Must see places in Bhutan
Embark on Bhutan Tour and capture the amazing beauty of Bhutan. Bhutan – the last true Illusion of Shangri-La is known for its beautiful landscape and Buddhist monasteries. Bhutan is certainly a place where the spectacular mountains help you breathe a fresh air of life within you. In fact, Bhutan is considered the best getaway for families, friends, romantic travelers, adventure lovers and nature lovers.
Enroll on a tour with Nepal Tour Guide Team and explore how The Land of Thundering Dragon has been a mountaineer’s paradise for many years. Besides, you will be thrilled by the Bhutanese hospitality and their delicious cuisines. Furthermore, the famous places such as Thimphu, Paro, Phuentsholing, Bumthang, Mongar, Lhuntse, Phobjikha, Gangtey, Haa, and Punakha are known for gorgeous natural beauty, monasteries, nunneries and great mountain valleys. Here are presented the 10 must see places in Bhutan.
Taktsang Monastery
Taktsang Monastery also recognized as Tiger’s Nest in Paro is one of the holiest places in Bhutan. The monastery is mounted on a high granite cliff and was established for meditation. The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800m, and overlooks the Paro valley and the river. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava known as the second Buddha in Bhutan, meditated at the spot where the monastery is situated having alighted there on the back of a flying tigress. It is also an ideal place for a short trek. Since, make a Bhutan Short Tour and capture the essence of Paro, Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Tashichho Dzong, Thimpu
Thimphu, one of the culturally must see places in Bhutan, is charming capital city nestled in the Himalayas with the beautiful sights of the Chuu River flowing through it. Interestingly, it is the only city in the world with no traffic lights. Thimphu has retained its culture and old world charm as modern development is closely monitored and new buildings can be built only in Bhutanese style and up to a certain height. Go for Bhutan the Last Shangrila Tour and explore the top landmarks of Bhutanese capital. Basically, Tashichho Dzong, National Memorial Chorten and Motithang Takin Preserve are the top attractions of Thimphu for visitors.
National Museum, Paro
Paro, the foremost must see place in Bhutan, is a gorgeous beautiful valley, surrounded by lush green rice fields. Paro is a historic town with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered through the area. Along with Jakar and Punakha, Paro forms the ‘golden triangle’ of popular tourist destinations in Bhutan. Likewise, craggy mountain hills and undisturbed serene beauty, the clean air and peaceful atmosphere make it a must visit place in Bhutan. In Paro, Rinpung Dzong mostly attracts the visitor. Rinpung Dzong is one of the finest examples of a Bhutanese monastery. The Dzong hosts the Paro Tsechu i.e festival of masks. Beyond this, National Museum of Paro holds the visitors in Paro. The museum exhibits rich stamp collections, slate carvings, Thangka paintings, prehistoric items, jewellery, traditional weapons and other articles reflecting Bhutanese culture.
Phuentsholing
Phuentsholing, another must visit place in Bhutan, is a small town with clean environment. The chief tourist attractions of Phuentsholing are Amo Chuu, the Crocodile Breeding Center, Chukha Hydrothermal Project, the gate at the border (called Bhutan Gate) and Karbandi Monastery. The natural beauty of Phuentsholing forcefully captivates you. It is perfect place to visit for those people who love nature and want to remain in solitude.
Jampa Lhakhang
Bumthang Valley, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, is full of most ancient and precious Buddhist sites. Located at an altitude of 2,600 meters, the religious hub of Bhutan houses some of the oldest Buddhist temples. Besides, Jakar is the main town in Bumthang Valley and its undulating terrain, which is filled with apple trees and numerous temples, is a tourist’s delight.
Wangduephodrang
Wangduephodrang, another popular place in Bhutan, is the last town on the central highway before central Bhutan. Located in the south of Punakha, the higher reaches of the Wangduephodrang valley provide rich pastureland for cattle. This district is also famous for its fine bamboo products, slate and stone carvings. Wangduephodrang Dzong, sitting on top of the hill at the confluence of Punakha Chhu and Tang Chhu rivers, is the attractive landmark of Wangduephodrang. The Dzong is open for visitors during Wangduephodrang Tsechu celebration in autumn.
Mongar and Lhuntse
Mongar and Lhuntse, as other must see sites these two places are also mostly preferred places in Bhutan by travelers. Mongar lies in the eastern Bhutan. The journey from Bumthang to Mongar is one of the most beautiful in the Himalayas, crossing 3800m high Thrumshing La. Mongar is located on the hill top. Mongar Dzong is the newest of Dzongs in Bhutan built in 1930s. This Dzong was built to replace the Zongkar Dzong which has remained in ruins. Mongar Dzong is built in keeping with the tradition of Bhutan where no drawings or nails were used. Likewise, Lhuntse at the elevation of 1460 m is a very rural and isolated district in Bhutan. The kurtoe region of Lhuntse is the ancestral home of the Royal Family.
Gangtey Monastery
Phobjikha and Gangtey Valley, both the places are also must see locations in Bhutan. The Gangtey and Phobjikha are glacial valleys with a stream flowing through their open grasslands presenting one of the most beautiful landscapes in Bhutan. It is home to endangered black necked crane. The famous Black mountain national park, home to diverse specie of flora and fauna is also nearby. It is around 6 hours drive from Thimpu. The drive among Dochula Chortens and Rhodos is mind-blowing. The entire region is sometimes called Gangtey. Gangtey Monastery and Jigme Singye National Park are famous among visitors in the region.
Haa Valley
Haa Valley, a relatively new but must see destination in Bhutan, is popular for virgin beauty of nature. Along with scenic sights, you will also find some temples and fortresses around this valley. Lhakhang Karpo and Nagpo-the famous White and Black temples, Shekhar Drak-an unique temple, Tagchu Goemba-a100 year old temple and Dobji Dzong- a five storeyed fortress on a hilltop are the things that engage you in the valley.
Punakha Dzong
Punakha, the breathtaking destination in Bhutan, has been inextricably linked to some of the most momentous events in the Bhutanese history and deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful and significant regions at the heart of Bhutanese culture. This district, leveling from 1300m at the valley floor rises to almost 3000m around Dochhula pass, served as the capital of Bhutan from 1637 till 1907. People visit this place mostly to understand the Bhutanese history and to enjoy its natural beauty. Punakha Dzong, Chhimi Lhakhang and Limbhukha are the things you love to see in this beautiful area.