Best Places to Visit in Bhutan

Located high in the Himalayas, the country of Bhutan, dedicated to its environmental tourism, offers the natural wonders of its landlocked country to the world. With its major attractions being primarily located in the western and central regions around Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, travelers will find the cultural heart of Bhutan, along with the famous Buddhist sites and incredible Himalayan trek. See for yourself the great destinations in the beautiful country of Bhutan! 

Thimphu

Situated in the western part of Central Bhutan, Thimphu is both the kingdom’s capital and largest city located in one of the country’s breathtaking valleys. The city spreads out and lies on the banks of the Wang Chhu River and offers amazing sights to see, which includes the Tashichho Dzong, an ancient fortress-monastery found at the city’s edge and was once the civil leaders’ seat of governance in Bhutan. 

The city was given capital status in 1961. It replaced the former ancient capital of Bhutan, Punakha, which was home to the religious leaders of the country before the royal family was crowned. 

Paro

The second city of Bhutan, Paro, sits on the Paro Valley, the first place any traveler will see when they enter the country as it is where the only international airport is located. Paro’s main street is overflowing with complex and rich architecture, displaying traditional Bhutanese abodes and shops, lined along with cafes and restaurants. This city is perfect for finding one-of-a-kind antiques, Buddhist souvenirs, and prayer-related artifacts. 

Paro lies alongside the Paro River which is significant to the history of Bhutan. From once being the location of a monastery to another since the 10th century, Paro has also been the historic northern stronghold of the country against invasion from Tibet.

Punakha Dzong

This Buddhist dzong was once the administrative seat of government in the country of Bhutan until 1995. Particularly, the Punakha Dzong is the home to some of Bhutan’s most sacred relics of the Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu School of Buddhism, even housing the sacred remains of the first Zhabdrung Rinpoche. The dzong also served as the wedding site of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Jetsun Pema, his bride, in October of the year 2011, becoming the first national TV broadcast to the people of Bhutan. 

Punakha Dzong is also known as Pungtang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang, which means “the palace of happiness and bliss.” The Dzong is a 17th-century monastery constructed by the first Bhutanese Zhabdrung Rinpoche and is also the second oldest Buddhist dzong in the kingdom of Bhutan.

Phobjikha Valley 

The valley, which looks like a wide U-shaped glacial valley, is located in Central Bhutan and is also known as the Gangteng Valley. What makes this valley stand out is the appearance of the rare black-necked cranes that come along the area during the winter season from their summer nests in Tibet. These cranes circle the Gangteng Monastery roof three times when they arrive in the last week of October, before landing in the wetlands of the valley, and they repeat this process as they depart for Tibet once more in March. 

There is no identified reason as to why these cranes do the act and the Buddhists of the area perceive it as a sign or a good omen, which makes the whole area of the valley protected against the harsh weather of the winter season. Tourists often go on a three-day trek through the valley and hundreds of birdwatchers arrive in the area in October and March to take in the spectacle of the cranes. 

Chomolhari 

Sitting at a height of 7,326 meters, this incredibly huge mountain, which is also called Jhomolhari, sits on the border between Tibet and Bhutan. The mountain is the primary source of the Paro River’s waters which would flow down the mountain’s southern side, along with being the source of the Amo River which flows on the north side. On the south side of the mountain lies the Chomolhari Temple at 4,150 meters, which becomes the home for religious pilgrims who visit the mountain to stay. An hour's walk up the mountain would bring you to one of Bhutan’s highest lakes, the Tseringma Lhatso, also known as the “spirit lake.”

Jigme Dorji National Park 

Established in 1974 to protect the indigenous species of endangered animals in the country of Bhutan, the Jigme Dorji National Park covers over 4,300 square kilometers from an altitude of 1,400 meters to over 7,000 meters. The park is home to a variety of rare mammal species, such as the Bengal tiger, snow leopard, clouded leopard, Indian leopard, Himalayan black bear, and well-known Bhutanese Takin. The area is rich in flora and many species of goral, sambar, and deer, with thousands of species of birds that are both indigenous to Bhutan and migratory. Apart from the immersion in nature, the park also provides its visitors with a spiritual experience through the religious and cultural sites within its borders.

Rinpung Dzong  

photo from: http://62.76.40.216/r.php?r=ShJWXhEMDhNQWkZBRwsfHEtYVEBbFkdHUl9CVlxcXlMAUldDHVIbAFYDTwFVTAIOGVECA1VVVhFABxMFDxoABhJCAg4fBQIYAA4WFFsFDAERUw%3D%3D&r2=Nk0fGU5WQQ1dWkRQW21GQQEEFR1KYD1VUltdVlRSOgxAVVtWDxsZBU8QIEITDlZhUgF4XhBKUAxEHw4CFxx5f3I%2BfhERWl1dVBZ/QwlaUhgCPg%3D%3D&oi=103.36.18.214&od=mountexperience.com

This temple, a large monastery, and fortress of the Kagyu School of Buddhism in Bhutan houses the Monastic Body of Governance for the region and is one of the most famous temples in the country. Given to the Buddhist Lamas in the 15th century, the temple is presently one of Bhutan’s “tentative” sites in the UNESCO inclusion lists for future World Heritage Sites. 

In the 17th century, the temple was given to the Zhabdrung Rinpoche who demolished the former structure and built the temple or dzong we see today. In 1646, the dzong was reconsecrated, becoming the monastic and administrative center of West Bhutan and in 1993, the temple also appeared in a film called “Little Buddha.” 

Chele La Pass

At around 3,989 meters above sea level, the Chele La Pass is Bhutan’s most popular high point for tourists and is considered to be the highest pass accessible by any vehicle in Bhutan. In just under two hours from Paro, the road to this location is filled with thick forests, rivers, and waterfalls, all being beautiful scenery to take photos of and make memories with. 

The pass lies above the virgin forests of the Haa Valley in the district of Paro. Going up the road, hundreds of poles with prayer flags are noticeably placed by locals, which are supposed to scare off evil spirits and demons. 

Millennial Travel Trends: Top 5

 

Life as a millennial will always have you at the crossroads of further developing your career and living the life of travel you’ve always wanted. Having the opportunity to go on a vacation, relax, and enjoy will always be precious, so it’s best to ensure that your time and money are both well-spent. Maximize your trips and vacations by knowing these top five travel trends arising among the millennials: 

Top 5: Seeing the World 

Who doesn’t want to see the world? With everything it has to offer, from its natural wonders to man-made destinations, every millennial out there dreams to take an adventure and see the world. From the domestic destinations in your home country to the spots outside it, taking the first step to ride the car or to ride an airplane to your destination will never fail to feel like the beginning of an adventure. 

And seeing the world doesn’t only mean going to tourist spots and already-famous destinations. Seeing the world begins with going to what else it has to offer, and finding the hidden gems that the public doesn’t know. Having a feeling that you’re the first to experience this precious moment at this unique place will feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience that no one else could get but you at that exact moment in time.

Seeing the world means seeing it for yourself, not through a curated travel guide, but through your discoveries as you go. By simply letting the world provide the experience, millennials fulfill their desires of wanting to experience it, making their trips more genuine, whole, and worthwhile. 

Top 4: Experience over Cost 

Most millennials now prioritize the experience over the promise of a trip’s high costs. The notion of expensive travel being the highest quality there is has become scrapped in the face of millennials seeing the value of experiencing the world for what it is. The cost of having to rent at a highly-renowned hotel for its great services is now disregarded for experiencing a stay at the local apartments of a destination would deepen the experience, giving you the opportunity to experience multiple things at once. 

Having the experience of immersing yourself in your destinations becomes worth it as there really are experiences money cannot buy. Apart from experiencing a place for what it really is, having lesser costs also eases the stress of the traveler on having to spend more and more money. Any millennial would take the chance of going on a trip without having to spend so much. 

Top 3: Experiencing Culture & Tradition 

With the world becoming more and more intertwined through the Internet, millennials have become more aware of the different existing cultures and traditions around the world. This awareness has also led to a sort of curiosity that has sparked their desire to experience, hence the desire to travel. And with the desire to travel, the millennials curate the cultures and traditions they would like to see and experience for themselves. 

Knowing more about the world and what it has to offer becomes more than just a moment of enjoyment, it has now become a learning experience. These millennials know that culture and tradition aren’t solely supposed to be for pleasure, but more of a learning journey towards deepening their humanity and connection with one another. The differences highlight the similarities and this is one reason why we travel: to see what else intertwines us with the world, and vice versa.

Top 2: Sustainable Travel 

And of course, as millennials become highly aware of the world, they also keep in mind the necessity of sustainable travel, a type of travel that ensures the minimization of the carbon footprint we leave on the world as we travel. Along with enjoying the travels, millennials still see the social responsibility in maintaining a sustainable life even on their vacations. The desire for sustainability for the sake of a better world does not stop even in the face of enjoyment, pleasure, and travel. 

Sustainable travel can come in all sorts of forms, from the actual transportation itself to the things we bring and consume during our travels. Along with this, millennials also ensure their sustainable ways by making sure that their travel to a certain destination does not disrupt any sort of ecosystem or wildlife. They do this through properly segregating and disposing of their waste, treating it as both a matter of respect to the locals and action towards a more sustainable society. 

Top 1: Micro-cations 

With what the name suggests, “micro-cations” are micro vacations, short vacations that offer an experience like a complete and full one. Given the hectic schedules of these millennials, making time and having time in the first place is difficult, so they have to crunch their vacations into sweet and short vacations, ensuring that their vacation is worth it and well–planned. While their planning may go through various stages from research to actually building their itinerary, these millennials make sure to have fun in the process of doing so as well. 

A type of micro-cation most millennials do is “stay-cations,” wherein they rent a certain apartment, condo, or hotel unit only to stay and relax, enjoying their time for themselves or sometimes with their partner, friends, or family. Oftentimes, these rented units are still located in the city, just in a different place to provide that sense of relief and a new environment to the stressed and overwhelmed millennial. 

Micro-cations are the millennial solution to this fast-paced world that demands them to always be on the go and be readily available. But since a short vacation won’t always remedy the worries they currently hold, may it be from work, life, or their relationships, millennials make sure that their itinerary is well-researched and well-planned, without having to stress and think about the next thing to do, on the spot and on the road. 

This type of vacation is fun because although it’s short, knowing you’ve taken the time to rest and properly plan for yourself is worth it for a millennial. Micro-cations have become a sort of self-care, providing their self-enjoyment and relaxation from time to time. 

Best Places to Visit in Rwanda

The places of Rwanda, a county in East Africa, will always catch the attention of any traveler with a wanderlust for adventure, nature, and culture. Located just a few degrees south of the globe’s equator, this tropical country adorned by its hilly landscapes and beautiful sceneries is a place everyone should put on their bucket list of places to visit.

Have a look at Rwanda, the land with many wonders! 

Volcanoes National Park

photo from: https://www.volcanoesparkrwanda.org/information/history-volcanoes-national-park/

Never miss the opportunity to go gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park to catch a glimpse of the critically endangered mountain gorillas. With 600 gorillas roaming the park, the four to eight-hour trekking experience will also introduce you to wild meadows, bamboo forests, and swampy areas. 

Visitors don’t have to worry about their safety as the armed guides who lead the trek will communicate with the habituated gorilla families through clicking sounds, keeping any guest safe from the dangers of meeting these wild animals. Guests will spend about an hour observing the behaviors of the gorilla families, from their mealtime, caring for their young, and interacting with one another. 

The Volcanoes National Park has so far supported the preservation of these mountain gorillas, even aiding the propagation of their species and increasing their count from 240-250 back in 1981 to the present 600. 

Gorilla Guardians Village

photo from:https://www.gorillasafariadventure.com/gorilla-guardians-village.html

And of course, mountain gorillas are not the only things you can see and experience in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Another spot to visit is the Gorilla Guardians Village run by reformed poachers who provide tourists the opportunity to experience Rwanda’s crafts, activities, and culture. 

From learning how to weave baskets to carrying them on your head like the Rwandan women, the village grants the visitors an immersion into their daily lives. Not only can visitors learn their way of living, but they can also have a go at it. May it be from shooting an arrow to grinding grains with a heavy stone. 

All of this will be worth the time and dedication since the guides will never fail to make the entire thing feel like a celebration. And don’t go anywhere else too soon so you can catch a glimpse and even join the traditional dancers in their intore dance recitals, where the dancers wear straw wigs and skirts and dance to the beat of their drums. 

King’s Palace Museum 

photo from: https://www.nyungweforestnationalpark.org/2022-tours-to-the-kings-palace-in-nyanza/

With Rwandans holding high reverence for animals, it’s not surprising that the King’s Palace Museum, one of Rwanda’s eight national museums, stars the inyambo, or the sacred cows, along with their large horns. For the entirety of the day, the cows will be sung to by traditional singers who belt poems. As a matter of fact, this ritual is unique to Rwanda and is worth taking the time to see! 

But the cows at the back of the museum aren’t the only sight to visit in this place of culture and faith. The King’s Palace Museum itself displays a replica of a 15th-century king’s palace with a fresh milk hut, royal hut, and a thatched roof, which, by tradition, is managed by an unmarried woman. 

Apart from all of these historical attractions, visitors can also visit the royal residence of King Mutara III Rudahigwa from the mid  -20th century. This home has a highly colonially-influenced design with its European-style furniture in perfect fusion with the patterns of Rwanda. 

Lake Kivu 

photo from: https://www.explorerwandatours.com/travel-blog/top-7-activities-lake-kivu.html

If relaxation and peace are what you’re searching for, the 2,700-square-kilometer Lake Kivu, the largest lake in Rwanda, is the perfect spot. With its emerald green waters surrounded by mountains reaching the clouds, the lake is a paradise for the weary and stressed looking for a place to wind down and regain energy. 

Rubavu, which is situated north of the lake, offers a waterfront, sandy beach, along with its stunning resorts, which include the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel. Get to ride a sunset kayak trip with the fishermen of Lake Kivu who sing as they work and enjoy the paddling adventures on the lake. 

Nyungwe Forest National Park

photo from: https://piperandheath.com/rwanda-nyungwe-forest-national-park/

Nothing beats the natural environment of Rwanda with its tropical climate which is home to a variety of wildlife! The Nyungwe Forest National Park, with its 1,068 plant species, 322 bird species, and 75 mammal types, is counted among the most crucial and relevant forest conservation sites in the entirety of the African continent. 

Just like the Volcanoes National Park, this park offers the opportunity to observe another class of primates, the chimpanzees. Most of the tourists that come to this lush rainforest always come in search of this fascinating animal habituated by the park rangers. 

Visitors can also enjoy the tropical climate and the natural habitats while also experiencing the only canopy walk in East Africa, which is a hike of around 90 minutes from the Uwinka Visitor Center. From there, tourists can attempt to walk across a long suspension bridge that spans 91 meters at a height of 50 meters above the rainforest. But of course, those with a fear of heights can skip the thrill of the canopy tour and choose to navigate along the 15 hiking trails for a unique adventure.

Kigali 

photo from: https://twitter.com/africafactszone/status/1464275328688435200

And last but not the least, we have Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city, home to a rich and vibrant culture, tasty and mouth-watering cuisine, and incredible sights as the perfect ender (or start) to your trip to Rwanda. 

Visit the Inema Arts Center to see the artworks of Rwanda, then proceed to the Rwanda Art Museum at the former Presidential Palace. These spots for art are the perfect places to spark creativity and inspiration by viewing the collection of contemporary pieces gathered from Rwanda and the nearby regions. 

Grab a cup of joe at Question Coffee Cafe which offers authentic Rwandan beans. The cafe’s special menus are a testament to the innovations the Rwandans continuously develop and the cafe itself is known for infusing unusual local products, like tree tomato, in their coffee. 

Then to wrap your trip up, go experience the energy of the Kimironko Market, the largest marketplace in Kigali. Every corner in this place is an opportunity for a shopping spree! 

Best Places to Visit in Seoul

With Korean culture and entertainment spreading to all corners of the globe, the dream to visit the peninsula of South Korea has become widespread. And one of its most well-known cities is Seoul, which is also the nation’s capital city. 

Being an amalgamation of the modern and the traditional, Seoul presents various desirable tourist destinations for anyone who wants to visit and experience their culture and evolving society, from the towering skyscrapers to the temples and street markets. 

Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village

First on the list is the Bukchon Hanok Village that’s home to preserved ancient neighborhoods of Seoul, South Korea. To give a feel of what it’s like to live in Korea 600 years ago, the streets of this village feature hanoks or traditional Korean abodes following traditional architecture. 

Being a historic place, tourists would expect the place to be abandoned and have no signs of life apart from tourists like them. However, the village is an actual neighborhood with occupants in almost all of them, with some serving as guesthouses, bed-and-breakfasts, and some are even museums tourists can go visit. 

The village can be found in central Seoul, just around the area between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace. 

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Take a peek and experience the powerful Joseon dynasty by going to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of the five grand palaces of Seoul first built in 1395 and restored completely in the 1990s. The National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum of Korea can also be found on the palace grounds. 

More than just its impressive facade, the palace museum displays items from the palaces of the Joseon Dynasty, including antiques and artwork, along with daily paraphernalia for cooking, cleaning, and many more. Meanwhile, the National Folk Museum showcases items from daily life, clothing, and dioramas.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza 

photo from: https://www.archdaily.com/489604/dongdaemun-design-plaza-zaha-hadid-architects

Situated in Seoul’s fashion district Dongdaemun, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, or DDP is a silver, orb-like building in sharp contrast to the ruins of an ancient city fortress preserved just outside the front entrance of the plaza. The DDP building has showrooms, work spaces, offices, and design studios, along with a shop for small craft vendors with all kinds of contemporary and local handcrafted items, making it the perfect place to buy gifts.  

At nightfall, the building bursts into light with 25,550 white LED roses, transforming into one of Seoul’s most instagrammable destinations. 

Itaewon 

photo from: https://www.theseoulguide.com/itaewon/

Kdrama watchers know this all too well. Itaewon is a lively neighborhood filled with shops, cafes, and other establishments. From street performers to food carts, the side streets provide tourists with the experience of Korean retail culture in a snap.

Down Gyeongnidan Street, a variety of restaurants with international food lines across the street. And along a street called Antique Furniture street, antique shops prove excellent stores to buy unique gifts. 

Jingwansa Temple

photo from: https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/culture/2022/01/135_159383.html?WA

Located on the far west side of Seoul and found within the incredible Bukhansan National Park, the Jingwansa Temple, and its long history dating back to 1,000 BC, offers the Buddhist experience and what temple life is like to the tourists who come to visit it. With a range of public programs, the temple offers a temple stay, an overnight visit, along with cultural and educational programs. Tourists can even have a taste of the traditional vegetarian temple meal eaten by the monks.  

If you’re not up to that, the buildings are also surrounded by hiking trails along the side of the mountains, perfect for anyone who simply wants to hike. 

Lotte World Tower

photo from: https://www.architectmagazine.com/project-gallery/lotte-world-tower

A fairly new attraction of Seoul is the Lotte World Tower skyscraper with a height going up to 500 meters, making it the 5th tallest building in the entire world. With its vase-like shape and gentle curvatures, the building is designed to appear like traditional Korean ceramic pieces. 

Within the tower, there are several indoor and outdoor areas from the 117th floor to the 123rd, offering a magnificent 360-degree view of the capital city both day and at night. And on the 118th floor, the Sky Deck, which is the world’s highest glass floor, turns from opaque to clear, scaring unaware tourists.

Even more than just offering the highest points of Seoul, the tower has offices, luxury residences, and the Signiel Seoul luxury hotel, along with the Lotte World Aquarium, the Lotte Museum of Art, and a huge shopping mall. And it doesn’t stop there as the tower also has the Lotte Concert Hall and the Lotte Cinema, which boasts the world’s largest movie screen. 

N Seoul Tower

photo from: https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/101173457990103864151

Perched on the side of Mount Namsan, N Seoul Tower rises almost 500 meters above Seoul, providing breathtaking views of the city.

To get there, a cable car will bring the tourists to the base of the tower from the side of the mountain. Then the tourists can visit any of the four observation decks in the tower, with one of them being a rotating restaurant. 

With one of Seoul’s best French fine-dining restaurants n.GRILL at the top level, the tower also provides four other different dining experiences, along with gift shops. 

Tourists can also check out the virtual display of the new Seoul immersive media art exhibition, which uses up to 40 laser projectors. And while the view from the tower is great, the N Seoul Tower also serves as a beautiful light post adorning Seoul with changing themed lighting presentations which can be seen from most parts of the city. 

Gwangjang Market

And lastly, a cultural trip is not complete without having a taste of the street foods that rule the streets of Seoul. Gwangjang Market presents an array of street food vendors all in one place. The stalls in the market have allotted small chairs for visitors to sit while enjoying their food. 

Located in central Seoul, the market is open from 9 am to 10 pm, serving food from bindaetteok, bibimbap, gimbap, sundae, tteokbokki, and other types of noodles, along with different parts of the market having vendors selling clothes and household items.