Imagine yourself trekking through hazy mountains and coming to a monastery placed on a sheer edge that makes your smartwatch feel lightheaded. Will you enjoy taking a leisurely stroll? Here check out marketplaces brimming with color, where fabrics and spices complement the vivid tales of the people. Bhutan offers everything you could possibly want, from visiting historic forts to engaging in monastic meditation to simply looking for the ideal Instagram-worthy moment. In this captivating Himalayan realm, where every step offers a fresh surprise, a genuine grin, and probably the greatest butter tea you've ever tasted, grab your spirit of adventure (and maybe a raincoat) and let's get to know more about this place.
The final Himalayan country, Bhutan, is hidden in gorgeous mountains of snow and dark forests that produce a stunning view. Not only is Bhutan the only country in the world with 72% of its land covered in forests, but it is also the only carbon-negative nation. This makes it both exceptional and unique. Apart from this, Bhutan is unquestionably a fascinating and mysterious location to visit, where old Buddhist culture meets towering fortresses like dzongs and monasteries. Bhutan trip is a one-of-a-kind destination because of its unique monastery construction and artwork on the walls that include drawings of penises as a warning to ward against evil.
This unique nation, which is believed to be the ultimate Shangri La, is unmistakably the greatest destination for honeymoon trips, family vacations, and even adventure travel. You can also absorb yourself in this engaging location by using this curated list of the best places to visit in Bhutan to get your own taste of the country.
10 Top Places to Visit in Bhutan
- Thimphu
- Trongsa
- Paro
- Jakar
- Phobjikha
- Punakha
- Wangdue Phodrang
- Chomolhari
- Bumthang
- Phuntsholing
1. Thimphu:
The capital and most interesting place in Bhutan is Thimphu. The city, which is tucked away in the upper Himalayan range, has amazing perspectives of the Raidak or Chuu River and its green forests. Culturally, Thimphu is a must-visit location, combining modern conveniences with the old world attractions. When you see them running a red light like a traffic cop, you might just be amazed. It's interesting to note that the red light only operated in the city for three days before being replaced by a human traffic controller since the residents disliked and thought the light was quite unpleasant. Today, the city is overrun with visitors taking pictures as they discover the priceless gems of Bhutanese food, culture, and way of life.
Generally speaking, the most visited tourist destinations in Thimphu include the Motithang Takin Preserve, Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten, Dechencholing Palace, and Clock Tower Square. Further tourist destinations are Dzong, such as Tashichho and Simtokha, and Monasteries, including Dechen Phodrang, Tango, and Cheri. Thimphu also has quaint cafés and pubs, restaurants, and nightclubs where visitors can mingle and meet like-minded individuals as a sightseeing break.
2. Trongsa:
The central Bhutanese town of Trongsa offers peaceful surroundings for meditation and sensory overload thanks to its abundant vegetation. This must-see location in Bhutan is perfectly located in the middle, near a key intersection that connects routes to Punakha, Gelephu, and Bumthang. The Trongsa Dzong is one of Trongsa's most significant attractions. One of the greatest Buddhist monasteries, it is situated atop a valley and has red roofs and whitewashed walls. The only thing to do in Trongsa, other than sightseeing, is to meander around the charmingly furnished stores filled with happy people. The shops are overflowing with plant pots.
3. Paro:
Paro is the most visited place in Bhutan because of its quiet beauty, pure air, and surroundings of flowing mountains, green farms, and historic buildings. The sole international airport in the city is located right here. As a result, Paro has the highest volume of visitors all year round. The picturesque dzongs of Paro and Zuri, as well as the monasteries and palaces of Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest Monastery), Pelri Goemba, and Ugyen Pelri Palace, are visited often. Temples, monuments, and museums such the National Museum, Bondey Lhakhang, Khangkhu Lhakhang, Tago Lhakhang, and Druk Choeding are some of the other top tourist destinations. It is better to explore Paro on foot as it is a calm old town. It is definitely a must-visit location in Bhutan as it is worth taking a stroll to see the way of life of the people living there.
4. Jakar:
Jakar, sometimes referred to as Chamkhar locally, is nearing the slopes of Choekhor Valley. The Jakar Dzong is a known attraction in this area, which is mostly recognized as a trade hub. This well-known dzong, which is possibly the biggest in all of Bhutan, is comfortably situated above the town in the Chamkhar Valley in Bumthang. Jakar could take a few days to really explore all of the neighboring valleys. Furthermore to the Jakar Dzong, there are a number of noteworthy and popular attractions in this area, including the 14th-century Jakar Lhakhang, the 1857-built Wangdicholing Palace, the Bumthang Brewery, and Lhodrak Kharchu Goemba, which was founded in the 1970s by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche.
5. Phobjikha:
Nestled on the edge of Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park lies Phobjikha, a massive U-shaped glacier valley. Black-necked cranes are a stunning winter bird seen in this magnificent area. Also, Phobjikha has thrilling festivities amidst its scenic and serene surroundings. Tsechu Festival and the Crane Festival, which welcomes black-neck cranes, are actively celebrated in the courtyard of Gangteng Monastery and are held annually within the boundaries of Phobjikha Valley. But this home on the western foothills of the Black Mountains has breathtaking views of grasslands, waterways, and lovely valleys. Apart from the cranes, Phobjikha lies near Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, so you may see Himalayan black bears, leopards, red foxes, muntjacs (barking deer), wild boars, sambars, and serows in the neighboring hills. In addition to Bhutan's wildlife, Phobjikha offers sights such Nyelung Dechenling, Gangtey Goemba, Khewang Lhakhang, Damchen Lhakhang, Kumbu Lhakhang, White Chorten, and Wangmo Hand-Woven Carpet Factory.
6. Punakha:
Punakha is another stunning location in Bhutan that attracts many tourists looking for adventure. For those who like the exhilarating experience of river rafting in the two rivers/chhus, Mo and Pho, this is "the best place to be." Punakha is most known, meanwhile, for the magnificent Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century stronghold that towers over the Pho and Mo Chhu. This Himalayan town celebrates Punakha Tshechu, a religious festival of Bhutan, with traditional music and mask dances. The location has a dreamlike vibe, which is why many come here to experience its breathtaking natural beauty and learn about Bhutanese culture and history. The village is surrounded by the Punakha Valley, which is home to several must-see sites including Namgyal Chorten and Chimi Lhakhang. A magnificent view of the mountains and rivers can be had from these locations. The main sites to see in Punakha are also Limbhukha and the Punakha Dzong.
7. Wangdue Phodrang:
Wangdue Phodrang is yet another destination in Bhutan; it's an elegant and nice town. This location is a border town close to Punakha, in Central Bhutan. Wangdue Phodrang is popular for its stone sculptures, slate items, and bamboo goods. The Wangdue Phodrang dzong, which is only available to tourists during the autumn's Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu celebration, is another important sight in this area. Wangdue Phodrang, where Punakha Chhu and Tang Chhu meet, offers lush cattle pastures and picturesque surroundings. The most popular tourist destinations in this area include the Dzong Gate, Eight Chortens, Radak Neykhang, Vegetable Market, Archery Ground, and Army Training Center.
8. Chomolhari:
Chomolhari, often known as Jomolhari Mountain, is one of the most magnificent sites to visit in Bhutan. It is located around 50 kilometers from Paro Airport and is 2,700 meters above sea level. Because of its close closeness to Kanchenjunga, the peak, which is spread along the boundary between Tibet, China, and Bhutan, is sometimes referred to as "the bride of Kanchenjunga." Jomolhari is considered by Tibetan Buddhists as a holy place. It is thought to be the home of Goddess Jomo, the guardian goddess of Tibet and Bhutan. Each year from March to June, crowds of adventure seekers and hikers from all over the world go to this Himalayan mountain to take in the jaw-dropping sights. In spite of hiking along the gorgeous natural paths of Jomolhari's foothills, you will see the 4,150-meter-high Jomolhari Temple. It is a well-liked destination for pilgrims to stay. An hour's walk from the temple lies Tseringma Lhatso, another location. The pilgrims refer to it as the "spirit lake" of Tsheringma.
9. Bumthang:
The phrase "beautiful fields" (Bumthang) has a literal meaning in the language of Bhutan. You can enjoy days in Bumthang exploring amazing locations, taking in the clean mountain air, and spending quality time in the great outdoors. Bumthang, so named from Jambay Lhakhang, is known as the nation's spiritual center. The area, which is surrounded by a number of historic monasteries and Buddhist temples, draws large numbers of tourists who are interested in religion and spirituality as well as history. The four beautiful valleys of Bumthang are Ura, Chumey, Tang, and Choekhor. The glaciers that once bordered the valleys have given way to verdant, flowing rice, potato, and buckwheat crops. Because of its spacious valleys, snow-capped mountains with flowing streams, and laid-back way of life, Bumthang is sometimes referred to as the "Switzerland of the East." Two of the primary attractions in Bumthang are Kurjey and Tamshing Lhakhang, which you should definitely see if you are in the area.
10. Phuntsholing:
When Indian tourists enter Bhutan via road, they enter at Phuentsholing, sometimes written Phuntsholing. It borders both the country of Bhutan and the Indian town of Jaigaon. Known as the main economic hub for Indians and Bhutanese, Phuentsholing is the nation's second-biggest town. Like every other tourist destination in Bhutan, it offers visitors a welcoming, tidy, and secure atmosphere. Nonetheless, Phuentsholing is the only location in Bhutan where Indian visitors are spared from requiring a travel permit, in contrast to other locations where such a document is required. Although Phuentsholing lacks a Dzong, it is undoubtedly one of the most lovely locations in Bhutan due to its many tourist attractions. Among the most well-liked tourist destinations are Amo Chuu, Bhutan Gate, Karbandi Monastery, and Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang.
Conclusion
As our time in Bhutan draws to a close, it is evident that this enchanted country has much more to offer than simply breathtaking scenery and historic monasteries. Bhutan welcomes you to experience its rich culture, friendly people, and tranquil atmosphere—from the quiet Punakha Dzong to the amazing landscapes at Tiger's Nest. Bhutan offers something unique for everyone, whether your goals are adventure, spiritual enlightenment, or just a vacation from the regular grind. Bhutan is so more than simply a place to visit; it is an emotional experience. Keep this in mind as you pack your belongings and say farewell to the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
