DESTINATIONS

Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan. The main offices of the governmental, administrative and cultural departments of this country are mostly situated here. This city has welcomed modernization without letting go of its traditional values and ethics. The residence of the king is situated here along with several traditional buildings bearing the relics of beautiful artwork. The important tourist attractions include National Post Office, National Memorial Chorten, the Motithang Takin Preserve, the Clock Tower Square, Buddha Dordenma, Tango and Chari Monasteries, Semtokha Dzong among others. The tourists can also find modern nightclubs, bars, and shopping centers in this city.

Paro is a picturesque and beautiful valley situated between the Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu rivers in Chuzom spreading up to the Tibetan border till Mt. Jomolhari. This valley is filled with fertile green agricultural fields and is ornamented by the gleaming necklace of an interspersing river. The town is filled with monasteries and temples, some more than 500 years old. The main tourist attraction includes the Taktsang Monastery, Ta Dzong, and Drugyel Dzong. There are many high-end resorts and hotels for the tourists to stay, along with budget accommodations.

Punakha is a destination in Bhutan that has been involved with the important events that transpired within the country. The rivers Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu converge in this valley, making it a fertile land for crops. The principal attraction of this area is the Punakha Dzong housing many historical artifacts, built at the union point of the rivers, which is a beautiful sight on the sunny days. The warm winters and hot summers, coupled with the favorable climates, have made this region a luxuriant rice field. There is an adequate number of places to stay here.

Trongsa is located in the central region of Bhutan. The hilly region provides a spectacular view of the cavernous valleys surrounding it, and there are many hotel and guest houses that offer this view. The one place the tourist must visit is the Trongsa Dzong, a seat of power for the kings of Bhutan. The museum is a good place to learn about local history. The visitors in December-January can enjoy Trongsa tsechu, a festival to mark the defeat of evil. There are several luxurious places for tourists to stay in.

Gangtey, one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan, surrounded by the rivers Nakay Chhu and Gay Chhu. The valley is vast and is dotted with dense forests at its vicinity. The place is the home of the Gangtey monastery, the only Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. A few kilometers after, there is the village of Phobjikha, the destination of the migratory black-necked cranes. There are several nature trails around the place, with scenic surroundings and beautiful destinations. Especially, the drive from Gangtey to Trongsa is breathtaking as it provides the view of majestic mountains and quaint little forests.

Bumthang is often called the most spiritual place of Bhutan. The valley was carved by glaciers in the past, and the vast and scenic surroundings make it a must-see for the tourists. The oldest and most famous temples, like the Jambey Lhakhang, are situated in Bhutan, and are a sight in itself. The valley is filled with lush fields of potato, buckwheat, and rice. The region is serene and peaceful and is dotted with apple orchards and dairy farms. The hospitality and the humility of the locals will make the stay of the tourists enjoyable.

Trashigang is one of the largest regions of Bhutan and is the neighbor of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. The district has the largest river of Bhutan, Dangme Chhu, flowing through it. The town is the primary market place for the semi-wandering peoples of Merak and Sakteng. The December tourists can see the festival of Trashigang Tshechu. The district contains the Radhi village, famous for its weavers and its rice fields. The Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the sheltered areas of Bhutan, can be visited by the tourists for some jungle adventure.

Situated at the base of the Gangtey monastery, the Phobjikha Valley is a beautiful and pristine glacial valley that has a stream flowing through its center. The valley is dotted with the open grassland and lush green thickets of the bamboo grove. For the bird-watchers, this place is a must visit; as here the black-necked cranes flock in their migratory journey from the west. The Black Necked Crane Information Centre can provide all the necessary information about them along with the natural and cultural history of the area. The best time to visit is winter.

Called as the “gateway of the land of thunder dragons”, Phuentsholing is a thriving town located at the border of southern Bhutan, and teeming with interesting destinations for the tourists to visit; namely, the Bhutan gate, Amo Chhu Crocodile Breeding Centre, Zangto Pelri Lhakhang, Karbandi Monastery and many more. If the visitor is inclined towards peace and quiet, the riverside of the Torsha can be a quiet accompaniment with the distant misty town, tranquil hillocks, and the peaceful flowing of the two streams of the river. There is no shortage of places to stay here.

Jakar is a charming little town with a single street, located in the Bumthang valley, and is known as the place to get chugo, a favorite cheesy snack among the Bhutanese. The main attraction of this place is the Jakar Dzong, or Jakar palace, which overlooks the Chamkar valley, and looks upon the town. The palace is unique with its utse or fifty meters high central tower. Samples of local handicrafts can be bought in the city shops, and internet and espresso bars are now available in this town.

Mongar is a beautiful place set among spectacular cliffs and cavernous gorges set among the thick growth of conifer forests. The region is known for its weavers and fabrics, and the textile produced here is counted as one of the best in Bhutan. It is also famous for its lemon grass, a plant used in medicines and cosmetic applications. The road reaching to Mongar is also a spectacular sight with exquisite green forests and cliffs, and varieties of rhododendron on the backdrop of Gangkhar Puensum, one of the highest unclimbed mountains.

Haa is one of the petite regions of Bhutan in size but is filled with natural treasures for the traveler to experience. The area has an air of a peaceful and unblemished environment, covered with a mountain location ideal for hiking and mountain biking. The visitors in summer will have the chance of experiencing the summer festival of several nomadic tribes, depicting their lifestyle and have a taste of the Haapi cuisine. The area around the Haa valley comprising of the fields of barley, rice, and wheat can be biked around for a memorable experience.