This mysterious country in the Himalayas is a hidden gem on the planet,
little-known but full of endless charms
Hidden in the southern foothills of the Himalayas is a mysterious and beautiful country – Bhutan. Lush vegetation covers the rolling hills, clear rivers gurgle through the valleys, ancient temples and dzongkhags dot the green hills and waters, and red-robed monks chant prayers with devotion.
Bhutanese culture is heavily influenced by Buddhist values. Colourful prayer flags flutter in the mountain winds, and Buddhists believe that the scriptures on the flags transmit compassion to wherever they go with the wind. Bhutan’s way of life offers a refreshing contrast to the demands of a bustling urban environment. In Thimphu, shops open leisurely, after 10 a.m., in stark opposition to the usual urban rush.
A reference to Bhutan brings to mind the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH). This concept was coined by His Majesty the Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck in the 1970s and quickly became internationally renowned. Bigger and more developed nations were intrigued by the small Himalayan nation that valued its citizens’ happiness and well-being over economic growth. The concept of Gross National Happiness is rooted in the idea that true development only occurs when material and spiritual growth occur side by side.
In Bhutan, GNH is not an abstract idea but a policy that influences development and decision-making and a multi-faceted concept that emphasizes sustainable development and growth. Its four pillars consist of good governance, sustainable socio-economic development, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation.
When in Bhutan, the effects of the GNH policy can be felt everywhere – from the cloud-veiled mountains to valley settlements adorned with fluttering colorful prayer flags. For example, the promotion and protection of cultural traditions have been made easier by the high value, low volume tourism policy. This is also seen in the multitude of religious and cultural sites, as well as efforts to encourage local arts and crafts, music and literature. The goal of environmental conservation is seen not just in their 71% nation-wide forest coverage, but in the five national parks, four wildlife sanctuaries, nine biological corridors and nature reserve.
Untouched vistas: explore boundless natural beauty
Bhutan is internationally accoladed for its sustainability and protective efforts, earning the distinction of being one of only two “carbon-negative” countries on the planet, due in part to its colossal tree coverage. These achievements are attributed to an extensive network of protected areas, including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and a nature reserve, interconnected by biological corridors, collectively covering nearly 42% of the country’s land. It also provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to get close to Nature and observe wildlife.
Notable among these protected wildlife areas is the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, providing a refuge for endangered species such as the Snow Leopard and Black-necked Cranes. Additionally, the expansive Jigme Dorji National Park, the country’s second-largest protected area, shelters a wide array of wildlife, including Black Bears and Takins, while the recently opened Royal Manas National Park boasts an impressive 365 bird species. In addition to an abundance of flora and fauna, the parks and reserves offer fresh air, lush trees, and scenic views, with carefully planned hiking trails that ensure both safety and an optimal experience.
Bhutan’s dramatic landscapes boast a plethora of picturesque waterfalls, fed by icy glaciers with crystal clear waters, gracing the nation with cooling oases, and visitors with unmissable photo opportunities. These captivating cascades are a common sight during road trips, providing a refreshing pause for travelers navigating winding routes. Be sure not to miss out on such famed sights as the twin waterfalls in Panbang, a stopover on the route to thrilling river rafting adventures in the south, and one of Bhutan’s largest waterfalls in Wangdiphodrang, enroute to Tsirang, accessible via a hiking trail. Deep in the cloud-fringed forests, take a dip in one of many magical pools fed by some of the purest water on earth.
Wander around towns and cities
Paro. The capital of Paro Dzong in western Bhutan lies within the Paro Valley and has a long history of trade and commerce with Tibet. Paro International Airport is the only international airport in Bhutan, making Paro the starting point for travellers exploring the hidden kingdom.
Go to the Paro National Museum of Bhutan and experience Bhutan’s history and cultural heritage, enjoy the beautiful idyllic scenery of the Paro Valley, and visit the famous Paro Dzong, one of the most striking dzongs in Bhutan and a representative of the Kingdom’s classic architecture, with its simple white façade, overlooking the town of Paro at the bottom of the mountain. Every city in Bhutan has a castle-like complex called a dzong. The dzongs are essentially the same in function, with one half being the seat of government and the other half being the place where the local religious leaders practise their faith.
Finally, don’t forget to visit the local markets or craft shops, where you will find very beautiful hand-woven woolen blankets and wood-carved crafts.
Thimphu. The capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan is located in the Wangchuk River Valley at the foot of the Himalayas, blessed with beautiful mountains, fresh air, clean streets and simple folkways. Thimphu is an up-and-coming city. Modernization began only after it was made the permanent capital in 1955, transforming this small mountain village surrounded by peaks into a city of its own.
Thimphu is one of the best places to experience Bhutanese culture and traditional way of life. Not only are there exquisitely structured temples, but the city’s buildings are all built in the traditional Bhutanese style, with red and white walls and painted religious motifs. Known as the Thousand Buddha Stupa, the National Memorial Chorten stands in the centre of Thimphu and is known for its beautiful frescoes and exquisite sculptures. Every day, older Bhutanese residents circumambulate the Thousand Stupas.
Proceed to the Takin Reserve to get a close-up look at the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal, a sheep-headed, bull-bodied animal that can only be seen in Bhutan.
Punakha. Punakha in north-central Bhutan was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and carries with it more than 300 years of history as the ancient capital and winter residence of the aristocracy. At the confluence of the Pho Chhu River and Mo Chhu River, the majestic Punakha Dzong is widely recognised as the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan. Every spring, the bluebells around Punakha Dzong are in full bloom, with the treetops and greenery covered with small purple and blue flowers, making it a dreamlike paradise from afar.
Bumthang. Meaning “beautiful field” in Bhutanese, the picturesque valley is dotted with beautiful houses and fields of buckwheat, barley and apple trees. There is an abundance of trekking and cycling routes, the best way to soak in the splendour of Bumthang.
This central Bhutanese town is also the religious heartland of the Kingdom of Bhutan, home to 29 monasteries and temples and a treasure trove of Bhutanese art and painting traditions. Tshechus is particularly famous in Bumthang, where locals dress up in beautiful costumes for the festivities and tourists get a chance to experience Bhutanese religious culture up close. Festivities include a series of Cham dances (also known as masked dances), various prayer ceremonies, an early morning Buddha ceremony on the last day of the festival, and a market with stalls selling special goods and household items.
Bumthang is rich in buckwheat, dairy products, honey and apples, so you can sample as much as you like.
Gelephu Mindfulness City sar
On 17 December 2023, the 116th National Day of the Kingdom of Bhutan, His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck presented plans to develop the Gelephu Mindfulness City Special Administrative Region in southern Bhutan. Based on Bhutanese values and the concept of GNH, Gelephu Mindfulness City will serve as a “modern Buddhist lifestyle destination” offering an environment for spirituality, wellness and rejuvenation.
Nestled between two nature reserves, the Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary and the Royal Manas National Park, and connected to Thimphu via Paro International Airport, Gelephu Mindfulness City serves as a gateway for travellers to other parts of Bhutan. The 35 rivers and streams that flow through the site form a vibrant tapestry of interconnected ecosystems and vibrant communities. The resulting eleven strips of communities cascade from hills to valleys like urban terraces, with increasing urban density from recreational rural highlands to dense urban lowlands.
The neighbourhoods are connected by landmark transport links, forming a series of “inhabitable bridges”. Each bridge connects to important sites in the city, including the new airport; the Vajrayana spiritual centre, where you can learn about the daily practices of monks and spiritual masters; the medical centre, which brings together Eastern and Western medicine; the university; the hydroponic and aquatic greenhouses, which showcase ancient farming methods and modern agricultural technology; the Cultural Centre, where visitors can learn about Bhutanese culture and customs; and the Bhutanese textile market.
The last bridge is a hydroelectric dam on the western edge of the city, with a terrace-well retaining wall that serves as both a viewpoint and a staircase for meditative walks. The steps lead up and down to a visitor centre and a temple perched on a man-made cliff. The Sankosh Temple-Dam, in its architectural form, embodies all the essential elements of Gelugp: the harmonious co-existence of culture and nature, and the extension of Bhutan’s rich heritage of the past into the future.
Traditional music and festivals
Bhutan’s rich history is delicately interconnected with its vibrant art and musical traditions, having been passed down over the ages. The veritable tapestry of captivating spirituality, heritage and national identity has resulted in a burgeoning music scene, encompassing a spectrum of styles, including folk, literary, lozey, religious, rigsar, and the emerging B-pop. Bhutanese people use music in every aspect of their lives, from religious rituals to celebrations and in passing on age-old wisdom and values to younger generations.
With over 163 festivals taking place throughout the year, Bhutan’s landmark cultural events are renowned worldwide. Set in panoramic valley views and rice fields splashed with the vibrant colours of prayer flags, the Kingdom adorns itself in colours and surrounds itself with music and sound, for an unforgettably immersive experience. The most popular of these festivals is the annual tshechu, which is conducted on the 10th day of every month of the lunar calendar. Every district celebrates their own tshechu, on different dates.
Drukyul’s Literature Festival, an annual international literary festival, also provides a glimpse into Bhutanese culture. Internationally acclaimed writers will be invited to attend to exchange literary insights with Bhutanese writers and literary enthusiasts amidst the magnificent alpine beauty. Guests can also watch Traditional Bhutanese music and dances, which form an important part of these festivities.
The Royal Highland Festival takes place annually in late October, in Laya in the Gasa District. The festival, held at a phenomenal 4,000 meters above sea level, aims to celebrate, promote and preserve the life and culture of the nomadic highland people of Bhutan, support their economy, exhibit the beauty and wonders of the highlands, and laud their resilience.
Guests attending the two-day festival enjoy the breathtaking sights and sounds of the high Himalayas, as well as games, parades and competitions showcasing highland animals including yaks, horses and mastiff dogs. Animals are adorned in colourful fabrics, with colourful dyed hair and bells. The indigenous Layaps perform a variety of historic cultural programmes, including traditional songs, dances, poetry recitations and gift offerings.
Recreation and wellness
Hiking & rafting. A visit to Bhutan is never complete without a hike, undoubtedly one of the Kingdom’s most cherished activities. The nation’s pristine air, extensive forests, and safeguarded wildlife crown it a premier destination for those who love the great outdoors.
Travelers can choose from an array of multi-night trekking expeditions, or short, scenic day-hikes, curated for all skill levels. Gain a glimpse of breathtaking natural scenery, or immerse yourself into dramatic, remote, sweeping landscapes. These gentle to moderately challenging hiking trails can be conveniently explored on foot or by bicycle, offer opportunities to observe indigenous flora and fauna, and lead to renowned ancient pilgrimage sites.
The Druk Path Trek is one of the most exciting short treks in Bhutan. It follows an ancient trade route through high mountain passes, connecting the valleys of Paro and Thimphu. The trek passes through magnificent rhododendron groves, alpine yak pastures and beautiful lakes stocked with snowy mountain trout. Pass through apple orchards and pine forests to Jele Dzong on a high grassy ridge with stunning views of Mount Jumolhari to the north.
Laya Gasa Trek is an approximately 12-day trek along the border with Tibet that showcases some of Bhutan’s most pristine and unspoilt amazing landscapes. The trek begins at Drugyel in Paro and travels through beautiful alpine meadows and the peaks of Mount Jumolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsherim Gang. En route, you will also travel through the remote semi-nomadic village of Laya to experience the unique culture and traditions.
For an adrenaline-filled adventure, be immersed into the crisp glacial Himalayan rivers in a white-water rafting experience. As you don your helmets and life jackets, prepare to navigate a spectrum of mild currents and challenging rapids. Bhutan offers a range of thrilling rafting adventures, and visitors can choose from seven major rivers, including Puna Tsang Chhu, Wang Chhu, Sankosh River, Mangde Chhu, Mo Chhu, and Drangme Chhu, each graded according to its level of difficulty. Whether you’re looking to escape the summer heat or invigorate your spirit in the cooler seasons, rafting caters to outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Visitors can opt for group rafting or go solo with kayaking for a memorable aquatic adventure.
Hot stone baths. Tracing back to the 7th century, Bhutan has an ancient history of holistic medicinal healing, inspired by Indian Ayurvedic treatments. Known historically as “Menjung” or “Land of Medicinal Herbs”, the Kingdom have a deep-rooted belief in the healing properties of their signature hot stone baths, taken in medicinal water. Fatigued travelers would anticipate the relaxing soak in a wa, or traditional wooden tub, after a long day of walking or work in the fields, and Bhutanese also visit hot stone baths to cure a variety of illness.
Bhutan’s hot stone baths are distinctive and differ from those anywhere else in the world, due to their use of menchu, or medicinal water. The water consists of leaves from the wormwood plant, Artemisia Absinthium, known for its rejuvenative calming effect, and is heated by hot river stones that are roasted in open fires near the bath house. The stones contain healing minerals and the fresh artemisia leaves are soaked in the water.
The Bhutanese use hot stone baths to treat over 50 different skin conditions, as well as ailments such as arthritis, hypertension, joint pain, stomach problems, and more. Taking a hot stone bath is a restorative way to decompress after busy travels.
From high-end resort hotels to pristine villages, there are quite a few places in Bhutan where you can experience a authentic hot stone bath. Carefully selected and heated river stones are first dipped in a bucket of cold water to wash away wood dust and impurities from the surface of the hot stones. Next, the smouldering hot stones are chucked into the bathroom and placed in a wooden bathtub filled with mountain spring water. The wooden bathtub was divided into two parts by a wooden board with many round holes, one-fifth of which was used for the hot stones and four-fifths for bathing. The water that is scalded by the stones is what flows through the holes throughout the bathtub. It allows you to enjoy your bath while feeling the warmth and nourishment from the hot stones.
Spa journeys. From relaxing in luxury and soothing tired muscles after a mountain trek, to experiencing specialised local treatments, Bhutan’s array of luxury resorts have a wide range of wellness treatments curated for visitors.
Amankora Paro is tucked away in a quiet pine forest surrounded by pines and cypresses. The wooden décor, original rammed earth walls and slightly pitched roofs are very Bhutanese. Aman Spa is built with local timber and the light from the forest pours in through the glass walls. Looking out, there are sweeping views of the surrounding blue pine forests and the resort’s overflowing flora. The spa menu draws inspiration from traditional therapies from around the world, from traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda and Tibetan therapies to local specialities such as Bhutanese hot stone baths and Bhutanese herbal therapies, allowing guests to rebalance their minds and bodies.
COMO Uma Paro is perched halfway up the Paro Valley, tucked away in a beautiful setting of pine forests. COMO Shambhala Retreat houses two Bhutanese hot stone bathrooms. The hot stone bath here is a little different because each will end with a COMO Shambhala signature massage. The spa treatment menu includes a range of traditional Asian therapies such as Thai massage, Ayurvedic treatments, yoga and more.
Set on a hillside surrounded by apple orchards and pine forests, Six Senses Thimphu is inspired by the traditional Bhutanese architectural style of Dzong, also known as Palace in the Sky. Six Senses Spa blends Bhutan’s natural beauty with its traditional culture. Each treatment begins with a ritual involving quartz crystals, known as master healers for their ability to amplify the vibrational frequencies of other crystals. You will be invited to hold the quartz crystal in both hands and regain harmony in your body through breathing techniques, accompanied by Bhutanese chants and mantras, to enter a state of peaceful bliss. Local programmes such as traditional Bhutanese hot stone baths, Bhutanese herbal body scrubs and many more novel treatments can also be experienced here.
Yoga. Where better to practice the spiritual art of yoga than one of the planet’s most ancient and serene countries? The 5,000-year-old holistic practice originating from India has gained significant traction in Bhutan, with a multitude of hotels, schools, and institutions incorporating it into their daily routines.
Amidst the serene Himalayan mountains draped in soft cloud, visitors can disconnect to reconnect, with classes available for all skill levels. With crisp, pure air and quiet valleys, absorb the spiritual aura of Bhutan with every breath drawn into the lungs, and exhale any stress or worries – this is the ideal place to initiate or continue your yoga journey.
From sprawling valleys, to the majestic Buddha Point, to a local park, there are endless ways to incorporate yoga and personal reflection before embarking on a day full of exploration and adventure, or winding down for the evening. Beginners and experts alike can access yoga studios in the capital or seek guidance from trained yoga instructors. Make space for yoga in your Bhutan itinerary, for a soothed mind and relaxed body.
The Uma Paro Resort at the top of Mount Paro has a yoga deck overlooking the entire Paro Valley. There is also a senior yoga instructor who leads Alpine Yoga and takes residents for a morning yoga session twice a week.
Nestled on the slopes of the lush green Punakha Valley, Uma Punakha Resort and Spa is located at the headwaters of the valley, offering an extraordinarily tranquil setting and an ideal place to practice yoga. Designed by Singaporean-born Balinese architect Cheong Yew Kwan, the resort combines the traditional brightly coloured hand-painted walls of Bhutan with Balinese design elements.
Many ancient monasteries in Bhutan, such as Kyichu monastery, Dechenphodrang monastery, etc., regularly host yoga and meditation programmes. Practice meditation with the monks and feel the harmony of mind and body brought about by yoga.
Credit: Bhutan’s Department of Tourism
Bhutanese Architecture & Design
Bhutanese architecture stands strong as a testament to the nation’s rich history, a captivating sight amongst the breathtaking scenery. Whether it’s the stone walls of a village house or the towering structures of dzongs, vernacular architecture in Bhutan does more than catch the eye; it reflects the very essence of spiritual Bhutan and its people.
Rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, Bhutanese architecture distinguishes itself through the absence of nails or iron bars, with many dzongs being constructed without written plans. A royal decree in 1998 mandates adherence to traditional construction rules to this day, hence homes in the west of the Kingdom still feature rammed earth walls, wooden windows, and slanted roofs, which are often adorned with religious symbols or symbolic phalluses representing fertility. In warmer regions, bamboo thatched houses are more prevalent. Journey across Bhutan to witness this renowned and thriving architectural heritage.
Dzong architecture
Mighty Dzong fortresses were first constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel for both security and administrative purposes. Their angled walls are made of stones, and dirt, and white-washed for uniformity. The entrance is a grand, imposing fortified door, leading into the centralised feature of every dzong. It is typically surrounded by a large open courtyard, in which religious festivals are held. Visitors may notice a red band adorning the dzong, which symbolizes the building’s importance. Despite many being ravaged by fires over the years, reconstruction efforts have helped restore the buildings to their former glory.
Traditional Bhutanese houses
Traditional Bhutanese houses in the western part of the country are constructed with a combination of rammed earth, mud and timber. These houses are usually two or three storeys. Livestock would be housed in the lower floors, family and altar rooms would be on the upper floors and there would be drying spaces for chilies and crops in the attic. In the east of the nation, houses made of thick stone slabs are common. Traveling down to the warm south, you will stumble upon many thatched bamboo houses. Bhutanese people have historically decorated their interiors with religious paintings, wooden crafts, and pictures of the royal family.
Bridges
Among the snow-capped peaks and grassy valleys, visitors will notice a plethora of iconic bridges crossing swift-moving rivers, adorned with prayer flags that flutter in the breeze. Bridges in Bhutan are typically cantilevered, meaning they do not contain any vertical support but are instead connected to a foundation on the ground, giving them an enchanting and alluring aura.