Places to visit in Bhutan

Paro

The glorious city and the home of Paro Taktsang, Paro is one of the most beautiful valleys of Bhutan. It is filled with lush mountains and houses more than 155 monasteries and temples making it a must-visit place of Bhutan. The valley is also known for its terrace farming which is used for the cultivation of red rice.

Paro also includes southern-flowing Paro Chhu River which is an ideal place for bird watching and fishing. The place offers a wide variety of exciting and thrilling activities such as trekking, hiking, mountain biking, river rafting and many more that attract adventure enthusiasts from every corner of the world. The place is home to Paro International Airport, the only airport in the country.

Paro is one of the most beautiful valleys that is a must-visit place on a Bhutan trip. The place is also home to several sightseeing locations that are a key attraction of the city, some of which are:

Paro Taktsang
Chele La Pass
Dobji Dzong
Paro International Airport
National Museum of Bhutan
Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang

Thimphu

Situated in the west central part of Bhutan, Thimphu is the capital city of the country ranging at an altitude of 2,248 metres to 2,648 metres above sea level. The town is one of the most preferred destinations for travelling and spending quality time amidst the scenic beauty of nature. Thimphu is the only capital city in the world that operates without any traffic lights.

Thimphu is also known for the National Fork Heritage Museum, a 150-year-old museum that exhibits artefacts, equipment and tools showcasing the lifestyle of Bhutan culture and tradition. The city is popular for being home to Takin, a cross between a cow and a goat. Motihang Takin Reserve is a dense forest that inhabits the largest number of Takin in Bhutan.

The city is also known for other sightseeing destinations and tourist attraction points some of which are:

National Memorial Chorten
Buddha Dordenma
Royal Takin Preserve
Folk Heritage Museum
Royal Textile Academy
Tashichho Dzong

Punakha

Punakha Valley is one of the most beautiful places to visit, located in the west-central part of Bhutan. Situated at a height of 1200m above sea level, the valley is known for the towering Dzong and fortress which are major tourist attractions of Bhutan. Located on the bank of Pho Chu and Mo Chu River a backdrop of whitewash palaces and golden roof offers a picture-perfect view of the valley.

Once the capital of Bhutan, Punakha Valley is known for its rich greenery and lush mountains that offer various thrilling activities such as trekking hiking and mountain biking. The valley is home to Punakha Dzong, a mighty fortress that is a major attraction of the valley. It is the warmest valley of Bhutan and therefore welcomes migratory birds making it an ideal place for bird sightseeing in Bhutan.

Other nearby sightseeing destinations of Punakha Valley are:

Punakha Dzong
Punakha Suspension Bridge
Chimi Lhakhang
Talo Monastery
Jigme Dorji National Park
Koma Tsachu

img credit : Vinayaraj on wikimedia

Phuentsholing

One of the most populated cities of Bhutan, Phuentsholing is located in the southern part of the country in the Chukha District. The town shares an international boundary with India with Jaigaon a part of the Indian state of West Bengal. The city is also the trade centre and economic hub of Bhutan popular among tourists for its easy accessibility and scenic beauty.

Phuentsholing is one of the most urbanized cities in Bhutan. The city with its vibrant culture is a common tourist destination known for clean roads, beautiful landscapes, monasteries and temples. Tourists can visit this place by presenting ID cards, however, crossing the border and entering through the city may require seeking entry permits from the Bhutan Government.

Apart from scenic beauty and pleasant weather, the city is also known for its popular tourist locations and sightseeing options. Some of these are;

Bhutan Gate
Karbandi Monastery
Amo Chhu Crocodile Breeding Centre
Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang

img credit : Thomas Wanhoff on wikimedia

Bumthang Valley

Nestled in the central region of Bhutan, Bumthang is an isolated valley known for its peaceful environment, evergreen mountains, ancient monasteries and temples. Bumthang is also home to the only brewery of Bhutan that produces Red Panda wheat beer which was named after the name of the Himalayan Black bear that is sighted in the valley. The valley is also one of the most fertile regions of the country and the local people are highly engaged in harvesting strawberries and raspberries.

Bumthang Valley being an isolated valley houses some of the ancient monasteries and temples attraction Hindus and Buddhist devotees from all over the world. The dense rhododendron forest also offers its guests a wide range of trails ideal for activities such as hiking, trekking and off-road cycling.

Some of the must-visit tourist destinations of Bumthang Valley are:

Ura Valley
Jambey Lhakhang
Kurjey Lhakhang
Ogyen Choling Museum
Dozam Nature Park
Wangdicholing Palace

Dochula Pass

Perched in the central part of Bhutan road connecting Thimpu and Punakha, Dochula Pass is one of the highest motorable passes in the world ranging at a height of 3,100 m above sea level. On a clear sunny day, the top of the Dochula Pass delivers a breathtaking view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and other snow-covered peaks of the Himalayan range.

Apart from the scenic beauty, the place is also known for 108 memorial chortens known as ‘Druk Wangyal Chortens’ which was built in memory of martyred soldiers of Bhutan in 2003. With its high-altitude passes, stunning views and clean roads, Dochula Pass is an ideal place for mountain biking. The place is also popular for various sightseeing options for tourists some of which are: