Places to visit in Bhutan
Bhutan is a wonderful place to visit with its scenic beauty that leaves the
visitors spellbound. In addition, there is much more to see and do. Divided
into 20 districts with limited access to several of them, Bhutan has some of
its districts open for the tourists. These districts through which our tours
and treks operate are Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Wangduephodrang in western
Bhutan; Trongsa and Bumthang in central Bhutan; and Mongar, Lhuntse,
Trashigang, and Tashiyangtse in eastern Bhutan.
Paro
Paro Valley is the very first destination if you are flying into Bhutan,
and has the country's only airport. The enthralling experience of landing
between the mountains is something which is unique and unforgettable! You
will surely enjoy every second of this landing.
Paro Dzong (fort) built in 1646 is one of the main attractions in Paro.
Like other dzongs, Paro Dzong also has government offices and religious
institutions. After crossing a traditional wooden bridge you will reach the
dzong. The National Museum, which used to be a watchtower (ta dzong) for the
dzong, on the hill above the dzong houses a collection of costumes, art,
religious paintings, relics, national stamps, and handicrafts.
Kyichu Monastery, built in the 7th century, is the oldest monastery in the
country and is near to the town center. Another monastery which is not far
and is the most famous is Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery. According to a
tale, Guru Rinpoche flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in
Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The
monastery is located 900 m above Paro Valley, on the edge of a steep cliff.
It will take a nice half-day excursion to reach the monastery.
There are some other attractions like Drugyel Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort)
and Mount Jumolhari. Drugyel Dzong was built in 1646 as a memorial of
Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invaders. From the village below the dzong you
can see Bhutan's second-highest mountain, Mount Jumolhari standing 7,329 m
tall.
You can also shop from the assorted shops and handicraft stores in Paro.
Thimphu
Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan houses about 60,000 people, and is the most
populated district in the country. There is so much to see in Thimphu that
you will surely spend several days here. Proximity of many of the sights
makes it possible and easier to travel in the town on foot. This way of
traveling will provide you a chance of observing the culture and the way of
life in Bhutan. The town has no traffic lights, and you will observe this
while strolling through the streets.
There are two very interesting museums in Thimphu, the Textile Museum and
the Folk Heritage Museum. Both the museums are dedicated to the traditions
and lifestyle of Bhutanese. While the Textile Museum beautifully displays
the garments worn by Bhutanese from the 1600s upto the present, the Folk
Heritage Museum tells you about the daily life of the rural folk and lets
you explore a traditional Bhutanese home.
The weekend market is a fun to wander and is one of the major attractions
of Thimphu. Apart from the variety of cuisines of the country, you will also
find stalls of handicraft and household items.
Some of the other attractions of Thimphu Valley are temples, monasteries,
dzongs, archery fields, a zoo, handicraft shops, restaurants, the National
Library, the School of Arts and Crafts, a traditional paper factory, a radio
tower (offering a picturesque view of the valley), and the National
Institute of Traditional Medicine.
Punakha
The
former capital of Bhutan, Punakha is a three-hour winding mountain drive
from Thimphu. It is famous for the Punakha Dzong, which was built in 1637 by
the first Shabdrung. The dzong is among the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan,
and is the winter residence of the chief abbot and monks. The chief abbot
and monks migrate there from Thimphu every winter.
On the way to Punakha, you will pass through the Dochu La (pass) that
offers a splendid view of the Great Himalayas on a clear day. You can also
stop in Metshina to visit Chimi Lakhang, a 20-minute hike through the rice
fields. Chimi Lakhang is a fertility temple where you may wish and receive a
special blessing.
Wangduephodrang
In the series of districts open for tourists in western Bhutan,
Wangduephodrang is the last one before you enter into central Bhutan through
a long stretch of highway. It is a small and clean town famous for its slate
and stone carvings, and bamboo work. The Wangduephodrang Dzong, which had a
political significance in the 17th century, is situated on the hill. Central
Bhutan is a two-hour drive from Wangduephodrang. On your way, you can visit
Gantey Gompa, a beautifully located monastery, and Phobjika Valley where the
black-necked cranes migrate from Tibet every year in late autumn.
Trongsa
A four-hour drive from Wangduephodrang is Trongsa in the middle of Bhutan.
Trongsa was the center of power as both the first and second kings ruled the
country from here. It is also the ancestral home of the royal family. In
addition to the spectacular scenery, the most striking feature of Trongsa is
the most impressive dzong in Bhutan, Trongsa Dzong. The dzong is a
multileveled building that contains numerous corridors and temples. Due to
its expanse, the dzong can be seen from a great distance. The watchtower
crowns the dzong, and houses two interesting chapels.
Trongsa is also famous for its handmade bamboo baskets, wooden bowls, and
bamboo hats, which are worn by farmers.
Bumthang
Bumthang
is about two and half hours drive from Trongsa, and is the perfect place for
day hikes with its picturesque valleys and hilly forests. You have to pass
through the 3,500 m Yutong La (pass) during the journey. Depending upon the
season, you may also see some yaks grazing here. Bumthang region is full of
temples and monasteries, some of which are the oldest in Bhutan. Some are
accessible by car while others need a short walk. Some famous temples and
monasteries of the region are Tharpaling Monastery, Thangbi Monastery,
Kurjey Lhakhang (temple), and Jambey Lhakhang, which is the oldest in the
region and was built in the 7th century. You will surely cherish the
nature's beauty and peacefulness.
Other worth seeing places in Bumthang are the Jakar Dzong, the largest
dzong in Bhutan; the Udee woodcarving factory in Jakar; Mebar Tsho (Burning
Lake), a nice place to meditate, where some treasures of Guru Rinpoche were
found in the 15th century by the famous treasure discover Pema Lingpa; and
Tamshing Lhakhang that houses relgious Buddhist paintings.
Some best buys at Bumthang are woven textiles (yethra) with patterns unique
to Bumthang and hard yak cheese (chugo). You can also buy Swiss cheese from
the Yoezer Lhamo shop. Bumthang is also famous for its Red Panda beer.
Eastern Bhutan
Eastern Bhutan is completely a different land in terms of lifestyle and
development. If you are interested in seeing countryside, then eastern
Bhutan has something spectacular and unique for you. The steepness of the
region lends itself to some splendid views with rushing waterfalls. The
towns tend to be built on the hillsides instead of in the valleys. The
dominant language of the region is Sharchop instead of Dzongkha, which is
spoken in rest of Bhutan. Each district of eastern Bhutan has an annual
festival.
Mongar
Mongar is an exciting eight hours drive from Bumthang. You will pass through
the Thrumshing La (pass) that peaks at 3,750 m. Main attraction in Mongar is
the Mongar Dzong, which was built at the request of the third king in 1953
and is more modern than most dzongs in Bhutan (architecturally it looks the
same).
Lhuntse
Lhuntse lies in the north of Mongar, and it takes about three hours drive
to reach there from Mongar. It is an isolated region and is mostly rural.
The terrain comprises stark cliffs, gorges, and thick forests. Worth seeing
is the Lhuntse Dzong that overlooks the Kuri Chu Valley. Lhuntse is famous
for its weaving, brocade, and basket-making.
Trashigang
The largest town of eastern Bhutan, Trashigang is located on the eastern
side of Mongar and is about three hours drive from the latter. Major
attractions in and around Trashigang include temples, monasteries, a
weaving center, a school for the blind, and Sherubtse College, which was the
first college in Bhutan. You will surely want to visit the Trashigang Dzong.
You can also have a taste of Bhutanese cuisine at several local restaurants.
Chazham (iron bridge), a 73m long suspension bridge, is an interesting
sight in the region. Initially there was a chain-link bridge here that was
built by Thangtong Gyalpo, a Tibetan bridge builder, in the 15th century.
The remains can still be seen here, and the chain is on display in the
Trashigang Dzong.
The temple Gom Kora is just a few kilometers away from Trashigang. There is
a large black rock behind the temple, and it is said that Guru Rinpoche
meditated here. There are some impressions on the rock which are said to be
the impressions of his thumb, his hat, and his body. About two kilometers
from Gom Kora is an abandoned iron chain-link bridge behind Duksum village,
which is the last remaining bridge of those built by Thangtong Gyalpo.
Tashiyangtse
Tashiyangtse is a small, beautiful, quiet town. It takes a day from
Trashigang to reach there, and the journey is full of excitement.
Tashiyangtse is famous for wooden bowls and containers, which are said to
be the best in Bhutan.
Just below the town is the Chorten Kora, which is famous for an annual
festival of two days. On the first day of the festival, people from
Arunachal Pradesh in India come here to honor one of their local deities.
The second day is for Bhutanese, and people from all parts of eastern Bhutan
participate in it.
Bomdeling is a village famous for the black-necked cranes that migrate from
Tibet. It is an hour's walk from Chorten Kora.
Bhutan
Tour Itineraries
