Bhutan is one of the most unique countries that I have been to. The small Buddhist Himalayan kingdom which has an abundance of nature surrounding it measures its wealth through its citizen’s happiness index (Gross National Happiness) instead of Gross National Product index. Through their continuous efforts, Bhutan sets an environmental benchmark as the only country with zero carbon emission in the World. Here are a few pictures from my trip to Bhutan that will inspire you to visit the land of the thunder dragon – Bhutan.
Chorten literally means ‘Seat of Faith’ and Buddhists often call such monuments, the ‘Mind of Buddha’.The city of Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital has the world’s biggest (169 foot) Buddha statuesitting on a gilded meditation hall. Unbeknownst to many people viewing the statue, they aren’t actually looking at one Buddha, but at 125,000 of them, inside the statue.Apart from paying tribute to the centennial of the Bhutanese monarchy, the great Buddha statue fulfills two prophecies. The first, prophesied by yogi Sonam Sangpo in the twentieth century, is that a Buddhist statue would be built in the region to “bestow blessings, peace, and happiness to the whole world.” In addition, the statue is said to have been mentioned by Guru Padmasambhava, widely referred to as the “second Buddha” in his eighth-century old terma (teachings). Bhutan measures its wealth by gauging its citizens’ collective happiness and well-being levels. The kids from the Gaedu College of Business Studies wearing Bhutan’s traditional dresses Gho (for men) and Kira (for women), happily posing for the camera.The National Memorial Chorten was built at the city center of Thimphu in memory of Third Druk Gyalpo and is dedicated to World Peace.Dochula Pass, at 10171ft, offers an amazing 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayas on a clear day which I was not lucky to witness myself. However, it is also famous for the 108 memorial stupas known as Druk Wangyal Chortens that is located on the top of the pass.The memorial stupas are dedicated to the 108 Bhutanese soldiers who died in 2003 battle fighting the Indian rebels.Punakha Dzong is one of the most important Dzongs in Bhutan. This is where the current King of Bhutan, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and his beautiful wife, the Queen of Bhutan Jetsun Pema got married in 2011. The most impressive thing about this Dzong is that it was built without the use of any nails.
The most impressive intricately designed wood frames in the world, don’t you think? Made completely without any help from the modern tools inside Punakha Dzong.
A Bhutanese woman selling dried fish at the Saturday Vegetable Market in Khuruthang, located in the small town next to the Punakha Dzong. Tachogang Lhakhang overlooking the lofty mountains and the gurgling river system is a quaint monastery situated across the main Paro-Thimphu highway. Its most iconic feature is its iron bridge, festooned with colorful prayer flags suspended over the Pa Chuu river.A Bhutanese man making authentic Bhutanese paper known as Deh-sho at the Jungshi handmade paper factory. This factory still promotes this age-old Bhutanese tradition and produces various products such as stationery and greeting cards along with the paper.A beautiful village somewhere in the Western part of Bhutan covered in fog. So pure and green.Bhutanese prayer flags flying in wind at Chelela pass, the highest motorable point in Bhutan dividing the Haa and Paro valleys. The prayer flags come in five colors – blue, red, green, white and yellow. Each color represents the five pearls of wisdom of Buddhism and the five basic elements – sky, fire, earth, water, and air. Taktsang Lhakhang translates to ‘The Tiger’s Nest’, is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and is one of the holiest sites in the kingdom that clings impossibly to a sheer cliff, 900 meters above the Paro Valley.Legend states that Guru Rimpoche flew to the site on the back of a tigress and meditated in the cave for 3 years, 3 months, 3 days and 3 hours in order to subdue evil demons residing within it. Since then this cave is considered sacred.This beautiful sight greets everyone after a trek of about approx 2-3 hours.Rinpung Dzong often known as Paro Dzong lights up at night.
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14 thoughts on “15 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Bhutan”
Lovely captures! Bhutan is a beautiful country and I have fond memories of it. I visited all those places you captured, loved seeing them again in your post.
Bhutan is really my dream destination as I have many Bhutanese friend but the traveling cost in Bhutan is quite high as it fix to travel via the agent only.
Bhutan is truly an amazing country and you have captured the beauty of Bhutan so well. I really loved the picture of the Punakha Dzong and the prayer flags at Chelela Pass. Punakha and Paro are 2 of my favourite places in Bhutan.
Great post!! I have always wanted to travel to Bhutan and explore its beauty. I must agree that your pictures are just great and so inspiring for me to travel to Bhutan as soon as possible. Would love to travel to Bhutan probably soon on the future.
Great job on these images! No matter how many times I see Taktsang Lhakhang on a picture, it never ceases to amaze me. I would love to go there for hiking.
I love all the ornate gold touches to the temples! And Tiger’s Nest looks straight from an action movie! would be so neat to see in person one day. Great shots!
Kevin | Caffeinated Excursions
January 9, 2020Reply
Wow, these photos are stunning. Bhutan has always been on my travel wish list, and I’m jealous that you got to go. I’ve heard that it is very expensive for foreigners to visit. Was that your experience?
Thank you, Kevin. I feel blessed that I could visit Bhutan. When I went, the entry for residents of India, Maldives, and Bangladesh was free. But now they are charging a Sustainable Development fee of Rs 1200 daily.
Your pictures can really inspire anyone to visit Bhutan . It is a magical country and we love how the country measures its wealth. The tallest Buddha statue is amazing and the Punakha Dzong built without the use of nails is something really Wow.
Bhutan is the country as same as Thaliand where I lived. The culture and the land is very similar Thailand and so natural. The fresh zero carbon air is very interesting to visit due to where the place now is lot of pollution.
Sinjana Ghosh October 21, 2019
Beautiful pictures. Bhutan is truly a precious sanctuary of nature, an unforgettable experience.
Mayuri Patel December 31, 2019
Lovely captures! Bhutan is a beautiful country and I have fond memories of it. I visited all those places you captured, loved seeing them again in your post.
Anwesha Guha December 31, 2019
Thank you, Mayuri!
Anshul January 4, 2020
These photos are simply amazing. Punakha and Haa Valley are two of my favorite regions.
vorakarn January 6, 2020
Bhutan is really my dream destination as I have many Bhutanese friend but the traveling cost in Bhutan is quite high as it fix to travel via the agent only.
Amrita January 7, 2020
Bhutan is truly an amazing country and you have captured the beauty of Bhutan so well. I really loved the picture of the Punakha Dzong and the prayer flags at Chelela Pass. Punakha and Paro are 2 of my favourite places in Bhutan.
Anwesha Guha February 8, 2020
I loved the Chelela pass and the Suspension bridge at Phunaka the most.
Daniel January 7, 2020
Great post!! I have always wanted to travel to Bhutan and explore its beauty. I must agree that your pictures are just great and so inspiring for me to travel to Bhutan as soon as possible. Would love to travel to Bhutan probably soon on the future.
Chris January 8, 2020
Great job on these images! No matter how many times I see Taktsang Lhakhang on a picture, it never ceases to amaze me. I would love to go there for hiking.
Shane January 9, 2020
I love all the ornate gold touches to the temples! And Tiger’s Nest looks straight from an action movie! would be so neat to see in person one day. Great shots!
Kevin | Caffeinated Excursions January 9, 2020
Wow, these photos are stunning. Bhutan has always been on my travel wish list, and I’m jealous that you got to go. I’ve heard that it is very expensive for foreigners to visit. Was that your experience?
Anwesha Guha February 8, 2020
Thank you, Kevin. I feel blessed that I could visit Bhutan. When I went, the entry for residents of India, Maldives, and Bangladesh was free. But now they are charging a Sustainable Development fee of Rs 1200 daily.
Suruchi January 9, 2020
Your pictures can really inspire anyone to visit Bhutan . It is a magical country and we love how the country measures its wealth. The tallest Buddha statue is amazing and the Punakha Dzong built without the use of nails is something really Wow.
William January 24, 2020
Bhutan is the country as same as Thaliand where I lived. The culture and the land is very similar Thailand and so natural. The fresh zero carbon air is very interesting to visit due to where the place now is lot of pollution.