{"id":5275,"date":"2018-03-13T11:14:12","date_gmt":"2018-03-13T11:14:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.plantheunplanned.com\/?p=5275"},"modified":"2021-03-09T15:11:10","modified_gmt":"2021-03-09T15:11:10","slug":"a-backpackers-guide-to-the-heart-of-bhutan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/a-backpackers-guide-to-the-heart-of-bhutan\/","title":{"rendered":"A Backpackers Guide to the Heart of Bhutan"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are looking for your next backpacking adventure &#8211; this has to be your first choice! <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want your very first journey as A Backpackers Guide to the Heart of Bhutan to be filled with unforgettable adventure &#8211; you\u2019ve just placed your finger on the right destination.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Or<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to venture into new lands and cross another country off your travel bucket list &#8211; this has to be the place.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.plantheunplanned.com\/planned-treks\/backpackers-escape-bhutan\/\"><strong>The Kingdom of Bhutan<\/strong><\/a> in South Asia is not only known for its untouched culture and traditions but its vast geographical diversity. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a country that still remains largely isolated from the rest of the world, the exalted cliffside monasteries, serene riverside palaces, and the architecturally rich medieval fortresses make Bhutan a place of great cultural significance. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bhutan\u2019s landscape ranges from lush green subtropical forests in the south to sub-alpine Himalayan mountains in the north, including \u201cGangkhar Puensum\u201d which has the distinction of being the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. Home to several endangered species and rare plants, this little country is also one of the most biologically diverse in the world. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to experience Bhutan in all its glory, \u00a0then what\u2019s better than going straight to its capital! Thimphu is not just the capital of the country but also the largest city and the center of economics. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains, situated within the valley of the Raid\u0101k River and a true reflection of the culture, Thimphu boasts of all that Bhutan stands for as a country and much more!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a learned backpacker or a first-timer, here are our top 10 recommendations of places to have on your itinerary as you plan your trip to the magical city of Thimphu.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6aa19fb15c118\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6aa19fb15c118\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/a-backpackers-guide-to-the-heart-of-bhutan\/#1TangoCheri_Goemba_Hike\" >1)Tango\/Cheri Goemba Hike<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/a-backpackers-guide-to-the-heart-of-bhutan\/#2The_Buddha_Dordenma\" >2)The Buddha Dordenma<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/a-backpackers-guide-to-the-heart-of-bhutan\/#3Motithang_Takin_Preserve\" >3)Motithang Takin Preserve<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/a-backpackers-guide-to-the-heart-of-bhutan\/#4Tashichho_Dzong\" >4)Tashichho Dzong<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/a-backpackers-guide-to-the-heart-of-bhutan\/#5_Folk_Heritage_Museum\" >5) Folk Heritage Museum<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/a-backpackers-guide-to-the-heart-of-bhutan\/#6_Clock_Tower_Square\" >6) Clock Tower Square<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/a-backpackers-guide-to-the-heart-of-bhutan\/#7Weekend_Market\" >7)Weekend Market<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/a-backpackers-guide-to-the-heart-of-bhutan\/#8The_Thimpu_Post_Office\" >8)The Thimpu Post Office<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/a-backpackers-guide-to-the-heart-of-bhutan\/#9_Changangkha_Lhakhang_Temple\" >9) Changangkha Lhakhang Temple<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/a-backpackers-guide-to-the-heart-of-bhutan\/#10_A_Night_out_in_the_Kingdoms_Capital\" >10) A Night out in the Kingdoms Capital:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/a-backpackers-guide-to-the-heart-of-bhutan\/#Bhutan_Travel_FAQs\" >Bhutan Travel FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1TangoCheri_Goemba_Hike\"><\/span><b>1)Tango\/Cheri Goemba Hike<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5285\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5285\" style=\"width: 450px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-5285\" src=\"https:\/\/www.plantheunplanned.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Tango-Hike_Fotor.jpg\" alt=\"Tango Hike\" width=\"450\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Tango-Hike_Fotor.jpg 450w, https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Tango-Hike_Fotor-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5285\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tango Hike<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sitting on top of two adjacent hills and boasting of the serene Thimpu Chu River flowing between them, the Tango Goemba and Cheri Goemba monasteries are the perfect hike destinations. Cheri Goemba, Bhutan\u2019s first monastery is a hike of 45 minutes and a popular meditation retreat center. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You get to walk along the river and cross the beautiful Cantilever bridge before you begin your trek to Cheri Goemba. Keep your eyes peeled for a herd of deer or mountain goats as you trek through the green forest!<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5284\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5284\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-5284\" src=\"https:\/\/www.plantheunplanned.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Tango-Hike-_Fotor.jpg\" alt=\"Tango Hike\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Tango-Hike-_Fotor.jpg 800w, https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Tango-Hike-_Fotor-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Tango-Hike-_Fotor-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Tango-Hike-_Fotor-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5284\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tango Hike<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The trek upwards to the fort-like Tango Monastery means walking through a forest full of oak trees, wildflowers, and small silent streams. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The hike to Tango Goemba is a climb of about 900 feet which you can finish in half an hour if you choose the steeper trail or one hour if you choose the more gradual trail. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 3 storied Tango monastery built in the 12th century holds great spiritual significance and is home to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a young boy who is considered the reincarnation of the 16th-century monk who built Tango. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several temples within the monastery that you can visit that hold ancient artifacts and statues of various religious figures including Buddha.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5282\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5282\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-5282\" src=\"https:\/\/www.plantheunplanned.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Cheri-Goemba-Hike-_Fotor.jpg\" alt=\"Cheri Goemba Hike\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Cheri-Goemba-Hike-_Fotor.jpg 800w, https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Cheri-Goemba-Hike-_Fotor-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Cheri-Goemba-Hike-_Fotor-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Cheri-Goemba-Hike-_Fotor-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5282\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cheri Goemba Hike<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The trek up the 2 hills is assured to be meditative and rejuvenating!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2The_Buddha_Dordenma\"><\/span><b>2)The Buddha Dordenma<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5281\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5281\" style=\"width: 450px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-5281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.plantheunplanned.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Buddha-Point.jpg\" alt=\"Buddha's Point\" width=\"450\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Buddha-Point.jpg 450w, https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Buddha-Point-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5281\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Buddha&#8217;s Point<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Made of bronze and gilded in gold and located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, the 51 meters tall \u201cBuddha <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dordenma\u201d<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is one of the largest Buddha Statues in the world. The statue is made up of 125,000 smaller Buddha Statues and it\u2019s throne sits upon a large meditation hall, the interiors of which are made up of intricate wall murals. This popular tourist spot boasts of a spectacular view of the Himalayan ranges!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3Motithang_Takin_Preserve\"><\/span><b>3)Motithang Takin Preserve<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5283\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5283\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-5283\" src=\"https:\/\/www.plantheunplanned.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Takin-Preserve_Fotor.jpg\" alt=\"Takin Preserve\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Takin-Preserve_Fotor.jpg 800w, https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Takin-Preserve_Fotor-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Takin-Preserve_Fotor-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Takin-Preserve_Fotor-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5283\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Takin Preserve<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The district of Motithang is a wildlife reserve area in the Thimpu District for Takin, Bhutan\u2019s national animal. Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. The Takin is a cow-goat hybrid and as per local legends, a Tibetan saint called <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0Drukpa Kunley<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> magically created the Takin with such unique features. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As per biological research, however, the Takin is more akin to sheep than to the goat. \u00a0The preserve is also home to the sambar and the barking deer. Other rare animals will be released into the preserve in the future, making it a must-see when at Thimpu.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4Tashichho_Dzong\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4)<\/span><b>Tashichho Dzong<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5287\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5287\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-5287 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.plantheunplanned.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Tashichho-Dzong-.jpg\" alt=\"the Heart of Bhutan\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Tashichho-Dzong-.jpg 800w, https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Tashichho-Dzong--600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Tashichho-Dzong--300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Tashichho-Dzong--768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5287\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tashichho Dzong<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5286\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5286\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-5286 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.plantheunplanned.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Tashichho-Dzong-_Fotor.jpg\" alt=\"the Heart of Bhutan\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Tashichho-Dzong-_Fotor.jpg 800w, https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Tashichho-Dzong-_Fotor-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Tashichho-Dzong-_Fotor-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Tashichho-Dzong-_Fotor-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5286\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tashichho Dzong<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tashichho Dzong is a large Buddhist monastery and fortress that sits on the western banks of the Wang Chu River. Surrounded by lush lawns and beautiful rose gardens, the Dzong houses the offices of the King and the Throne Room. Also, known as \u201cthe fortress of the glorious religion\u201d the Dzong is a landmark of Thimpu.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Folk_Heritage_Museum\"><\/span><b>5) Folk Heritage Museum<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the culture of Bhutan is what draws you most towards the country then the Folk Heritage Museum gives you a live demonstration of daily life in Bhutan. Apart from displaying ancient rural artifacts, this museum conducts innovative demonstrations that give you an immersive experience of rural Bhutan at a nominal fee. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Witness the traditional Bhutanese methods of extracting oil, roasting rice, and brewing ara or Ara Kayne (a local drink). If that isn\u2019t enough, get yourself a seat at the open-air buffet which serves an array of traditional cuisines from across the Kingdom. This is a unique cultural experience you\u2019ll never forget.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Clock_Tower_Square\"><\/span><b>6) Clock Tower Square<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Engraved with traditional carvings and designed with 4 clock faces, the Clock Tower located at the heart of the capital is a famous landmark of Thimpu. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The golden handcrafted dragon on each of the 4 clock faces serves as a symbol of an independent dragon kingdom. Dotted by 3 storeyed buildings which hold cafes, restaurants, and pubs, the clock tower square sometimes holds live music performances, karaoke events, and film festivals. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are also shops that sell everything from trinkets to household items. Your Bhutanese experience isn\u2019t complete without a pleasant evening at the square.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7Weekend_Market\"><\/span><b>7)Weekend Market<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5292 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.plantheunplanned.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Weekend-Market-Bhutan_Fotor.jpg\" alt=\"the Heart of Bhutan\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Weekend-Market-Bhutan_Fotor.jpg 800w, https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Weekend-Market-Bhutan_Fotor-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Weekend-Market-Bhutan_Fotor-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Weekend-Market-Bhutan_Fotor-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just 10 minutes away from the clock square is the largest domestic market in Bhutan called the Centenary Farmers market. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The market is open on all days except Monday but vendors arrive from all over the country on Thursday and Friday and stay until Sunday. Making these 3 days the best time to acquaint yourself with the fresh produce and local harvest of the region. This is an ideal place to learn more about the constituents of the Bhutanese diet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Across the Kundeyling Baazam cantilever footbridge from the weekend market, is the handicraft market. You can choose from hundreds of retailers and buy authentic Bhutanese trinkets. This is the place to pick up souvenirs and little gifts for your loved ones.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8The_Thimpu_Post_Office\"><\/span><b>8)The Thimpu Post Office<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5288\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5288\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-5288 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.plantheunplanned.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/The-Thimpu-Post-Office-_Fotor.jpg\" alt=\"the Heart of Bhutan\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/The-Thimpu-Post-Office-_Fotor.jpg 800w, https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/The-Thimpu-Post-Office-_Fotor-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/The-Thimpu-Post-Office-_Fotor-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/The-Thimpu-Post-Office-_Fotor-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5288\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Thimpu Post Office<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are old school and still love the sentiment that comes with sending a postcard with a stamp on it then the Thimphu Post office will do you one better! The post office has a large collection of stamps on sale and the specialty of this post office is that you can get a postage stamp with your own photo on it which can be used as a real stamp!<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5289\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5289\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-5289 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.plantheunplanned.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/The-Thimpu-Post-Office-_Fotor-1.jpg\" alt=\"the Heart of Bhutan\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/The-Thimpu-Post-Office-_Fotor-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/The-Thimpu-Post-Office-_Fotor-1-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/The-Thimpu-Post-Office-_Fotor-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/The-Thimpu-Post-Office-_Fotor-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5289\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Thimpu Post Office<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Changangkha_Lhakhang_Temple\"><\/span><b>9)<\/b> <b>Changangkha Lhakhang<\/b> <b>Temple<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perched like a fortress on a ridge and offering majestic views of the valley, Changangkha Lhakhang <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is one of the oldest temples in Thimphu. Dedicated to Avalokiteshvara, the Buddhist emanation of compassion, it is just a short walk from Clock Tower. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The wall of the temple is lined with prayer wheels waiting to be spun and lamps can be lit as offerings in the courtyard. Parents pray to the protector deity \u201cTamdrin\u201d for blessings for their children or to request auspicious names for newborn babies. The <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Changangkha Temple is a beacon at night that can be seen from miles away.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_A_Night_out_in_the_Kingdoms_Capital\"><\/span><b>10)<\/b> <b>A Night out in the Kingdoms Capital<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to spend an evening out as a part of your Bhutanese trip then you won\u2019t be disappointed. Some of the nightclubs in the capital have been host to many renowned names such as Mick Jagger, Sting, and Cameron Diaz.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Head to Vivacity or Space34 for a night of dancing. If you prefer live music then Mojo Park is more for you or if you want to mix with the locals as you listen to electronic music then Club Ace is your place for the night!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of us are drawn by the intricate subtleties of nature (God knows I am). The majestic presence of the mountains, the tranquility of ever-flowing streams, and the swaying of oak trees as you walk through a forest is a picturesque description of traveling through the wilderness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of us turn to spirituality and inner peace as we search for ways to slow down and hit the breaks on the fast-paced rhythm of our lives. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Temples that are centuries old and hold great holistic value, fortresses that boast of rich culture and history, and meditation centers that are known for the teaching of philosophy and faith form the perfect picture in terms of breaking free from the monotony and looking deep within.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of us are soothed by the strength that builds through physical exertion and the sheer grit to take on adventure headfirst. Hiking through dense forests filled with rare creatures and exotic plant life in order to reach your destination or witnessing the miracle of science as you set eyes on an animal that you\u2019ve never seen or heard of before creates within you a sense of personal achievement and takes you one step further in your path towards living a life that holds bigger meaning. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thimphu is a perfect mix of all of the different things a traveler might expect of his or her next trip. A hiking haven for trek lovers, a cultural boon for spiritual travel folks, and a wildlife treasure chest for nature enthusiasts are just some of the many facets of Thimphu. The capital stands tall in its embodiment of the Kingdom of Bhutan as the happiest country in the world!<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bhutan_Travel_FAQs\"><\/span>Bhutan Travel FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>1)\u00a0 How to reach Bhutan?<\/b><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bhutan can be easily reached from various countries by air, train, and road.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By Air:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many countries have flights to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paro_Airport\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paro<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the only international airport to enter Bhutan. Other domestic airports of Bhutan are, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Gelephu_Airport\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gelephu<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Yongphulla_Airport\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yonphulla<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bathpalathang_Airport\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bathpalathang<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Airports.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By Train:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are no direct train routes to Bhutan. Convenient train options from India are Aliurduar, Siliguri, New Jalpaiguri, and Hasimara. From these stations, tourists can reach a definite station and then take a Cab or local transport.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By Bus: <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indian travelers can take a bus journey to reach <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Phuntsholing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phuentsholing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Bhutan) from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Kolkata\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kolkata<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The bus journey may take up to 18 hrs to reach Phuentsholing. A bus from Siliguri, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/West_Bengal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">West Bengal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can also reach Phuentsholing and it takes less than 4 hours to reach.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><b>2)\u00a0 Is a visa required for Indians to visit Bhutan?<\/b><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For Indian travellers, visa is not required to visit Bhutan. They can carry either a passport of minimum 6 months of validity, or the voter identity card issued by the Election commission of India.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><b>3)\u00a0 What should I pack to Bhutan?<\/b><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are visiting during summers, you can pack heavy cottons and lightweight woolens. During winters, pack warm clothing like jackets and sweaters. Usually pack comfortable shoes, and soles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><b>4)\u00a0 When is the best time to travel to Bhutan?<\/b><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ideal time to visit Bhutan is between September to November. This time is perfect for treks, and you can experience the festivals like Thimphu Drubchen, Thimphu Tshechu and Black Necked Crane Festival,\u00a0 when the town becomes vibrant with music and dance performances.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During January and February, you can experience a cold Christmas in the Himalayas and find snow and in the mountains and glaciers. During April to late spring, you can witness the famous rhododendrons bloom spectacularly, flooding the valleys with colour.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><b>5) . Is altitude sickness common in Bhutan?<\/b><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bhutan situated on the belt of eastern himalayas, ranges from 900 to 3354 m altitude.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Altitude sickness like dehydration, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness and insomnia are common in Bhutan. To avoid these, you should stay hydrated or you can ask your doctor for any altitude meds. <\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><b>6)\u00a0 Do Bhutanese speak English?<\/b><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The national language of Bhutan is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dzongkha\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dzongkha<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a Tibetial dialect. But, English is commonly spoken as it is the medium of instruction in schools.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><b>7)\u00a0 What kind of food should I expect in Bhutan?<\/b><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bhutanese style cuisines usually contains chilies. The meals served in the hotels mostly are usually served with cooked vegetables, rice and meat and often rice is served plan with vegetables or with cheese.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Chinese and Indian-style food are also available.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><b>8)\u00a0 Do I need a walking stick?<\/b><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are relatively steady and have good walking shoes, you may not need one. It depends on how fit you are. If not, you can find sturdy sticks along the way.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><b>9)\u00a0 Can I bring Indian rupees to Bhutan?<\/b><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bhutan\u2019s currency is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Bhutanese_ngultrum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ngultrum<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(BNT). But, Indian rupees of\u00a0 INR 100 AND 500 can be used in Bhutan, whereas the INR 500, 1000 and 2000 are not acceptable.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><b>10)\u00a0 Are ATMs available in Bhutan?<\/b><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a few ATMs in Bhutan but they may or may not accept foreign credit\/debit cards. You change money at the airport or in Thimphu.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><b>11)\u00a0 Do vendors usually take credit cards or do small vendors not have the equipment?<\/b><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Credit cards are only accepted in a couple of shops in Thimphu and one shop in Bumthang. And, these shops charge something like 7% for the transaction fee.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you are looking for your next backpacking adventure &#8211; this has to be your first choice! If you want your very first journey as A Backpackers Guide to the Heart of Bhutan to be filled with unforgettable adventure &#8211; you\u2019ve just placed your finger on the right destination. Or If you want to venture [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":440,"featured_media":45956,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[55],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5275","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5275","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/440"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5275"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5275\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":51661,"href":"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5275\/revisions\/51661"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/45956"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5275"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5275"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plantheunplanned.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5275"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}