Places to visit in Bhutan.
The best places to visit in Bhutan are located in the small fertile valleys. Bhutan is a mountainous and landlocked country. The snow capped mountains and hills adorned with beautiful stupas surround these beautiful valleys. The colorful prayer flags fluttering the hills and mountain tops are a common sight.
As you travel to Bhutan from the west to the east, you will discover that each of these valleys has its own beauty and uniqueness. Some tourists visiting in Bhutan still choose to travel to eastern Bhutan which has its own charm. Most recommended places to visit in Bhutan are Paro, Haa, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang, Trongsa and Bumthang.
Picturesque Paro
One of the best places to visit in Bhutan is Paro. It is one of the biggest and most fertile valleys. Bhutan’s only international airport is located in this amazing valley. The iconic Tiger’s nest monastery (Taktsang) is one of the main tourist spots.
Haa – Unspoiled & unsullied
This beautiful hidden valley was closed for the tourists until 2001. Explore the beautiful Cheli la pass and discover the hidden secrets of this valley. Haa valley is certainly one of the most recommended places to visit in Bhutan.
Thimphu – The capital city
Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan since 1960, lies at an elevation of over 7600 ft. The tallest statue of sitting Buddha at Kuensel Phodrang is one of the best tourist sites in Thimphu. The annual Thimphu festival is a grand event in Bhutan.
Pictorial Punakha
Explore the majestic Punakha dzong at the confluence of two rivers. Visit the Dochu la pass (3140 m) with 108 well arranged small stupas on a hillock. You can also enjoy the breath taking views of the Himalayan ranges. Bird lovers should ...
Wangdue Phodrang
Wangdue Phodrang is the last town on the highway before entering central Bhutan. This small town is little more than an enlarged village. The dzong is the town’s most visible structure and a major tourist attraction.
Gangtey & Phobjikha
The most beautiful valley of the Himalayas, also called “Switzerland of the Himalayas”. This beautiful valley at 3000 m is one of the best places to visit in Bhutan and falls under the Black Mountain park in western Bhutan.
Tantalizing Trongsa
Trongsa is an ancestral home of the present Royal family. The first two Kings of Bhutan ruled the country from here. Trongsa dzong is the most impressive dzong in Bhutan, built in the year 1644 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa.
Bumthang
Bumthang is the cultural hub of Bhutan with ancient temples, the birth place of Bhutanese saint, Pema Lingpa. The place is also visited by Guru Rinpoche. This makes Bumthang one of the recommended places to visit in Bhutan.
Lhuentsi/Mongar/Trashigang
Discover the hidden treasures of eastern Bhutan. Explore the semi nomadic villages of Merak and Sakten where the Brokpas live. Sakten falls under pristine wildlife sanctuary and is home to Red Panda and Snow Leopard.
FAQs - Places to visit in Bhutan:
1. What are the best months to visit Bhutan?
Bhutan is a year-round destination, yet the best months to visit Bhutan are March, April, May and mid October to mid December as the weather will be good without rain and plenty of festivals around this time of the year.
2. Is it possible to visit Bhutan without a tourist guide?
No, it is mandatory to book a tour / trekking guide to visit Bhutan though you can obtain Bhutan visa online without using a Bhutanese tour operator.
3. What are the best places to visit in Bhutan if I book 6 days Bhutan trip?
The best places to visit in Bhutan for 6 days Bhutan trip itinerary are Thimphu, Paro, Punakha and Haa valley.
4. What are the most recommended places to visit in Bhutan?
If you book 6 nights/7 days Bhutan trip, then we recommend you to visit Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Gangtey/Phobjikha valley in western Bhutan. Time permitting, you may also visit the beautiful Haa valley.
If you book 8 nights/9 days or longer trip, then we highly recommend Trongsa and Bumthang valley in central Bhutan on top of the above mentioned places in Bhutan.
However, if you travel to eastern Bhutan, it has its own charm and beauty.
The villages of Merak and Sakteng in eastern Bhutan are home to the nomadic herdsmen called “Brokpas” with a unique life style, culture and dress code.
5. Which are the most recommended places to visit in Bhutan if I book 7 days honeymoon trip ?
The most recommended places to visit in Bhutan if you book 7 days honeymoon trip are Haa valley, Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang.
7. Which is the recommended place in Bhutan for 1 night stay in the monastery ?
The most recommended place for 1 night stay in monastery is Thimphu. The Dodeydrak monastery in Thimphu hosts the clients wishing to experience a monastic life in Bhutan.