The 10 Best Places to Visit in Bhutan

It’s hard to just list out the 10 best places to visit in Bhutan. The Land of the Thunder Dragon and the Himalayan kingdom has more than 10 places to visit in Bhutan. It’s a nation that has been successfully carrying a centuries-old culture, tradition, arts, and history. The raw natural beauty, mountains, and people are the heart of this place.

Most of all, Bhutan’s philosophy of measuring Gross National Product is different. Instead of GDP, they measure Gross National Happiness by the 4th King. After the recent permit opened for tourists, we should not miss this chance, right?

To promote sustainability, all visitors to Bhutan have to pay a daily Sustainable Development Fee. This rule was implemented to support conservation and local communities.

Most of all, every penny of SDF pays off. Beautiful green surroundings, forests, ancient dzongs, and festivals are the charming points of Bhutan.

The best times to visit Bhutan are Spring (March-May) for rhododendrons and festivals, and Autumn (September-November) for clear skies, but in the winter season (December-February), the temperature is cold, and there are fewer crowds.

This blog is for those who are planning for visting in Bhutan. Just choose among these 10 places to visit in Bhutan.

Best Places to Visit in Bhutan

1) Paro Valley

Paro Valley is the gateway to Bhutan. More than that, it’s a home to many iconic landmarks of Bhutan. After arriving at Paro International Airport, the only international airport in Bhutan, you reach Paro town after a 10-minute drive.

This ancient town has some of the most famous places to visit in Bhutan, like Rinpung Dzong (a vast fortress-monastery) and the National Museum. The Rinpung Dzong fortress has a National Museum that houses centuries-old history.

Similarly, sightseeing in Paro Town’s streets is a must. Handicrafts and street food offer new cultural experiences.

Highlights

• Touring Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum to see Bhutanese art and history.
• Sightseeing of Paro Valley and shopping for handwoven textiles, crafts, and snacks at Paro’s weekend market.

2) Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)

When we think about Bhutan, the first thing that comes to our mind is Taktshang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest Monastery). Yes, that monastery hanging high on the cliff. Furthermore, visiting Paro and not trekking up to Paro Taktsang, Tiger’s Nest, is a must. This cliffside monastery is built at 3,120 m on a granite crag. The design, structure, and arts of these monastery speaks itself.

It beived in the 8th-century saint Guru Padmasambhava visited here, flying a tigress to meditate in this cave. The story might sound dramatic, but it carries many people’s beliefs. To reach the Tigers Monastery, you have to go for a short 2-3 hour hike through a pine forest.

From the top of the monastery, hikers can see the best sunset views. Sitting high on the cliff as the sunsets and sunbeams break through the clouds feels magical. Its location, design, architecture, surrounding views, and the journey to Tiger’s Monastery make it one of the best places to visit in Bhutan.

Do Not Miss:

• Hike to Taktsang Tiger’s Nest.
• Panaromic view from Tiger’s Nest.

3) Thimphu

Going to Bhutan but not visiting Thimphu can’t be pssible right? Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and one of the best places to visit in Bhutan. Thimphu’s best part is the blend of modern and traditional Bhutanese.

Do you know, Thimphu do not have traffic lights. Instead d traffic lights, it is directed by police officers wearing a uniforms.

Thimphu has some of the imprtant cutura key sights. Some of the highlights and landmarks at Thimphu are Tashichho Dzong, the giant red-and-white fortress, and the golden National Memorial Chorten just east of town.

Visitors who love views and walking can go for a hike up to the Buddha Dordenma statue. It is built on Kuenselphodrang hill. The statue is 54 m high, and the mst interest part is its inside of the chest. It has 125,000 miniature Buddha figures.

Another fun fact, Buddhas inside this shrine is mre than people in the Thimphu city (Thimphu’s population is 100,000).

Similarly, Thimphu is known for having the liveliest traditional markets and cafes. These markets are called weekend markets as it opens in Friday-Sunday. In the market, people sets a tents where everything from potatoes and chilies to handwoven fabrics and silver jewelry.

Craft and art lovers visit the National Textile Museum and the Folk Heritage Museum nearby. You can also try some archery as it’s Bhutan’s national sport. Dancing in the folk song, playing archery is just a different experience. You won’t experience any of these everywhere.

Thimphu Highights:

• Visit Tashichho Dzong and the Memorial Chorten, bright orange Buddhist stupa).
• Enjoy the Bhutanese architecture.
• Hike to Buddha Dordenma.
• Stroll the weekend market.
• Try local teas and sweets, or barter for a hand-dyed kira (woman’s dress) or gho (man’s robe).
• Try archery.

4) Punakha Valley

Punakha Valley is one of the best places to visit in Bhutan. We can say it offers a one-of-a-kind romantic retreat. The temperature here is warm due it’s lower altitude. The valley has fields of red chilies and rice. The greenery and natural surrounding is so beautiful.

Before, Thimphu Punakha was Bhutan’s capital. Situated at 1,300 m from the valley floor to almost 3,000 m around Dochu La pass, it was the capital of Bhutan from 1637 till 1907.

The key highlight of Punakha is Punakha Dzong, located dramatically just above the two rivers that merge. This Dzong is considered the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan. Its key features are red-roofed temples and a Bodhi tree courtyard.

It has a long suspended bridge below the dzong. Crossing over it as the prayer flags flutter with chilly wind and the river rushes beneath is newly experience. Visitors can also enjoy some watersports like bamboo rafting and gentle rapids on the Mo Chhu (Mother River).

Additionally, 6 km south of Punakha, there is a sacred temple called Chimi Lhakhang, the “Fertility Temple.” It was founded by Bhutan’s saint named Drukpa Kunley, known as the Divine Madman. Carved, phallic paintings, and painted phalluses are the key feature f this tempe These arts symbolize prosperity and protection.

Punakha Highlights:

• Punakha Dzong.
• Pho Chhu Hot Stone Bath in Punakha’s herbal-infused hot pools.
• Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple).
• The Punakha Drubchen.
• Theatrical masked dances inside the dzong during Tshechu.

5) Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley)

Another gem of Bhutan is Phobjikha Valley. It didn’t simpy happened to be one of the best places to visit in Bhutan. To reach Gangtey or Phobjikha Valley, you have to drive toward the east of Thimphu. This place is known for its green surroundings. It is a sacred place among Bhutanese people because it’s home to Gangtey Goemba, a 17th-century Drukpa monastery.

Located high above the hill, it offers the best view of the surrounding flats. It’s a perfect destination for hiking and biking. The valley is rich with alpine forests where yak herds graze. To make things more special, visitors can go for a picnic by a stream or camp under the starry sky.

Similarly, Gangtey Valley is a paradise for bird-watchers and photographers, especially in winter. During winter (late October to March), the endangered Black-necked Crane migrates here. Nearly 300 of black neck crane visit here from Tibet to roost in Phobjikha’s meadows.

If you visit during November to January, you will get a chance to celebrate the Black-Necked Crane Festival. During this festival, farmers share stories of the cranes, and monks perform eco-blessing ceremonies.

Gangtey Must-Dos:

• Visit Gangtey Monastery and hike along the meadow trails to see the valley.
• Cranes Museum.
• Coffee at the mountain-top Tashi Namgay Cafe.

6) Bumthang

Bumthang is one of the must-visit and best places to visit in Bhutan. It is a cluster of four high valleys like Chokhor, Ura, Tang, and Choekhor. It is located in the central part of Bhutan.

Bumthang is also called the country’s “spiritual heart” because it is home to some of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred sites. The main town of Bumthang is called Jakar. The main highlight of this place is Jambay Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple said to be built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, and the ancient Jakar Dzong (1549).

Near the town is Kurje Lhakhang, built around a cave where Guru Rinpoche (the 8th-century saint) meditated. The town is surrounded by shining snow-capped mountains over the horizon. If you visit during the autumn season surrounding hills bloom in pink-purple buckwheat.

Bumthang is one of the ideal places to visit in Bhutan because of its quite enviroment. Those who are seeking a relaxing vacation, it’s worth a visit. The scenery of a peaceful roadside surrounded by apple orchards and dotted with traditional farmhouses feels like it literally came out of Ghibli.

And yes, do not miss trying local yak butter tea! Some of the popular regional specialities are the Bumthang Swiss Cheese Factory and the Red Panda Brewery. They are produced by monks. Yes, we are talking about Swiss cheese, which produces tangy Alpine cheeses, and the Red Panda pub sells barley beer (local alcohol) and ginger ales. After a long day of breaking a sweat, it works best as a refreshment.

Bumthang Highlights:

• Visit Jampa Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Tamshing Monastery.
• Short hike to Kilkhorthang Monastery or to the panoramic Kharchu viewpoint.
• Taste local gamju (boiled yak meat), banana wine, and visit the cheese/beer factory.
• Visit in March for Jakar Tshechu (mask dance festival) at Jakar Dzong.

7) Haa Valley

Haa Valley is another hidden gem and one of must visit places in Bhutan. It is located in the far west of Bhutan. Isolated from the crowd and pollution, it’s a peaceful alpine valley. Haa  Valley is surrounded by dense forests and tall mountains.

It’s a remote village filled with mountain streams. Though so beautiful, it is the least visited by foreign tourists. In simple terms, we can say Haa Valley is one of the country’s best-kept secrets.

In Spring, the dense pine forests of the Valley bloom with poppies. Likewise, winter turns the whole valley into a white wonderland.

Some of the must visit place here are Lhakhang Karpo (the White Temple), Lhakhang Nagpo (the Black Temple), and Dobji Dzong. They are located high on a ridge above the valley. These temples were built in ancient times and carry many years of Bhutanese history.

Visitors can wander around the valley by hiring horses or porters. Hikers can also join the Sagala Trek or the Haa Panoramic Trail. The dense forest of Haa is also home to Himalayan wildlife like blue sheep and even a snow leopard. Sleeping in a bamboo lodge, listening to the crystal-clear river flow, is so healing.

Haa Adventures:

• White and Black temples and rub luck stones at each for blessings.
• Go for a hike to Haa Nature Trail and Sagala Yakchod through rhododendron forests and high passes.
• Summer Festival in August (archery, horse racing, local dance).

8) Dochu La Pass

Dochu La Pass is a famous high pass located on the highway between Thimphu and Punakha. The high altitude at 3,100 m changes every trekker’s legs. But as you know, no pain, no gain. As you trek over this high pass, you can see the panoramic views of Bhutan’s highest peaks ike Gangkar Puensum, Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, etc. There is no doubt, it’s a must-visit destination in Bhutan.

The main highlights of Dochu La Pass are its 108 memorial chortens (stupas) built in a semi-circle. Each of these little stupas is brightly painted and decorated with prayer flags. These 108 chrtens were built in honour of Bhutanese soldiers, so they can rest in peace.

Just opposite the chorten is Druk Wangyel Lhakhang. It’s a beautiful temple known for large lotus murals and a scenic terrace. If you love views, then you must add a short stop here. Druk Wangyel also celebrates a one-day festival in September. They have music, dance, and even a stone-throwing contest. To capture this moment, bring a good camera as well.

9) Laya & the High Himalaya

Want more adventure? Then there are many adventurous and the best places to visit in Bhutan. The popular thing to do is to visit the popular, thrilling, and best places to visit in Bhutan. It is located high in the Himalaya and is the highest village in Bhutan at around 3,800 m.

Laya is located far north of Punakha/Gasa. The journey to Laya is one of a kind. It starts with a long jeep ride to Gasa, popular for having gorges and hot springs. After a long off-road jeep ride, it requires you will need to trek for 3-5 hours over a rocky trail.

After all this trouble, Laya rewards you with otherworldly scenery. This small village is untouched by urbanizatina and it’s vehicle-free. Here, you will see yak-herder huts dotted against the background.

The Laya people have a distinct culture. In Laya, men wear heavy broad belts and knotted woolen hats, and women fashion tall lambskin hats from langur fur. Gathering cordyceps mushrooms in spring and tending yaks and barley in summer is their routine.

Moreover, Laya also celebrates the Royal Highland Festival (late October). It is known as the best event for high-country culture. This festival is celebrated at a field outside town. Royal Highland Festival features yak races, archery contests, folk dances, and traditional Bhutanese games.

Though reaching the Laya is quite challenging. However, green valleys, streams, rivers, and traditinal lifestyle of people are a must experience. That’s why this place is one of the best places to visit in Bhutan.

10) Cultural Festivals in Bhutan

Bhutan is rich in cultural diversity. A visit during the festival time in Bhutan is a must for travelers who love experiencing new cultures. Besides beautiful views and nature, Bhutan is also culture destination.

Tradition and culture are deeply rooted. Every corner of Bhutan has something to tell. The atmosphere of peace, traditional music in the background, places decorated with prayer flags, ancient Dzongs, monasteries, people dressed in a traditional way, and the smell of burning incense are the major highlights.

The major festival f Bhutan are Tshechu festivals. There are more than 25+ Tshechu festivals. During this festival celebration, you will witness Pepe in a traditional dress and masked dances, which test the ancient lore of Buddha.

Some of the most famous Tshechus are in Paro (spring) and Thimphu (autumn). It gathers most crowd from all over Bhutan. During these festival monks wear giant demon masks and dance on the dzong, surrounded by locals cheering.

There are also other festivals celebrated in smaller villages like Bumthang and Mongar. If you wish to experience the culture and festive atmosphere, visit during the festival season. However, expect a crowd since they are as the peak season.

Travel gets more fun if you add some local customs. Bhutan is known for archery even in cities. Interested people can join local people for more fun. (The traditional bows are called ‘Da’ in the Bhutanese language.

A few plates of Ema Datshi (chili-cheese stew) are a must. It is a spicy national dish of Bhutan. If you love tasting new dishes, do not forget to try this. Bhutanese dishes are known for having chillies, so choose wisely. And chi (rice wine) is a must-have with some locals.

The best part of traveling in Bhutan is less crowded, and the nice Government of Bhutan only allows a few tourists everywhere. Therefore, visitors must plan for the visitors quiet early. Due to fewer tourists, most of the places, trails, temples, and tea houses can all be yours.

To respect the culture of Bhutan, visitors are suggested to dress modestly (men and women don gho/kira) and remove their shoes before entering any shrine. Most of the houses in Bhutan have phallic paintings or sculptures on the walls to bring luck and ward off evil.

Festival and Culture Quick List:

• Paro Tsechu and Thimphu Tsechu festivals.
• Visit Phobjikha for the Bhutan Crane Festival.
• Rent a gho/kira and dance with villagers.
• In Punakha or Paro Gasa, soak in a tub heated by river stones.

Don’t forget to say “Kuzuzangpo la” when meeting local people. This greeting means hello in the Bhutanese language.

Bhutan’s culture and friendly local people make the visit to Bhutan more memorable. Still untouched by modernization, its natural beauty catches the hearts of everyone. People and the government have been successful in preserving the culture and nature. Though small in size, Bhutan is the dream country of many travellers.

To visit Bhutan, tourist visa is a must and you have to pay a daily fee called SDF (currently $200 in high season).

Visitors must have a travel guide and a driver to explore Bhutan. Peaceful surroundings, wild nature, mountain trails, sunset behind these fortresses might steal your heart, so be careful. Besides these, there are many more best places to visit in Bhutan. Just choose one, and we will make it come true.