Top 10 Best places to visit in Bhutan
Top 10 Best places to visit in Bhutan are discussed in this Article. Bhutan often referred to as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” is a Himalayan kingdom known for its pristine landscapes, rich culture, and unique traditions. It is sharing International boundaries with China and India. There are several locations in this little but charming nation that are sure to win over the hearts of tourists.
Bhutan also very close boundaries to the Top 10 famous temples in India. Nestled between India and China, this captivating country is a haven of stunning landscapes, vibrant traditions, and a deep-rooted spirituality that permeates every corner.
Here is the list of Top 10 Best places to visit in Bhutan are discussed:
1.Thimphu – The Royal Capital
Thimphu is the capital and largest city of Bhutan and is located at the western part of Bhutan, in the Thimphu Valley, surrounded by the Himalayan foothills. This place is the first Bhutan Tourist place.
Thimphu became the capital of Bhutan in 1952, replacing the former capital, Punakha. The decision was made by the country’s third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, as part of his modernization efforts.
Tourist places at Thimphu: Buddha Point, The Folk Heritage Museum, Dechen Phodrang, Memorial Chorten, Zangto Pelri Lhakhang Centenary Farmers’ Market, National Library of Bhutan, National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Tashichho Dzong, Changangkha Lhakhang, , Takin Preserve.
Best Time to Visit: March to May
Closest Airport: Paro Airport (54km)
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal, India) (302km / 8 Hours)
Weather: Summer (September to November), Winter (November to March), Monsoon (June to September)
2.Punakha Dzong – The Lost Capital of Bhutan
One of the most popular Tourist attraction in Bhutan is Punakha Dzong, also called Pungthang Dewachen Phodrang which means “the palace of great happiness” or “the palace of bliss”.
It is located in the Punakha Valley at the meeting point of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers. Punakha Dzong continues to be the winter seat of the governing monastic body and was the capital of Bhutan until 1955.
Tourist places at Punakha Dzong: Jigme Dorji National park, Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lakhang, Rishta Village, Khamsun Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Richengang village, Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chorten.
Best Time to Visit: Year-Round Destination
Closest Airport: Paro Airport (122km / 3 Hours)
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (376km / 10 Hours)
Weather: Summer (July to September), Winter (October to April), Monsoon (May to June)
3.Bumthang – The Switzerland of Bhutan
Bumthang is usually called Culture heartland of Bhutan And also includes in Top 10 best places to visit in Bhutan. It have rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and numerous sacred sites. It have more places to see in Bhutan. Like, Chokhor, Tang, Ura, and Chhume which are Bumthang valleys.
Tourist Places at Bumthang: Lhodrak Kharchhu Lhakhang, Jakar Dzong, Wangdicholing Palace, Chakhar Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang, Zangtopelri Lhakhang, Jambey Lhakhang, Tamshing Gompa.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March May), Winter (December to February)
Closest Airport: Paro Airport (309km / 9 Hours)
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal, India) (563km / 16 Hours)
Weather: Summer (June to August), Winter (December to February), Monsoon (September to November)
4.Phobjikha Valley – Land of Black-Necked Cranes
Phobjikha Valley is a glacial valley located in the Wangdue Phodrang District of central Bhutan. This beautiful valley is situated at an elevation of about 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) above sea level.
One of the main highlights of Phobjikha Valley is the Gangteng Monastery, also known as Gangtey Gonpa or Gangtey Monastery, which is an important religious institution of the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism.
This place is most popular in Top 10 best places to visit in bhutan for trekking and exploring the surrounding landscape. The valley provides a peaceful and serene environment, making it a popular destination for those seeking a tranquil escape in Bhutan.
Tourist Places at Phobjikha valley: Black Necked Crane Information Centre, Gangtey Goemba, Damchen Lhakhang, Nyingma Dzogchen, Kuezang Chholing Shedra, Khewang Lhakhang, Kumbhu Lhakhang
Best Time to Visit: May, July, April
Closest Airport: Paro Airport (173km / 5 Hours)
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal, India) (427km / 11 Hours)
Weather: Summer (June to July), Winter (December to February)
5.Wangdue Phodrang – Bhutan’s Unification Capital
Wangdue Phodrang is a district in central Bhutan, and it is one of the 20 administrative districts in the country. The district is named after its capital town, Wangdue Phodrang, which is situated in the fertile Punakha-Wangdue Valley.
Like other parts of Bhutan, Wangdue Phodrang is a fascinating place to visit in Bhutan for both residents and visitors who want to learn more about Bhutan’s distinctive history. Because it combines natural beauty, cultural diversity, and religious importance.
Tourist Places at Wangdue: Rinchegang Village, Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, Temple of Sha Radap, Nahee Village, Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park, Phobjika Valley
Best Time to Visit: Year-Round Destination
Closest Airport: Paro Airport (107km / 2.5 Hours)
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal, India) (362km / 10 Hours)
Weather: Summer (June to August), Winter (December to February), Spring (March to May)
6.Jigme Dorji National Park – The Wild Side
Jigme Dorji National Park is the largest national park in Bhutan,located in the northwestern part of Bhutan, spanning across several districts, including Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Gasa, and Wangdue Phodrang. It covers an extensive area, making it the largest protected area in Bhutan.
This is only a National park in Top 10 best places to visit in Bhutan. Trekking and other outdoor activities are available in the park, drawing in nature lovers and thrill-seekers. The Jomolhari Trek and the Snowman Trek are well-liked trekking trails that go to some of the park’s most secluded and beautiful locations.
Best Time to Visit: Year-Round Destination
Open Hours: Monday to Friday (09:00AM – 05:00PM)
Closest Airport: Paro Airport (161km / 5 Hours)
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal, India) (415km / 12 Hours)
7.Paro – The Last Shangri-La
Paro Taktsang is one of the most famous and sacred monasteries in Bhutan. Paro International Airport serves as the main gateway to Bhutan. Nestled the mountains, the airport offers breathtaking views during take off and landing, making it one of the most scenic airports in the world. It is also known for its historic architecture and the Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery, which is a popular tourist attraction in Bhutan.
Tourist Places at Paro: Taktshang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest), Ugyen Pelri Palace, Rinpung Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang, Jangsarbu Lhakhang, Haa Valley, Chelela Pass, Kila Goemba, Druk Choeding, Dungtse Lhakhang, Ta Dzong, Drukgyel Dzong.
Best Time to Visit: September to November
Closest Airport: Paro Airport
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal, India) (297km / 8 Hours)
Weather: Summer (June to August), Winter (December to May), Monsoon (September to November)
8.Trongsa – The Balcony of Bhutan
Trongsa is situated on a steep ridge overlooking the Mangde Chhu River. It is also known as “Balcony of Bhutan” because of its central location, allowing for panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
It is includes in Top 10 Places to visit in Bhutan for Impressive Dzongs. The town and its dzong attract tourists drawn to this part of the Himalayas by their remarkable landscape, history, and culture of Bhutan.
Tourist Places in Trongsa: Trongsa Dzong, Ta Dzong, Chendbji Chorten, Kuenga Rabten, Chökhor Raptse Dzong, Thruepang Palace, Trongsa Tower
Best Time to Visit: Year-Round Destination
Closest Airport: Paro Airport (230km / 6 Hours)
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal, India) (484km / 12 Hours)
Weather: Summer (April to June), Winter (September to April), Monsoon (July to September)
9.Mount Chomolhari – Bride of the Kangchenjunga
It is situated on the Bhutan-Tibet border at the eastern Himalayas. It is the second-highest peak in Bhutan and holds cultural and religious importance in Bhutanese mythology. The mountain is sacred, and climbing to its summit is prohibited in Bhutan.
Best Time to Visit: March to June (Peak Trekking Season)
Nearest Airport: Paro Airport (49km / 1 Hour)
10.Phuentsholing – The Gateway to Bhutan
This is located in the southwestern part of Bhutan and shares a border with the Indian state of West Bengal. It serves as a crucial entry point for travellers entering Bhutan from India.
Many visitors traveling to Bhutan by road enter the country through Phuentsholing. The town houses the immigration office and serves as the primary checkpoint for travellers.
Tourist Places at Phuentsholing: Bhutanese Gate, Karbandi Monastery, Chukha Hydrothermal Project, Amo Chouu, Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang
Best Time to Visit: Year-Round Destination
Closest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (167km / 5 Hours)
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal, India) (155km / 4 Hours)
Weather: Summer (March to June), Winter (November to February), Monsoon (July to August)