To visit Bhutan, tourists must hire a local guide and agree to spend a minimumamount of money each day. The number of foreigners allowed in each year is also strictly limited. If you are lucky enough to go, here are some places and events you can’t miss.
First of all, no trip to Bhutan would be complete without a visit to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. This beautiful place of worshipsits on a cliffface, overlooking the Paro Valley. Legend has it that this is where Guru Rinpoche introduced Buddhism to Bhutan after arriving on the back of a tigress.
Visitors should also check out the Punakha Dzong, about a three-hour drive from Thimphu, the capital city. The fortress sits where two rivers meet. Here, kings ruled over the valley, and many of their treasures are still stored within these walls. In spring, the fortress is surrounded by purple blossoms of jacaranda.
Finally, don’t miss the religious Bhutanese festival, Tshechu, which is held throughout Bhutan every year. At the festival, monksput on scary masks and perform cham dances to traditional music. Each dance represents sympathyfor all living things and is considered a kind of Buddhist meditation. What better way to round off a trip to wondrousBhutan?
