Tourist Places in Bhutan

Blessed with some of the finest and choicest attractions of nature, Bhutan is a very beautiful country with its own culture and heritage history. This country is also home to a large number of cultural and historical tourist attractions, such as monuments or temples, that speaks volumes about the rich culture and heritage history of the country. The climate and weather of this country make it more favorable for tourists to explore and visit its tourist attractions, and the scenic beauty of this place adds a perfect backdrop to these tourist attractions. The major or most of Bhutan remains untouched by the urbanization development and the pollution factors it brings along even though this country has emerged as a perfect tourist destination for holidays for many years. Bhutan as a country is very popular for drawing attention to its tourist places and bringing tourists from all over the world. There can be different reasons for different types of tourists to visit this country according to their preferences. Even among the tourists, Bhutan is the most preferred destination for all those people who love to trek, climb mountains, and drive through hilly areas (including mountaineers). Trekking in the mountain ranges of the Himalayas, finding a picture-perfect picnic spot there, and doing many other activities here is still a dream for many. Apart from this, many people are attracted to this place because of its unique culture, beautiful untouched regions, sweet nature of the natives, and simple & peaceful lifestyle.

If one is planning a trip to Bhutan, then one should plan it at least for 7 days so that one can at least cover some of the best tourist places in the country during their visit. Bhutan has so many attractive and beautiful tourist places that are related to its cultural and heritage history that one cannot explore all of them during a single visit. But even visiting some of them can refresh the mind of the tourists and give them the time to recharge themselves to go back to their normal hectic and busy life. To make this easier, this article provides a complete list of all the popular tourist places in Bhutan that tourists can visit during their trip to learn about the culture and history of the country. Each of the tourist places listed here is connected to the culture or heritage of the country, and one would surely feel lucky enough to have a trip to these tourist attractions.

1. Phuntsholing

Also known as Bhutan Gate, Phuntsholing forms the southernmost part of the nation. It creates a border town between India and Bhutan. Visitors can also explore the Zangto Pelri Lhakhang and Karbandi Monastery and take a leisure walk on Torsa River Side. Tourists can also visit Amo Chhu Crocodile Breeding Centre to watch these crocodiles up close in their natural surroundings.

2. Punakha

Punakha is a Himalayan town in Bhutan, known for its fortress or Dzong. Placed at the crossing of Pho and Mo Chhu River, Punakha Dzong is a strong fortress that dates back to the 17th Century CE. The fortress hosts a very popular festival named Punakha Tshechu, which attracts locals and visitors alike for their dancers in attires and masks. Visitors can also explore Chimi Lhakhang temple and Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten here.

3. Paro

Paro is another peaceful town in Bhutan. The famous Tiger's Nest Monastery- Taktsang Palphug resides in this town only. The only international airport in the country is built in Paro. One can also travel to the Tiger's Nest, walk through the thick forest of Paro's Valley, watch the Drukgyel Dzong's great fort and enjoy various activities like mountain biking, steep trekking, and kayaking rafting.

4. Thimphu

Placed in an alluring valley in the heart of the country's west, Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan. It is home to all the hustle and bustle in the nation and is the center of the Bhutan government. Visitors can find monasteries, shrines, and palaces here. A government palace, Tashichho Dzong, with a roof made of golden leaves, is a must-visit place here. Travelers can't miss touring Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma, and Fort Heritage Museum in Thimphu.

5. Phobjikha Valley

Travel to Phobjikha Valley during November and revel in its endless views. See hordes of Black-necked cranes immigrate to the valley. The scenic views of the luxuriant forests enclosing the valley all around and the distant snow-peaked hillocks are easy on the eyes. This is an ideal location for hikers.

6. Jomolhari

Sometimes also referred to as 'bride of the Kanchenjunga, ' Jomolhari is deemed to be the home of the goddess Jomo, who was a follower of Guru Rimpoche and obliged by oath to him to safeguard the people of the region. The magnificent snow-topped peak of the Jomolhari is at an elevation of approximately 7000 meters. The view of the valleys and the glacial lakes will make one feel like they are in heaven. One of the toughest treks in the Jomolhari, the Jomolhari trek is also a famous attraction. Trekkers are rewarded with the electrifying scenes that wait for them here.

7. Taktsang Monastery

There is a famous old story behind this monastery according to which Guru Rimpoche, somewhere in the early 8th century, flew from Tibet in the back of the tigress and flew to this place in Bhutan, and when he landed here, he started preaching Buddhism in Bhutan after he completed meditating at this place. He was meditating at this place, and after that, the Taktsang monastery was built here, remembering him, which makes it one of the most popular monasteries in Bhutan. Hidden away in the clouds, this monastery is positioned on a huge cliff in the giant mountain ranges of Paro, and the sight from this monastery is easily capable of taking anyone's breath away. To reach Taktsang monastery, one has to trek up to the monastery, which almost takes two hours, but once one is reached here, he will surely feel that the trek was completely worth it. Because of the famous tale of Guru Rimpoche, this monastery is also popularly known as Tiger's nest.

8. Haa Valley

Positioned only 65 KM away from the famous Paro Valley, one can reach Haa Valley by going through the twisted mountain tracks of Bhutan. The one who visits this place feels truly blessed and awarded for their efforts as this place is a perfect combination of natural beauty and simple life, but since it is located much opposite to all the other famous tourist spots of the country, it is only visited by a very few people and most not prefer to come here. One can enjoy beautiful monasteries and astounding views located away from the crowd making it more peaceful. The overnight trek of Chelala Pass, located in this valley, is a perfect option for all adventurous people.

9. Royal Manas National Park

Bhutan, which is believed to be home to some popular old fortresses and monasteries, has much more to offer for its visitors if they are willing to explore. Every wildlife enthusiast wants to visit Royal Manas National Park because of its unmatchable biodiversity, and this national park is also the first wildlife park in the country. Any wildlife enthusiast visiting this park can easily spot Himalayan Black Bear, Gangetic Dolphin, Clouded Leopard, One-horned Rhino, Bengal tiger, and many other rare species during this trip. Visitors can enjoy elephant safari, picnics, and trekking during their trip to this park. Because of the perfect combination of biodiversity and natural beauty with much more to offer, Royal Manas National Park is counted among the most popular tourist destinations in Bhutan.

10. Dochula Pass

Dochula Pass is one of the most alluring destinations. Spotted on the road to Punaka from Thimphu, this place is amongst the most recognized locations in Bhutan. With an astounding scene of the snow-topped peak of Gangkar Puensum in the backdrop and 108 chortens or stupas erected in the memory of soldiers, this tourist attraction is a must-visit place Bhutan. The pass is close to Bhutan's first botanical garden, the Royal Botanical Garden, and offers the visitor a scenic view of the appealing Rhododendron Garden housed in the botanical garden.

11. Buddha Dordenma Statue, Thimphu

In the capital city of Thimphu, a 169 feet Buddha statue is constructed and is deemed to have accomplished the prediction of Yogi Sonam Zangpo that a statue will be set up in the region to give peace, happiness, and blessings to the world. The statue also celebrates the centenary of the Bhutanese Monocracy. With around thousands of statues of Lord Buddha made out of gold and bronze, one must explore this wonderful location while touring Bhutan. The statue is viewable from almost everywhere in Thimphu, and the scene of the city is undoubtedly amazing from here.

12. Punakha Dzong

The earliest and second-largest monastery in Bhutan is definitely a sight to adore. Positioned in between two rivers, the Mo Chu (female) and the Pho Chu (male), enclosed by the violet-colored Jacaranda trees and the pleasant weather, the monastery is suitably named the 'Palace of Happiness.' A three-hour drive to Thimphu's east, it is worth witnessing tourist attractions in Bhutan. The monastery also houses artifacts from the bygone times of numerous kings granting visitors a glance at Bhutan's amusing history.

13. The Folk Heritage Museum

Museums are the keeper of a cultural legacy. The Folk Heritage Museum is an abode of Bhutanese artifacts in an antique manner. The building is an aged house made up of mud that is held atop wooden columns. Erected 150 years ago, this museum displays what an age-old Bhutanese house looked like. From outhouse to storehouse to living space, one will get to experience an authentic home from the 19th century.

14. Weekend Market

Shopping in Bhutan is not boutiques and malls but weekend markets and small stalls. Everything one will find here is just so authentic and captivating. Thimphu's Weekend market is a place where along with enjoying the breeze of Wand Chhu River, visitors can select and negotiate for relics, local street food, small trinkets, and incense. The market begins Thursday night and continues till Sunday night.

15. Clock Tower Square

The Clock Tower Square is Thimphu's popular landmark and a very important tourist destination here. The tower's four faces possess four clocks, with carvings and paintings to add an aesthetic touch. Fairy dragons, flowers, and a lot more of what Bhutan has traditionally described over the centuries are symbolized by the tower. A few small restaurants and shops are located near the tower, where one can laze happily and revel in the view. The town square is perfect for a stroll or window shop as well.

16. Jigme Dorji National Park

Being the second biggest national park in Bhutan, Jigme Dorji National Park is located in the Gasa region of the country. This national park is all about endangered species, and one can have some of the most coveted wildlife experiences here. During a trip to this national park, one can easily spot Himalayan Blue Sheep, Himalayan Black Bears, Clouded Leopards, and Bengal tigers roaming here freely. The greens of the forest of this national park are peppered by snow-capped mountains and beautiful lakes also. One can reach Jigme Dorji National Park by taking public or private transport from Bhutan's capital Thimphu as it is only 120 KM far from the capital city.

17. Soi Yaktsa Trek

Being one of the most famous, highly adventurous and active tourist attractions in the world, Bhutan is very popular for trek spots. Soi Yaktsa Trek, which is a trekking spot in the country, is one of the renowned types of trek spots in Bhutan. One can get the most amazing views at the end of this trek as the trek route leads towards the country's peak, which sits at 4700 m in height. The base camp of this popular trek spot is located in the Paro region, and one can get to see Jumolhari Peak and Jichu Drake peak from here. After reaching the fortress Drugyal Dzong, the trek route finally culminates, and one can climb up to Bhonte La Pass & Tshophu Lake through this trek route.

18. Mo Chu River

Being the hub of many water and adventure sports, one can go to Mo Chu River from river rafting to biking, from trekking to hiking, and get their adrenaline kick here like nowhere else in the world. One can even enjoy amazing river rafting here with its Class 2 rapids that are wide and varied, and some of them can even take them past the popular Punakha Dzong.

19. Simtokha Dzong

Positioned in the Thimphu region of Bhutan, Simtokha Dzong dates back to the early 16th century, and the word dzong literally translates to temple fortress. And this meaning is actually fitting for this Dzong as it is a fortress that is also home to a monastery in a significant part of its total area, and this also holds great historical significance. One can also learn many interesting facts about Bhutan's cultural and heritage history, culture, and language through the museum, which has been set up inside this fortress and brings very much tourism.

20. Wangdue Phodrang

Wangdue Phodrang, which is the largest dzongkhag in the country, is a district of Bhutan, and this part is conserving its biodiversity in the form of Jigme Dorji National Park, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, and Wangchuck Centennial Park. One can visit this place to make new friends with the 'mountain people' that inhabit this region and enjoy the wildlife and nature of this district. One can go to Phobjikha Valley, which is included in the places to visit in this dzongkhag, to see the currently endangered Black Necked Cranes. While having a trip here, one can also easily spot White-Bellied Heron, spotted eagles, red pandas, tigers, and leopards.

Conclusion

Bhutan is home to many natural heritages, untouched and unexplored sightseeing places & natural beauty, and the wildlife of this country is nowhere to find in the world. One can easily plan a trip to this country without having a second thought in their mind.