Nestled in the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan captivates visitors with its pristine landscapes, ancient monasteries, and commitment to Gross National Happiness. This Buddhist kingdom, often called the “Last Shangri-La,” offers a rare glimpse into a world where tradition and spirituality guide daily life. From the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery perched on a cliff to the serene Phobjikha Valley where black-necked cranes migrate, Bhutan’s natural and cultural treasures remain remarkably preserved in our rapidly changing world.
This comprehensive guide explores the 60 best places to visit in Bhutan, organized by region to help you plan an unforgettable journey through this magical kingdom. Whether you’re drawn to spiritual sites, mountain treks, cultural festivals, or simply the warm hospitality of the Bhutanese people, this guide will help you discover the perfect destinations for your Bhutan adventure.
The picturesque Paro Valley showcases Bhutan’s traditional architecture against a backdrop of Himalayan mountains
Stay Connected in Bhutan
Mobile connectivity in Bhutan can be challenging, especially in remote areas. To ensure you stay connected throughout your journey, we recommend getting an eSIM before your trip. This allows you to access maps, translation services, and stay in touch with loved ones while exploring Bhutan’s remote monasteries and mountain trails.
Western Bhutan: Cultural Heartland
Western Bhutan is home to the country’s most iconic attractions and serves as the entry point for most international visitors. This region boasts spectacular dzongs (fortress-monasteries), sacred temples, and breathtaking mountain scenery that exemplify Bhutan’s unique cultural heritage.
Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, nestled in a valley with the Buddha Dordenma statue overlooking the city
1. Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)
Perched dramatically on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley, Tiger’s Nest is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark. This sacred Buddhist site was built around a cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th century. The monastery complex consists of four main temples and residential shelters designed by Tenzin Rabgye in 1692. The challenging hike takes 2-3 hours but rewards visitors with breathtaking views and spiritual significance.
Tiger’s Nest Monastery clings dramatically to a cliff face 900 meters above the Paro Valley
Travel Tips: Visit in the morning for clearer views and fewer crowds. Horses are available for the first part of the trek. The best time to visit is March to May or September to November when the weather is pleasant.
2. Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong)
This impressive 17th-century fortress-monastery showcases classic Bhutanese architecture with its massive whitewashed walls and distinctive wooden galleries. Inside, you’ll find elaborate murals depicting Buddhist teachings and Bhutanese history. The dzong hosts the spectacular Paro Tshechu festival each spring, featuring colorful masked dances that attract visitors from around the world.
Travel Tips: Open 8:00-18:00 (March-October) and 8:00-16:30 (November-February). Photography is permitted in the courtyard but not inside the temples. Visit during the annual Paro Tshechu festival (usually in March or April) to witness vibrant cultural celebrations.
3. National Museum of Bhutan
Housed in the former watchtower (Ta Dzong) above Paro Dzong, this museum showcases Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage through its collection of ancient artifacts, traditional costumes, religious items, and natural history exhibits. The building itself, shaped like a conch shell, is an architectural marvel offering panoramic views of the Paro Valley.
Travel Tips: Open 9:00-17:00 daily except government holidays. Photography is not permitted inside the museum. Allow 1-2 hours to explore the collections.
4. Kyichu Lhakhang
One of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, Kyichu Lhakhang was built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Legend says it was constructed to pin down an ogress’s left foot that was preventing the spread of Buddhism. The temple houses ancient statues of Jowo Sakyamuni, Chenrezig, and Guru Rinpoche. The magical orange tree in the courtyard is said to bear fruit year-round.
Travel Tips: Located just 5km from Paro town. Open 9:00-16:00 daily. Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering the temple.
5. Thimphu City
Bhutan’s capital and largest city blends traditional culture with modern development. Unlike other capital cities, Thimphu has no traffic lights – instead, white-gloved police officers direct traffic at major intersections. The city offers numerous attractions including the National Memorial Chorten, Folk Heritage Museum, and the vibrant weekend market where locals trade everything from fresh produce to handicrafts.
Thimphu’s unique blend of traditional architecture and modern amenities makes it a fascinating capital city
Travel Tips: The weekend market operates Friday-Sunday and is best visited early morning. Most museums are closed on government holidays and some also close on weekends.
6. Buddha Dordenma
This massive 51.5-meter bronze statue of Buddha Shakyamuni sits atop a hill overlooking Thimphu. Completed in 2015 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the fourth king, it contains 125,000 smaller Buddha statues inside. The site offers spectacular panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley and surrounding mountains.
Travel Tips: Open 9:00-17:00 daily. The site is about 15 minutes’ drive from Thimphu city center. Visit in the morning for the best lighting for photographs.
7. Tashichho Dzong
This impressive fortress serves as Bhutan’s administrative and religious center, housing government offices and the throne room. Originally built in the 13th century and reconstructed in the 1960s, the dzong features stunning architecture, beautiful courtyards, and intricate artwork. In summer, the gardens burst with colorful flowers, creating a picturesque setting against the white walls.
Travel Tips: Open to visitors after 5:00 PM on weekdays and throughout the day on weekends. Dress modestly and bring identification. Photography is permitted in the courtyards but not inside buildings.
8. National Memorial Chorten
Built in 1974 to honor the third king of Bhutan, this striking white stupa with its golden spire has become one of Thimphu’s most visible landmarks. Unlike traditional stupas, it doesn’t contain human remains but instead enshrines religious relics and sacred texts. Local devotees circumambulate the chorten throughout the day, spinning prayer wheels and counting prayer beads.
Travel Tips: Open 9:00-17:00 (March-October) and 9:00-16:00 (November-February). Visit early morning to see local worshippers performing their daily rituals.
9. Punakha Dzong
Often considered Bhutan’s most beautiful dzong, this majestic fortress sits at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Built in 1637, it served as Bhutan’s administrative center until 1955. The dzong features spectacular architecture, intricate woodwork, and beautiful courtyards. In spring, jacaranda trees bloom around the fortress, creating a stunning purple frame against the white walls.
Punakha Dzong, often called the Palace of Great Happiness, is particularly stunning when surrounded by blooming jacaranda trees
Travel Tips: Open 9:00-17:00 on weekdays, 11:00-16:00 on weekends. The best time to visit is March-April when the jacaranda trees are in bloom. Accessible via a 2.5-hour drive from Thimphu.
10. Punakha Suspension Bridge
Spanning 160 meters across the Po Chhu River, this is one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan. The bridge connects Punakha Dzong with the rest of the valley and offers spectacular views of the river and surrounding landscape. Prayer flags flutter along its length, adding splashes of color against the backdrop of green hills.
Travel Tips: Located near Punakha Dzong. The bridge can sway in strong winds, so those with a fear of heights should be prepared. Best visited in the morning when the lighting is ideal for photography.
11. Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple)
Dedicated to the eccentric 15th-century saint Drukpa Kunley, known as the “Divine Madman,” this temple is famous for its fertility blessings. Childless couples from around the world visit seeking blessings for conception. The temple is decorated with phallus symbols – a trademark of Drukpa Kunley’s unconventional teachings – and sits atop a gentle hill surrounded by rice fields.
Travel Tips: Located a 20-minute walk from the nearest road through rice fields. Open 9:00-17:00 daily. Women hoping to conceive receive a special blessing using a wooden phallus.
12. Dochula Pass
Located on the road between Thimphu and Punakha at an elevation of 3,100 meters, this mountain pass offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan range on clear days. The site features 108 chortens (stupas) known as the “Druk Wangyal Chortens,” built in honor of Bhutanese soldiers. A nearby temple and botanical garden add to the site’s appeal.
The 108 chortens at Dochula Pass commemorate Bhutanese soldiers and offer stunning Himalayan views on clear days
Travel Tips: Best visited on clear mornings (October-February) for mountain views. The annual Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival in December features masked dances against the backdrop of the Himalayas.
13. Haa Valley
One of Bhutan’s most remote and picturesque valleys, Haa remained closed to tourists until 2002. This pristine region offers stunning alpine landscapes, traditional farmhouses, and ancient temples including the 7th-century Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple). The valley’s unspoiled beauty and lack of commercialization provide an authentic glimpse into rural Bhutanese life.
Travel Tips: Accessible via a 2-hour drive from Paro over Chele La Pass. Best visited during the Haa Summer Festival (July) when locals showcase traditional sports, crafts, and cuisine.
14. Chele La Pass
At 3,988 meters, this is Bhutan’s highest motorable pass, offering spectacular views of sacred Mount Jomolhari and the Haa and Paro valleys. The area is carpeted with rhododendrons and alpine flowers in spring, while prayer flags flutter in the mountain breeze year-round. The pass serves as a starting point for hikes to Kila Nunnery, one of Bhutan’s oldest nunneries dramatically built into a rocky cliff.
Travel Tips: Located about 35km from Paro. Best visited early morning for clear mountain views. Dress warmly as temperatures can be significantly colder than in the valleys.
15. Phobjikha Valley
This wide glacial valley is renowned for its scenic beauty and as the winter home of endangered black-necked cranes that migrate from Tibet. The valley’s wetlands and dwarf bamboo provide ideal habitat for these sacred birds. The valley is also home to the 17th-century Gangtey Monastery, which sits on a ridge overlooking the valley and hosts the colorful Gangtey Tshechu festival.
Phobjikha Valley’s wetlands provide crucial winter habitat for endangered black-necked cranes
Travel Tips: Best visited November-February to see the black-necked cranes. The annual Black-Necked Crane Festival in November celebrates the birds’ arrival with masked dances and cultural performances.
16. Gangtey Monastery
Perched on a ridge above Phobjikha Valley, this 17th-century monastery is the largest Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. The monastery complex includes a central temple, monks’ quarters, and meditation centers. Its ornate architecture and intricate woodwork exemplify traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship, while its location offers spectacular views of the valley below.
Travel Tips: Open 9:00-17:00 daily. Visit during morning prayers to experience the spiritual atmosphere. The monastery guesthouse offers basic accommodation with stunning valley views.
17. Royal Botanical Park, Lampelri
Located near Dochula Pass, this is Bhutan’s first botanical park, spanning 47 square kilometers of temperate forest. The park showcases Bhutan’s diverse flora, including 46 species of rhododendrons that create spectacular displays in spring. Nature trails wind through the forest, offering opportunities to spot wildlife such as red pandas, musk deer, and numerous bird species.
Travel Tips: Best visited March-May for rhododendron blooms. The Rhododendron Festival in April/May celebrates these beautiful flowers with cultural performances and guided walks.
18. Simtokha Dzong
Built in 1629, this is the oldest dzong in Bhutan that maintains its original structure. Located on a ridge 5km south of Thimphu, the fortress-monastery houses important historical artifacts and religious paintings. The dzong is now home to the Institute for Language and Cultural Studies, where monks learn traditional arts alongside Buddhist studies.
Travel Tips: Open 9:00-17:00 daily. Located just a short drive from Thimphu. The small museum inside displays ancient thangka paintings and religious artifacts.
19. Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery
Overlooking the Punakha and Wangdue valleys, this relatively new nunnery complex features a temple, learning and meditation centers, and a 14-foot bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Buddha of Compassion). The nunnery provides religious training for women and houses some of Bhutan’s finest examples of traditional bronze statuary and intricate appliqué religious textiles.
Travel Tips: Located 30 minutes from Punakha. Open 9:00-17:00 daily. Visitors can observe nuns in their daily rituals and purchase handcrafted items made by the nuns.
20. Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten
This elaborate four-story temple stands majestically on a hill overlooking the Punakha Valley. Built by the Queen Mother in 1999 to protect the country and dispel negative forces, it features intricate paintings and statues of deities. The 30-minute hike to reach the chorten takes you through rice fields and pine forests, offering beautiful views of the valley.
Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten offers spectacular views of the Punakha Valley and Mo Chhu River
Travel Tips: Located about 30 minutes’ drive from Punakha Dzong, followed by a 30-minute hike. Start early in the morning to avoid afternoon heat. Crossing a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu River is part of the experience.
Central Bhutan: Historical Treasures
Central Bhutan offers a deeper dive into the country’s history and spiritual heritage. This region features ancient temples, remote valleys, and traditional villages where visitors can experience authentic Bhutanese culture away from the more frequented western circuit.
Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family, commands a strategic position on a mountain spur
21. Trongsa Dzong
This massive fortress-monastery, built in 1644, is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family and historically controlled the trade route connecting eastern and western Bhutan. Stretching along a mountain ridge above the Mangde Chhu River, it’s one of Bhutan’s most impressive architectural achievements. The dzong houses numerous temples with rare religious artifacts and spectacular murals.
Travel Tips: Open 9:00-17:00 (March-November) and 9:00-16:00 (December-February). Located about 6 hours’ drive from Thimphu. Every king must serve as Trongsa governor before ascending the throne.
22. Ta Dzong Museum (Trongsa)
Originally built as a watchtower to protect Trongsa Dzong, this five-story tower has been converted into a museum dedicated to Bhutan’s monarchy. The museum houses personal belongings of the royal family, ancient artifacts, and exhibits chronicling the history of the Wangchuck dynasty. Its strategic location offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
Travel Tips: Open 9:00-17:00 daily except government holidays. Located just above Trongsa Dzong. Allow 1-2 hours to explore the exhibits.
23. Bumthang Valley
Often called Bhutan’s spiritual heartland, Bumthang consists of four main valleys: Chokhor, Tang, Ura, and Chumey. The region is home to some of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, fertile farmland producing buckwheat and apples, and the country’s only commercial brewery. The landscape features broad valleys, gentle slopes, and pristine forests that invite exploration.
Bumthang Valley’s pastoral landscape is dotted with ancient temples and traditional farmhouses
Travel Tips: Located about 8 hours’ drive from Thimphu or a 35-minute flight to Bathpalathang Airport. Best visited during religious festivals like Jambay Lhakhang Drup (October/November).
24. Jakar Dzong
Known as the “Castle of the White Bird,” this fortress was built in 1549 and sits on a ridge above Jakar town. According to legend, a white bird landed on the site, considered an auspicious sign for building the dzong. The fortress features a 50-meter central tower and houses administrative offices and a monastic body. Its strategic position offers commanding views of the Chokhor Valley.
Travel Tips: Open 9:00-17:00 daily. A 15-minute walk uphill from Jakar town. The evening light creates beautiful photo opportunities as the sun sets behind the dzong.
25. Jambay Lhakhang
One of Bhutan’s oldest temples, built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue a demoness. The temple houses ancient relics and hosts the spectacular Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival featuring the famous “fire ceremony” where locals run through a gate of flames. The temple’s central statue of Jowo Jampa (future Buddha) is considered especially sacred.
Travel Tips: Located in Bumthang’s Chokhor Valley. Open 9:00-17:00 daily. Visit during the Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival in October/November to witness unique cultural ceremonies.
26. Kurjey Lhakhang
This sacred temple complex contains three temples built around the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated and left his body imprint on a rock. The oldest temple dates to 1652, while the newest was built by the Queen Mother in 1990. A massive cypress tree behind the temple is said to have grown from Guru Rinpoche’s walking stick. The first three kings of Bhutan are buried here in chortens.
Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint, is one of Bhutan’s most sacred sites
Travel Tips: Located in Bumthang’s Chokhor Valley, about 30 minutes’ walk from Jambay Lhakhang. Open 8:00-17:00 daily. The annual Kurjey Tsechu festival in June/July features spectacular masked dances.
27. Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake)
This sacred pool on the Tang Chhu River is where the treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa found hidden religious treasures in the 15th century. According to legend, he dove into the lake with a butter lamp and emerged with treasures and the still-burning lamp, proving his authenticity. Today, pilgrims leave offerings and prayer flags around the lake, creating a colorful and spiritual atmosphere.
Travel Tips: Located in Tang Valley, about 30 minutes’ drive from Jakar. Exercise caution as the rocks around the lake can be slippery. The site is particularly atmospheric early morning or late afternoon.
28. Ura Valley
The highest of Bumthang’s valleys, Ura features closely clustered houses with stone roofs, creating one of Bhutan’s most traditional village landscapes. The valley is known for its sheep rearing, barley farming, and the distinctive woven wool textiles called “yathra.” The 15th-century Ura Lhakhang temple sits at the village center and houses ancient religious artifacts.
Travel Tips: Located about 1.5 hours’ drive from Jakar. Best visited during the Ura Yakchoe Festival in spring when villagers perform traditional dances wearing masks and colorful costumes.
29. Tang Valley
The most remote of Bumthang’s four valleys, Tang is home to Ogyen Choling Palace, now a museum showcasing traditional rural life in Bhutan. The valley features picturesque villages, ancient temples, and the sacred site of Membartsho (Burning Lake). Its isolation has helped preserve traditional farming practices and cultural traditions.
Travel Tips: Located about 1.5 hours’ drive from Jakar. The road is rough in places, so a 4WD vehicle is recommended. The Ogyen Choling Museum offers insights into aristocratic life in old Bhutan.
30. Chumey Valley
Known for its yathra weaving tradition, Chumey Valley is the first of Bumthang’s valleys when approaching from western Bhutan. The valley is home to Tharpaling Monastery, founded in the 14th century and offering panoramic views from its 3,600m elevation. Visitors can observe local women weaving colorful yathra textiles using traditional methods and natural dyes.
Chumey Valley is renowned for its yathra weaving tradition, producing vibrant wool textiles with distinctive patterns
Travel Tips: Located about 3 hours’ drive from Trongsa. Visit the Yathra Weaving Centre to see the entire process from wool preparation to finished textiles and purchase authentic souvenirs directly from weavers.
31. Tharpaling Monastery
Perched at 3,600 meters on a mountain ridge between Chumey and Choekhor valleys, this monastery offers spectacular panoramic views. Founded in the 14th century by Longchenpa, a great Nyingma master, it houses important religious artifacts and ancient manuscripts. The monastery complex includes meditation caves where monks undertake long-term retreats.
Travel Tips: Located about 1.5 hours’ drive from Jakar. The high altitude requires acclimatization. Visit in the morning when the views are clearest and monks perform their daily rituals.
32. Nimalung Monastery
This important Nyingmapa monastery in the Chumey Valley houses a massive three-story Guru Rinpoche statue and exquisite religious paintings. The monastery hosts the annual Nimalung Tshechu festival featuring elaborate masked dances that depict Buddhist teachings and legends. The peaceful setting and traditional architecture make it a perfect place for quiet contemplation.
Travel Tips: Located about 30 minutes’ drive from Prakhar village in Chumey Valley. The Nimalung Tshechu in June/July is less crowded than festivals in western Bhutan, offering a more intimate cultural experience.
33. Domkhar Tashicholing Palace
This historic palace in Chumey Valley was the residence of Bhutan’s first king before the monarchy was established. The palace complex showcases traditional Bhutanese architecture and contains historical artifacts related to the royal family. Though smaller than other palaces, its historical significance and beautiful setting make it worth visiting.
Travel Tips: Located in Chumey Valley. Visits must be arranged in advance through a tour operator as the palace is not regularly open to the public.
34. Prakhar Lhakhang
This ancient temple in Chumey Valley is known for its collection of 100,000 miniature clay statues of Guru Rinpoche. According to legend, the temple was built overnight by supernatural beings. The inner sanctum houses rare religious artifacts and ancient murals depicting Buddhist teachings and deities.
Travel Tips: Located in Chumey Valley about 20 minutes’ drive from the main road. Open 9:00-17:00 daily. Remove shoes before entering the temple and ask permission before taking photographs.
35. Wangdicholing Palace
Built in 1857, this was the first palace in Bhutan that wasn’t designed as a fortress. It served as the principal residence of the first two kings of Bhutan and contains important historical artifacts and religious treasures. Though parts of the palace are in need of restoration, it remains an important historical site that offers insights into Bhutan’s royal history.
Wangdicholing Palace, the residence of Bhutan’s first kings, showcases traditional royal architecture
Travel Tips: Located in Jakar, Bumthang. Currently undergoing restoration, so interior access may be limited. The exterior and grounds can be viewed and photographed.
36. Tamshing Lhakhang
Founded in 1501 by the treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa, this monastery contains some of the oldest religious paintings in Bhutan. A special feature is the 25kg metal net shirt that pilgrims wear while circumambulating the temple to cleanse their sins. The monastery continues to be an active center for Pema Lingpa’s religious traditions.
Travel Tips: Located in Bumthang’s Chokhor Valley across the river from Kurjey Lhakhang. Open 9:00-17:00 daily. Try wearing the heavy metal shirt for a unique spiritual experience.
37. Konchogsum Lhakhang
One of Bumthang’s oldest temples, dating to the 6th century, it houses a sacred iron chain mail created by Pema Lingpa and a stone imprint of his hat. The temple was restored in the 19th century but maintains many original features. Its small size belies its significant religious importance and the power of its sacred relics.
Travel Tips: Located in Chokhor Valley near Jakar. Open 9:00-17:00 daily. The caretaker can share fascinating stories about the temple’s history and sacred objects.
38. Zhemgang (Kheng)
This remote district in south-central Bhutan offers pristine forests, diverse wildlife, and traditional villages where ancient customs remain intact. The region is home to rare golden langurs, hornbills, and red pandas. Traditional bamboo crafts flourish here, and the distinctive Khengpa culture differs from other parts of Bhutan in language, dress, and customs.
Travel Tips: Located about 6 hours’ drive from Trongsa. Road conditions can be challenging, especially during monsoon season. Basic guesthouses are available in Zhemgang town.
39. Buli Valley
This hidden valley in Zhemgang district is known for its ancient temple, Buli Lhakhang, and the unique culture of its inhabitants. The valley’s isolation has preserved traditional farming practices and cultural traditions. The surrounding forests are rich in biodiversity, including rare orchids and medicinal plants used in traditional Bhutanese medicine.
Travel Tips: Located in Zhemgang district, requiring special permits and advance arrangements. Best visited as part of a guided trek through central Bhutan.
40. Nabji-Korphu Trek
This six-day winter trek through the warm broadleaf forests of Zhemgang offers opportunities to spot rare wildlife and visit remote villages. The trail passes through traditional settlements of the Monpa people, one of Bhutan’s oldest ethnic groups, and areas inhabited by golden langurs and hornbills. Cultural highlights include traditional welcome ceremonies in each village.
The Nabji-Korphu trek offers opportunities to spot rare wildlife and experience traditional Monpa culture
Travel Tips: Best undertaken from November to April when temperatures are moderate and skies are clear. The trek is relatively easy with modest altitude changes, making it suitable for less experienced trekkers.
Eastern Bhutan: Untouched Traditions
Eastern Bhutan remains one of the country’s least visited regions, offering adventurous travelers the chance to experience traditional Bhutanese culture largely unchanged by tourism. This region features distinctive architecture, unique festivals, and some of Bhutan’s most challenging yet rewarding treks.
Eastern Bhutan preserves unique cultural traditions, including distinctive textile weaving techniques
41. Trashigang Dzong
Perched dramatically on a spur overlooking the Drangme Chhu River, this fortress-monastery has defended eastern Bhutan since 1659. Known as the “Fortress of the Auspicious Hill,” it commands strategic views of the surrounding valleys. The dzong continues to serve administrative functions while housing a monastic community and hosting the annual Trashigang Tshechu festival.
Travel Tips: Located in Trashigang town, about 8 hours’ drive from Bumthang. Open 9:00-17:00 daily. The dzong is particularly photogenic in the late afternoon when the setting sun illuminates its white walls.
42. Trashiyangtse
This remote district in northeastern Bhutan is known for its skilled artisans who create traditional wooden bowls, paper, and religious masks. The town is home to the Institute for Zorig Chusum (traditional arts school) and the impressive Trashiyangtse Dzong. Nearby Chorten Kora, modeled after the Boudhanath stupa in Nepal, attracts pilgrims from across the Himalayas.
Travel Tips: Located about 3 hours’ drive from Trashigang. Visit during the Chorten Kora Festival in February/March when pilgrims from neighboring Arunachal Pradesh in India cross the mountains to participate.
43. Chorten Kora
This large white stupa in Trashiyangtse was built in the 18th century in the style of Nepal’s Boudhanath stupa. According to legend, a young girl from Tawang was buried alive inside the chorten as part of its consecration. The site hosts two important festivals: one for local Bhutanese and another for pilgrims from Arunachal Pradesh who cross the mountains to participate.
Chorten Kora attracts pilgrims from both Bhutan and neighboring Arunachal Pradesh in India
Travel Tips: Located in Trashiyangtse town. The Chorten Kora Festival takes place on the 15th day of the first month of the Bhutanese calendar (February/March) and again two weeks later.
44. Gom Kora
This small but sacred temple sits beside the Drangme Chhu River, 24km from Trashigang. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche meditated here and left body imprints on rocks, including a footprint and the impression of his hat. The temple grounds include unusual rock formations associated with various legends and a sacred spring believed to have healing properties.
Travel Tips: Located 24km from Trashigang on the road to Trashiyangtse. The annual Gom Kora Tshechu in spring features unique ritual dances and draws pilgrims from throughout eastern Bhutan.
45. Rangjung Monastery
Founded by Garab Dorje Rinpoche in the 1990s, this relatively new monastery has become an important center of Buddhist learning. The impressive three-story temple houses a 16-foot statue of Guru Rinpoche and exquisite murals. The monastery complex includes a shedra (Buddhist college) where monks study philosophy, astrology, and traditional arts.
Travel Tips: Located about 16km from Trashigang town. Open 9:00-17:00 daily. Visitors can observe young monks debating Buddhist philosophy in the courtyard.
46. Khaling Handloom Centre
This national center preserves and promotes Bhutan’s weaving traditions, particularly the intricate designs of eastern Bhutan. Established to provide skills and employment to visually impaired people, the center produces some of Bhutan’s finest textiles. Visitors can observe the entire weaving process from dyeing threads with natural colors to creating complex patterns on traditional looms.
Travel Tips: Located in Khaling, about 3 hours’ drive from Trashigang. Open weekdays 9:00-17:00. Textiles purchased here directly support the center’s social mission.
47. Merak and Sakteng
These remote highland villages are home to the semi-nomadic Brokpa people, who maintain a distinct culture, language, and dress—including their trademark yak-hair hats with five “fingers” pointing upward. The villages were opened to tourism only in 2010, offering a glimpse into a way of life largely unchanged for centuries. The surrounding alpine landscape features rhododendron forests and high-altitude meadows.
The Brokpa people of Merak and Sakteng maintain distinctive cultural traditions, including their unique yak-hair hats
Travel Tips: Located in Trashigang district, requiring a special permit and 2-3 day trek. Best visited during the Merak or Sakteng festivals when locals perform traditional dances and songs.
48. Lhuentse
This remote northeastern district is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family and renowned for its intricate kushutara textiles—considered the most complex of Bhutan’s weaving traditions. The impressive Lhuentse Dzong sits on a hilltop overlooking the Kuri Chhu River. The surrounding villages maintain traditional farming practices and cultural traditions largely unchanged by modernization.
Travel Tips: Located about 6 hours’ drive from Mongar. Visit the Khoma village to see women weaving the famous kushutara textiles using complex techniques passed down through generations.
49. Mongar Dzong
Unlike most dzongs built in the 17th century, Mongar Dzong was constructed in the 1930s but follows traditional architectural principles. The dzong houses administrative offices and a monastic body while serving as the cultural center of eastern Bhutan. Its hilltop location offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
Travel Tips: Located in Mongar town, about 8 hours’ drive from Bumthang. Open 9:00-17:00 daily. The annual Mongar Tshechu in November/December features masked dances and cultural performances.
50. Dramitse Lhakhang
This important monastery in Mongar district is the birthplace of the famous Dramitse Ngacham (Dance of the Drums), now on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Founded in the 16th century by Ani Cheten Zangmo, the granddaughter of treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa, the monastery houses valuable religious artifacts and ancient manuscripts.
The sacred Dramitse Ngacham (Dance of the Drums) originated at Dramitse Lhakhang and is now performed throughout Bhutan
Travel Tips: Located about 2 hours’ drive from Mongar town. Open 9:00-17:00 daily. If your visit coincides with a festival, you may witness the famous drum dance performed in its place of origin.
Southern Bhutan: Tropical Wilderness
Southern Bhutan offers a dramatic contrast to the alpine regions of the north. Here, subtropical forests teem with wildlife, and the culture shows influences from neighboring India. This region is home to some of Bhutan’s most important wildlife sanctuaries and provides insight into the country’s ecological diversity.
Southern Bhutan’s subtropical forests harbor incredible biodiversity, including elephants, tigers, and rare primates
51. Royal Manas National Park
Bhutan’s oldest protected area, established in 1966, shares a border with India’s Manas Tiger Reserve. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to an astonishing array of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, one-horned rhinoceros, golden langurs, and over 426 bird species. The park’s diverse ecosystems range from subtropical broadleaf forests to alpine meadows, supporting incredible biodiversity.
Travel Tips: Located in southern Bhutan, accessible from Gelephu. Best visited November-April during the dry season. All visits must be arranged through a licensed tour operator with special permits.
52. Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhutan’s only sanctuary where both spotted deer and natural sal forests are found. The sanctuary is also home to elephants, gaur, golden langurs, and tigers. Its location in southwestern Bhutan creates a unique ecosystem with species not found elsewhere in the country. The sanctuary plays a vital role in Bhutan’s conservation efforts as a biological corridor connecting protected areas.
Travel Tips: Located in Sarpang district. Visits must be arranged through a licensed tour operator with special permits. Basic accommodations are available at forest ranger posts.
53. Gelephu
This subtropical border town serves as an important entry point to Bhutan from India. Unlike the rest of mountainous Bhutan, Gelephu sits on a plain and features a distinct cultural atmosphere with influences from both countries. The town is known for its agricultural products, weekly market, and as a gateway to Royal Manas National Park.
Travel Tips: Located in southern Bhutan with road and air connections. The domestic airport offers flights to Paro. The weekly market on Sundays offers a glimpse into local life and trade.
54. Sarpang
Formerly known as Sarbhang, this southern district features subtropical climate, diverse agriculture, and cultural influences from both Bhutan and India. The region produces oranges, cardamom, and ginger. Sarpang town was relocated after floods in the 1990s, and the new settlement showcases modern Bhutanese urban planning while maintaining traditional architectural elements.
Sarpang district is known for its subtropical agriculture, including cardamom, oranges, and ginger
Travel Tips: Located in southern Bhutan, about 5 hours’ drive from Thimphu. Best visited during the winter months when the weather is pleasant and the oranges are being harvested.
55. Phuentsholing
Bhutan’s largest border town serves as the main overland gateway from India. This bustling commercial hub offers a fascinating blend of Bhutanese and Indian cultures, with traditional Bhutanese architecture alongside modern developments. Key attractions include Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang (temple), Karbandi Monastery, and the Bhutan Gate marking the border.
Travel Tips: Located on the Indian border, about 5 hours’ drive from Thimphu. Indian nationals can enter without a visa but must obtain a permit for travel beyond Phuentsholing. The town offers good shopping for textiles and handicrafts.
56. Karbandi Monastery
Perched on a hill above Phuentsholing, this monastery offers panoramic views of the plains of West Bengal, India. The monastery is known for its beautiful garden and as a place where childless couples seek blessings for conception. Inside, you’ll find statues of Guru Rinpoche and his two consorts, as well as paintings depicting his eight manifestations.
Travel Tips: Located about 10 minutes’ drive from Phuentsholing town center. Open 9:00-17:00 daily. The monastery offers a peaceful retreat from the busy border town below.
57. Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park
Named after Bhutan’s fourth king, this park in central Bhutan covers 1,300 square kilometers and connects Royal Manas National Park with Jigme Dorji National Park, creating a vital biological corridor. The park protects diverse ecosystems from subtropical broadleaf forests to alpine meadows and is home to tigers, red pandas, and black-necked cranes. Several trekking routes pass through the park.
Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park protects crucial wildlife corridors connecting Bhutan’s protected areas
Travel Tips: Located in central Bhutan, accessible from Black Mountain Cross Country Trek. Best visited October-April. All visits must be arranged through a licensed tour operator with special permits.
58. Samtse
This southwestern district is geographically separated from the rest of Bhutan, requiring travel through Indian territory to reach it from other parts of the country. The region features subtropical climate, diverse agriculture, and unique cultural traditions influenced by its isolation. Samtse town is developing as a commercial center with modern amenities while maintaining traditional Bhutanese character.
Travel Tips: Located in southwestern Bhutan, requiring travel through India or a special permit for the direct route from Phuentsholing. The annual Samtse Tshechu in winter showcases the district’s unique cultural traditions.
59. Lhamoizingkha
Formerly known as Kalikhola, this remote town in southwestern Bhutan sits at the confluence of the Kalikhola and Raidak rivers. The area features subtropical forests, diverse wildlife, and traditional villages where ancient customs remain intact. The town serves as an alternative entry point from India and is developing as a commercial center while maintaining its traditional character.
Travel Tips: Located in Dagana district in southwestern Bhutan. Road access has improved in recent years, but the journey remains adventurous. Basic accommodations are available in the town.
60. Dagana
This southern district is known for its rich biodiversity, traditional villages, and the impressive Dagana Dzong perched on a hilltop. The region produces oranges, cardamom, and traditional handicrafts. Its relative isolation has preserved unique cultural traditions and farming practices. The district’s varied elevation creates diverse ecosystems from subtropical forests to temperate woodlands.
Dagana Dzong commands impressive views from its strategic hilltop location in southern Bhutan
Travel Tips: Located about 6 hours’ drive from Thimphu. The journey crosses Dochula Pass, offering spectacular mountain views on clear days. The annual Dagana Tshechu in winter features unique masked dances not seen elsewhere.
Planning Your Bhutan Adventure
Visiting Bhutan requires some advance planning due to the country’s unique tourism policy. All visitors (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals) must book their trip through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator and pay a Sustainable Development Fee of $200 per person per day ($100 for Indian nationals). This fee covers accommodation, transportation, a guide, meals, and entry fees.
Travel Planning Resources
Finding the best deals on flights and accommodations can significantly enhance your Bhutan experience. While the daily tourism fee covers basic accommodations, you may want to upgrade to luxury properties or extend your stay in certain regions. Use our trusted partner to secure the best rates for your journey to the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
Best Time to Visit Bhutan
Bhutan experiences four distinct seasons, each offering unique advantages for travelers:
Spring (March to May)
A wonderful time to visit with moderate temperatures, clear mountain views, and spectacular rhododendron blooms that carpet the hillsides in vibrant colors. Spring festivals like Paro Tshechu attract many visitors.
Summer (June to August)
The monsoon season brings lush green landscapes but also rain and occasional landslides. Lower visitor numbers mean more intimate experiences, though some mountain views may be obscured by clouds.
Autumn (September to November)
Considered the best time to visit with clear skies, spectacular mountain views, and comfortable temperatures. The autumn rice harvest turns the valleys golden, and major festivals take place throughout the country.
Winter (December to February)
Cold in the mountains but pleasant in lower valleys like Punakha. This season offers the clearest mountain views, fewer tourists, and the chance to see black-necked cranes in Phobjikha Valley.
Autumn (September-November) offers golden rice fields, clear skies, and spectacular mountain views
Getting Around Bhutan
Transportation in Bhutan is primarily by road, with domestic flights connecting major towns. Your tour package will include a vehicle and driver, typically a comfortable SUV for small groups or a minibus for larger parties. Roads are winding and journeys can be long, but the spectacular scenery makes travel between destinations an experience in itself.
Domestic flights operate between Paro and Bumthang, Gelephu, and Yonphula, saving considerable travel time when visiting eastern Bhutan. However, flights are subject to weather conditions and may be canceled during poor visibility.
Cultural Etiquette
Bhutan places great importance on traditional customs and etiquette. Visitors should observe these basic guidelines:
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
- Remove hats, shoes, and sunglasses before entering temples and monasteries.
- Ask permission before taking photographs inside religious buildings or of people.
- Walk clockwise around religious structures like stupas, mani walls, and prayer wheels.
- Do not point with your finger; use an open hand instead.
- Public displays of affection are considered inappropriate.
Bhutanese people wear traditional dress (gho for men and kira for women) during festivals and formal occasions
Embracing the Spirit of Bhutan
Bhutan offers travelers far more than just stunning landscapes and ancient monuments. The kingdom’s commitment to Gross National Happiness, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation creates a truly unique destination where traditional values thrive alongside thoughtful development.
As you explore the 60 destinations in this guide, take time to engage with local people, observe daily rituals, and absorb the serene atmosphere that permeates this special land. Whether meditating in an ancient temple, hiking through pristine forests, or simply enjoying a cup of butter tea with locals, Bhutan invites you to slow down and experience a different way of being.
The kingdom’s philosophy of sustainable tourism ensures that your visit contributes directly to conservation efforts, community development, and the preservation of Bhutan’s unique cultural heritage. By respecting local customs and approaching your journey with an open heart, you’ll discover that the true treasure of Bhutan lies in its spiritual wealth and the profound sense of harmony that exists between its people, culture, and natural environment.
Prayer flags carry blessings on the wind throughout Bhutan’s sacred landscapes
