Bhutan is nothing less than a paradise owing to its spectacular landscapes, magnificent views, divine monasteries, and energetic activity points. Nestled in the Himalayan Range, this country will surely uplift your spirit encouraging you to explore this mystic land. If you ever land in this beautiful and mesmerizing country, you will instantly feel an aura of tranquillity and spirituality around you.
There are many interesting places you can visit while staying in this country. Although mountains, valleys, and rivers are the main attractions here architectural work, handicrafts, sports activities, wildlife and the fascinating culture of the people living here will surely enthrall you.
Let us find out some of the top 10 places you can visit in Bhutan:
1. Taktsang Palphug Monastery, Paro
Popularly known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery, this ancient monastery built on a cliff is almost 3120 meters high from sea level. Located in a valley called Paro amongst the mountains, this place attracts a flock of tourists every year.
This mountain is located in a remote place and the only way to reach the monastery is through the paths in the mountains and pine woods. This makes the place more mystic. The gorgeous look of the monastery and the serene atmosphere will surely help you rejuvenate your mind.
What to see: Several caves and paintings which have a connection with the Buddhist guru Padmasambhava
What to do: Mountain Hiking, Trekking, Exploring the monastery, and Meditation
2. Rinpung Dzong, Paro
Rinpung Dzong is another mountain monastery located in the famous Paro valley also known as Paro Dzong. Unbelievable paintings, statues, sculptures & architectural works, panoramic views from the top of the mountain, mesmerizing green surroundings, and spiritual surroundings make your experience of visiting Bhutan a wholesome one.
What to see: Several paintings, statues, and murals, Bhutan National Museum, Paro Tshechu Festival
What to do: Exploring the monastery, Trekking, Meditation
3. Punakha Dzong, Punakha
Punakha Dzong is the symbol of excellence in Bhutanese architectural works and spectacular landscapes. Being located in the beautiful valley of Punakha this Dzong is one of the most attractive tourist spots in the country.
This six-story high fortress is located between the rivers, Pho Chhu, and Mo Chhu. So the only way you can visit this place is by crossing the bridge The Bazam. The main temple of Punakha Dzong holds the national treasures of Bhutan.
What to see: Bodhi Tree, One-hundred pillar hall, Gold statue of Buddha, the Zhabdrung, and Guru Rinpoche, Wish-fulfilling statue of Sakyamuni, the Rangjung Kharsapani, Victory Chorten, and the Nag Yul Bum Temple
What to do: Hiking, River Rafting, Meditation, and Shopping
Read also: Explore Bhutan’s Scenic Beauty in October
4. Chele La, Paro
Since Bhutan is a country filled with a mountainous landscape, you can find several motorable passes which are interconnected with the landscapes. Chele La Pass is the highest pass in the country from where splendid views of the Himalayas can be enjoyed. Gorgeous fir trees, beautiful crystal lakes, and amazing waterfalls are magnetically surrounded by mystic valleys.
What to see: Lhakhang Karpo Temple (popularly known as a White Temple), Lhakhang Nagpo (popularly known as a black temple), Haa Summer Festival, Haa Valley,
What to do: Trekking, Hiking, Bird watching, Mountain Biking, Picnic
5. Buddha Dordenma Statue, Thimphu
Buddha Dordenma Statue is one of the famous spots in the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu. The spectacular gigantic golden statue of Buddha which is made of bronze and gilded in gold has 125, 000 smaller statues of Buddha inside it.
This statue which was built in 2015 at a cost of almost $100 million instantly gives you a feeling of extreme joy and serenity. You can even explore Thimphu Valley while visiting the statue.
What to see: Giant Buddha Statue, Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, Buddha Point, Ruins of palace Sherab Wangchuck
What to do: Mountain Biking, Hiking,
6. National Museum, Paro
The National Museum of Bhutan is located in Ta Dzong in Paro Valley. This unusual-looking building holds various artifacts, manuscripts, arms, paintings, and many more historical collections which reflect the cultural heritage of the country.
There are various galleries in this museum. One of the most talked-about items in this museum is a mule’s egg which has stirred many doubts in the past and still does the same about the truth of a mule laying an egg.
What to see: Arms and Armor Gallery, Thangka Gallery, Water Clock, Tribal/Nomads of Merag Sakteng Gallery, Panoramic view of Paro Valley,
What to do: Exploring the museum, Hiking
7. Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu
Tashichho Dzong is located by the river Wangchhu in Thimphu Valley. This stunning fortress is not only a monastery but also the permanent office of the Druk Desi. The beautiful gardens, the fine architecture of the building, amazing paintings and sculptures, and the mystic look of the fortress at night are some of the features which delight the visitors.
What to see: Rose garden, Thimphu Tsechu festival, Statue of Shakyamuni, Paintings, and architecture of Tashichho Dzong, Monastery lifestyle,
What to do: Exploring the monastery
8. Motithang Takin Preserve, Thimphu
This wildlife reserve is home to the national animal of Bhutan, the takin. With the face of a cow and the body of a goat, this unique animal is believed to have been created by a Buddhist monk Drupa Kunley. Motithang Takin Preserve first started as a zoo for the taking but the fourth king of Bhutan decided to release them into the forests.
But these animals were so domestic that they were found roaming the streets of Thimphu searching for food. Then this wildlife reserve was set up to preserve these animals.
What to see: Takins, Sambar, the Barking Deer,
What to do: Take a walk around the lovely surroundings of the zoo, Hiking,
9. Punakha Suspension Bridge, Punakha
Punakha Suspension Bridge over the river Po Chu is the world’s second-longest suspension bridge. It acts as a connector between the small villages of Shengana, Wankha, and Samdingkha on one side to the Dzong on the other side.
If you are an adventurous person who is ready to try a walk on a hanging bridge over a flowing river which can be easily swayed by a gush of wind, then this place is surely for you. This bridge gives a splendid view of the mystic valley.
What to see: Panoramic view of the valley and river, Punakha Dzong, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Chimi Lhakhang Temple
What to do: Sightseeing, Taking a walk on the hanging bridge, shopping in nearby villages, Trekking, Hiking
10. Dochula Pass, Thimphu
This jaw-dropping mountain pass was built amidst the green vista to honor the 108 Bhutanese soldiers who lost their lives in 2003 in a military operation.
This place is one of the most visited places in Bhutan owing to its spectacular panoramic views of the Himalayas and a few more mountain peaks. The snowfall in winter also attracts many visitors to this place.
What to see: Druk Wangyal Chortens, Druk Wangyal Lhakhang Festival, Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple
What to do: Mountain Biking, Trekking, Hiking, Picnic
11. Haa Valley, Haa
Haa Valley is one of the most popular valleys in Bhutan with a connection with the Queen Grandmother of the Dorji family. This gorgeous valley looks attractive due to its marvelous green landscapes and heavenly mountains.
This valley opens the doors to the mysterious culture and lifestyle of some nomadic herdsmen. This valley gives you several options to enjoy your stay here as it holds various places of various types to suit your mood and purpose.
What to see: The Haa Wangchuklo Dzong, Katsho Goempa, Haa Goempa, Folk culture, Hang Chu River, Haa Dratshang
What to do: Sightseeing, Hiking, Trekking, Walking along the Hang Chu River
12. Chomolhari, Thimphu
Bhutan is a country for lovers of Trekking and hiking. The country offers several altitude treks throughout the country to help the tourists get the best out of their stay in the country. Cholmohori Trek is one of the most visited treks in the country. The amazing lush green vista and breathtaking mountains hypnotize your eyes while trekking.
What to see: Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Thangbue Valley, Tso Phu Lakes, Sey Dzong
What to do: Hiking, Trekking
13. Zuri Dzong Fort, Paro
This fort is famous owing to the belief that Lord Buddha had meditated on this site. This impressive five-story building surrounded by double walls with a strong historical background and a cultural heritage offers some spectacular views of the entire valley. This is one of the most popular tourist spots in Bhutan for trekking.
What to see: Splendid views of Paro Valley, Architectural works of Zuri Dzong, Zuri Dzong chapels
What to do: Trekking, Hiking
14. Norzin Lam Street, Thimphu
We all love to indulge ourselves in a little bit of shopping. In a country like Bhutan, you can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, wooden items, carpets, etc. to cherish the memories of the Bhutanese culture when you go back to your homeland.
Norzin Lam Street in the capital city of the country is the perfect place for shopping for all sorts of items which have been patiently manufactured by the local people. Jewelry made of stone, silver, bronze, wooden items, textiles, Buddhist sculptures and paintings, and many more traditional items can be found in the craft stalls in this popular area.
What to see: Craft shops, Handicrafts, Bhutanese textiles, Bhutanese Jewellery, Buddhist paintings
What to do: Shopping to your heart’s content
15. National Folk Heritage Museum, Thimphu
National Folk Heritage Museum which is located in Thimphu signifies the appealing Bhutanese Folk culture and heritage. This unique museum showcases things like granaries used by the Bhutanese to store food, wooden and bamboo utensils, bamboo mats, arms, and many more items which have been used in the past 150 years.
What to see: Hot stone bath, musical instruments, kitchen garden, Markhu Tsene (oil extraction), Tham Dhungi (pounding and roasting rice), water mill with millstones, Bhutanese cuisine
What to do: Exploring the museum to get a taste of Bhutanese culture, Dining at the Folk Heritage Museum compound to taste the delicious Bhutanese cuisine
16. Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten), Thimphu
Thimphu Chorten was established in the capital city to honour the third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. The architectural brilliance and artistic aura of this monument leave you spellbound. Being considered to be a very holy place by the localities you will find many people lighting Diyas and meditating at this place. The divine aura of this place will surely captivate your mind in no time.
What to see: Architectural works of the monument, Monlam Prayer Festival, Statues of Buddha, Giant prayer wheels
What to do: Exploring the monument, Enjoy the view of amazing landscapes
17. Drukgyel Dzong, Paro
Drukgyel Dzong was a fortress built in 1949 to honour the historic victory over the Tibetans. This building was damaged due to a fire in 1951 but the ruins of this fortress still attract visitors here due to its profound historical background. The renovation work of this site started in 2016 and is expected to continue until 2022.
What to see: The ruins of a famous historical place
What to do: Explore the fortress, take pictures
18. Tango Buddhist Institute, Thimphu
Tango Buddhist Institute is one of the most sacred monasteries in the country. This remarkable institute with its awesome architecture and divine surroundings is the residence of several monks.
The temples and their deities inside the institute reflect some great architectural works. You can enlighten yourself in this place by taking a course on Buddhism or spirituality.
What to see: Temples, Lifestyle of monks, Langurs, Mountain goats
What to do: Hiking, Learning meditation or spirituality, Cycling,
19. Limbukha, Punakha
Limbukha, a small village located in Dolchua Hill in the valley of Punakha is known for its scenic beauty. The blissful aura of this place immediately uplifts your spirit and puts you in a state of tranquillity.
The people of Limbukha called Limpus are known as Peace Negotiators because, in the medieval period, the people of this place urged everyone to maintain peace. During the most popular festival of this place, Serda, the people carry peace flags to celebrate the festival.
What to see: Serda, Magnificent views of nature, Handicrafts
What to do: Trekking, Getting a glimpse of Limpus culture, Shopping
20. Chimi L’hakhang Temple
Chimi Lhakhang a Buddhist monastery is popularly known as the Fertility Temple owing to the belief of the people of the country that whoever wishes to conceive can visit the place to get divine blessings.
The couple visits the temple even to name their child a lama. The unique traditional practices, unusual paintings, carvings of phalluses, and the striking interior of the temple attract many tourists to this place.
What to see: Gigantic prayer wheels, Statue of Guru Padmasambhava, Amazing view of the landscapes
What to do: Hiking, Exploring the monastery
Bhutan is a country full of surprises. It enthralls you with its picturesque landscapes in one hand and tickles your adventurous side by offering you several treks. The heavenly views of mountains, valleys, waterfalls, rivers, and woodland are bound to mesmerize you.
The more you get into its enticing culture, handicrafts, cuisine, and lovely inhabitants the more you will crave it. Altogether it will undoubtedly make your days living in this magical country worthwhile.
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