Bhutan is a traveler’s delight- with vastly different climate, flora and fauna in such a small area- but all of it hasn’t completely opened up to tourism, or have only recently allowed tourists.
Western Bhutan, where both the capital and the only International Airport are located, has a lot to offer to the Bhutan Traveler looking for a special experience. Western Bhutan consists of Haa, Paro, Punakha, Wangdue and Chukha districts. Most of these districts are popular tourist destinations and well known for their iconic temples, festivals and other tourist attractions.
The national airlines, Drukair, skims breathtaking mountains and brings visitors into the lush green Paro valley, well known for the incredible ‘Taktshang’ monastery, perched high on precipitous cliffs, shrouded in fog. The high end holiday resorts in Paro are also favored by visitors looking for luxury. Thimphu, the capital, is a 45 minute drive through beautiful landscape- treks through breathtaking lake forests to Thimphu are also offered.
Thimphu is a mix of the old and new- high speed internet connectivity, SUVs, modern buildings, shopping malls and fancy restaurants populate the capital- but the traditional architecture incorporating woodwork and frescoes, monks, office goers and students in the bright traditional costume, and the majestic fortresses and temples atop almost every hill lend the town an old charming feel.
Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan, where most of the major religious events related to the monarchy takes place, is a warm valley with expanses of grassy meadows and the majestic male and female rivers (Pho Chu and Mo Chu) which meet below the island where the Punakha Dzong, also known as the Pungthang Dechen Phodrang, or the palace of great happiness- a fortress of great historical and cultural importance, stands.
The Haa valley, shrouded in mist and chilly most often, lies at the westernmost end of Bhutan, and shares the border with China. The valley has been opened to limited tourism recently.
Tourists who fly in do not make it a point to visit the southwestern town of Phuentsholing very often, but it is an important port of entry into the country from India, and also a very important gateway for imported goods from India. Phuentsholing town shares the border with the Indian town of Jaigoan, and is different from the other major towns in Bhutan because of the influence of the Indian town.
Wangdue valley lies on the way to Punakha from Thimphu, and is recognizable because of the ‘elephant shaped’ hill upon which the Wangdue Dzong was built. Wangdue dzongkhag (district) also includes the beautiful Phobjikha valley, famous for its rare winter visitors- the black necked crnes which migrate from Tibet every winter. The valley was recently electrified after much consideration to the birds- the government finally decided to lay underground wires to prevent harming the endangered species.
A 17th century fortress, Gangtey Gonpa, sits atop Phobjikha valley, and locals love to regale visitors with the story of how, every winter, when the cranes first arrive into the valley, they circle the Gonpa before alighting on their winter homes- or if you are very lucky, you may be able to witness this amazing phenomenon yourself.
The northernmost parts of the region are well known for their trekking routes that lead to the base of breathtaking mountains, and astoundingly beautiful glacial lakes.
The people of western Bhutan are mostly Ngalongs, although people from all over the country have moved to the capital now. Ngalongs follow the Drukpa Kagyudpa sect of Buddhism. Ngalongs speak Dzongkha, which is also the National language- but most Bhutanese can speak in very good English as well, especially in the towns.