Best places to visit in bhutan

Experience the beauty of Bhutan by embarking on a Bhutan tour and exploring the best places to visit in Bhutan. Bhutan, also known as the last true illusion of Shangri-La, boasts stunning landscapes and impressive Buddhist monasteries. Its majestic mountains can leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated, making it one of the best places to go in Bhutan. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or on a romantic getaway, Bhutan has something to offer for everyone, including adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts.

Make your Bhutan tour even more exciting by trying archery, a popular sport in the country. Discover why Bhutan, also known as the Land of the Thundering Dragon, has been a mountaineer’s paradise for many years. You will be delighted by the warm hospitality of the Bhutanese people and their delicious cuisine. Famous places such as Thimphu, Paro, Phuentsholing, Bumthang, Mongar, Lhuntse, Phobjikha, Gangtey, Haa, and Punakha are some of the best places to visit in Bhutan, known for their breathtaking natural beauty, magnificent monasteries and nunneries, and spectacular mountain valleys.

Here, we present the 10 must-see places in Bhutan that you should not miss on your visit. Get ready to be captivated by the wonders of this remarkable country and discover why it is one of the best places to go in Bhutan.

1. Taktsang Monastery

aktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest in Paro, is one of the holiest places in Bhutan. The monastery was established for meditation and is mounted on a high granite cliff. It is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800m, overlooking the Paro valley and river. Legend has it that Guru Padma Sambhava, known as the second Buddha in Bhutan, meditated at the spot in the second half of the 8th century after alighting there on the back of a flying tigress. It’s also an ideal spot for a short trek. Embark on a Bhutan Short Tour and capture the essence of Paro and the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

2. Thimphu

Thimphu, the charming capital city of Bhutan, is a culturally rich destination nestled in the Himalayas with the beautiful Chuu River flowing through it. The city is unique in the world as it has no traffic lights. Thimphu has retained its old-world charm, and modern development is closely monitored, with new buildings constructed only in the traditional Bhutanese style and up to a certain height. Explore this unique city on the Bhutan Last Shangrila Tour and visit its top attractions, including Tashichho Dzong, the National Memorial Chorten, and Motithang Takin Preserve.

3. Paro

Paro, a must-visit destination in Bhutan, is a beautiful valley surrounded by lush green rice fields. The town is steeped in history with many sacred sites and historic buildings scattered throughout the area. Paro is part of the popular “golden triangle” tourist destinations in Bhutan, alongside Jakar and Punakha. Its craggy mountain hills, serene beauty, clean air, and peaceful atmosphere make it a true gem. Visitors are drawn to Rinpung Dzong, one of the finest examples of a Bhutanese monastery, which hosts the Paro Tsechu festival of masks. The National Museum of Paro is also a must-see, exhibiting rich stamp collections, slate carvings, Thangka paintings, prehistoric items, traditional weapons, and other articles reflecting Bhutanese culture.

4. Phuentsholing

Phuentsholing is a must-visit destination in Bhutan, offering a peaceful escape to visitors. The town is known for its clean environment and natural beauty, making it the perfect place for those who love to be surrounded by nature and seek solitude. The top tourist attractions in Phuentsholing include Amo Chuu, the Crocodile Breeding Center, Chukha Hydrothermal Project, Bhutan Gate, and Karbandi Monastery. Each of these spots offers a unique experience and a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and history. Explore the beauty of Phuentsholing on your next trip to Bhutan.

5. Bumthang Valley

Bumthang Valley, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, is located at an altitude of 8,530 feet (2,600 meters) and is full of ancient and precious Buddhist sites. It is home to some of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan, making it the religious hub of the country. The undulating terrain of the valley, filled with apple trees and numerous temples, is a tourist’s delight, and the main town of Jakar is a must-visit destination in Bumthang.

6. Wangduephodrang

Wangduephodrang is a charming town that sits on the central highway before central Bhutan. The stunning valley of Wangduephodrang is abundant in lush pastureland for cattle and is known for its exceptional bamboo products, slate, and stone carvings. The higher reaches of this valley offer scenic views that will take your breath away. The Wangduephodrang Dzong, situated on a hilltop at the confluence of Punakha Chhu and Tang Chhu rivers, is the most iconic landmark in the town. The Dzong is open for visitors during the Wangduephodrang Tsechu celebration, held in autumn.

7. Mongar and Lhuntse

Mongar and Lhuntse, as other must see sites these two places are also mostly preferred places in Bhutan by travelers. Mongar lies in the eastern Bhutan. The journey from Bumthang to Mongar is one of the most beautiful in the Himalayas, crossing 3800m high Thrumshing La. Mongar is located on the hill top. Mongar Dzong is the newest of Dzongs in Bhutan built in 1930s. This Dzong was built to replace the Zongkar Dzong which has remained in ruins. Mongar Dzong is built in keeping with the tradition of Bhutan where no drawings or nails were used. Likewise, Lhuntse at the elevation of 1460 m is a very rural and isolated district in Bhutan. The kurtoe region of Lhuntse is the ancestral home of the Royal Family.

8. Phobjikha and Gangtey Valley

Phobjikha and Gangtey Valley, both the places are also must see locations in Bhutan. The Gangtey and Phobjikha are glacial valleys with a stream flowing through their open grasslands presenting one of the most beautiful landscapes in Bhutan. It is home to endangered black necked crane. The famous Black mountain national park, home to diverse specie of flora and fauna is also nearby. It is around 6 hours drive from Thimpu. The drive among Dochula Chortens and Rhodos is mind-blowing. The entire region is sometimes called Gangtey. Gangtey Monastery and Jigme Singye National Park are famous among visitors in the region.

9. Haa Valley

Haa Valley, a relatively new but must see destination in Bhutan, is popular for virgin beauty of nature. Along with scenic sights, you will also find some temples and fortresses around this valley. Lhakhang Karpo and Nagpo-the famous White and Black temples, Shekhar Drak-an unique temple, Tagchu Goemba-a100 year old temple and Dobji Dzong- a five storeyed fortress on a hilltop are the things that engage you in the valley.

10. Punakha

Punakha, the breathtaking destination located in Bhutan, has been inextricably linked to some of the most momentous events in Bhutanese history and deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful and significant regions at the heart of Bhutanese culture. This district, rising from 1300m at the valley floor to almost 3000m around Dochhula pass, served as the capital of Bhutan from 1637 till 1907. Visitors come to this place mostly to understand Bhutanese history and enjoy its natural beauty. The main attractions in this beautiful area are Punakha Dzong, Chhimi Lhakhang, and Limbhukha.

Bhutan, the land of Thunder Dragons, is an exotic travel destination that’s worth exploring. As the only carbon-negative nation in the world, its quiet townships offer a unique experience. Himalayan Glacier is your ideal partner to make your Bhutan trip unforgettable. We have guided numerous travelers to explore the natural scenery, monasteries, and mysterious townships of Bhutan. Our team of experts at Himalayan Glacier can help you plan a hassle-free trip to Bhutan. Contact us today to start planning your adventure!