There are many ways to describe Bhutan. It is a small country in South Asia, located between China and India. It is rich in nature and beauty and is home to the world’s highest mountains and some of the best Buddhist monasteries.
And it is a kingdom in the Himalayas with a fascinating history that has shaped its culture today. The name Bhutan means “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” which refers to its highest peak!
Bhutan has been called an “oasis” or “paradise on earth,” We can see why: this tiny nation offers stunning mountain views, lush forests full of wildlife, and dense jungles filled with wildflowers.
You’ll find yourself surrounded by mountains as you hike through our national parks—but don’t worry about getting too tired! You’ll get plenty of rest at our hotels after hiking for hours each day!
Let’s explore the best Bhutan places to visit.
History of Bhutan
It has long been assumed that Bhutan’s Buddhist history was preserved in the seventh century as an archive record marking the beginning of Mahayana Buddhism in Bhutan under King Songtsen Gampo.
Bhutan flourished for thousands of years as a collection of rival monarchs in distinct mountain valleys, but Buddhism has been blended into this cycle. During this time, a wide range of Buddhists converted. You will come to know a lot about Bhutan’s history and Buddhist culture once you visit the famous attractions in Bhutan.
Top 20 Bhutan places to visit
Thimphu
Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan. Thimphu is also the largest city in Bhutan, with around 120,000 people. Many publications list Thimphu as one of Asia’s most developed and modern cities.
The city is home to many international companies that have established their offices there due to its strategic location between India and China, making it easy to easily access both markets without any physical presence in these countries.
Punakha Valley
The Punakha valley is the second most important valley in Bhutan, and it is located in the western part of the country. It is home to some beautiful attractions like Punakha Dzong, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, built-in 1637, Chimi Lhakhang, and it’s Golden Throne.
The whole area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 due to its cultural value and historical significance. If you want to see something different from Thimphu but do not want to miss out on the views from a high altitude, Punakha Valley would be an ideal option for you!
Paro Valley
Paro is a district in the western part of Bhutan. The town is situated on the banks of the Paro Chu, which is a tributary of the Manas River. Paro is located about an hour’s drive from Thimphu and an hour and a half from Phuntsholing.
It has an airport known as Drukgyel Dzong Airport and acts as one of the main entry points into Bhutan.
Paro was founded in 1627 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who had fled Tibet following his victory over Tibet’s Tsangpa Dynasty at Paro Taktsang, or Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Bhutan).
He established Druk Desi’s court at Paro Taktsang before moving to Punakha and later Thimphu, where he built the Tashichodzong fortress to defend against invasions from Tibet.
Taktsang Monastery
The Taktsang Monastery is located in the Paro Valley and is one of Bhutan’s most popular tourist destinations. It is a sacred site and a World Heritage Site, which many visitors come to see throughout their trip.
The religious significance of this place comes from its connections with the Drukpa Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. This monastery is known for being where Guru Rinpoche meditated for several years before flying off to Tibet (where he was born).
Some other important things you need to know about this destination are:
- It can be reached by car or bus from Paro airport or Thimphu city center.
- There are multiple paths up Taktsang’s cliff face—all laying claim to being the ‘one true path;
- Bhutanese people reverence Taktsang as they believe that Guru Rinpoche inhabited it before ascending into heaven as a divine being.
Haa Valley
The Haa valley is the most remote and least visited in Bhutan. It is famous for its natural beauty, wildlife, and Buddhist culture. The valley is home to many monasteries and has one of the best trekking routes in Bhutan.
Haa valley gets its name from a local legend where two brothers named Haakpa and Haala were said to have caught a tiger (Tha) here, which led them to name their abode “Ha.”
Things to know: The best time to visit this region is during the autumn season, when visitors can witness some of the most spectacular views across all parts of the valley.
Punakha Dzong
Punakha Dzong is the second largest dzong in Bhutan, and it is located in Punakha. It was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as his winter capital. It is a World Heritage Site known for its architecture that reflects traditional Bhutanese architecture with elements of Tibetan style.
The dzong houses many relics, including statues and objects used by King Jigme Wangchuck, who ruled between 1907 and 1926. Visitors can also see the throne room, where coronations take place every five years on December 17th, when monks perform spiritual ceremonies inside the building throughout the day while locals dance outside under tents set up nearby.
Phobjikha Valley
The Phobjikha valley is a beautiful place in Bhutan located on the northeast border near the Indian border. This place has several endangered species of birds.
It is one of the most popular tourist spots in Bhutan and is also considered one of the best places to visit because it has many birds like black-necked cranes, Himalayan monal pheasant, red jungle fowl, golden pheasants. You can find all these species in this region during your trip here.
Chele la Pass
The pass is located on the border between India and China, in the Himalayas. It is one of the highest points on the highway connecting the Indian capital of New Delhi to the Chinese capital of Beijing.
At an elevation of 5,360 meters (17,580 feet), explorers first used it in 1909. In 1910, King George V and Queen Mary traveled through Chele la Pass on their way back from India after signing a treaty with Bhutan.
Today, it’s one of Bhutan’s most popular attractions for adventure seekers looking for an adrenaline rush!
Bumthang Valley
Bumthang Valley is a valley in central Bhutan. The valley is home to the Drukpa Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism and many Buddhist monasteries, including Kurjey Lhakhang and Chimi Lhakhang.
The village of Jakar houses Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), allegedly built on top of a mountain inhabited by a giant tigress. Visitors can climb to the monastery via 154 steps carved into the cliff face, though it’s also possible to ascend by cable car or helicopter from nearby Paro Airport.
Gangtey
If you are looking for a place to go trekking in Bhutan, Gangtey is a beautiful destination you should visit. This is the town where you can see some of the best places in Bhutan. The Gangtey Dzong is also here, making this place more fascinating and special. While staying here at Gangtey, you can also enjoy your time by visiting other destinations such as Jhomolhari Base Camp Trek, Phobjikha Valley, and Paro Airport.
The people are very friendly, and they will make sure that you have a comfortable stay while exploring this beautiful town with its lakes, forests, mountains, and wildlife around you.
This place has a lot to offer, like flora and fauna, but what attracts most tourists here is the migratory birds found in the valley during the summer season.
Jakar Valley
The Jakar Valley, as it is widely regarded, is endowed with the beauty and magnificence of evergreen mountains. Even while you won’t find the picturesque Swiss Alps here, you can certainly savor the delectable ‘Swiss Cheese’ while walking through the lovely Jakar Valley, which is how it acquired its name.
With its abundant beauty and natural wonders, Bumthang, located in the country’s central-eastern region, easily outperforms any of the destinations to visit in Bhutan.
Jakar’s rocky terrains and difficult trails have also gained a reputation among thrill-seekers. You’d enjoy every inch of this valley, whether outside or inside.
The finest seasons to visit Jakar valley are spring and winter.
Trongsa
Trongsa, located in central Bhutan, is a magnificent area to immerse your sensations and concentrate. Trongsa Dzong is one of the greatest Buddhist monasteries, with red roofs and whitewashed walls rising over a valley. Visitors frequently visit this location to take in the stunning panoramic views of valleys and the stunning highland vistas.
It is open all year and is 6 hours from Paro airport.
National Museum, Paro
Bhutan’s National Museum is housed in Ta Dzong in Paro Valley. This unusual-looking structure houses a variety of antiques, manuscripts, weapons, paintings, and other historical treasures that illustrate the country’s cultural past.
This museum contains several galleries. Among the most discussed exhibits at this museum is a mule’s egg, which has raised many questions in the past and continues to do so concerning the reality of a mule producing an egg.
Ura, Bhutan
This is a small town that serves as a gateway to eastern Bhutan. It may be one of the coolest places in Bhutan because it’s where you can take part in all sorts of adventures and activities.
For example, you could try paragliding or other thrilling sports and activities like rafting or river-tubing. You could also go on day hikes or even stay at one of the local guesthouses that offer traditional food and more!
Ura is an ideal place for anyone who wants to have fun in this peaceful country!
Tashichoedzong
Tashichoedzong is located in Thimphu and is one of the most popular places to visit in Bhutan. This popularity is because it has a history that dates back to the 17th century when it was built as a fortress by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who unified Bhutan into a single kingdom in 1616. The fortress consists of several structures, including temples and palaces, where you can learn about its architectural style.
It is also worth visiting if you want to see historical artifacts such as weapons used during battles between different groups.
Another attraction here is the painting called “The Great Deception,” which shows how others can deceive a person through trickery such as telling lies or deceiving him with false promises.
There are many more exciting things about Tashichoedzong, but I won’t tell you about them now because I want you guys to discover them yourselves when you visit!
Jigme Dorji national park
Jigme Dorji National Park is one of the largest national parks in Bhutan. It is located in western Bhutan and covers an area of 1,288 square kilometers (498 sq mi).
This park is home to many animals, plants, and birds. The park was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1997 because it has some unique ecosystems and contains important cultural heritage sites.
Bhutan’s Department of Forestry has managed Bhutan’s Jigme Dorji National Park since its establishment in 1982. Still, now it has become part of Royal Manas National Park, which was established in 2016 as the second-largest protected area in South Asia after Northeast India’s Kaziranga National Park at 1,523 square kilometers (589 sq mi).
Trashi Yangtse
Trashi Yangtse is one of the most important towns in Bhutan. It is located in the eastern part of the country and is also known as “The Gateway to Eastern Bhutan.” This small town has a population of around 8000, and it is one of the largest towns in Bhutan, being home to about half a million people!
The Trashi Yangtse area was once part of Tibet, but it was ceded to India after British intervention in 1904. The inhabitants were relocated from Lhasa due to political unrest and warm weather conditions. They were resettled here by King Ugyen Wangchuck, who wanted them near him so that he could keep an eye on them.
Mongar
Mongar is a town in the southwest of Bhutan that is the administrative center of the Mongar district. It has a population of around 10,000 people and is located on the banks of the Mangde Chhu River.
The town serves as a major trade center for agricultural products such as rice, corn, ginger, and buckwheat. This is another tourist attraction in Bhutan.
Trashigang
Trashigang is a district in Bhutan. It is the easternmost district of Bhutan and borders India to the east, Tibet to the north, and Dagana District to the west. It has a total area of 2,193 square kilometers (846 sq mi). The town of Trashigang is its administrative center.
It is one of the most important districts in Bhutan because it contains many important landmarks such as temples, lakes, and festivals. It also has many people who live there, making it very special indeed!
Sarpang
Located in the southern part of Bhutan, Sarpang is a district that has been known for centuries as an important commercial center. It is the third-largest district in the country and covers an area of 2,641 square kilometers (1,023 square miles).
The name Sarpang translates from Dzongkha to ‘abode of wealth’, referring to its fertile agricultural lands.
The people are predominantly Buddhist, with approximately 86% following this religion. The area has seen some changes over time. However, it has retained much of its old charm throughout history, such as some traditional houses that have been preserved through generations and architectural styles like zedans (small temples).
Why Wait?
You know you are a traveler when you love to explore new places on the road. You don’t have to visit every country in the world, but it would be nice if you could check out at least 20 or 21 countries before you die.
Of course, some countries are more interesting than others. Bhutan is one of those countries that should make your bucket list because it has a lot of things to offer: natural beauty, cultural heritage, and rich history. When there are so many things to explore, why miss the opportunity?
Description: A full description of the 20 Best famous Bhutan tourist places you should visit in Bhutan if you are a nature lover or want to do Bhutan trekking.
Keywords: Bhutan tourist places, places to visit, national park, eastern Bhutan, Bhutan trekking, UNESCO world heritage site, best places to visit, natural beauty, visit in Bhutan.
Last Updated on by Laveleena Sharma
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