These places to go to in Bhutan will leave you speechless, an untouched treasure of Buddhist art, culture and customs, check out these destinations for a magical.
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Tiger’s Nest monastery
Tiger’s Nest or Paro Taktsang is by far the most renowned symbol of Bhutan. A sensational and imposing temple cut into the mountainside, it looks precariously set down on the rocky cliff high above the Paro valley. Legend has it that a popular Guru (Padmasambhava) flew over the mountains on a tigress’ back, and landed where the abbey now stands. He meditated for 3 years, 3 months, 3 days and 3 hours in the caves to ward off an evil spirit prior to setting about introducing the regional people to Buddhism.
The initial abbey was integrated in the 1600s, however the structures have actually had to be partly rebuilt several times after being damaged in a variety of ways, including burning down in 1998 (sadly this tends to occur when you consistently burn candles in wooden structures and a lot of Bhutan’s temples have actually suffered the very same fate).
The raise to Tiger’s Nest takes a number of hours and it’s an awesome walk in more ways than one. Luckily I had been living at high altitude for a number of months prior to I attempted the climb to Tiger’s Nest (it’s about 3,120 metres), however I imagine if you’ve just gotten here from a place that’s around water level, acclimatising may be quite tough. But whether you can breathe or not, the views will take your breath away anyhow!
The abbey is developed around nine spiritual caves, some of which are closed to travelers and just opened on holy celebrations. Just like a number of the dzongs in Bhutan, the smell of butter lights and incense fills the temples. A lot of the monastery’s structures feature the cliff side as an interior wall, and there are big gold statues throughout. There is no photography enabled inside the abbey, so it’s a place you have to visit yourself to see! Every Bhutanese person is expected to make the trek up to Tiger’s Nest at least when in their lives.
Dzongs
There are dozens of these massive temples throughout Bhutan, going back as far as the 14th century. Most dzongs are surrounded by high, whitewashed stone walls and inner wood sanctuaries. Among the most stunning is the Punakha Dzong, which is developed on the banks of the Sankosh river and is Bhutan’s 2nd most significant and second oldest dzong, but it’s the grandest.
Like most dzongs, visitors are allowed inside the grounds and inside the primary temple, however there are no images allowed inside. The main temple functions ornately sculpted gold columns, big gold statues, red wooden seats and numerous colourful prayer flags and murals.
The dzong can be accessed by a stunning covered wooden bridge, which was finished in 2008 after the initial bridge removed in a flash flood.
Simtokha Dzong is the earliest dzong in Bhutan and was developed in 1627. Legend has it the dzong was integrated in order to subdue a fiend that was pestering travelers in the region. It’s a relatively small dzong, however has some gorgeous statues, mandalas and murals inside, which are believed to be the earliest in Bhutan.
Going to dzongs does become a little like seeing dozens of cathedrals in Rome and they do all begin to look alike after a while, however it was still an amazing experience to climb the stone steps, look at the intricate carvings and paintings and admire the architecture of these spectacular structures.
Buddha statue
This enormous statue is over 50 metres high, and monitors Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. When I went to, they were still constructing the statue, which was completed in 2015. Apparently 125,000 smaller sized Buddha statues have actually been positioned within the Buddha.
The Buddha is made from bronze and gilded in gold and was developed to bestow blessings, peace and joy on the world. And the view isn’t bad either …
Paro and Thimphu
These towns offer an interesting look into Bhutanese life. Bhutan’s only worldwide airport is near Paro, so the majority of people start their tour here. It’s Bhutan’s second biggest city and is surrounded by greenery on all sides. In the town, the buildings are gorgeous and all developed in the standard style, and a few of the people walk the streets in traditional dress.
There are also more than 155 temples and monasteries in the location, some dating as far back as the 14th century, so it’s possible to spend a couple of days in Paro examining a number of them out.
Thimphu is the capital and is home to about 100,000 people, including the royal family. It also includes the excellent Tashichho Dzong, which stands above the city. The dzong is near the banks of the Wanchhu river and is the house of government, in addition to the throne room and workplaces of the king.
Also in Thimphu is the National Memorial Chorten, which means ‘seat of faith’. When you go to, you’ll see Bhutanese individuals circumambulating the chorten, generally holding prayer beads and shouting.
Dochula pass
On a clear day, this pass obviously offers fantastic 360 degree breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range, nevertheless that’s not exactly what I got. What was incredible though was the 108 chortens which have been developed on the mountain pass.
While I primarily saw the Western part of Bhutan, I would absolutely return. It’s a mystical, spectacular country with charming, hospitable (and yes, happy) individuals. I travelled with Bhutan Majestic Travel, and would absolutely advise them.
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