Are You Ready for Bhutan?

Architecture tells an unheard tale about the history of that place like no one else. The ancient walls of a minaret or the marble ceiling of a monument are more than just fascinating. They are the true representation of the architect, the people, and the country itself. Globally renowned for its unique culture, the Architecture in Bhutan is a marvel to behold. To keep the ancient style of Architecture of Bhutan intact, it is made necessary for architects to design all the buildings with slanted roofs, small windows, and colorful wooden doors, just like the traditional buildings. This makes sure that there is a uniformity in the architecture style of buildings throughout the country. This unity in construction method and design gives the cities of Bhutan a scenic view, just like the glorious landscapes.

Thimphu is the most modern city in Bhutan with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs, and shopping centers. However, it still retains its cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization. Thimphu is one of the few towns in Bhutan that have been equipped with ATM banking facilities and is a good place to stock up on some currency. There are several attractions in Thimphu such as the National Post Office, the Clock Tower Square, the Motithang Takin Preserve, Tango and Chari Monasteries, Buddha Dordenma, National Memorial Chorten, Centenary Farmer’s Market, Semtokha Dzong to name a few. These form the most important “must-see” sites in the capital city.

Bhutan is rich in cultural diversity and this richness is further enhanced by the wide variety of elaborate and colorful religious festivals that are celebrated throughout the country. Every village is known for its unique festival though the most widely known is the annual Tshechu, an annual religious festival. These religious celebrations are lively, high-spirited affairs during which people share meals of red rice, spicy pork, Ema Datshi, and Momos (pork/beef dumplings) whilst drinking the heady traditional rice wine known as Ara. These occasions provide the villagers with a respite from the hard labor of their day to day lives and give the community an opportunity to catch up with family and friends. Discover one of the Bhutan festivals by traveling with Art In Voyage, and get to experience their finest traditional Bhutanese dresses and clothes

Let your adventurous spirit take you on a three nights trek to Laya. Situated at an altitude of 3800 m, this village will mesmerize you with their unique culture. It is amazing how a small pocket of ethnic groups survived for so long in the northern part of the country. Anyone on the Snow Leopard trek or the grand Snowman Trek will converge through Laya. This trail offers a great variety of trekking conditions, from picturesque farmland and forests to alpine pastureland and high mountains. Explore the splendor campsites, beneath some of Bhutan’s most magnificent peaks.

Bhutan is one country that detests McDonaldization. For centuries, the kingdom remained isolated from the world and hence Bhutan escaped the chain of the fast-food revolution. Believe it or not, there is no fast food franchised restaurants and cafes in Bhutan. The Land of the Thunder Dragon, nestled in the eastern Himalayas, is an exciting place to dine. Renowned for their fiery, chili-based flavors, Bhutan’s culinary staples include ema datshi, a spicy stew of cheese and chilies, and distilled rice wine ara. From Swiss food in the hills of Bumthang to the bars of bustling capital Thimphu. Experience the Bhutan’s abundant native cuisine, located in a busy central Thimpu, this airy restaurant serves authentic Thai cuisine with a dose of Siamese hospitality.