WESTERN BHUTAN

Paro valley is one of the widest valleys in the kingdom and is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. It extends from the confluence of the Paro Chhu and the Wang Chhu rivers at Chuzom up to Mt. Jomolhari at the Tibetan border to the North. Adding to the beauty of the already breathtaking views of the region are the traditional two storied houses that showcase the traditional arts and crafts. There are over 155 temples some dating back to 14th Century, among which Taktshang Monastery, also called Tiger’s Nest, being the most iconic landmark. Dzongdrakha Temple and Kila Gompa are secondary examples of cliff-side temples that are also located in Paro Dzongkhag. Read More

Bhutan’s capital city Thimphu houses an approximate population of 100,000 including the Royal family. It is the main center of commerce, religion and government in the country. Thimphu is the most modern city in Bhutan well developed in terms of infrastructures and other facilities. One of the most curious features of Thimphu is that it is the only capital city in the world without traffic lights. Instead you will find few major intersections having policemen standing in elaborately decorated booths (small pavilions), directing traffic with exaggerated hand motions. The juxtaposition of ancient tradition and modernity make Thimphu the ideal location for visitors to break away from their tour itinerary and just immerse themselves in the lifestyle of contemporary Bhutanese. Read More

Haa is the smallest Dzongkhag in the country. This tiny district is one of the most beautiful and secluded areas of the kingdom in its western province, adorned with pristine alpine forests and tranquil mountain peaks as it is one of the least visited regions. Haa is the ancestral home of the Queen Grandmother and the illustrious Dorji family of Bhutan. With its pristine forests and rugged hills Haa is an excellent location for hiking and biking along the old trails through mountain slopes covered in Primula Pedicularis, Ranaculus, Aster and several varieties of ferns.
Haa is home to a number of nomadic herders and hosts an annual Summer Festival that showcases their unique lifestyle and culture. The festival is an ideal occasion to immerse yourself into the traditions and unchanged lifestyles of nomadic Bhutanese herders, as well as to sample some delectable Haapi Hoentay (cuisine). Read More

A gateway to eastern Bhutan, Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, a four-century architectural wonder that had dramatically stood on a ridge overlooking the convergence of the Dangchu and Punatshangchu. The legend that when Zhabdrung was in Chimi Lhakhang at Punakha, an old cripple approached him and told him that if he built a Dzong in Wangdue Phodrang on a ridge that resembled a sleeping elephant, he would unite the country. Zhabdrung concluded that the old man was Yeshey Goenpo (Mahakala) and sent a noble to study the location. The noble reported that he saw four ravens circling the ridge, which flew away in four different directions when he approached. Taking this to be a good omen, Zhabdrung constructed the Dzong in 1638. Unfortunately, on June 24th 2012, fire razed a historical fortress to the ground. The mammoth task of rebuilding is expected to continue until 2021.. Read More

Punakha Dzongkhag is one of the important dzongkhags in Bhutan for it has been inextricably linked with significant occasions in Bhutanese history. Prior to 1907, Punakha was the capital of the country. Even today many important national events are held in Punakha Dzong. On October 13, 2011, the royal wedding was held in this Dzong. Located at an average elevation of 1200 meters above sea level Punakha has relatively warm climate. Owing to which the farmers grow paddy and other cash crops. Punakha Dzong reside on the meeting point of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu and is notable for containing the preserved remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and sacred relic known as the Ranjung Karsapani. This relic was brought by Zhabdrung when he came to Bhutan and it is a self-created image of Avalokiteswara that miraculously emerged from the vertebrae of Tsangpa Gyarey the founder of the Drukpa School when he was cremated. Read More