| Cliffside Monastery in Paro | | | | divided into 4 main mountain valleys: Ura, Chumey, |
| Paro is one of Bhutan's most historic valleys, enriched | | | | Tang and Chokor. 'Bhumtang' translates as 'beautiful |
| by its close cultural ties with Tibet. A Bhutan holiday in | | | | field,' so you know you're in for a scenic experience in |
| this city will be a spiritually enlightening experience. On a | | | | this region. |
| tailor-made holiday to Bhutan, a must-see spot in Paro | | | | The Kurjey Lhakhang Monastery is one of the best |
| is the Taktshang. | | | | spots to visit while on holiday in Bhutan. It is located in a |
| This famous monastery was built around Taktshang | | | | valley, and is the final resting place of the remains of |
| Samdup Cave, a mountainside cave where the | | | | the first 3 Kings of Bhutan. There is a large tree behind |
| Tibetan preacher, Guru Padmasambhava is said to | | | | the temple which is believed to be a terma (a spiritual |
| have meditated during the 8th century. A spiritual | | | | object which contains the teachings of a spiritual |
| retreat to this sacred area would be an excellent | | | | master). This terma is thought to have been left by |
| addition to your Bhutan luxury holiday. | | | | Padmasambhava. |
| Taktshang monastery hangs off a cliff at 3120m, | | | | A Constant Vigil in Punakha |
| making it a magnificent sight to behold. Overlooking the | | | | Being the winter home of Bhutan's Central Monk body, |
| Paro valley, views from the top are breathtaking. | | | | Punakha is certainly a spiritual city to include on your |
| When visiting this sacred site on a Bhutan holiday, | | | | tailor-made holiday in Bhutan. Since the 1680s, the |
| visitors ascend the mountainside either by foot or riding | | | | district has been a site of the spiritual vigil over the |
| on the back of a mule. | | | | body of Shabdrung Namgyal, who was the founder of |
| Thimphu: The Capital City | | | | the country. His remains lie in a special chamber. The |
| Thimphu is Bhutan's capital city, and is the largest in the | | | | area is located at the confluence of 2 rivers, the Pha |
| whole of the kingdom. A beautiful and peaceful place | | | | Chhu and Mo Chhu (male and female rivers), and is |
| to visit while on a Bhutan holiday is the Phajoding | | | | notable as being a place of spiritual worship. |
| Monastery. The monastery is a 3 hour hike above | | | | Haa District's 3 Temples |
| Thimphu, starting from a water tower in a forest | | | | The central feature of the Haa District is the steep |
| above the city. | | | | north-south valley with its narrow floor. This valley is |
| The monastery was founded by the Tibetan Togden, | | | | not only beautiful but also productive, with potatoes, |
| Pajo, in the 13th century. The walk up to the | | | | chillies and apples being farmed in the area. 78% of |
| monastery is beautiful, with forest lining your way, and | | | | Haa is covered in forest, making it a scenically diverse |
| mountain goats waiting to greet you along your path. It | | | | place to visit on a Bhutan holiday. |
| is important to remember the low-altitude limitations, | | | | In 2002 the valley was opened to foreign tourism, and |
| and allow time for an easy, slow walk upwards. The | | | | 3 temples constitute the central tourist attractions. The |
| hike is definitely worth it, and a spiritual retreat awaits | | | | Black and White Temples were built in the 7th century, |
| you at the top. | | | | alongside the Haa Gonpa which lies further up the |
| The Many Spiritual Sites of Bhumtang | | | | valley. During the 10th day of the 11th month of the |
| There are a large number of temples and spiritual sites | | | | Bhutanese calendar year, liturgical ceremonies |
| in the Bhumtang area, making it an ideal place to | | | | worshipping Amithabha Buddha are held, making this a |
| include in a tailor-made holiday to Bhutan. The city is | | | | good time to visit on a Bhutan holiday. |