Explore the Best of Bhutan on Your Next Vacation

Also known as the Land of Thunderbolt, Bhutan is one of the most popular destinations in the world. A Bhutan trip takes you to a beautiful and picturesque Himalayan Kingdom that is full of forts, temples, Buddhist relics, shopping areas, and adventure sports. There are numerous places to see in Bhutan, a country that is known as the last Shangri-La. Bhutan comprises of the majestic Himalayas and panoramic valleys, and is home to an abundance of flora and fauna. The rivers of Bhutan originate from the Himalayas and form a mesmerising view. There are multiple places to see in Bhutan that offer a kaleidoscope of experiences and sceneries.

Must-Visit Places in Bhutan

There are many great places to see in Bhutan that should definitely be a part of your itinerary when you visit Bhutan. To visit most tourist places in Bhutan Indian nationals do not require a visa but an entry permit is necessary. The top places you should consider visiting include:

1. Thimphu
2. Phuentsholing
3. Paro
4. Punakha
5. Phobjikha Valley
6. Haa Valley
7. Trongsa
8. Bumthang
9. Jakar
10. Wangdue Phodrang

Thimphu

Topping the list of the top places to visit in Bhutan is the capital city of Thimphu. The city brings together breathtaking landscapes and ancient traditions, allowing you to immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural heritage of Bhutan. Several of the best tourist places in Bhutan are located in Thimphu, which is also the political, cultural, and economic centre of the kingdom. The best places to visit in Bhutan’s Thimphu form a captivating tapestry that delivers experiences spanning everything, from culinary delights and spiritual sanctuaries to outdoor adventures. Buddha Dordenma, Changangkha Lhakhang, Tashichho Dzong, Folk Heritage Museum of Thimphu, Memorial Chorten, and the Thimphu Weekend Market are some of the top tourist spots that you should visit in Thimphu.

Phuentsholing

The next on your list of the best places to go to in Bhutan is Phuentsholing, the second largest town in Bhutan. Phuentsholing shares its borders with West Bengal in India, and it is the entry point for travellers coming to Bhutan from Kolkata and Siliguri. Phuentsholing is an urban centre and an important economic hub. Despite being more developed than most towns in Bhutan, Phuentsholing boasts of the perfect blend of nature with urban living and is one of the top places to visit in Bhutan. Phuentsholing is located on Bhutan’s southern border and is home to different communities. Zangto Pelri Lhakhang, Bhutan Gate, Karbandi Monastery, Amo Chhu Crocodile Breeding Centre, and Torsa River Side are some of the top places to visit in Phuentsholing.

Paro

One of the most historic places to go to in Bhutan, Paro is located in Paro Valley and is home to more than a hundred and fifty monasteries and temples dating back to the 14th century. Paddy fields and traditionally built houses dot the mesmerising landscapes in this small town. It is also home to the Paro Airport, Bhutan’s only international airport, which again adds to the reasons behind it being one of the top tourist places in Bhutan. The best visiting places in Bhutan that are located in Paro include the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Chele La Pass, Rinpung Dzong Paro, the National Museum of Bhutan, Druk Choeding, Tachogang Lakhang Bridge, Drukgyel Dzong, the Paro Weekend Market, Paro Chhu, Dungtse Lakhang, Kyichu Lakhang, Dzongdrakha Goemba, and many more.

Punakha

Punakha is another one of the best places to visit in Bhutan. Up until 1955, Punakha used to be the capital of Bhutan, before Thimphu and is one of the top places to see in Bhutan at any time during the year. Punakha is one of the 20 dzongkhags or districts of Bhutan and is bordered by the Thimphu, Wangdue Phodrang, and Gasa districts. It is located 1200 metres above sea level and is a very fertile land thanks to the convergence of the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu Rivers. It is an excellent place to go to in Bhutan for trekking, mountain biking, and white-water river rafting.

Phobjikha Valley

One of the best places to visit in Bhutan, Phobjikha Valley (Gangtey) sits against a mesmerising backdrop of the Black Mountains. The bowl-shaped valley offers amazing views of expansive green fields and is home to the endangered black-necked crane, which migrates to the area during the winter. The valley is located at a height of 3000 metres above sea level and borders the Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park. This is one of the least-known tourist places in Bhutan, relatively untouched by visitors. Top places to visit in Bhutan that are located in the Phobjikha Valley include the Gangtey Goemba, Black Necked Crane Information Centre, Kumbhu Lhakhang, Kuenzang Chholing Shedra, Khewang Lhakhang, Nyelung Dechenling, and much more.

Haa Valley

One of the top places to see in Bhutan, Haa Valley is the smallest Dzonkhang in Bhutan. Haa Valley is a picturesque destination with idyllic wooded forests and paths that are perfect for hikers and trekkers. Another reason why this is one of the best places to go to in Bhutan is because Haa Valley is the only place in the world where you can witness the cream-coloured bloom of the Blue Poppy flower. There are not many tourist attractions in Haa Valley, but it does offer the most surreal views all over Bhutan. The best places to go to in Bhutan for the choicest trekking and mountain biking trails are located around Haa Valley too.

Trongsa

Trongsa is a hilltop town and is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Bhutan. Being located in the centre of the country, it is often also called the heart of this Himalayan Kingdom. Trongsa is located at the junction that connects other regions of Bhutan, like Bumthang and Gelephu. The town has always had a lot of significance as a route connecting the East and West ends of the country and is where the Wangchuck Dynasty began its rule. Trongsa is an important part of Bhutan’s history. Places to visit in Bhutan that are located in Trongsa include the Trongsa Dzong, Chendebji Chorten, Thruepang Palace, Semji Village, Kuenga Rabten Palace, and Mangdue Foot Trail.

Bumthang

Bumthang is the most historical district in the country and one of the best places to see in Bhutan. Bumthang is home to numerous ancient temples and monasteries, and four beautiful mountain valleys, and it is also considered to be the spiritual centre of this Himalayan Kingdom. This is one of the best places to visit in Bhutan for those with a keen interest in religion, history, and spirituality. The best places to see in Bhutan that are located in Bumthang include the Kurjey Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, Mebar Tsho (The Burning Lake), Ogyen Choling Palace Museum, Ura Valley, Kenchosum Lhakhang, and more.

Jakar

The next on your list of tourist places in Bhutan should be Jakar, which is one of the most beautiful places valleys in Bumthang. Jakar sits amidst the foothills of Choekhor Valley and is popularly known as “Little Switzerland”. Jakar is a small one-street town and is surrounded by mountain ranges covered with trees and monasteries and Dzongs. This is one of the best places to see in Bhutan for nature lovers and history buffs. This is also one of the best places to visit in Bhutan if you are planning excursions to the other valleys of Bumthang or the Ura Village. The top places to visit in Jakar include the Jakar Dzong, Khurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, Jambey Lhakhang, Chakhar Lhakhang, Wangdicholing Palace, and more.

Wangdue Phodrang

One of the best places to see in Bhutan and one of the kingdom’s largest Dzongkhangs, Wangdue Phodrang has something for everyone. The district has a number of temples and monasteries as well as rustic villages and wildlife. Here, you can witness plants, like orchids, the blue poppy, and rhododendrons, and rare fauna, like snow leopards, red pandas, black bears, and blue sheep. The best places to go to in Bhutan that are located in Wangdue Phodrang include the Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park, the Temple of Sha Radap, Rinchegang Village, Gasleo and Nahee Villages, and the Adha and Rukha Villages.

Put in some research and ensure that you add all the best places to visit to your Bhutan tour package. That way, you can enjoy an unforgettable vacation.