Motithang Takin Preserve, located in the Motithang district of Thimphu, Bhutan is a wildlife reserve area for Bhutan takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Originally a mini-zoo, it was converted into a preserve when it was discovered that the animals refrained from inhabiting the surrounding forest even when set free.
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
From the top, you can see a lovely Bodhi tree, well-tended gardens, two large prayer wheels in their special shelters, and a beautiful little temple. Like most Buddhist temples in Bhutan, there is an open space where people sit to pray, meditate or study. There’s also a big shrine with…
Tango Monastery
Tango is the residence of Gyalse Rinpoche, recognised as the seventh reincarnation of Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye, founder of Taktshang Goemba. The original monastery was founded in the 12th century but it was the ‘divine madman’, Lama Drukpa Kunley, who built the present building in the 15th century. Notable for its…
Kyichu Lhakhang
Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan located in Paro. The construction of the temple dates back to the 7th century before the arrival of Guru Rinpoche in Bhutan. The legend has it that Emperor Songtsen Gampo built 108 such temples over the Himalayan…
Phobjikha Valley
This glacial valley, nestled in the heart of Bhutan, presents a picturesque landscape that enthralls every visitor. Known for its serene beauty and the annual arrival of black-necked cranes, Phobjikha Valley is a quintessential stop for those seeking an authentic Bhutanese experience.
Dochula
The construction of the Dochula Pass and the Druk Wangyal Chortens, or the 108 memorial chortens, is closely linked to the military conflicts in Bhutan. The Druk Wangyal Chortens were built in honor of the Bhutanese soldiers who lost their lives during a military operation against Indian insurgents in 2003.
White Bellied Heron
Bhutan is home to nearly 50 per cent of the global White-bellied Heron population locally known as Chubja. This heron is classified as Critically Endangered because it has an extremely small and rapidly declining population with fewer than 60 herons left in the world today. The Phochhu and Mochhu river…
Kalij Pheasant
Males are rather variable depending on the subspecies involved, but all have at least partially glossy bluish-black plumage, while females are overall brownish. Both sexes have a bare red face and greyish legs (the latter separating it from the red-legged silver pheasant).
Blood Pheasant
A chunky partridgelike pheasant of montane scrub. Males are silvery gray with extensive pale streaking all over the body and crimson-tinged face, tail, breast, and tail – the namesake “blood” of this species. Female is warm brown with an orange face. Both sexes have a small head with an occasionally…
Paro Tshechu
The Paro Tsechu is held at the courtyard of Paro dzong in Thimphu city. Join the locals for an immersive cultural experience. Watch the district monks put on a show to recreate Buddhist mythology. During the event, monks recreate Buddhist legends wearing colourful silk costumes and exquisitely hand-crafted masks depicting…