Bajothang

Bajothang (AKA Bajo) is a town in Western Bhutan. It is the administrative head of Wangdue Phodrang district.

Understand
Bajothang is a new town built as the administrative center for Wangdue Phodrang District. The town is a chessboard of uninspired, concrete blocks and is totally devoid of any charm or character. Unless travellers are interested in failed urban planning, there is absolutely no reason to visit Bajo, except maybe to purchase necessities as the town offers the best selection of goods in the area.

By plane
Nearly all visitors arrive by plane in Paro, the country's sole airport. Bajothang is a 2-hour drive from the capital, and about a 2-hour 45-minute journey from the airport.

By bus
There are daily buses from Phuentsholing, Thimphu and Paro. Bajothang also lies on the route from the capital to Jakar, Samdrup Jongkhar, Mongar, Damphu and Gelephu.

Get around
The town is small enough to negotiate on foot.
 * Taxi: There is a set rate for taxis plying city routes. Maximum is around 70nu. There is a taxi stand in center of town. Taxis also cruise and can be hailed at any point.
 * Bus. There exists a bus service to nearby villages of Gaselo but only on Saturdays and Sundays.

Go next

 * Chimme Lhakhang, dedicated to the Mad Monk (Drukpa Kinley) located on a scenic hillock and visible from the lobesa calley. All Children named in this lhakhang have names starting either with "Chhimi" or "Kinley". A brief Walk of about 20 min through scenic paddy fields and you reach the Monastery.
 * Gangtey Monastery. A 17th century monastery in the Nyingma school of Buddhism. The monastery affords wonderful views over the Phobjikha Valley and mountains beyond.
 * Langdra Nye (The Red Bull Sacred Site), near Bai Village. Guru Rinpoche meditated here and the cave is considered one of Bhutan's most sacred sites. Among the relics on display is a thumb print of Guru Rinpoche embedded in rock. The name of the site is derived from an incident where Guru Rinpoche subdued a charging red bull.
 * Lobesa Valley. A beautiful valley near Wangdue. The area is especially stunning during the months of June and July when the rice paddies are at their greenest and most fertile. September and October are also a good time to visit.
 * Phobjikha. A wide and lush valley that is the winter home of the black-necked crane.