Here’s why Bhutan is the perfect honeymoon destination

British essayist, Pico Iyer once said, “Travel is like love, mostly because it’s a heightened state of awareness, in which we are mindful, receptive, undimmed by familiarity and ready to be transformed. That is why the best trips, like the best love affairs never really end.” And what better way to embark on the next adventure with your life partner than with a romantic and magical holiday?

The honeymoon is all about winding down after a frenzied and often unfathomable few days of the wedding. It’s about spending quality time with your partner away from the noise of it all. If you’re wondering where to go for the perfect blend of calm, adventure and romance—Bhutan might just be the right pick for you. 

The land of the thunder-dragon evokes a sense of mystery at each juncture, and still feels right at home with warm-butter tea and the charming hospitable nature of the people of Bhutan. From celebrating your love with a romantic picnic to a spiritual insight at the various dzongs, we’ve curated a list of must-have, super romantic experiences that will make for a picture-perfect honeymoon. 

Go for the Tiger’s Nest Trek 

A trip to Bhutan would be incomplete without the trek up to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Located amidst the larger-than-life hills in Paro, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery is considered to be one of the most sacred Buddhists sites, perched on a cliff, about 900 mts from the ground. For all those adventure-loving couples who would love to be surrounded by nature, this is an experience you must have. Keep-in-mind that the visit to the monastery takes a full day, and we’d recommend starting early in the morning. 

Visit the Punakha Dzong 

For a quick romantic getaway, we’d urge you to visit the fairy-tale-esque town of Punakha, a three-hour drive from Paro. With an early start, you can stop by to witness the magic of snow-capped mountains at the Dochu La Pass, and drive through the intertwining roads across the mountains down to the valley between two rivers, where the town situated. You can visit the Punakha Dzong, the second-oldest Dzong in Bhutan. You can also take in the view with a meal at the Amankora, Punakha. Pro tip? Make the most of the photo-ops with the pink and purple cherry blossoms, pristine blue river and capture all that you can, to revisit the memories for years to come. 

Visit the Folk Heritage Museum 

Located in the city centre of Thimphu, the Folk Heritage Museum is a must-see for couples who love travelling and its little nuances—understanding the history of the people, taking part in traditions and festivities, interacting with locals, exploring their ways of living and more. The Folk Heritage Museum is housed in a 150-years old timber and mud house where you get a chance to witness up-close the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle, weaves and more. Your guide will even take you through the utensils used back in the day and other intriguing anecdotes that make for a fascinating day. 

Picnic by the river 

There could be nothing more romantic than having a traditional Bhutanese meal with some tea while sitting beside your loved one on a mat. You can request your guide or staff members at the hotel you’re staying to help you curate the experience as per your own preferences. We’d recommend staying at the Postcard Dew Thimphu that offers a whole lot of warmth in all the experiences it promises. We promise you won’t regret it. 

Visit the Buddha Point 

If you and your partner are history and culture enthusiasts, we’d definitely recommend paying a visit to the Buddha Dordenma Statue in the city of Thimphu. The 169-foot statute of the Buddha rests on the peak of a hill overlooking the breath-taking, earthy-toned landscape and the small-town ethos. Find yourself amidst exciting prophecies being fulfilled with the construction of the statue, oh and 1,25,000 miniature Buddhas too. Inside of the larger Buddha statue lies a Dzong, which consist of more than a hundred thousand miniature statues, and painted history of Bhutan on the walls. The experience will leave you feeling at peace, grateful and blessed. 

Sunset walk to Drukgyel Dzong 

Yet another unmissable experience is the perfect honeymoon is the view of the magical sunsets in Bhutan. You can sip on your favourite drink and sit in the gazebo of the hotel as the sky changes hues or you could drive down to Paro, and walk up to the Drukgyel Dzong, a once-fortress, resting on a hill to witness the historical spot against the backdrop of the pinks, purples and oranges of the sky. 

Best time to visit: From March to May 
Where to stay: The Postcard Dewa, Thimphu