BHUTAN
Tourism in Bhutan began in 1974, when the Government of Bhutan, in an effort to raise revenue and to promote the country's unique culture and traditions to the outside world, opened its isolated country to foreigners. In 1974, 287 tourists visited Bhutan. Since then the number of tourists visiting Bhutan has increased to 2,850 in 1992, rising dramatically to 7,158 in 1999.By the late 1980s tourism contributed over US$2 million in annual revenue.
1. Paro
Small village with a bazaar, hotel and a restaurant. Paro Dzong and Ta Dzong, which also houses the National Museum, are two places of awareness. Ta Dzong was built in 1651 as a watch tower. A six-storey structure, it has a number of objects of religious and cultural interest, along with a collection of thankas.
2.Phajoding Temple
A saint known as Shacha Rinchen built the temple in 15th century and is situated at an elevation of 12,138 feet, overlooking the Thimphu Valley. Surrounding the temple is many withdraw houses for the people who come here and spent about 3 years in withdraw. The hike is uphill north of Thimphu through mixed conifer forest with great views of Thimphu valley behind.
3.Taktsang Temple (Tiger's Nest)
The trail to the monastery climbs through attractive pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an infrequent grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop at the cafeteria for a rest and refreshments and continue our hike for short while until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, the remains of Taktsang monastery.
4.Punakha
Situated at an altitude of 4430 feet above sea level, Punakha had once served as the winter capital of Bhutan. It is still being used as the winter home to Bhutan’s spiritual leader and the monks of Thimphu and Paro. Blessed with moderate climate and fed by Pho Chu (Male) and Mochu (female) rivers, it is the most fertile valley and best red rice grower in the country.
Best Time To Visit Bhutan
Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Bhutan, particularly the months of October and November, when the skies are clear and you can get stunning views of the mountain peaks.
By Air
Druk Air is the only carrier that flies to Bhutan and is the country’s national carrier as well. From India, cities that are directly connected to Bhutan are Delhi, Kolkata, Gaya, Siliguri and Guwahati. Other direct connections to Bhutan include Bangkok, Dhaka, and Kathmandu. Paro Airport is in the south west part of the country.
By Train
All parts of Bhutan are well-connected by a network of roads. If you are planning to reach Bhutan from India, the point of entry is the border town of Jaigaon. It is about 150 kms from Siliguri, the furthest that you can get near Bhutan by rail.
By Road
Bagdogra in West Bengal is another entry point into Bhutan by land. Bagdogra has an airport serving the Siliguri area, and from here the Bhutan border is around a four hour drive. The entry point into Bhutan is the small town of Phuentsholing.Buses operate frequently from Kolkata to Phuentsholing.