
Bhutan travel guide – Top 12 places to visit in Bhutan
There's so much to see and do in Bhutan. So what do you prioritise? We discuss our favourite places, which include towns, villages, temples and fortresses, national parks, museums, archery grounds, and more! We also talk when to go and rules for visitors.
Where should I visit in Bhutan?
Bhutan map

Top 12 places to visit in Bhutan
1. Paro
The large Buddhist prayer wheel in the central plaza Ugyen Perli Palace, the gorgeous, gold-topped building that serves as the royal family's home when in Paro Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang, a temple in the form of a chorten across the bridge from Paro Zuri Dzong, built in 1352 and one of Bhutan’s oldest dzongs (monastery–fortresses)

Rinpung Dzong

How to get there

2. Tiger’s Nest


How to get there

3. Thimphu

Buddha Point. Here you can see Buddha Dordenma, a massive and iconic bronze Buddha statue, as well as several other religious statues. They all sit on a platform high above Thimphu, offering tourists a fantastic view of the valley and city.

Dochula Mountain Pass. Drive up to Docula Mountain Pass (3,150 m) just outside of town to see the beautiful Druk Wangyel Monastery and iconic Dochula Chorten.

Folk Heritage Home Museum. As the name suggests, this museum offers insights into the traditional Bhutanese way of life. You can time your visit to see a demonstration of traditional rural tasks, skills and customs. Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre. Watch women weave beautifully patterned, high-quality, traditional Bhutanese fabrics and clothes on looms. Who knows, a gorgeous silk scarf or a kira (traditional Bhutanese dress) might find its way into your suitcase! Centenary Farmers’ Market. If you love to explore the foods of different cultures, head to the weekend Farmers’ Market. A packet of spice or herbs could make the perfect souvenir of your Bhutan trip! You can also head across the river to visit the clothing, textiles and crafts market. Changlimithang Archery Ground. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan and, boy, are they good at it! Watch local archers hit impossibly far targets, and then give it a try yourself for a moment of humility!

Tashichho Dzong


How to get there
4. Punakha

Punakha Suspension Bridge

Punakha Dzong

Fertility Temple of Bhutan

How to get there
5. Haa Valley

Hike to Kila Nunnery

How to get there

6. Jigme Dorji National Park

World Heritage Site

Bhutan's best trekking

Wildlife

How to get there

7. Royal Manas National Park
Wildlife

How to get there

8. Gangteng Valley

Ganteng Monastery

How to get there

9. Trongsa

Chökhor Raptentse Dzong

How to get there
10. Jakar

Jakar Dzong

Membartsho

How to get there

11. Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary

Wildlife

How to get there

12. Lhuentse


Take a drive

How to get there

Bhutan visa

Best time to visit Bhutan

Winter
Spring

Summer

Autumn

Meet Passang, our local leader in Bhutan
