Festivals

FESTIVALS IN BHUTAN:

1. Paro Tschechu

The Paro Tshechu is a massive festival and by far the biggest spring time event in Bhutan. Like Thimphu, thousands of people gather in the city to socialise and dance.Monks and Layman dress up in dazzling brocade costumes and re-enact famous legends in Buddhism Bhutan.

Visitors will love the vibrant feel of the festival, not to mention the incredibly intricate face masks that many people wear.

2. Mountain Echoes

The Mountain Echoes festival is presented by Jaypee Group, an initiative of the India-Bhutan Foundation, and is held in Thimphu, Bhutan. The festivals enjoys the patronage of Her Majesty the Royal Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck.

The festival is a melting pot of thoughts and ideas, celebrating a wide range of artistic mediums: literature, visual arts, photography, theatre, film, music, and dance.It is a platform for cultural and social exchange on topics that are current and globally relevant, with speakers from the United States of America, Australia, United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Czechoslovakia, Bangladesh and Nepal, apart from India and Bhutan.

3 . Haa Summer Festival

Not only is the Haa Summer Festival one of the most spectacular festivals, it is also set within one of the most spectacular settings! Gorgeous lakes and lush valleys are the backdrop to this fantastic festival.

The festival is slightly different in that it celebrates the nomadic and traditional-living lifestyles of the Bhutanese.The festival is perfect for visitors who want to get a better understanding of this old-world culture and history. Join in the festivities yourself and take a drink or two and get singing!

4. The Punakha Tschechu And Drubchen

The Punakha Drubchen is a fascinating Tshechu as it celebrates the famous victory by Bhutan when the armies managed to supress the invading Tibetan forces in the 17^th century.

Local military and village volunteers re-enact the battles in glorious costumes of bright colours. The festival is held directly after Drubchen and offers a dazzling array of masked dances for visitors to enjoy.The Tshechu is also held within one of the most beautiful Dzongs in the country – Punakha Dzong.

5. Black-Necked Crane Festival

This is the festival for nature lovers! The Black-necked Crane festival is an annual event held to celebrate the arrival of the endangered black-necked cranes to the Phobjikha Valley.

The birds arrive in the valley each winter from their northern summer grounds and the festival honours their arrival with a series of crane-themed dances and songs.

Throughout the festival locals are made more aware of the cranes struggle for survival and local conservation spirit is renewed.

Animal seen in Bhutan

ANIMALS SEEN IN BHUTAN:

1. Takin

Takin is the largest goat antelope and is the national animal of Bhutan, found in the forested valleys of eastern Himalayas of India and Bhutan. Takin are found in small family groups and considered Vulnerable due to over hunting and the destruction of their natural habitat.

2. Bharal

Himalayan Blue Sheep or Bharal is a caprid species found in the high altitdue mountains of Himalayas in India, Nepal and Bhutan. Bharal is the medium sized sheep and are the favored prey of snow leopards of Himalayas in India.

3. Goral

Himalayan Goral is a bovid species closely related to serows,found across the great Himalayas of Bhutan and northern India. The Himalayan goral are small ungulates with a goat like or antelope like appearance but a bovid species.

4. Serow

Himalayan Serow is another big goat antelope and very similar to gorals, found grazing on rocky hills of Bhutan and India. Himalayan serows population is declining due to habitat loss and meat.

5. Musk Deer

Himalayan Musk Deer listed as endangered, found in parts of Himalayas of India, Nepal and Bhutan They inhabit high alpine environments and protected by law in Bhutan,Nepal and India.

6. Yellow Throated Marten

Yellow Throated Marten is the largest species of marten in the Old World,occurs in the Himalayan states of India,Nepal and Bhutan. The yellow throated marten are very fearless animal with powerful build, just like the Honey Badger.

7. Golden Langur

The golden langur is a leaf eating monkey found in northeastern India and Bhutan. Golden Langur and Capped Langur are endangered species of primate endemic to Bhutan and some areas of Assam in India.

Traditional foods of bhutan

FOODS IN BHUTAN:

1. Ema Datshi - Stew made of Chillies and Cheese

'Datshi' in the Bhutanese language of Dzongkha means 'cheese', which is what they use in a number of dishes, the most popular being Ema Datshi which is like a stew made from chillies and cheese ('Ema' means chillies) and might prove to be too spicy for some. Being the national dish of Bhutan, it is unarguably the most popular dish in the country, and any discussion about Bhutanese food cannot go without the mention of Ema Datshi.

The chillies are split lengthwise with their seeds and ribs removed and are mixed with cheese, garlic, water and some oil. Is this cheese a special kind of farmer's cheese which doesn't dissolve in water and is hardly found outside this nation. Onions and tomatoes are also added sometimes. Yak cheese might also be used. There might be small variations in the preparation of Ema Datshi throughout the nation (such as the consistency of liquid), but the ultimate essence remains

2. Jasha Maroo or Maru - Spicy Chicken Stew or Curry

Another dish worth tasting would be the Jasha Maroo which is like a spicy stew or curry which is made with diced chicken, onion, garlic, chillies, tomato, ginger and coriander leaves. Ginger gives this dish its essence. It may be served with a generous portion of chicken broth. Beef may also be used in place of chicken. This is usually served with red rice as it is in case of most Bhutanese dishes.

3. Phaksha Paa - Pork with Red Chilies

Paa is a curry with gravy or a meaty stew. Phaksha Paa highlights another favourite item of the Bhutanese people - pork. This dish is made of pork slices stir-fried with whole red dry chillies (yet another spicy dish), ginger and Bok Choy. Bok Choy is also known as White Mustard Cabbage or Pak Choy and is peppery to taste and has a celery-like stalk with dark leaves. It is used not only in stews like this but also in fresh salads. Mountain vegetables such as radishes and spinach may also be added in Phaksha Paa. This is often eaten along with rice and Datshi dishes.

5. Suja - Bhutanese Butter Tea

Tea is frequently consumed in Bhutan but is a little different. What the locals mostly indulge in is butter tea, also known as Suja or Po Cha or Goor Goor which is usually served after meals and is found to be quite comforting in the cold weather. Fermented yak butter is made from fresh yak milk. This butter is then boiled along with tea leaves and water. It is a frothy drink that tastes more like butter than tea, and its salty taste might surprise some. Butter tea is also relished in Tibet and parts of Nepal as well. Suja can also be made with cow's butter.

6. Ara - Traditional Alcoholic Beverage

Ara (or Arag) is the traditional alcoholic beverage in Bhutan. It is made by fermenting or distilling rice, wheat, maize, millet, barley or buckwheat and is usually creamy, whitish or clear in appearance. It has a very strong smell and taste. Sometimes Ara is also heated with butter and eggs to make it a more wholesome beverage. There are also other drinks like Banchang and Sinchang which are made by fermenting grains with homemade yeast. Sinchang is a cool drink whereas Banchang is a hot drink.

7. Jaju Soup - Traditional Bhutanese Soup

Jaju is a traditional Bhutanese soup, generally served along with other dishes as a side. It is made up of green leafy vegetables like local spinach, or even turnips. The broth is prepared with milk and butter. Sometimes, cheese is also added to the preparation to make it heartier, and tastier.

Experiences in bhutan

Cultural experiences in bhutan:

1. HIKE TO TIGER’S NEST MONASTERY:

No trip to Bhutan is complete without a hike up to the Taktsang Monastery, or “Tiger’s Nest.”

It’s built into a series of caves that, when viewed from afar, looks like a man’s face. Specifically, the Guru Rimpoche’s face, an early Buddhist who journeyed from Tibet and meditated at the caves in the 8th century. The monastery’s perched high on the mountainside, and you can hike or take a horse part of the way up.

WHERE IS TIGER'S NEST MONASTERY?

It is located just outside Paro, and is usually visited after adjusting to the high altitude of 2133 meters (7,000 feet). The first views of the monasteries are from a ledge overlooking a ravine and river, which is also the last leg of hike.

To reach the monastery you take a series of stairs down the cliff side across the falls and back up to the monastery. Photography and bags are not allowed into the monastery, but the views are indeed spectacular, and the wafting smell of butter candles and murmuring of monks transports you to another world.

2. GO DZONG HOPPING

A Dzong is part fortress, monastery, and government office.

Dzongs are the focal point of each regional city built for defense. These impressive buildings straddle rivers in the west and cling to mountain tops in the East. The interiors are elaborately painted with religious and inspirational imagery like the wheel of life – a symbol that illustrates the four truths of Buddhism and path to liberation.

Since religion is state sponsored, the Dzongs are kept in pristine condition and are also the center of government affairs. On my visit, the Queen mother was visiting the Paro Dzong to give offerings.

It was also a full moon day, which is holy to Buddhists since they believe Buddha was born and enlightened on the full moon. Since I was traveling in November (the end of the tourist and festal season), the Dzong’s were mostly deserted and I used the silence to reflect. In the Western part of the country, the Dzongs sit along rivers and overlook fertile valleys—usually with watchtowers perched on the ridges like the Paro Dzong.

3. FESTIVALS IN BHUTAN

Festivals make for the ultimate cultural experience in Bhutan.

The season is rich with color, dance, and iconic animal masks. Festivals are called  “Tshechu,” meaning “tenth day” of the lunar month. The annual festivals are held across the country at various temples and Dzongs. The locals dress up in their finest clothes, and the festival dancers swirl, spin tales, and give blessings.In the larger towns, monks do most of the performing, but in the small villages the local men will assist.

BHUTAN FESTIVALS:

The two most attended festivals are Paro Tshechu and Thimphu Tshechu.

For a less crowded experience, it’s worth the hike through mountain roads deeper into Bhutan to the more remote villages.

There are dozens of festivals, from the “naked” festival in Mongar to the “coming of the black necked cranes” festival in the Phobjikha Valley.

Work with your guide to arrange the details, and research the festivals that you might be interested in before booking your travel! Official Bhutan Tourist Website: www.tourism.gov.bt

 4. LIVE ON A FARM

Witnessing the daily lives of Bhutanese farmers and staying the night on a farm is a special experience. You will have the opportunity to take the traditional stone bath, assist in preparing food, and sleep under the rafters of an ancient farmhouse.

I stayed at a local farm in the Paro Valley, where I helped the mother of the family prepare a traditional Bhutanese meal. One of the signature dishes is called “Ema Datshi” or “Chile Cheese.”

Chillies, butter, and cheese are cooked down into a mixture that serves as the main side and condiment in Bhutanese food. It is paired with a variety of dishes. We also made a chili and beef stir fry, turnips, potatoes, and heaps of rice. We washed it down with the salty, fatty butter tea.

5. GO TREKKING

Bhutan’s remote location and dramatic landscape makes it perfect for the adventure seeker. Head off the beaten path and you can reach the remote villages and fascinating cliffside monasteries on short day hikes or longer treks.

There are many treks to take in the Bumthang Valley. I went up to the Luk Rawa temple through the small farming village of Lusbe. The temple is stuck to the side of a cliff, and is where the now infamous Guru Rimpoche had once meditated and left his footprint in the stone face.

6. WHITE WATER RAFTING BHUTAN

As Bhutan is at the base of the Himalayas, you can also try rafting. The rivers surge down the Himalaya, carving deep ravines and weaving through the mountain landscape into the plains of India.

On my journey across Bhutan I took the less eventful rafting excursion down the Mo Chhu river. I floated passed the rolling mountainside and fields and saw a variety of fish and fowl in the bright high altitude sun. End the rafting excursion as you pass directly under the bridge that leads to the Punakha Dzong, which sits at the joining of the Mo (mother) and Pho (father) Chhu river.

National parks in bhutan

NATIONAL PARKS TO VISIT IN BHUTAN:

1.Jigme Dorji National Park, Punakha

Bhutan is a country which always believes in preserving the traditional valuables and respects its natural resources. And following its footsteps, Jigme Dorji National Park not only houses the distinct flora and fauna but also provides them with all the essential resources, facilities and care.

Stretching over an area of 4316 square kilometres, Jigme Dorji National Park is the second largest national park of Bhutan. Named after Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third king of Bhutan, it is the crown jewel of the country due to the treasures that it holds within its boundaries.

Established in 1974, the pristine environment, variety of animals and beautiful birds attract thousands of tourists from all across the globe every year. Spanning more than five districts, it has a population of about 6500 people, whose primary source of livelihood are agriculture and animal husbandry.

Included in Bhutan's Tentative List for UNESCO, the presence of animals, including the endemic Himalayan Wildlife, explains its global significance. In fact, here the national flower (blue poppy), national animal (Takin), national tree (Cypress) and national bird (Raven) come togeThe peaks of some of the tallest Himalayan mountains, such as Mount Jomolhari and Mount Jitchu Drake, are visible from here and provide a scenic view. In fact, apart from being naturally rich, its cultural value is also appreciable. Gasa Dzong and Lingshi Dzong are a part of this national park, both being historically and religiously prominent monasteries.

ther to form an iconic destination. It is an important attraction in the country since the significant tourism in Bhutan was paved from Jigme Dorji National Park only.

The different species of animals, reptiles, birds and butterflies shows how diverse and vivid nature is. The flowers which blossom here are colourful and vibrant. They make the atmosphere picturesque and fragrant. The overall environment of the Jigme Dorji National Park is tranquilising and captivating, tempting people to visit here over and over again.

Best time to visit: February to May, August to November
Nearest Airport: Paro Airport
By road: Cab or self-drive

2.Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park

A perfect example of serenity in nature, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park is one of the country's largest national park areawise. Located in Trongsa and occupying parts of other districts such as Wangdue Phodrang also, it is a popular birdwatching spot in Bhutan.

The Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park is the largest protected area in Bhutan. It is a haven for those birds who migrate here every year from different parts of the world. Not just birds, it is a treasure trove of animals and plants as well.

It is home to exquisite Himalayan animals like the Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Black Bear, Blue Sheep, and Takin. The biodiversity found here is almost overwhelming and attract hundreds of eyeballs every year.

The rich biodiversity is reflected not just in its wildlife, but its geography too, consisting of both warm forests as well as permanent glaciers. It also has the plant species of blue poppy, edelweiss, rhododendrons and orchids.

Formerly known as Black Mountain National Park, it is majorly known for its birds' population. There are at least eight globally threatened bird species, including White-Bellied Heron and Rufous-necked hornbill.

The pristine environment of the national park helps the animals and plants to thrive in their natural surroundings. Hara-Chhu River, which passes through the national park, gives it a dreamy look and fishing along the lake is the best way to bond with nature.

Best time to visit: March to August
Nearest Airport: Paro Airport (59 km)
By road: Cab or self-drive

3. Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary

It is located in the Trashigang District, and hence, is known for housing the easternmost ecosystems and landscapes of Bhutan. It is one of the most popular options for both tourists and locals for many reasons! One of these is the eastern blue pine, a typical coniferous evergreen which is a rare find and grows only in mountain valleys such as the Himalayas. Blue poppy is the national flower of Bhutan and it looks stunning during the spring season. Talking about the fauna, the Black-rumped magpie, known as one of the smartest birds also thrives in this ecosystem! According to rumors, there are many unique creatures such as yeti, the abominable snowman.

Best time to visit: March to August

Distance from Thimphu: 340 km

How to reach: It can be easily reached from Sakteng village in eastern Bhutan

4. Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary

What was originally established to preserve the natural sal forests of the country has now become one of the most popular tourist attractions here. Located in the southern part of Bhutan with a shared border with Assam in India, Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan is home to numerous animals such as Golden Langurs, Gaur, Asian Elephants etc. The most special aspect about this park is spotting the Chital Deer (Spotted Deers). Apart from animals, one will also come across many birds such as the hornbill.

Best time to visit: March to June and September to November

Distance from Sarpang: 150 km
Nearest Airport: Paro Airport (54 km away)
By road: Cab or self-drive

5. Phrumsengla National Park

Phrumsengla National Park in Bhutan established in 1998, is one of the beautiful Bhutan wildlife sanctuaries. Open all year round, the park attracts visitors throughout the year. It is a great sanctuary to spot wildlife and indulge in adventure activities. The park offers great routes for trekking during the months of October and November when the weather is pleasant and dry. The pretty rhododendron can be enjoyed during the months of April to June. Due to the rugged landscape and fauna and flora, the park is a great place for nature excursions, wildlife spotting, trekking, and hiking. Add it to your list of places to visit in the country, as it is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Bhutan.

Best time to visit: April to June

Nearest Airport: Bathpalathang Airport (63 km)

By road: Cab or self-drive

Tourist attractions of Bhutan

Tourist Destinations:

1. Rinpung Dzong

Rinpung Dzong is a beautiful dzong (fort), with towering walls, built in the 16th century. Known as the Fortress on a Heap of Jewels, Rinpung Dzong is among the best tourist places to visit in Bhutan and a classic example of Bhutanese architecture and deep rooted traditions. You can look at the Bhutan tourist places map for its exact location.

The entire area is filled with various temples and shrines. Some of the shrines are, Kungarwa, Monk’s assembly hall, Sandalwood stupa, protector’s shrine and so on. Every year there is an annual festival of tshechu and it is held in Rinpung Dzong and it starts from the eleventh day to the fifteenth day and the day is marked in Bhutan’s lunar calendar. If you want to know the months properly then it’s the months of March to April.

In this festival holy images are carried in a procession, and this very thing is followed by the mask dances which tells many stories and these are performed by the monks for many days. On the fifteenth day before the dawn breaks a sacred banner which consists of eight manifestations of Padmasambhava is showed for the public in those early hours and the tradition is that there will be no sunlight to fall on the banner.

2. Chele La Pass

Located at an altitude of about 3,989 meters, Chele La pass is among the popular tourist places in Bhutan. The magnificent pass is en-route the Haa Valley in Paro. On a nice and clear day, you can experience the Jomolhari mountain from here and the adjacent peaks from the northwest side and can view the valleys of Haa and Paro as well.

This pass is located at the 13,000 feet above in the west from the Paro valley, it is the highest road pass of Bhutan and is surrounded with amazing views of the Himalayan range, and the Mount Jomolhari, which is this country’s most sacred mountain and it’s over 22,000 feet. To reach this place you have to take one and a half hour drive from the valley floor of Paro.

Another attraction of this place is the Haa summer festival, and this is the symbol of the rich culture of the nomadic heaps. You can have a small excursion, which will take only 2 and a half hours, as many tourists visit this place for the excursion in here.

3. Punakha Dzong

Punakha Dzong is the second largest dzong in Bhutan(The Land of Thunderbolt) and is known for its brilliant structure. Among the best tourist places in Bhutan, the dzong speaks volumes about the beautiful stories and traditions of the Buddhist culture. Do not miss this on your Bhutan sightseeing tour.

Punakha is the winter capital of this country and the head clergy of Bhutan spends the winter in this popular Dzong. The Punakha Dzong is situated on the 1,200 meters and on this height no one ever suffers from height sickness or oxygen shortage, so if you are thinking about hiking, then you can aim for the higher place such as Paro Taktsang or tiger’s nest and it’s a very ideal place for beginners.

This dzong is considered the most beautiful one in the country and the very first national assembly was held here in 1953. This is the second largest fortress in Bhutan and most popular one as well. To finish the building of this dzong took a year and the most interesting fact is that this building has no usage of nails. Almost every national treasure of the country is kept here, and in here the king of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck got married to the Queen Jetsun Pema in 2011.

4. Buddha Dordenma Statue

The Buddha Dordenma Statue is a 169 feet tall statue of Buddha, built at the foot of the hills in Thimphu. This iconic gold and bronze statue is visible from almost anywhere in Thimphu and is among the best tourist places in Bhutan.

This is a statue of Buddha and it’s a giant one at the top of the mountains in Thimpu and it’s also known as the Kunzang Phodrang. The presence of this giant statue of Buddha symbolizes the dominant religion of Bhutan. This very religion plays a solid part in this country and in the everyday life of the country people. You will see the string of flags at the roadsides and the several praying wheels around the clock tower, which is at the midst of the town.

There are small temples and the various paintings that adorn the walls that are made of cement and rock. Buddha dordenma is the largest statue and it’s 52.5 meters tall and made of bronze. Inside this figure, there are 125,000 small figurines of the same. There are 25,000 and 12 inches ones and 100,000 8 inches one.

5. Dochula Pass

Dochula Pass is a beautiful pass consisting of 108 Chortens or Stupas, built in the memory of the Bhutanese soldiers who died in a war against the insurgents from India. The beautifully built temple and stupas, with the picturesque Gangkar Puensum peak in the background, makes the Dochula Pass one of the most beautiful tourist places in Bhutan. Dochula pass is situated at on the way to Punakha and Thimpu.

This very pass is a popular location for every tourist who visits the country. From the pass, you can have a panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range, and you must know the view is very beautiful from the top. You will get to see the snow covered mountains and the amazing backdrop of the place. So many Bhutanese families enjoy their holidays in this area, they have small picnics, and some just come here to enjoy the view. You can have pack your lunch and have tea in a flask and come here to enjoy the food and hot tea.

6. 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.