I’ve always been an impulsive person by nature, so when an acquaintance asked me to join her and 2 other friends on their trip to Bhutan for the New Year’s celebrations, it came as no surprise that I immediately said ‘Yes!’.
Hello, bucket list! Bhutan is the ultimate travel destination, with amazing Himalayan views and tranquil antique temples and monasteries. And, needing a break from Singapore, this trip came as the perfect bolt from the blue. I practically booked my trip overnight!
Travellers from most countries who wish to visit Bhutan have to set up their trip through a licenced Bhutanese tour operator. If you are thinking about visiting Bhutan, chances are you’ll be taking a 6 – 7 day tour covering the 3 main towns, Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. Anything less would be too short to get to know this Shangri-La.
Our tour spanned 31st December to 5th January. A typical tour, whether you choose to include a trek and overnight camping (which we did), would look something like this.
- Thimphu: Tashichhodzong, Changangkha Monastery, Crafts Market, Farmers Market, Nightlife, Textile and Weaving, Buddha Dordenma, Institute of the 13 Arts, Institute of Traditional Medicine, Memorial Chorten, Dochula Pass, Thimphu Town
- Paro: Paro Dzong, National Museum, Tiger’s Nest, Kyichu Lhakhang, Paro Town
- Punakha/Wangdue: Punakha Dzong, Chimmi Lhakhang, Gaselo Village
- Trekking: Bumdra Trek
Here are some highlights from our trip. Do check with your tour guide if these are already on the list of places you’ll visit. If not, I highly recommend adding them to your trip if you have the time.
Best Places To Visit In Bhutan
Thimphu Town: Experience Nightlife here
Nightlife in Bhutan is not to be underestimated. I was lucky enough to secure last minute tickets and a visa into Bhutan to ring in the new year. Even in Thimphu, New Years comes in with a bang. What was really memorable was visiting a live music bar, Mojo Park, for the countdown. They had live cover bands performing all night, and the highlight was a live performance by Misty Terrace, a famous Bhutanese band who are huge celebrities in their town of Thimphu. After the countdown, we ended up at a nightclub where spirits were high and everyone was dancing to the same hits that’d be playing in any international club. ‘Did I even leave Singapore?‘ Thimphu is a long way to travel to hear the same songs as you do back home… On the plus side, drinks are relatively cheap, so it’s a good chance to let loose!
Most people focus on the more meditative side of Bhutan, so I was pretty surprised to discover that the country is actually full of bars to visit, as well as producing their own share of beverages. If you want to try some locally-produced Bhutanese highland whisky or beer, you can also visit a general convenience store, where you can buy your groceries and a bottle of 11,000 or Druk Lager to get a taste of Bhutanese brew – best enjoyed by the river while taking in some amazing scenery.
Dochula Pass: Have lunch with a view on views on views
On the drive to Punakha town from Thimphu, your tour guide and drive will most likely drive past Dochula Pass. Located at an elevation of 3,100 metres, the Dochula Pass also contains 108 stupas which were built in honour of Bhutanese soldiers who were slain in the December 2003 battle against Assamese separatists from India.
After viewing the stupas, it was on to a less sombre matter, a traditional Bhutanese lunch with a side of Himalayas. We had our lunch at the local restaurant and needless to say, the views were breathtaking, with views of the snow-covered mountains of the East Himalayas, including Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan, standing at over 7,000m.
Temples and places of worship in Bhutan: Chimi Lhakhang
There are lots of temples in Bhutan. LOTS. My personal favourite, however, was Chimi Lhakhang, in the town of Punakha, a fertility temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley (1455 – 1529) also known as ‘The Divine Madman’. Thanks to him and his outrageous and outlandish style of teachings, phallic motifs are now visible on houses and buildings all around Bhutan, believed to drive away evil spirits.
It would be wise to note that Chimi Lhakhang is not a temple you visit to pray for a man if you’re single (rookie mistake), but rather where married couples go to pay homage to the temple and seek blessings to bestow them with a child.
While fertility wasn’t my greatest concern personally, I did have a friend who had recently mentioned that she and her husband had been trying for a baby, so I decided to do my part by making a small offering to the temple, getting a blessing by the resident monk and praying that the universe send her a baby, stat! (I hope she names her first born after me!)
Want more from my adventures in Bhutan? Read Part 2 here!
Planning your own trip to Bhutan? Here’s what you need to know before you go, plus everything you need to pack for your trip!
*Note: These rates are based on search queries made on kayak.sg on 1 August 2018. The prices are quoted in SGD. Flight prices are based on results for a return economy flight search. Hotel prices are for double occupancy and include taxes and fees. Prices are subject to change, may vary, or no longer be available.
