Best Places to visit in Bhutan:
Bhutan Travel and Tourism Update, 2022: Bhutan finally reopened its border for international travelers on September 23rd, 2022 after two years of the pandemic. The country introduced new tourism policies to reinforce tourism with betterment. Most importantly, there are no Covid-19 rules to enter. So, if you were waiting for your dream trip to Bhutan for the past two years, it’s finally time to revise the plan. Read this blog to know all details of places to visit, things to do and the rules you need to know before planning a Bhutan trip.
Bhutan is the last Himalayan kingdom, shrouded in amazing snow Peak Mountains and shadowy forests that create picturesque landscape. But that’s not all; the unique and best thing about Bhutan is that it is the only country that is 72% covered in forests making it not only carbon-neutral but the world’s only carbon negative country. Apart from this, Bhutan is a place where traditional Buddhist culture meets majestic fortress like dzongs and monasteries, it is undoubtedly a magical and mystical place to be. Its unique monastic architecture and the graffiti on the walls that bear paintings of penises as a sign to drive away the evil make Bhutan a sui generis destination. Reputed to be the last Shangri La, this one of its kind country is certainly the best place to visit for family vacation, honeymoon tours and even for adventure holidays. And to be a part of this enthralling place you can have your own share of Bhutan experience through this guided list of the top tourist attractions that you must see and do.
Best Places to visit in Bhutan are:
1. Paro
#1 of 10:Paro Taktsang
Its peaceful serene beauty and clean air, surrounded by unlevelled mountains, lush green fields and historical buildings make Paro the foremost popular destination in Bhutan. It is here in the city, where the only international airport can be found. Thus, Paro receives maximum number of tourists year round. There are frequent visits to the attractive dzongs such as Paro and Zuri; monasteries and palaces like Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), Pelri Goemba, Ugyen Pelri Palace.
Other best tourism places include temples, monuments and museums such as Bondey Lhakhang, Khangkhu Lhakhang, Tago Lhakhang, Druk Choeding and National Museum. Paro is a historic town with peaceful atmosphere and it is best explored on foot. It is worth a stroll witnessing the everyday life of the locals which ultimately makes it a must visit place in Bhutan.
2. Punakha
#2 of 10:Punakha Dzong
Another breathtaking destination in Bhutan is Punakha and this place is widely visited by adventure seekers. ‘The best place to be’ for those who enjoy the adrenaline rush of river rafting in the two rivers/chhus – Mo and Pho. However, Punakha is widely famous for the 17th-century fortress Punakha Dzong which sits majestically besides the Pho and Mo Chhu. This Himalayan town hosts masked dances and traditional music during Punakha Tshechu– a religious festival of Bhutan.
The feeling the place offers is surreal, and thus many people visit here mostly to understand the Bhutanese culture and history as well as to relish its divine natural beauty. Surrounding the town in the Punakha Valley, it has some must visit attractions like Chimi Lhakhang and Namgyal Chorten. From these points, one can get a grand view of rivers and mountains. Punakha Dzong and Limbhukha are also best places to see while in Punakha.
3. Trongsa
#3 of 10:Trongsa Dzong
Trongsa sits in the central Bhutan and its lush flora creates a beautiful place to surround your senses and simply meditate. This must see place in Bhutan is conveniently placed in the centre with a strategic junction connecting roads to Bumthang, Gelephu and Punakha. A noteworthy attraction in Trongsa is the Trongsa Dzong. This is one of the best Buddhist monasteries beautifully topped with red roofs and white wash walls set down above a valley.
Trongsa is a sleepy little town and apart from sightseeing the only thing one can do to pass the time is to take a stroll along the shops that are beautifully decorated with pot plants and crowded by gleeful locals.
4. Jakar
#4 of 10:Jakar Dzong
Nearing the foothills of Choekhor Valley lays Jakar, locally known as Chamkhar. This region is mainly known for its trading centre and the famous attraction in this place is the Jakar Dzong. Peacefully sited above the town in the Chamkhar Valley of Bumthang, this popular dzong is most probably the largest all over Bhutan. Jakar most likely may take several days for a complete tour of the surrounding valleys.
Here, apart from the Jakar Dzong, other interesting and widely visited attractions are Wangdicholing Palace which was built in 1857, Bumthang Brewery, Lhodrak Kharchu Goemba founded in the year 1970s by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche; Cheese Factory which is the only commercial cheese factory in Bhutan and the 14th-century Jakar Lhakhang. The domestic airport in Jakar is Bathpalathang Airport which is located on the east bank of the Chamkhar Chhu.
5. Phobjikha
#5 of 10:Phobjikha
Phobjikha is an enormous U-shaped glacial valley bordering the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. This ever enchanting land is where the beautiful black-necked cranes are found during winters. Not just that, as picturesque and quiet this place may be Phobjikha witnesses thrilling festivals as well. Held every year in the confines of the Phobjikha Valley, Tsechu Festival and the Crane Festival that welcomes the black-neck cranes are vigorously celebrated in the Gangteng Monastery courtyard.
However, this abode on the western slopes of the Black Mountains offers spellbinding views of beautiful valleys, marshy land and grassy pastures. In addition to the cranes, since Phobjikha is close to Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, you can sight muntjacs (barking deer), wild boars, sambars, serows, Himalayan black bears, leopards and red foxes in the surrounding hills. Apart from the wildlife in Bhutan, other attractions in Phobjikha are Gangte Goemba, Nyelung Dechenling, Khewang Lhakhang, Kumbu Lhakhang, Damchen Lhakhang, White Chorten and Wangmo Hand-Woven Carpet Factory.
6. Wangdue Phodrang
#6 of 10:Wangdue Phodrang
Yet another place to visit in Bhutan is Wangdue Phodrang, it is a beautiful and calm town. This place is located in Central Bhutan located and is a border town near Punakha. Wangdue Phodrang is widely famous for its bamboo products, slate and stone carvings. Another noteworthy attraction here is the Wangdue Phodrang dzong which is opened for visitors only during Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu celebration held during autumn.
With the confluence of Punakha Chhu and Tang Chhu, Wangdue Phodrang provides rich pastureland for cattle and offers attractive scenery. While here, the tourist interest places that are widely visited are Radak Neykhang, Archery Ground, Vegetable Market, Army Training Centre, Dzong Gate and Eight Chortens.
7. Jigme Dorji National Park
#7 of 10:Jigme Dorji National Park
Jigme Dorji is a National Park located in Bhutan and is one of the top travel destinations in Asia for wildlife. This park is the second largest national park covering the districts such as Gasa District, Thimphu District, Paro District, Punakha, and Wangdue Phodrang Districts. Why Jigme Dorji National Park is famous because, it has the best of both worlds, including wildlife, there are cultural sites within the park as well. In fact, the park consists of about 6,500 people living within the park taking care of the agriculture and animal husbandry; it has been listed as a tentative site by the UNESCO. However, aforementioned national park is home to various flora and fauna.
Here, there are about 37 known species of mammals as well as endangered species such as clouded leopard, snow leopard, takin, Bengal tiger, Himalayan blue sheep, Himalayan black bear, black musk deer, red panda and Ussuri dhole. Nonetheless, this national park is also home to the sambar, serow, barking deer, marmot, goral, pika and more than 300 species of birds. Jigme Dorji National Park is the only park that has national animal – Takin, National Flower – Blue Poppy, National Bird – Raven and National Tree – Cypress existing together in the same premises. These features make the park one of the best places to visit in Bhutan.
8.Mount Chomolhari/Jomolhari
Around 50 kilometres away from Paro Airport, situated at 2,700 metres above sea level, Chomolhari or Jomolhari Mountain is one of the amazing places to visit in Bhutan. Spread along the border between Tibet, China and Bhutan, the mountain is often referred to as the ‘the bride of Kanchenjunga’ because of its proximity to the Kanchenjunga. Considered a sacred place among Tibetan Buddhists, Jomolhari is believed to be the residence of Goddess Jomo, who is the protector of Tibet and Bhutan.
The breathtaking views of this Himalayan Mountain attract throngs of trekkers and thrill seekers from all across the globe every year from March to June. While trekking through the stunning nature trails at the foothills of Jomolhari, you will also visit Jomolhari Temple, elevated at 4,150 metres. It is a popular place to stay among pilgrims. There is also a place called Tseringma Lhatso, within an hour’s walk from the temple. It is referred to as the ‘spirit lake’ of Tsheringma by the pilgrims.
9. Phuentsholing
Phuentsholing or spelled as Phuntsholing, is the entry point of Bhutan for Indian travellers who enter the Happy Kingdom by road. It adjoins Jaigaon, the Indian town and the Kingdom of Bhutan. Also treated as the main business centre for Indians and Bhutanese, Phuentsholing is the second largest town in the country. Similar to all tourist places in Bhutan, it also showcases a pleasant, clean and safe environment to the tourists.
However, unlike other places in Bhutan, where you cannot go without a permit, Phuentsholing is the only place for Indians where they do not need any travel permit. The place has no Dzong, but needless to say, numerous tourist attractions make Phuentsholing one of the charming places in Bhutan. Places like Amo Chuu, Bhutan Gate, Karbandi Monastery and Zangthopelri Lhakhang are some of the popular attractions to visit for tourists.
10. Bumthang
#10 of 10: Bumthang
In the Bhutanese language, Bumthang, the word means ‘beautiful fields’ and it truly means what says. Bumthang is a place where you can spend days in the lap of nature, breathe the fresh mountain air and visit awesome places. Named from Jambay Lhakhang, Bumthang is referred to as the spiritual heartland of the country. Fringed by several ancient monasteries and Buddhist temples, the place attracts flocks of history lovers and travellers who have a keen interest in spirituality and religion.
Bumthang comprises four picturesque valleys, Ura, Chumey, Tang and Choekhor. The valleys are flanked by glaciers, which are now transformed into green cascading fields of rice, potato and buckwheat. Bumthang is often called the ‘Switzerland of the East,’ because of its Switzerland-like landscapes of broad valleys, snow-clad mountains with streams falling down and the easy-paced lifestyle of people living here. If you are in Bumthang, do not forget to visit Kurjey and Tamshing Lhakhang, two of the main attractions here.
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