Are you looking for the top 10 best places to visit in Bhutan in May? Bhutan, a landlocked country located in the eastern Himalayas, is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and ancient Buddhist traditions. May is an ideal time to visit Bhutan, as the weather is mild and pleasant, with clear blue skies and blooming flowers. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top 10 best places to visit in Bhutan in May, along with detailed information on how to reach these destinations, places to visit, romantic things to do, and tips to make your trip unforgettable.
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- How to Reach Bhutan
- Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Bhutan in May
- Paro
- Thimphu
- Punakha
- Bumthang
- Gangtey
- Trongsa
- Haa Valley
- Phobjikha Valley
- Samdrup Jongkhar
- Trashigang
- Romantic Things to Do in Bhutan
- Tips for Visiting Bhutan in May
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
How to Reach Bhutan:
Bhutan is accessible by air, road, and train. The easiest way to reach Bhutan is by air, with two major airports located in Paro and Bumthang. Drukair and Bhutan Airlines are the two airlines that operate in Bhutan. There are also several land entry points from India, including Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar. However, there are no direct train routes to Bhutan.
Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Bhutan in May:
A. Paro:
Paro is a beautiful valley town in Bhutan, located at an altitude of 2200 meters above sea level. Paro is famous for its iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), a sacred Buddhist site that is perched on a cliff overlooking the Paro valley. The Paro valley is also home to several other important monasteries and temples, including the Kyichu Lhakhang and the Drukgyel Dzong. Paro is a popular destination among tourists, with several hotels and resorts offering comfortable accommodation options.
B. Thimphu:
Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and is located in the western part of the country. Thimphu is a modern city that offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. The city is home to several important cultural and historical sites, including the Tashichho Dzong, the National Memorial Chorten, and the Buddha Dordenma statue. Thimphu also offers several opportunities for adventure and trekking, with several trails leading to the nearby mountains.
C. Punakha:
Punakha is a beautiful valley town located in the western part of Bhutan, known for its stunning natural beauty and historical significance. Punakha is home to the Punakha Dzong, one of the most important and iconic dzongs in Bhutan. The dzong is located at the confluence of two rivers, Pho Chu and Mo Chu, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. Punakha is also home to several other important temples and monasteries, including the Chimi Lhakhang and the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten.
D. Bumthang:
Bumthang is a beautiful district in central Bhutan, known for its pristine natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The district is home to several important temples and monasteries, including the Jakar Dzong, the Jambay Lhakhang, and the Kurjey Lhakhang. Bumthang is also known for its traditional festivals, including the Jambay Lhakhang Drup and the Kurjey Tsechu, which are celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. The district offers several opportunities for trekking and hiking, with several trails leading to the nearby mountains.
E. Gangtey:
Gangtey is a beautiful valley town located in the central part of Bhutan, known for its stunning natural beauty and unique cultural traditions. The valley is home to the Gangtey Monastery, one of the most important and iconic monasteries in Bhutan. The monastery is located at an altitude of 3000 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. Gangtey is also home to several other important temples and monasteries, including the Khecheopalri Lake and the Phobjikha Valley.
F. Trongsa:
Trongsa is a beautiful district located in the central part of Bhutan, known for its stunning natural beauty and historical significance. The district is home to the Trongsa Dzong, one of the largest and most impressive dzongs in Bhutan. The dzong is located at an altitude of 2200 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. Trongsa is also home to several other important temples and monasteries, including the Chendebji Chorten and the Kuenga Rabten Palace.
G. Haa Valley:
Haa Valley is a beautiful valley town located in the western part of Bhutan, known for its pristine natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The valley is home to several important temples and monasteries, including the Lhakhang Karpo and the Lhakhang Nagpo. Haa Valley is also known for its unique cultural traditions, including the Haa Summer Festival, which celebrates the culture and heritage of the region. The valley offers several opportunities for trekking and hiking, with several trails leading to the nearby mountains.
H. Phobjikha Valley:
Phobjikha Valley is a beautiful valley town located in the central part of Bhutan, known for its stunning natural beauty and unique cultural traditions. The valley is home to the Black-necked Crane Information Centre, which provides information on the endangered black-necked cranes that migrate to the valley during the winter months. Phobjikha Valley is also home to several important temples and monasteries, including the Gangtey Monastery and the Khecheopalri Lake.
I. Samdrup Jongkhar:
Samdrup Jongkhar is a beautiful town located in the eastern part of Bhutan, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The town is located at the border with India and is an important trading center for the region. Samdrup Jongkhar is home to several important temples and monasteries, including the Dewathang Gompa and the Zangdo Pelri Lhakhang. The town also offers several opportunities for trekking and hiking, with several trails leading to the nearby mountains.
J. Trashigang:
Trashigang is a beautiful district located in the eastern part of Bhutan, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The district is home to the Trashigang Dzong, one of the most important and iconic dzongs in Bhutan. The dzong is located at an altitude of 1150 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. Trashigang is also home to several important temples and monasteries, including the Gom Kora and the Radhi Village. The district offers several opportunities for trekking and hiking, with several trails leading to the nearby mountains.
How to Reach:
Bhutan is well-connected to India, Nepal, and Thailand through air and road transport. The nearest international airport to Bhutan is the Paro International Airport, which is located in Paro district. Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines operate regular flights to Paro from several major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Guwahati. The airport is located about 6 km from the Paro city center and can be reached by taxi or private car.
Bhutan can also be reached by road from India through several border crossings, including the Phuentsholing border crossing in the south and the Samdrup Jongkhar border crossing in the east. The roads are well-maintained and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Places to Visit:
- Paro: Visit the famous Paro Taktsang, also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a sacred Buddhist site located on a cliff in the Paro Valley. Explore the Paro Dzong, a fortress-monastery located on the banks of the Paro River.
- Thimphu: Visit the Buddha Dordenma statue, a 169-foot-tall statue of Buddha located on a hill in Thimphu. Explore the Tashichho Dzong, a fortress-monastery and the seat of government in Bhutan.
- Punakha: Visit the Punakha Dzong, a fortress-monastery located on the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers. Explore the Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the 15th-century Buddhist saint Drukpa Kunley.
- Bumthang: Visit the Jakar Dzong, the Jambay Lhakhang, and the Kurjey Lhakhang, important temples and monasteries in Bumthang. Take a trek to the nearby mountains.
- Gangtey: Visit the Gangtey Monastery and explore the beautiful Phobjikha Valley. Take a hike to the nearby mountains.
- Trongsa: Visit the Trongsa Dzong, one of the largest and most impressive dzongs in Bhutan. Explore the Chendebji Chorten and the Kuenga Rabten Palace.
- Haa Valley: Visit the Lhakhang Karpo and the Lhakhang Nagpo, important temples in the Haa Valley. Attend the Haa Summer Festival and take a trek to the nearby mountains.
- Phobjikha Valley: Visit the Black-necked Crane Information Centre and learn about the endangered black-necked cranes that migrate to the valley during the winter months. Explore the Gangtey Monastery and the Khecheopalri Lake.
- Samdrup Jongkhar: Visit the Dewathang Gompa and the Zangdo Pelri Lhakhang, important temples in Samdrup Jongkhar. Take a trek to the nearby mountains.
- Trashigang: Visit the Trashigang Dzong and explore the Gom Kora and the Radhi Village. Take a hike to the nearby mountains.
Romantic Things to Do:
- Enjoy a romantic picnic at the Chele La Pass, the highest motorable pass in Bhutan, located between the Paro and Haa valleys.
- Take a romantic walk through the beautiful Dochula Pass, located between Thimphu and Punakha, and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Experience a traditional hot stone bath together, a unique Bhutanese spa treatment that uses hot stones to heat the water and herbs to soothe the skin.
- Visit the Takin Preserve in Thimphu, a wildlife reserve dedicated to preserving the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal, and watch them roam in their natural habitat.
- Take a romantic hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro and witness the beautiful sunset over the Paro Valley.
- Attend a local festival together, such as the Paro Tsechu, and witness traditional Bhutanese dances and rituals.
- Explore the local markets in Thimphu and Punakha and shop for traditional Bhutanese handicrafts and souvenirs.
- Take a scenic drive along the winding roads of Bhutan and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Tips:
- Bhutan is a conservative country, and visitors are advised to dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and other religious sites.
- Always ask for permission before taking photographs of local people, especially monks and nuns.
- Respect the local customs and traditions, and avoid touching or disturbing any religious artifacts or symbols.
- Bhutan is a high-altitude country, and visitors are advised to take their time to acclimatize to the altitude, especially when engaging in physical activities such as hiking and trekking.
- Pack appropriate clothing for the season and weather, especially if visiting Bhutan in May, which is the start of the summer season.
- Carry cash, as credit cards are not widely accepted in Bhutan.
- Learn a few words and phrases in Dzongkha, the local language, to communicate with the locals and show respect for their culture.
FAQs:
Q: Is May a good time to visit Bhutan?
A: Yes, May is a good time to visit Bhutan, as the weather is mild and pleasant, and the summer season is just beginning. However, visitors should be prepared for occasional showers and carry appropriate clothing.
Q: What is the best way to travel to Bhutan?
A: The best way to travel to Bhutan is by air or road. Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines operate regular flights to Paro from several major cities in India, while Bhutan can also be reached by road from India through several border crossings.
Q: Is Bhutan a safe country to visit?
A: Yes, Bhutan is considered a safe country to visit, with low crime rates and a stable political situation. However, visitors are advised to take necessary precautions and avoid venturing out alone at night.
Q: Do I need a visa to visit Bhutan?
A: Yes, visitors to Bhutan need a visa, which can be obtained through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. The visa fee includes accommodation, meals, and transportation within Bhutan.
Conclusion:
Bhutan is a beautiful and unique destination that offers visitors a chance to experience its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. With its diverse attractions, ranging from ancient temples and monasteries to scenic valleys and mountains, Bhutan is truly a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a memorable and authentic travel experience. In this comprehensive guide, we have highlighted the top 10 best places to visit in Bhutan in May, along with detailed information on how to reach, places to visit, romantic things to do, tips, and FAQs to help visitors plan their trip. From the historic sites of Paro and Thimphu to the natural beauty of Punakha and Haa, Bhutan has something for everyone. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a romantic getaway, Bhutan is the perfect destination to explore. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the magic of Bhutan in May, one of the best times of the year to visit this beautiful country.