Published Date: November 28, 2022
Bhutan is a landlocked country (officially the Kingdom) in the Asian continent. Situated in the global biodiversity hotspot, the eastern Himalayas, it shares the border with India and China in the south and north respectively. They have above 700 species of birds and animals including the rare langurs.
The King and a Prime Minister govern this kingdom. People in Bhutan speak their Bhutanese national language Dzongkha. Their mask dance of the drums is a part of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list.
In this article, we’ve tried to introduce you to the seven must visit places in Bhutan that you cannot miss in your lifetime.
- Thimphu, the capital city
- Paro Taktsang
- Jakar Valley
- Punakha Dzong
- Mount Chomolhari
- Jigme Dorji National Park
- Phobjikha Valley
Thinking of a trip to Bhutan? We’re here to help you with the best Bhutan tour itinerary!
Top Seven Must Visit Places in Bhutan
Thimphu, the capital city
Visit the giant “Trashi Chhoe Dzong,” the home of the government in Bhutan. As the capital city, it discerns religious and political significance. You cannot take your eye off the sky-high mountains and the Raidak river banks. Believe it or not, Thimphu sightseeing in Bhutan is more delightful.
Best time to visit: Mar to May
Things to do: Trekking, Architectural tour, Rafting, Farmers Market, The Folk Heritage Museum, the 15th-century Changangkha Lhakhang, National Library of Bhutan, and Buddha Dordenma.
Paro Taktsang
Taktsang (also referred to as Tiger’s Nest) is straight on the top of the Paro valley in the Himalayas. These 17th-century monastery rooms stand first in the most photographed sites in Bhutan. Visit Paro for semi-modern living and cultural heritage. Lately, this has become the most visited place among Bhutan tourist spots.
Best time to visit: Sep to Nov
Things to do: Paro river, 360-degree view of red rice cultivation, Haa valley, and Chelela Pass.
Jakar Valley
Undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful places in Bhutan, also called the “Little Switzerland.” Definitely, not because you can find snowy alpines like in Switzerland. But the savory swiss cheese. The landscapes are rough and rugged which interests trekkers. If you’re planning for a honeymoon in Bhutan, then this is a perfect destination!
Best time to visit: Dec to Feb
Things to do: The largest monastery Jakar Dzong and other white-washed monasteries, Bumthang district tour, Wangdicholing Palace, Cheese factory, and Burning Lake.
Punakha Dzong
Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, houses the beautiful palace of Punakha Dzong. The beauty of this chalky Dzong and the surrounding rivers Pho chu and Mo Chu will never fail to endow bliss. Hence, the palace got the name “Palace of Great Happiness”. This destination occupies a top position in Bhutan tourist places.
Best time to visit: May to Dec
Things to do: Punakha Tshechu – the mask festival, Jigme Dorji National Park, Heritage tour, Jacaranda tree blossoms, Ngawang Namgyal, and Rishta Village
Mount Chomolhari
Situated on the borders of Tibet and Bhutan, people call it the Jomolhari mountain after the Goddess Jomo. The Tibetian Buddhists in this region believe that Jomo protects their kingdom. Reckless trekkers love this place in Bhutan for its adventure climbing journey. Indeed, Chomolhari is one of the sacred places to visit in Bhutan.
Best time to visit: Mar – July
Things to do: Bride of Kangchenjunga, Paro, the Sacred Temple, Trekking, and Climbing.
Jigme Dorji National Park
Located in the Gasa district, this reserved national park serves as home to many endangered animal species. Travel experts claim the park can show the beauty of nearly 300 bird species. The large group of inhabitants includes:
- Himalayan Blue Sheep,
- Bengal Tiger,
- Sambars,
- Clouded Leopard, and
- Red foxes.
If you’re bored of extolling the monasteries, then this is a perfect destination in Bhutan to admire Bhutan’s biodiversity.
Best time to visit: Nov to Mar
Things to do: Animal spotting, Cultural site visits, Eco tour, Green meadows, and Photography.
Phobjikha Valley
One of the unique tourist attractions in Bhutan. Yes, the mountains are black, bowl-shaped, and abundant with unique crane species with black necks. Imagine how ecstatic it is to witness the cranes flocking together. Thus, Phobjikha proves to be one of the amazing places in Bhutan!
Best time to visit: Apr to July
Things to do: Kumbhu Lhakhang, Crane information center, Tsechu Festival, Valley viewpoints, Hiking, Animal spotting (if you’re lucky), Gangteng Monastery, and Trekking.
These are only the top seven must visit places in Bhutan. The list also has numerous other valleys and cities. Checkout our Bhutan 7 days itinerary and plan your trip.