Bhutan Tourist Destinations

The destinations to visit in Bhutan are guaranteed to entice you with their beauty, with breathtaking views of the Himalayan highlands. Blue skies, bright green rice terraces, clear running rivers, and unique Dzongs combine to create an enticing scene that appears like something out of a fairy tale. Bhutan is also known for the Druk Wangyel Tshechu festival, which celebrates the country's vibrant culture. Because of the Tiger's Nest, Paro is the most visited of the many Bhutan destinations. Apart from that, Thimpu, Bhutan's capital, is one of the most gorgeous and fun-filled destinations in the country. This city also has several holy monasteries as well as other cultural and artistic attractions. Punakha, Bhutan's former capital, is also known for its temples, valleys, vistas, and courtyards, all of which are well worth a visit.

Bhutan is also for the adventurous souls out there who want to go river rafting or trek and hike into the higher altitude mountains of the eastern Himalayas. The history, heritage, and culture of the area will enlighten intellectuals with newer aspects and facets of existence. Bhutan's diverse flora and fauna are also worthy of praise, as everything you see here links directly to your travel spirit and touches your soul in a way that only a few other countries can match. Don't forget to check out our top picks while you're here.

Here are the top 15 places to visit in Bhutan:

1. Paro

At the foothills of Mount Jomolhari, the idyllic little town of Paro is nestled in the southern slopes of the Eastern Himalayas. It is a landlocked country bordered on the south and west by India, and on the north and west by Tibet. Paro is home to some of the world's oldest monasteries and temples, some of which date back to the 7th century and are associated with numerous mythology and folklore. At Paro, fun seekers will not be disappointed! There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, museums, and hiking trails to keep you entertained throughout your journey. Taktsang Monastery, Namsay Artisanal Brewery, Archery Ground, Chele La Pass, and many others are among Paro's most famous attractions.

Paro is the ideal place for adrenaline junkies to test their mettle! Paro offers some of the world's most difficult biking trails, which are sure to entice any rider looking to reach new heights on two wheels. Hiking, trekking, rafting, kayaking, and stargazing are some of the other activities available. As you ride along the trail and receive a bird's eye view of the spectacular scenery from a height of 5,400 metres, the Snowman Trek, one of the world's highest walking trails, will leave you speechless.

2. Buddha Dordenma

Buddha Dordenma is a colossal statue of Shakyamuni Buddha located in Bhutan's mountain ranges. It was built to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Bhutan's fourth King. Over a hundred thousand tiny Buddha statues are housed within this architectural masterpiece.

The larger figure, as well as the ones inside, are made of bronze that has been plated in gold. The remains of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of the thirteenth Desi Druk, are home to this 169-meter-tall monument. If you're looking for places to visit in Bhutan in December, this stunning gold and bronze structure nestled in a 943.4-acre conservation forest must be at the top of your list!

3. Punakha

Before Thimpu became the capital of Bhutan, Punakha served as the country's capital. Punakha has a lot to offer visitors. Temples, scenic overlooks, courtyards, valleys, towers, and small excursions are all popular in and around this town. This is one of Bhutan's religious centres. It is located at the confluence of two Bhutanese rivers. You can stop in this town for short tours before continuing on to other attractions in the Haa Valley, Gangtey, and Wangdue, which all have plenty of animal and nature photography opportunities. Alpine woods and spectacular mountain vistas can be found in these valleys. Punakha, a riverbank town, gives you a sense of the countryside.

Punakha has a limited number of tourist attractions. Tourists visit this town to rest, dine, and drink before travelling to other parts of Bhutan. Monasteries, temples, Chortens, strolling bridges, hillside villages, and a collage where you may interact with monks are all available to visit. A weekend vacation to the riverbank is possible. In this section of Bhutan, there are only a few places worth visiting.

4. Cheli La

Cheli La Pass, at 3,810 metres above sea level, is Bhutan's highest road-accessible pass. The pass connects the valleys of Haa and Paro and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area. You'll pass by a roadside drub chuu with lovely murals of Guru Rinpoche and his two wives on the route.

On a bright and clear day in October or November, you can see Mt. Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, and other nearby peaks, all of which are covered with snow and gleam in the sunlight.

5. Gantey Monastry

Gangtey Monastery is the country's largest and only Nyingmapa monastery, located in the Wangdue Phodrang area of central Bhutan. It is also known as Gangteng Monastery and is very important to Bhutanese people. This monastery, founded in 1613 by Gyalse Pema Thinley, is located on a pinnacle hilltop at an elevation of 2800 metres above sea level, affording a spectacular view of the Phobjikha Valley. In addition, the monastery has long been a popular tourist destination due to its fascinating history and unique features.

This monastery is surrounded by a big community, which is home to approximately 100 Buddhist monks. They now maintain and manage the entire monastery, as well as giving tours to visitors about its significance and history.

6. Rinpung Dzong

As a key religious and political centre in Bhutan, Rinpung Dzong is significant. The Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school owns this enormous monastery and fortification, which also houses the district Monastic Body. When here, you can visit the fourteen distinct shrines and chapels housed inside the Dzong and admire the rich Bhutanese architecture of the place.

The original structure has been a part of the environment since the 15th century and has captivated people all around the world, particularly since its portrayal in the 1993 film Little Buddha. During the spring months, the area often organises colourful festivals with traditional mask dances that last several days.

7. Taksang Palphug Monastry

The Tiger's Nest Monastery, also known as Taktsang Palphug Monastery, is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the Himalayan province. It is also one of Bhutan's most popular tourist destinations, and it is a spot that exemplifies the country's wonderful traditional values.

This monastery is unique in that it is situated on top of a mountain 1200 metres above the Paro Valley, surrounded by natural beauty. This white building, capped with a golden roof, stands out against a backdrop of blue sky and lush green hills. This monastery's centuries-old mythology adds to its mystique. Only arduous mountain paths lead to Tiger's Nest, which is located in a remote place.

8. Punakha Dzong

Bhutan is known for its magnificent historic architecture that can be found all around the country. Punakha Dzong is one of these magnificent structures, and on a clear sunny day, the brilliant aura of the white washed walls is a sight to behold. The attractiveness of this stunning construction is enhanced by golden, red, and black lacquered timbers.

With lush green hills and a brilliant blue sky as a backdrop, the Dzong is surrounded by magnificent natural beauty. In Bhutan, the Dzong is also historically and culturally significant. It was the capital for a long time. It also houses Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal's relics as well as the sacred item Ranjung Karsapani.

9. Phuentsholing

Phuentsholing is a Bhutanese town that shares a border with Jaigaon in India. The assassination of the country's prime minister in this location in 1964 made the area famous. It is one of Bhutan's busiest commerce centres, with numerous bank and company headquarters.

Highlights: In this place, you can visit the Indian-Bhutanese border and see the two cultures that exist on either side of the border. In India, towns like Jaigaon and Siliguri are easily accessible from the city. Shopping is one of the most popular pastimes among visitors because it is home to cross-border items from India, which are sold at very inexpensive prices.

10. Royal Manas National Park

Royal Manas was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1966, but it was only in 1993 that it was designated as a National Park. The park is home to around 365 bird species (documented) and over 900 plant and tree types. The majority of the trees have religious and therapeutic properties and are used economically for these purposes. The Royal Manas is located in Bhutan's southern region and borders India's Manas Tiger Reserve, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also connects the Singye Jigme Wangchuk National Park to the Singye Jigme Wangchuk National Park.

The Royal Bengal tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, leopards, and Himalayan black bears are just a few of the animals that can be seen in the wild. Birds that are nearly extinct in other parts of the world, such as the Pallas fishing eagle, emerald cuckoo, blue headed rock thrush, and others, find refuge in this park. The park also offers elephant and jeep safaris, as well as boat tours.

11. Jigme Dorji National Park

Jigme Dorji National Park is the country's second-largest national park. It not only spans many districts, but also all three of Bhutan's climate zones. Without leaving the park, you may see everything from freezing glaciers to deep rainforests, rivers, and historic ruins.

It is home to significant cultural landmarks such as the Lingshi Dzong and Gasa Dzong strongholds, as well as sacred mountains such as Mount Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake. Bengal Tigers, bharals, black musk deer, Indian leopards, and over 300 species of birds are among the numerous animal species found in the area. If you visit Bhutan in December, you can see the Lunana and Laya Gewog glaciers in their full beauty.

12. Punakha Suspension Bridge

Punakha Suspension Bridge is one of Bhutan's longest suspension bridges, measuring roughly 520 feet in length! Spectacular views of the river running beneath the bridge or the valleys spreading in all directions are available. The bridge, which is made of sturdy wood planks and cables tied to enormous cement blocks, is surprisingly stable for its length and is draped in colourful religious flags at every point. It also serves as a starting point for a number of multi-day treks in the area. If you're visiting the famed Punakha Dzong, you may also make a pit break at the bridge, which is about half a mile away. To get to the bridge, simply walk north from the dzong, past the cremation grounds, and along the river.

13. National Museum of Bhutan

There is no better way to learn about a place's culture and history than to visit its most important museum. The National Museum of Bhutan is located in the Paro district, above Paro Dzong. It is a fascinating destination to visit regardless of whether or not you are interested in history because the vistas are breathtaking. Furthermore, in comparison to other ancient sites in Bhutan, the structure of the building is distinctive.

The gorgeous structure has six stories, each of which is dedicated to a distinct type of collection. The museum's main feature is an egg that is thought to be a mule's egg. In addition, this museum houses remarkable collections of armaments, ceremonial artefacts, clothing, jewellery, religious articles, scroll paintings, and much more that educate visitors about Bhutan's history, culture, and traditions.

14. Simtokha Dzong

Simtokha Dzong, also known as Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang or the 'Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras,' is a tiny dzong that was the country's first of its sort. It was built in 1629 and is now home to one of the most prestigious Dzongkha language learning institutes.

You can spend your time examining the architecture of the place, which includes typical Buddhist elements such as prayer wheels and about 300 slate sculptures of saints and philosophers. This dzong is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Bhutan in December, and it attracts visitors from all over the world.

15. Dochula Pass, Thimpu

Bhutan is a country surrounded by breathtaking mountain ranges. Dochula Pass is one of the nicest of these. It is a Himalayan mountain pass on the way from Thimphu to Punakha. Dochula Pass, at 3100 metres, is 30 kilometres from Thimphu, the country's capital. The eldest Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, built 108 memorial stupas here, which are well-known.

There is also a notable monastery here that was erected to honour Bhutan's fourth King. The Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival is held there every year. himalayas Dochula Pass is one of Bhutan's most famous tourist destinations due to its popularity among both locals and tourists. Tourists flock to Dochula Pass to see the Himalayan peaks, which are coated with snow and visible from here.

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Things to do in Bhutan

You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to preparing a list of things to do in Bhutan. Bhutan is a country rich in natural wonders that offers a diverse choice of activities for explorers of all ages.

Best time to visit Bhutan

You can find distinct months of summer, winter, spring and fall, making the climate in Bhutan magical and a perfect year-round destination. Perfect for travel in any season, Bhutan offers something unique to visitors depending on the time of their arrival.

How to reach Bhutan

Bhutan can only be reached by flight. Bhutan's only international airport, Paro International Airport, is located in Paro. It's around 7 kilometres from the city. It provides flights from a number of locations, including Mumbai and Guwahati.

About Bhutan

Bhutan is not an average place; it is the most popular tourist destination in the world. Bhutan's tourist attractions have always drawn visitors from all over the world, whether it's for its vibrant culture or mystical mountains.

Bhutan Tourist Destinations

The destinations to visit in Bhutan are guaranteed to entice you with their beauty, with breathtaking views of the Himalayan highlands. Blue skies, bright green rice terraces, clear running rivers, and unique Dzongs combine to create an enticing scene that appears like something out of a fairy tale.