Bhutan Destination Overviews

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Back to: MAP OF BHUTAN	BHUTAN DESTINATION OVERVIEWS


	PARO At an elevation of 2,250 m (7,382 ft) Paro Valley is the entry point for most journeys through the Kingdom. The valley of Paro is fertile and green with a number of ancient monasteries and monuments but none as dramatic as the 8th century Taktsang, or ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Best months February - April September - early December Epic suggests 3 days / 2 nights Hike to Takstang Monastery and hang prayer flags along the way as a blessing for the journey ahead Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath under the stars Visit local archers at play and try your hand at this ancient sport Attend the Paro Tsechu and witness the sacred unveiling of a giant silk Thangkha (March or April) Sample itinerary \| Accommodation options	THIMPHU Thimphu lies in a steep valley surrounded by richly forested mountains dotted with ancient monasteries and temples. As Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu is home to many attractions and activities; lanes of shops, vegetable and meat markets, and assorted local restaurants. Best months February - April September - early December Epic suggests 2 days / 1 night Wander the colourful local markets and streets and visit the Textile Museum to view royal Thangkhas, stunning silks and embroideries Spend time at the Dechenphodrang Monastery, a working monastery, and meet novice monks as young as four years old Observe the indigenous national animal, the takin, that appears to be a half cow-half goat Enjoy a rigorous day hike to Tango Monastery on the outskirts of Thimphu and receive a Bhutanese name as part of a Buddhist naming ceremony conducted by the resident lama Sample itinerary \| Accommodation options


	PUNAKHA With its temperate climate, Punakha Valley is the market garden of the country, where produce grows thoughout the year. Opportunities abound for the active traveller with hikes, bike trails and white water rafting all available in the country's most picturesque valley. Best months February - April September - early December Epic suggests 2 days / 1 night Visit the breathtaking Punakha Dzong located on the confluence between the Mochu (female) and Pochu (male) rivers fed by the glacial lakes of Tibet Try white-water rafting down the Mochu River, travelling along crystal blue waters and passing through some of the most pristine forest in the Himalaya (May - Sep) or mountain biking along some of the rarely used forest tracks Visit Chimi Lhakang, an ancient temple built in honour of Lama Drukpa Kinley otherwise known as the ‘Divine Madman’. The temple is famous for healing infertility problems Wander through the village of Pana and count the number of colourful and exotic looking phallus painted on the houses Sample itinerary \| Accommodation options	GANGTEY The Phobjikha Valley is part of the Black Mountains National Park, one of Bhutan’s most important wildlife sanctuaries. Numerous nature walks and treks are offered throughout the valley’s varied terrain. Best months February - March October - early December Epic suggests 2 days / 1 night Visit children of the local primary school and have the opportunity to interact with them by assisting with one of the classes Observe the rare black neck cranes on migration to Tibet (Nov -Feb) and attend the Black Neck Crane festival (Nov) Embark on the spectacular half day Sashi La Nature Trek, an old migration route taken by monks and local farmers when leaving the valley for the winter Visit the village carpet factory to see local weavers at work Sample itinerary \| Accommodation options


	BUMTHANG Lying deep in central Bhutan, Bumthang is the host region for many colourful religious festivals, as well as cottage industries producing a variety of intriguing fruit spirits and brandies. It is often referred to as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. Best months February - April October - November Epic suggests 3 days / 2 nights Go yak spotting in the Longte Valley Join in the festivities of the Jambay Lhakang village festival (Nov) held in the courtyard of the sacred Jambay Lhakang temple Enjoy the local hospitality of Bumthang and dine on food unique to the region of central Bhutan Visit Ura village, one of the most picturesque villages in Bhutan often referred to as Bhutan’s Switzerland Sample itinerary \| Accommodation options

Back to: MAP OF BHUTAN	BHUTAN DESTINATION OVERVIEWS


	PARO At an elevation of 2,250 m (7,382 ft) Paro Valley is the entry point for most journeys through the Kingdom. The valley of Paro is fertile and green with a number of ancient monasteries and monuments but none as dramatic as the 8th century Taktsang, or ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Best months February - April September - early December Epic suggests 3 days / 2 nights Hike to Takstang Monastery and hang prayer flags along the way as a blessing for the journey ahead Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath under the stars Visit local archers at play and try your hand at this ancient sport Attend the Paro Tsechu and witness the sacred unveiling of a giant silk Thangkha (March or April) Sample itinerary \| Accommodation options	THIMPHU Thimphu lies in a steep valley surrounded by richly forested mountains dotted with ancient monasteries and temples. As Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu is home to many attractions and activities; lanes of shops, vegetable and meat markets, and assorted local restaurants. Best months February - April September - early December Epic suggests 2 days / 1 night Wander the colourful local markets and streets and visit the Textile Museum to view royal Thangkhas, stunning silks and embroideries Spend time at the Dechenphodrang Monastery, a working monastery, and meet novice monks as young as four years old Observe the indigenous national animal, the takin, that appears to be a half cow-half goat Enjoy a rigorous day hike to Tango Monastery on the outskirts of Thimphu and receive a Bhutanese name as part of a Buddhist naming ceremony conducted by the resident lama Sample itinerary \| Accommodation options


	PUNAKHA With its temperate climate, Punakha Valley is the market garden of the country, where produce grows thoughout the year. Opportunities abound for the active traveller with hikes, bike trails and white water rafting all available in the country's most picturesque valley. Best months February - April September - early December Epic suggests 2 days / 1 night Visit the breathtaking Punakha Dzong located on the confluence between the Mochu (female) and Pochu (male) rivers fed by the glacial lakes of Tibet Try white-water rafting down the Mochu River, travelling along crystal blue waters and passing through some of the most pristine forest in the Himalaya (May - Sep) or mountain biking along some of the rarely used forest tracks Visit Chimi Lhakang, an ancient temple built in honour of Lama Drukpa Kinley otherwise known as the ‘Divine Madman’. The temple is famous for healing infertility problems Wander through the village of Pana and count the number of colourful and exotic looking phallus painted on the houses Sample itinerary \| Accommodation options	GANGTEY The Phobjikha Valley is part of the Black Mountains National Park, one of Bhutan’s most important wildlife sanctuaries. Numerous nature walks and treks are offered throughout the valley’s varied terrain. Best months February - March October - early December Epic suggests 2 days / 1 night Visit children of the local primary school and have the opportunity to interact with them by assisting with one of the classes Observe the rare black neck cranes on migration to Tibet (Nov -Feb) and attend the Black Neck Crane festival (Nov) Embark on the spectacular half day Sashi La Nature Trek, an old migration route taken by monks and local farmers when leaving the valley for the winter Visit the village carpet factory to see local weavers at work Sample itinerary \| Accommodation options


	BUMTHANG Lying deep in central Bhutan, Bumthang is the host region for many colourful religious festivals, as well as cottage industries producing a variety of intriguing fruit spirits and brandies. It is often referred to as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. Best months February - April October - November Epic suggests 3 days / 2 nights Go yak spotting in the Longte Valley Join in the festivities of the Jambay Lhakang village festival (Nov) held in the courtyard of the sacred Jambay Lhakang temple Enjoy the local hospitality of Bumthang and dine on food unique to the region of central Bhutan Visit Ura village, one of the most picturesque villages in Bhutan often referred to as Bhutan’s Switzerland Sample itinerary \| Accommodation options