan- Gangtey Gompa. Because of the height, Wangdue enjoys a perfect weather all through the year. It is also part of Black Mountain Conservation Area due to the rich flora and fauna. For those who like to observe wildlife, Wangdue Phodrang must be on top of the bucket list. Red fox, Sambar, Himalayan Black Deer, barking deer are some of the illustrious species within these forest areas!

The other attractive spot to offer spectacular scenic beauty to visitors here is Phobjikha Valley that is 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Wangdiphodrang. It is also simply referred as Gangtey. This valley is the habitat of rare and endangered Black Necked Cranes that roost there during their annual migrations. This valley also offers interesting Home-stay options for tourists that entails coping with a family to see and learn about just how of life of local people including overnight stay in the households, local food and drinks, interaction with family and participation in daily household chores such as cooking, milking of cow, making butter, cheese, feed livestock etc. Depending on season, visitors may also have the opportunity to take part in gardening and farm activities including crop plantation, harvesting etc. For some of the foreign urban visitors, this experience provides a glimpse of the ancestral life-style - life that's hard work, devoid of stress and sustainable.

Where to Stay:

Twenty homestays offer accommodation facility with each homestay getting the capacity of two rooms for four persons. The households include the basic modern sanitation and bedroom facilities. Aside from this, you can find normal hotels available too:

Amankora (5 star)

Hotel Dewachen

Gangtey Goenpa Lodge

Wangchuk Lodge

BUMTHANG

At dizzying heights ranging from 8530 ft to 14765 ft, Bum Thang is really a trekkers' paradise. Oh, and there is more to see around for individuals who are not much into walking and hiking. This magnificent place has its share of some of the oldest temples and monasteries in Bhutan. Bumthang consists of four main valleys Ura, Chumey, Tang and Choekhor. Choekho. Bumthang is among the most richly endowed districts regarding historical and spiritual legacy. Famous burning lake can be located here. Scenic Ura valley is merely about 48 kilometers(30 miles) from here and worth a trip to have a look at the village and countryside lifestyle and culture of Bhutan.

Where to Stay:

A number of the places in which to stay Bumthang are:

Amankora (5 Star)

Jakar Vollage Lodge (4 Star)

Hotel Peling Hotel Ugyenling (3 Star)

Jakar View Guest House (3 Star)

PUNAKHA... former Capital and cradle to Red Rice!

Punakha served as the capital of the country from 1637 to 1907 and the first national assembly was hosted here in 1953. Since it may be the former Capital, it really is but obvious that Punakha holds the spectacular Punakha Dzong (fortress and former power seat) whose location is on the equally mesmerising confluence of two rivers- Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu. Punakha also boasts of breathtaking trekking routes and rich wildlife on the way. There exists a unique suspension bridge which makes for a nice spot and various Dzongs or fortresses due to the annals of Punakha.

Where to Stay:

Amankora (5 Star)

Uma Resort (5 Star)

Meri Phuensum( 3 Star)

Damchen Resort

RUSH OF ADRENALINE... and some more!

In the end that sightseeing, it is time to increase the adrenaline with some great adventure activities Bhutan affords due to its unique location, geography, climate and topography. Cycling is a great way of exploring Bhutan on its most stunning and rustic routes. However, understand that the hilly terrain can pose its difficulties on the climbs so be sure you are toned to endure them.

rush that you can experience within Bhutan is amongst the rapids of its many rivers where white water rafting may bring in the sheer joy of rising and falling with swell! Kayaking is also a popular adventure that many enthusiasts enjoy. For more hardcore visitors with an appetite for bigger challenges and thrill, climbing round the rugged mountainous terrain of Bhutan is something of a must try. A few of our softie associates are more quite happy with fishing and as they put it- great way to pass sometime whilst getting a great catch for supper. Well I am not complaining, in the end a hearty meal is what I'd need from then on rafting followed by rock climbing!

For wild life enthusiasts, Bhutan is like a treasure trough that brings in rich and exotic amalgamation of animal life and ample bird watching opportunities! And this you can combine with exploring lesser known countryside of Bhutan on its amazing trekking trails, that take anything from the few hours to a relatively good days to cover!

VIBRANT FESTIVALS

Bhutan is nothing significantly less than an artist's canvas with its vivid colours and absolutely vibrant culture. That is why witnessing their festivals is something you must not miss. These fests also present the very best of opportunities to mingle with locals and observe their Buddhism influenced culture close up. Though Bhutanese calendar is filled with events, there are two festivals that we have specifically picked:

Jomolahari Mountain Festival: This festival takes place at the bottom camp of Mt. Jomolhari and therefore the name. The function showcases exhibitions, local cuisines, stirring performances by local communities and culture and traditions of the Dragon Kingdom.

Tshechu: Speciality of Tshechus is they take place throughout the year in different regions of Bhutan and that means you have strong likelihood of getting to see one! Oh wait... I forgot to tell what exactly they are. Tshechus are religious festivals which are celebrated with dance, music, fervour and faith. Mongar Tshechu may be the most famous of most and is celebrated in Early November. However, local communities celebrate version of this festival over summer and winter locally. If you are interested in seeing one, consult with your guide or tour agency beforehand to include one in your itinerary.

Where to Stay:

Usually you can stay at the nearest city or town where in fact the festival is taking place. However, visitors could be provided tents and other necessary equipment for establishing camps by the tour operators at the festival site itself.

SPIRITUALITY... Discover the way to your soul

Perhaps you have observed how calming the presence of a statue of Buddha usually is? Now imagine likely to a country that follows in his footsteps in its true spirit! When in Bhutan, phoning your inner self is something you need to look forward to. There are various meditation and wellness centres across this Himalayan Kingdom. The views of snow capped peaks emerging from velvety lush become enablers towards the road of spiritual wellness. These centres have techniques based on concepts of peace, harmony and meditation.

Famous Wellness centres:

Como Shambhala Retreat at Uma Paro is really a centre for peace, harmony and happiness

Terma Linca Resort, Thimphu

Ngoba Wellness Centre, Paro

The Mindfulness Yoga & Meditationn, Ziwaling Resort, Paro

HOT SPRING TRAILS

Bhutan also has a number of hot spring trails around the country and the most famous of them are in Gasa by the banks of River Mo Chhu.. Locals believe that hot springs relieve them of several physical ailments. However, remember that the locals consider them holy and attach sentimental value to these hot springs. Aside from Gasa, other notable and famous springs are:

. Chubu Tshachu which is located alongside the banks of the Pho Chu River and is located inside a day's journey from Punakha town

. Dur Tshachu is situated in Bumthang Dzongkhag in Central Bhutan, Dur Tshachu is well-known for its medicinal value and is known for curing body aches. It really is situated in the village of Dur

. Duenmang Tshachu is situated alongside the banks of Mangde Chu River, Duenmang Tshachu is quite popular amongst the Khengpa population who visit it regularly.

. Gelephu Tshachu in Southern Bhutan is really a hot spring mainly frequented by the local residents. In winter, people from all around the Bhutan journey come here to cure themselves of diseases.

HOW CAN I FORGET FOOD!

First and foremost, that is one country where red rice and Buckwheat are grown by the bucket load so be sure you taste the food made out of these ingredients because they're rare elsewhere. Also, Bhutanese love their spice and chillies so if you are little allergic in their mind then let your servers and hosts know!

So let us start with their National dish- Ema Datshi that is essentially gravy of Chillies and Cheese with variations where veggies are also added. Another delicacy of spicy minced Chicken served on rice called Jasha Maru is on top of must-try food list here. Another Pork dish that is famous here isPhaksha paa which has pork simmered in stew with Raddish, Ginger and Chinese greens (Bok choy) garnished with dry pork in the end. Momos- dumplings stuffed with pork, beef or cabbage. Now to down it all, you can try their local beverages that range between tea to beer. And do try their local version of Beer/ Sake which is called Ara.

Highly recommended Places to eat in Thimphu: The Bhutanese, Bhutan Kitchen, Tandin, Ama, Yangkhil, and the restaurant of the National Folk Heritage Museum.

Which means this is Bhutan for you personally, a country where development means smiles on people's faces and breathing means taking in the cleanest air in the world! This portion of the world is beautifully untouched and unexplored.

We are able to only say when you visit Bhutan, be mindful you are genuinely in one of the cleanest countries in the world and it should stay the same!

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