TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT IN BHUTAN

TAKSTANG MONASTERY (TIGER NEST AT PARO)

Situated on a rocky edge with a drop of nearly 800m is the prominent Himalayan Buddhist sacred site, the Paro Takstang which overlooks the spectacular Paro Valley. It is said that the respected Guru Padma Sambhava known as the second Buddha in Bhutan, meditated where the monastery is having alighted on the back of the legendary tigress.

THIMPU

The capital and the largest city in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Bhutan’s culture is reflected in Thimpu in terms of literature, religion, traditional customs, monastic practices of the monasteries and the arts. However, Thimpu has modernised over time, in addition to its traditional Buddhist sites and attractions, they have cafes, bars and restaurants too. Find the balance between old and new as you immerse yourself in the culture-rich town.

PARO

A historic town with many sacred sites and historical buildings that holds breathtaking scenery. One of the valley’s distinctive features is that it is situated in a flat valley bottom and follows a grid-like pattern. Paro is also home to the country’s National Museum, set in Paro Ta Dzong.

PHUENTSHOLING

Phuentsholing has the perfect blend of tradition, scenic views, modern life and rich cultures. The first thing that you will see at the border is the Gate of Bhutan, with its beautiful craftsmanship. There are other attractions that you must see while you’re here; Karbandi Monastery, the Amo Chuu Crocodile Breeding Centre,

BUMTHANG VALLEY

Located at an altitude of 2,600m, it is one of the spiritual heartland of Bhutan with precious Buddhist sites. Jakar is the main town of Bumthang Valley and the best thing about the terrain is, its filled with apple trees as one of the landmark area in Bhutan.

WANGDUE PHODRANG

It is one of the largest districts in Bhutan with varied climatic conditions. With a rich tapestry of ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries, Wangdue Phodrang is sure to captivate its visitor. There are a few notable religious sites in the Wangdue Phadrong district such as the Gangtey Monastery and Dargay Goempa.

MONGAR AND LHUNTSE

Mongar is a district that is fast developing in eastern Bhutan. The road approaching Mongar is said to be one of the most spectacular journeys as it passes cliffs and through stunning fir forests and green pastures. The town is located atop a hill instead of within a valley. A little further up north, you will come across Lhuntse District – the ancestral home of the Kings. The region is famous for its weavers and their distinctive textiles are generally considered to be the best in the country.

PHOBJIKHA AND GANGTEY VALLEY

Bordering the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park is Phobjikha, a bowl-shaped valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountain. There are plenty of wildlife animals here that you may be able to spot such as the Himalayan black bears, leopards, red foxes, muntjacs (barking deer), wild boars, sambars, serows and black-necked cranes. Due to the large flock of cranes, it is considered one of the important wildlife preserves in the country. In this valley, the Nakey Chhu river drains the water and flows into Punak Tsang Chhu. Also referred to as Gangtey, after the goemba that sits on a ridge above the valley.

HAA VALLEY

Located in the southwest of Paro, it is the smallest district in the country. Although small, it is one of the most beautiful and isolated area in the entire kingdom. Haa is known to be the ancestral home of the Queen Grandmother and the Dorji family. The valley is relatively a new discovery and so is one of the least visited and well-preserved areas.