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Top 10 Compelling Reasons to Explore Bhutan

Melissa Sullivan05 mins

Explore the Wonders of Bhutan with iBestTravel

Breathtaking Scenery

Bhutan’s landscape ranges from lush subtropical plains in the south to the majestic Himalayas in the north, where peaks rise to more than 7,000 meters (23,000 ft). Gangkhar Puensum, one of the highest unclimbed mountains in the world, beckons adventurers and nature lovers alike.

<strong>Breathtaking scenery:</strong> Bhutan's landscape ranges from lush subtropical plains in the south to the Himalayas in the north, where peaks rise to more than 7,000 meters (23,000 ft). Gangkhar Puensum is one of the highest unclimbed mountains in the world.
Breathtaking scenery: Bhutan’s landscape ranges from lush subtropical plains in the south to the Himalayas in the north, where peaks rise to more than 7,000 meters (23,000 ft). Gangkhar Puensum is one of the highest unclimbed mountains in the world.

Laya Valley

The stunning Laya Valley is a remote region encircled by snow-capped mountains. Here, the Layap people lead a simple existence, adhering to traditional lifestyles without the frills of modern life.

<strong>Laya Valley:</strong> The stunning river valley is a remote region ringed by snow-capped mountains where villagers lead a simple existence without the frills of modern life.
Laya Valley: The stunning river valley is a remote region ringed by snow-capped mountains where villagers lead a simple existence without the frills of modern life.

Unique Local Culture

The Layap people are semi-nomadic herders reliant on their yaks for various necessities, including meat, cheese, and clothing. The women in this community often bear the heavy burden of labor.

<strong>Laya Valley:</strong> The Layap people of the valley are semi-nomadic herders who depend on their yaks for meat, cheese, clothing and more. The women do much of the backbreaking laboring work.
Laya Valley: The Layap people of the valley are semi-nomadic herders who depend on their yaks for meat, cheese, clothing and more. The women do much of the backbreaking laboring work.

Spiritual Heritage

Integral to Buddhism, practiced by nearly 75% of Bhutan’s population, prayer wheels adorned with symbols and mantras allow locals to recite prayers through spinning.

<strong>Prayer wheels:</strong> Integral to Buddhism, the religion of almost 75% of Bhutan's population, the wheels depict symbols and mantras and spinning them is like reciting prayers.
Prayer wheels: Integral to Buddhism, the religion of almost 75% of Bhutan’s population, the wheels depict symbols and mantras and spinning them is like reciting prayers.

Punakha Valley

The tropical climate in the Himalayas of Bhutan creates an ideal environment for a diverse array of flora, including rhododendrons and cherry trees, enhancing the scenic beauty of the Punakha Valley. Formerly the country’s capital, it features the magnificent Punakha Dzong Monastery, built in 1637.

<strong>Punakha Valley:</strong> The tropical climate in the Himalayas of Bhutan is ideal for rhododendrons, jacaranda, cherry trees and countless poinsettias to flourish along the roadsides. Punakha was formerly the country's capital, with the magnificent Punakha Dzong Monastery, built in 1637, as its centerpiece.
Punakha Valley: The tropical climate in the Himalayas of Bhutan is ideal for rhododendrons, jacaranda, cherry trees and countless poinsettias to flourish along the roadsides. Punakha was formerly the country’s capital, with the magnificent Punakha Dzong Monastery, built in 1637, as its centerpiece.

Accessibility and Attractions

To reach the Punakha Dzong Monastery, visitors and monks cross a historic 300-year-old wooden bridge, a moment that blends culture with breathtaking nature.

<strong>Punakha Valley:</strong> To reach the Punakha Dzong Monastery, visitors and monks alike cross a 300-year-old wooden bridge, spinning prayer wheels at both ends as mountain waters flow underneath.
Punakha Valley: To reach the Punakha Dzong Monastery, visitors and monks alike cross a 300-year-old wooden bridge, spinning prayer wheels at both ends as mountain waters flow underneath.

Traditional Dress

Bhutanese culture is also reflected in its traditional dress, worn proudly by the local population. Concerns regarding the erosion of Bhutanese values have led to the establishment of a dress code for various public settings.

<strong>Traditional dress:</strong> Bhutanese wear their national dress proudly. Concerns about the erosion of Bhutanese values have led to a government-imposed dress code for working attire.
Traditional dress: Bhutanese wear their national dress proudly. Concerns about the erosion of Bhutanese values have led to a government-imposed dress code for working attire.

Unexpected Attractions

Many homes in the Punakha Valley display unique phallic murals, a reflection of cultural traditions celebrating fertility. The temple of Chimi Lhakhang personifies these beliefs through its rich history, honoring a 16th-century Bhutanese saint.

<strong>Unexpected attractions:</strong> Many houses in the Punakha Valley are decked in phallic murals. The temple of Chimi Lhakhang celebrates a 16th century Bhutanese saint, who turned the phallus icon from a taboo into a representation of fertility.
Unexpected attractions: Many houses in the Punakha Valley are decked in phallic murals. The temple of Chimi Lhakhang celebrates a 16th century Bhutanese saint, who turned the phallus icon from a taboo into a representation of fertility.


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