The top 10 best place to visit in Bhutan
31 Dec 2018 Asia Experiences
Bhutan, (The Land of the Thunder Dragon) is the small Buddhist Kingdom. It lies in the eastern Himalayas in between China (Tibet) and India. It is a landlocked country in South Asia. Its long list of monasteries and other Buddhist relics, trekking destination and shopping areas are surely worth a visit. It is also popular as the Last Shangri-La. The entire country comprises of panoramic valleys, majestic Himalayas, and abundance of rare fauna and flora. The rivers, arising from the Himalayas, meander through the valleys mesmerize with their beauty. Bhutan has many places to visit but we have hand-picked top 10 best place to visit in Bhutan.
1. Tiger’s Nest, Paro
Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang Monastery is one of the most popular tourist places in (Paro) Bhutan. It is famous for the wonderful and the sacred monastery of Guru Rinpoche. It is also considered a place of pilgrimage. Similarly, an easy short hiking gives you the majestic views of the Paro valleys.
Key attractions: The tiger’s nest, the cave temple inside the monastery, the panoramic views of the Paro valleys.
2. Rinpung Dzong, Paro
Rinpung Dzong is a beautiful and amazing dzong of Bhutan. It has towering walls built in the 16th century. It is popular as the Fortress on a Heap of Jewels. Rinpung Dzong is among the best tourist destination to visit in Bhutan. A classic example of Bhutanese architecture and deep-rooted traditions.
Main attractions: Beautiful and amazing monasteries and wall paintings related to Buddhism
Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm
3. Punakha Dzong, Punakha
Punakha Dzong is the second largest Dzong in Bhutan (The Land of Thunder Dragon) ). It is known for its brilliant structure. It is among the famous tourist places to visit in Bhutan. The dzong speaks volumes about the traditions and beautiful stories of the Buddhist culture. Do not miss your sightseeing tour.
Main attractions: The intricate paintings and the architecture of the fort, sacred relics of the Southern Drukpa Lineage of Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
Opening hours: 8 am – 5 pm
4. Chele La Pass, Paro
Located at an altitude of about 3,989 meters, Chele La pass is among the popular places to see in Bhutan. The magnificent pass is en-route the Haa Valley in Paro.
Main attractions: Magnificent panoramic view of the valleys, gushing waterfalls, alpine flowers, and clouds drifting above the hills
5. Buddha Dordenma Statue, Thimphu
Buddha Dordenma Statue is a 169 feet tall statue of Buddha, built at the foot of the hills in Thimphu. This iconic gold and bronze statue is visible from almost anywhere in Thimphu. It is among the most popular tourist places in Bhutan.
Main attractions: 169 feet tall Buddha statue, thousands of smaller bronze and gold statues of Lord Buddha.
6. Dochula Pass, Thimphu
Dochula Pass is a wonderful pass consisting of 108 Chortens, built in the memory of the Bhutanese soldiers who died in a war against the insurgents from India. The beautifully built temple and stupas, with the picturesque Gangkar Puensum peak in the background, the Dochula Pass one of the best tourist places.
Main attractions: Panoramic view of the sacred Himalayan Mountain – Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple, Chomolhari and the fusion paintings on the temple walls
7. Phobjikha Valley, Phobjikha
Phobjikha is a small town in the central part of Bhutan. Like many other beautiful places to see in Bhutan, Phobjikha is the one. The surrounding mountains and lush greenery enhance the beauty of this valley. In fact, this makes it one of the top Bhutan attractions. The place is famous for its beautiful landscapes and passes. A day’s hike will take you through the town and the woods.
Main attractions: Black-necked cranes migrate to Phobjikha from November, and the hike through the valleys to witness spectacular views of the birds and the amazing greenery
8. Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu
Tashichho Dzong is one of the famous Buddhist monasteries in Bhutan. It locates at the northern end of the city. This is a popular fortress set on the edge of the city’s border. This monastery is a delight to watch as it lies on the western banks of River Wang Chu.
Main attractions: It serves as the summer capital of the country as well as the royal seat of Druk Desi who is also called the Dharma Raja.
Timings: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM, and 5:30 PM to 6 PM; Saturday & Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
9. Drukgyel Dzong, Paro
Once a massive fortress that stood tall which served as one of the greatest Buddhist monasteries. But now, only ruins remain on the site of the famous Drukgyel Dzong. It is located in the upper district of Paro. The monastery established in 1649 was by the famous Tenzin Drukdra. As a result of the triumphant over Tibet’s invasion, monastery was built.
Timings: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 6 PM
10. National Museum Of Bhutan, Paro
The National Museum of Bhutan exhibits the famous Bhutanese art. It is set above the famous Rinpung Dzong. In the year 1968, it was built. From contemporary paintings to ancient statues, the museum today houses about 3000 masterpieces. It also exhibits more than 1,500 years of cultural heritage of Bhutan.
Main attractions: Do not miss out on the bronze statues, galleries, and ancient paintings.
Timings: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
