Post a hectic wedding week full of rituals, paparazzi and hundreds of people, you certainly need a well-planned escape – “Honeymoon”. Won’t it be a perfect choice if it is to an offbeat destination, yes, there are still a few of them left in the world! Bhutan, nestled in the eastern Himalayas is famously called as the land of the Thunder Dragon. With countless monasteries, serene natural marvels and humbling love showered by the locals, Honeymoon in Bhutan tops the list. What makes it more interesting, is the fact that you have very few visitors around the year due to its pledge to sustain nature, making it the perfect romantic break you’ve been wanting.
Also read: How to reach Bhutan and explore this beautiful country with your loved one.
So, what’s the buzz about this small country anyway? Here’s a curated list of places which will make you fall in love yet again. You can thank us later 😛
Paro Valley is the epitome of Bhutan’s cultural heritage and natural beauty. It is a pandora box full of mystical and magical places to visit like Taktshang Tiger’s Nest monastery, the oldest temple of Kyichu Lhakhang, Drukgyel Dzong – pine-forested valley, the huge fortress of Rinpung Dzong, and the National Museum of Bhutan.
Recommended resorts: Uma by COMO, Amankora, Zhiwa Ling, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary
Ideal travel months: March to April and October to November
Thimphu is the heart of Bhutan, nestled along the Wang Chhu it is Bhutan’s own mini-metropolis, a bunch of shopping complexes, monasteries and chalet-like apartments that offer views of blue-pine forests at the city limits. At Thimphu, you can enjoy Bhutan’s finest dining, shopping at the local market and exhilarating nightlife. Not to be missed are the Trashi Chho Dzong – Fortress of the Glorious Religion, Simtokha Dzong – Buddhist Monastery, Dechen Phodrang – Palace of Great Bliss, Tango Goemba and the weekend market top the list.
Recommended resorts: Ariya Hotel, Hotel Norbuling, Taj Tashi and Terma Linca Resort & Spa
Ideal travel months: March to April and October to November
Imagine waking up to the sounds of the chirping birds and water flowing through the Mangde River, that’s an everyday scene here at the Trongsa, the new village. At the Trongsa Dzong (perched on a gorge with picturesque mountains in the backdrop), get familiar with the Buddhist views and meet the descendants of the early immigrants from Tibet in the late 1950s up close. This small town is sure to give you the right flavour of culture and nature. Visit Trongsa Dzong and The Tower of Trongsa Museum for a conclusive experience.
Recommended resorts: Yangkhil Resort, Sherubling Lodge
Ideal travel months: March to April and October to November
Home to the most ancient temples and monasteries in Bhutan, Bumthang is all that you can ask of your honeymoon vacation. With a number of things to do right from exquisite trekking paths to richness dripping forts and temples satiate your budding traveller instincts. Must-do’s are the wind Horse Treks, Kurje Lhakhang, Jakar Dzong, Burning Lake, Shugdrak Cave in the Chokhor Valley, and the Bumthang Brewery for the beer nerd in you. Ura Tsechu is a sight for culture lovers, happens around the year – is available on special request. Contact your travel expert, whenever you plan your honeymoon vacation in Bhutan.
Recommended resorts: Swiss Guest House, Amankora Bumthang, Jakar Village Lodge etc
Ideal travel months: March to April and October to November
The former capital of Bhutan, Punakha Valley is known for its fertile soil and is best visited for a honeymoon during the winters for its pleasant climate. Congregating the rivers is the famous Punakha Dzong, postcard-perfect from outside and culture-rich wall paintings inside with welcoming local monks, this sure will leave a mark in your memory. Visit the Punakha Dzong, Gasa, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten and Chimi Lhakhang Temple.
Recommended resorts: Uma Punakha, Meri Puensum Resort, Amankora Punakha, Six Senses
Ideal travel months: September to March
Best visited during December for its balmy weather, making it a perfect choice if you are planning for our honeymoon in Bhutan. This quaint little dzong is one of the off-beat places to visit in the country and retains the air of the pure, ancient forest. Hike through the day and explore mountain biking in the evenings in this narrow valley better known as “Hidden Land Rice Valley”. Local favourites here are the 5-storeyed Dobji Dzong right on top of a hill, the 100-year-old Tagchu Gompa, Chele La pass and Has Samarpudung.
Recommended resorts: Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge, Risum Resort, Lechuna Heritage Lodge, Haa Valley Homestay (not honeymoon-ish but the best way to experience Bhutan)
Ideal travel months: December to February
Q. Why is Bhutan a good choice for a Honeymoon?
Bhutan is considered as one of the last Shangri La’s in the world owing to its natural abundance and cultural heritage, it is definitely the ideal place for your honeymoon vacation. It is also known to have very few visitors making it a perfect start for your married life.
Q. Do Indians need to pay for entering Bhutan?
Earlier this year, Bhutan Govt officially announced that starting from July 2020, Indian tourists need to pay “sustainable tourism fee” of Rs 1200 per day.
Q. When is the right time to travel to Bhutan?
October to December is when the air is pure with balmy skies. January to February is rather cold, however, from then till about April the weather is pleasant and in late spring you can find valleys flooded with colourful rhododendrons, a sight for sore eyes. Avoid travelling during July to September as it is the rainy season.
Q. Is visa required for Indians to travel to Bhutan?
No, it is not a requirement, however, Indians need to obtain a permit. You are required to carry any of the two valid ‘Travel Documents’ (a) Valid Indian Passport with validity of minimum 6 months; and/or (b) Voter Identity Card issued by the Govt. You can obtain the permit from Phuentsholing if travelling by road or from Paro international airport if flying in.
Ready to plan a romantic escape into the landlocked country of Bhutan filled with oh so magical moments and views that will leave you wondering if you are in paradise? Why wait, start planning your honeymoon package in Bhutan with Pickyourtrail to cherish memorable moments with your loved one.