Tag Archives: Holidays

Bhutan’s festivals are vibrant and joyous celebrations that bring the country’s rich culture, history, and spirituality to life. These events unite communities through mesmerizing dances, colourful costumes, and sacred rituals, offering a unique glimpse into Bhutanese traditions. Many festivals honour Guru Rinpoche, the revered saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the eighth century, and feature mystical dances, fire ceremonies, and historical reenactments that beautifully highlight the country’s cultural heritage. To truly experience the essence of Bhutan, attending these festivals is a must. Here, we highlight some of the key festivals that will enrich your journey. For more details, please check our festivals calendar. Punakha Dromchoe and TshechuThis is a unique festival known for reenacting the 17th-century battle against the Tibetan army, Punakha Dromchoe features local militia dressed in traditional battle gear, recreating historical scenes with swords and armour. These events are a tribute to the villagers who defended their…

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Bhutan, a Himalayan kingdom, often shrouded in mystery and magic, offers a blend of traditional Buddhist culture and modern developments. Its diverse landscape ranges from subtropical plains to high Himalayan peaks. Amidst its awe-inspiring natural beauty, Bhutan offers a plethora of experiences that enchant every traveller. Here’s an introduction to some of the best places to visit in Bhutan. Paro Valley and the enchanting Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) The serene Paro Valley is dotted with traditional farmhouses and monasteries. Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum of Bhutan offer deep insights into Bhutanese culture and history. There is, however, no argument whatsoever when it comes to Taktsang Monastery being everyone’s  top favourite places to see/visit while in Bhutan. Perched precariously on a cliff 900 meters (3,000 feet) above the Paro Valley, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark. It is believed that, Guru Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche, who spread Buddhism…

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Experience the distinctive and vibrant flavors of Bhutanese cuisine, characterized by simple yet impactful cooking methods like boiling, steaming, and stewing. Using fresh herbs and vegetables, these techniques create rich, flavorful dishes deeply rooted in tradition.

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If Bhutan has fascinated you or you are planning a holiday in Bhutan, you will likely find immersing yourself in reading about Bhutan an enriching experience. We are delighted to share a curated selection of books that offer insights and inspirations for those intrigued by the wonders of Bhutan. Bhutan’s literary scene is still in its infancy. Bhutan has a few established writers with many emerging on the horizon. Further many books, as you will note below, are written by individuals who have visited, or lived and worked in Bhutan. The annual Mountain Echoes festival of Literature, Art and Culture has also generated interest in literature and writing in Bhutan. Bold Bhutan Beckons by Late Tim Fisher and Tshering Tashi presents an insightful account of the mysteries of Bhutan and the co-existence of the old traditions and modern trends. The writers beautifully chronicle the progress of the Bhutanese society in…

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A visit to Bhutan will be incomplete without visiting some of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in the country. Bhutan is the only Mahayana Buddhist Kingdom in the world, with Buddhism as the major religion for over 75% of the population. Buddhism is a way of live for most Bhutanese, and temples in the villages form an important aspect of community lives. The temples in addition to being places of worship are venues for important festivals in the villages where people come together in their finest clothes. Depending when you visit Bhutan, you will have an opportunity to witness some of these festivals. We highlight the top five monasteries that should form part of your Bhutan holidays. Taktsang (The Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Paro Taktsang is Bhutan’s cultural icon. Visiting this spectacular monastery is a must. The Taktsang Palphug or the (the Tiger’s Nest) is a Buddhist temple which is built…

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Bhutan received over 63,000 tourists (excluding those from the region) in 2018. A survey of a sample of over 1,700 tourists conducted by the Tourism Council of Bhutan found that most were very satisfied with their trip to Bhutan and the services of the tourism industry. Over 96% indicated that they would recommend Bhutan as a holiday destination, and over 60% indicated their intention to revisit Bhutan. This is testament to Bhutan’s approach to tourism over the last three decades and what Bhutan has to offer. Here are the top five things visitors do in Bhutan. Sightseeing – Given Bhutan’s pristine environment, rich culture and beautiful villages, many tourists visit Bhutan to soak in the beauty and get to know the country up close. Sightseeing is the easiest way to get a good idea and feel of the country and the Bhutanese. One can combine this with some trekking and…

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Bhutan continues to be a much sought after travel destination. It regularly features as one of the best places to visit in travel publications and specialist magazines. Bhutan is often misconceived as a difficult place to get to. Prior to the pandemic, over 270,000 tourists visited Bhutan each year, and the number of visitors has been increasing manifold in the last decade, as infrastructure has improved including the opening of a new airline. Since Bhutan opened after the pandemic, visitors continue to grow. The tiny kingdom, nestled in the eastern Himalayas, has many attractions such as rich culture and tradition, pristine environment, avenues for nature-based activities (e.g. trekking, walking, and bird watching) and Bhutan’s approach to development – the gross national happiness. Bhutan is one of the three carbon negative countries in the world and is considered a top sustainable travel destination (recently winning the ‘Earth Award’ at the ITB…

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