Ready for an Exotic
Vacation? Travel Bhutan
Bhutan represents one of the last great
travel adventures on Earth. Tucked away in the Himalayas, Bhutan is
remote, exotic, and full of mystery. Plus, it has the cache of being one
of hardest places to travel to in the world, only open to outsiders since 1974. The
Bhutanese government allows just a select number of tourists into the country
each year; in 2005, the number was up to 15,000. (To put this in
perspective, Hawaii receives around seven million visitors every year.) You'll
need a visa to even get on a plane to enter the country, but a two-week
traveler's visa costs just $20.
To be included in those select few travelers who
get to experience the magic of Bhutan, you will need to have a prepaid and
preplanned travel itinerary, since you will not be allowed in the country as an
independent traveler. Fortunately, this is a benefit to you since having a
guide for your trip will make sure that you get to see the real Bhutan, from the
historic temples to the exciting festivals.
What to Do When You Travel Bhutan
One of the top things to do when you travel Bhutan is to
check out the amazing festivals. Full of vibrant color, magnificent dancing, and
mesmerizing rituals. The most famous festivals are held in Thimpu and Paro, but
there are festivals held year round in different areas. If you're looking
for something outside of the ordinary, be sure you're traveling with a guide
that knows the ins and outs of Bhutan so they can lead you to these hidden gems.
Also, the popular festivals can be tourist havens, so if you're looking to
immerse yourself in the friendliness of the people of Bhutan, some of the more
obscure festivals (Mongar and Lhuntse are two great examples) may be ideal for
you.
Bhutan's monasteries are an incredible cultural
experience as well. Existing on the edge of a steep cliff, Taktshang is the most
famous of these. Built around 1700, this is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan.
As a visitor, you'll need special permission to enter. Unless you're a
practicing Buddhist, the closest you may travel to this reconstructed treasure (the
original monastery burned in 1998) is across the valley. Don't worry,
though--even from afar, the view of Taktshang is breathtaking.
If you traveled to Bhutan as a nature lover, you're
in amazing luck. Because the country was closed for so many years and
development has been cautious, the Bhutanese environment remains pristine and gorgeous.
You can enjoy backpacking, kayaking, trekking, cycling tours, incredible birdwatching, and more. The land is gorgeous, the people are friendly, the
atmosphere is spiritual, and the culture is unforgettable. For an exotic
experience that few other world travelers can lay claim to, look into Bhutan
travel.