Places to visit in Bhutan

Bhutan, the last Himalayan Kingdom, is a place where joy permeates every area. This beautiful region of heaven, which borders China and India, is encircled by the mysterious Himalayas and surrounded by stunning plains and enchanted sub-alpine mountains. In Bhutan, there are many beautiful spots to visit among all these magnificent natural wonders. Bhutan, with its 47,000 square kilometre size, provides something for everyone. 

Bhutan has some of the most romantic tourist destinations if you’re hoping to visit Bhutan with your partner. The massive Himalayas (7,000m) and its untamed terrains will undoubtedly provide an adrenaline rush for adventure junkies! The stunning locations in Bhutan will always be justifiable for those who appreciate nature. 

You can travel to Bhutan,

By Air: You can fly to the Paro International Airport in Paro. It is Bhutan’s primary airport, and from there you may easily travel by car to other locations.

By Road: Three Indian border crossing stations must be passed through in order to travel by car to Bhutan. They are Samdrup Jongkhar, Gelephu, and the Jaigaon-Phuentsholing Border.

By Train: There is no train service in Bhutan.

11 best places to visit in Bhutan for a trip to remember

Here is a list of Bhutan’s most stunning tourist attractions in case you are considering visiting this happy kingdom.

• Thimphu – The Royal Capital

Unquestionably, the first destination to see in Bhutan is Thimphu (formerly known as Thimbu), the nation’s capital. This city, located in the western-central part of the nation on the banks of the raging Raidak River, is surrounded by picturesque landscapes and high peaks that rise to altitudes of 2,000 to 3,800 metres. Thimphu is a city that brilliantly displays the native customs and traditions of Bhutan and takes pride in being the hub of the country’s commerce. 

This stunning city, which serves as the official house of Bhutan’s royal family, offers a wealth of luxurious lodging options as well as several tourist destinations and contemporary amenities. Thimphu has a very hilly terrain which doesn’t allow the city to have an airport. The closest airport is the Paro International airport.

• Paro Valley

Paro Valley, a city rich in wonderful history and home to various spiritual places, is sometimes referred to as the “Last Shangri-La” on earth! This district is one of the best places in Bhutan to visit because it combines natural beauty, rich cultures, a semi-modern way of life, and vibrant traditions. 

Paro, which is the location of the renowned Taktsang Monastery, also known as the “Tiger’s Nest,” is renowned for its immaculate beauty, from the point where the Paro Chuu and Wang Chuu rivers converge to the majestic Mt. Jomolhari. It should be noted that this region is renowned for its “red rice” production and unique terraced farming.

Timings: 09.00 AM – 04.00 PM

• Punakha Dzong

The Punakha Valley, previously the capital of Bhutan, is one of the most beautiful destinations to visit all year round in that country. Punakha Dzong, also known as The Palace of Great Happiness or Bliss, is located in this Himalayan wonder at a height of 1,200 metres and is the most tranquil tourist destination in the entire nation. 

The Punakha Valley, nestled between the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, is conveniently accessible from all parts of the nation and is about 3.5 hour’s drive from Thimphu. This valley is a must-visit location in Bhutan because of the pleasant environment, abundant beauty, friendly population, and varied Buddhist culture and customs. 

The only convenient flight option in Bhutan is Paro International Airport from where Thimphu is 47.2 kilometres away and takes 1 hour 15 minutes to reach Punakha Dzong.

• Trongsa

The village of Trongsa, which is perched on a high hilltop, is renowned for its picturesque beauty and expansive vistas. This picturesque location in Bhutan is often known as the “Balcony of Bhutan” because of its morphology. This town’s rich history, classic whitewashed architecture, and the vibrant flora that lines its border all serve to magnify its alluring beauty. 

Many tourists visit this location to take in the panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and the enchanted mountain vistas. The Trongsa Dzong, which resembles a flying dragon, among other things, is one of the town’s many attractions. The dzong is said to have been erected in 1648, only to note that! Bhutan’s primary airport, Paro International Airport, is the closest airport to Trongsa. The airport is around 230 kilometres away from Trongsa.

• Bumthang or Jakar Valley 

Bumthang, also known as the Jakar Valley, is often referred to as “Little Switzerland” because of its abundance of beauty and evergreen mountain ranges. Although you won’t find the picturesque Swiss Alps here, you may enjoy the delectable “Swiss Cheese” while exploring the lovely Jakar Valley, which is how it acquired its name. 

With its abundant beauty and natural wonders, Bumthang, which lies in the country’s middle east, may easily surpass any other tourist destination in Bhutan. Jakar is well-known among thrill-seekers for its rocky landscapes and difficult trails. You would enjoy every inch of this valley, whether you were inside or outside. You can reach this place by Bathpalathang Airport domestic airport in Jakar, Bumthang District.

• Phobjikha Valley

Phobjikha Valley, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful tourist destinations, is a sight for sore eyes for every traveller! This valley is covered in glaciers and is home to a large population of endangered black-necked cranes. The Phobjikha Valley is shaped almost like a bowl, and the majestic Black Mountains and infinite stretches of evergreen pastures add to its attractiveness. 

The Phobjikha Valley offers a dreamlike and peaceful experience no matter what month or season it is, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bhutan. You can reach Paro airport from where you can reach Phobjikha Valley.

• Haa Valley

Haa Valley, one of the most gorgeous regions in Bhutan and the smallest Dzongkhag (district) in the country, is situated southwest of Paro. For ardent hikers and trekkers, the picturesque forested forests and routes are perfect. Additionally, this is the only location in the entire globe where one may discover the blue poppy’s cream-colored bloom (Meconopsis Superba). 

The Valley in Bhutan provides the most fantastical vistas, while being quite remote and lacking in attractions. It is inhabited by nomadic herders and has a relatively tiny Bhutanese population. Haa valley is sometimes referred to as the “Hidden-Land Rice Valley” since rice, barley, and wheat make up the majority of the crops farmed there. You can reach Paro airport from where you can reach Haa Valley by road.

• Mount Chomolhari

The Chomolhari Mountain, also known as Jomolhari Mountain, is a portion of the vast Himalayas that guards Bhutan’s borders. This captivating peak, which soars to a height of around 2,700 metres, is lovingly referred to as the “Bride of the Kangchenjunga” because of its closeness to the latter. 

According to mythology, this holy place is the home of Goddess Jomo, who is regarded as the guardian of the Happy Kingdom and is revered by Buddhists, mostly Tibetan Buddhists. 

Chomolhari Mountain was not scaled until 1924 because it was believed that anyone who attempted to do so would be flung or pushed to the ground. But today, it’s a popular destination for both hikers and adrenaline seekers. You can reach Paro airport from where you can reach Chomolhari Mountain by the road.

• Wangdue Phodrang

The second largest and one of the most bizarre locations to visit in Bhutan is Wangdue Phodrang, situated at the stunning elevation of 28,000 feet. This second-largest region of the Land of Dragons is scheduled to be included in the list of “UNESCO World Heritage Sites” in the near future. It is a picturesque demonstration of how soulfully cultures meet and embrace unspoilt nature. 

Wangdue Phodrang, which is dotted with a variety of tourist destinations, offers a rare combination of subtropical and chilly, snowy climatic conditions. As a result, it has established an unrivalled reputation among tourists looking for amazing spots to visit in Bhutan. You can reach Paro airport from where you can reach Wangdue Phodrang by road.

Source: Pinterest

• Phuentsholing

Phuntsholing, often known as the “Gateway to Bhutan,” is a must-see location on the list of the top places to visit in Bhutan. It is situated at the foothills of the magnificent Himalayas and shares a border with the Indian town of Jaigaon. Due to its closeness to Indian land, this wonderful town will almost always have a diverse population. The town, however, most vividly reflects Bhutan’s distinct cultures and traditions. 

Visitors from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives can access this picturesque town without a tourist visa; it is located around 5–6 hours’ drive from Thimphu and Paro. However, citizens of these nations must present proper identification and request entrance authorisation before crossing the border.

• Samdrup Jongkhar

Arunachal Pradesh and Assam are separated by the tiny town of Samdrup Jongkhar in southern Bhutan. It is one of the biggest urban centres in Bhutan due to its closeness to the Indian border and the numerous Indian retailers and hawkers who have established businesses here. It is said that Samdrup Jongkhar, a lovely hill station with heights ranging from 200 metres to 3,500 metres, is the oldest settlement in Bhutan. 

The main source of employment in this crucial Bhutanese economic region is coal mining. Due to its proximity to Assam, Assamese traders frequently visit, and many of the stores here were founded by Indians. Restaurants serving Chinese, Bhutanese, and Indian cuisine, as well as quaint tiny cafés, provide an outstanding range of cuisine here. You can reach Paro airport from where you can reach Samdrup Jongkhar by road.

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