Bhutan travel guide – Top 12 places to visit in Bhutan

Bhutan is a magical place. It’s rich in history and culture, spiritual and authentic, and tucked away in the Himalayas. It’s an enticingly far cry from all that is too Western and generic in our highly globalised world. Unsurprisingly, many people are nudging the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon higher up on their bucket lists. So what many of us now need is a Bhutan travel guide. We want advice on where to visit, when, and to get there. We’re here to help.

We also touch on rules for travellers and the best time to visit Bhutan.

If you have limited time or don’t wish to travel too far once you’ve landed in Bhutan, we recommend you prioritise the following three northwestern districts: Paro (home to Bhutan’s international airport), Thimphu and Punakha. You can see them in the map below.

Map showing some key places in Bhutan

A little note: Most of Bhutan’s 20 districts have the same names as their capitals. We point this out so you don't get confused in your research.

Paro, Thimphu and Punakha are among the most popular districts with tourists. They don’t, however, only have easy accessibility on their side; the northwest of Bhutan is also full of gorgeous scenery, rich wildlife, fascinating history, wonderful architecture, and more. For this reason, we introduce you to the highlights of these three districts first …

It’s time to deliver on the promised Bhutan travel guide. So here it is, our pick of the top 12 places to visit in the Land of the Thunder Dragon. We start with northwest Bhutan ...

Paro is a small, valley town in a wide, lush valley. Colourful, low-rise buildings line the banks of Paro Chhu River, many built in traditional Bhutanese style. Rinpung Dzong (Fortress) sits broodingly a little above the town, while rice paddies on either side of the river spread out to the foot of the mountains. From here, alpine trees rise up the slopes towards often-clouded mountain peaks.

Fun fact: Paro was one of very few places in Bhutan that could be considered as a location for the country's international airport. This is because the landscape of Bhutan is so mountainous that finding a place for an international-length runway is rather difficult! Thimphu, the country's capital, wasn't a viable candidate, which is why the small town of Paro has the honour of receiving all international tourists flying into the country.

Some of the must-see places in Paro include:

A view of Paro with Paro Chhu (River) to the right and rice paddies to the left | Image by C. Michel

Also known as Paro Dzong, Rinpung Dzong is a seventeenth-century monastery that sits next to Paro Chhu River. It’s a gorgeous showcase of traditional Bhutanese dzong architecture: imposing fortress walls encompass an interior complex of administration offices, monks’ accommodation, a temple and a courtyard. Inside you can see colourful wall paintings of religious scenes, highly decorated arches and intricate wood carvings, and also learn the story of the dzong's founding.

As Rinpung Dzong was built on a low mountain spur, a small, round watchtower was built higher up the mountain. This now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. The galleries of the museum showcase religious festival masks, delicate thangkas (Tibetan Buddhist religious paintings), statues of rare animals, and a model of Tiger’s Nest, among other things.

Rinpung Dzong (Monastery) and the bridge Nemi Zam | Image by B. Gagnon

Paro Airport is an international airport and so is the entry point for anyone flying into Bhutan.

Courtyard of Rinpung Dzong

Arguably the main – almost non-negotiable – activity to do in Paro District is hike to Tiger’s Nest. This famously picturesque Buddhist temple complex is perched compellingly on a cliff ledge about 900 m above the Paro Valley floor. It’s properly known as Paro Taktasang, and was built in 1692 in honour of Guru Rinpoche. Rinpoche is the eighth-century Buddhist master credited with introducing Buddhism to what is today Bhutan.  

Tiger's Nest, or Paro Taktsang, as seen in winter, reminding you that Bhutan can get very cold!

The various buildings that make up the Tiger's Nest complex are connected via stone steps as well as rickety wooden bridges. Visitors are allowed to explore the complex as well as go inside some of the buildings to see the monastery's many treasures. These include historically important thangkas (religious paintings on silk) and wall paintings.

Tiger's Nest is a C17th monastery that's a popular day hike among visitors to Bhutan

To reach Tiger’s Nest, we recommend you drive the short distance from Paro to the Tiger's Nest parking lot. From here, you must hike or take a horse ride along the Taktsang Trail. This is an 8.6 km round trip. You should give yourself around three to five hours to hike up to Tiger’s Nest. The descent obviously goes a lot quicker. It’s an incredibly beautiful trail with the changing scenery keeping you nicely entertained along the way. You can learn more in All you need to know to climb Tiger's Nest.

It requires some decent leg work to reach Tiger's Nest

Thimphu, the capital and most populous settlement in Thimphu, is a true must see. You get so much bang for your buck, as there are just so many world-class treasures on your doorstep here.

Tashichho Dzong is the capital fortress of Bhutan

We’ll limit ourselves to a brief description of each of the places we advise visiting:

Buddha Point in Thimphu

The iconic Dochula Chorten of Dochula Pass just outside of Thimphu

Monks in training in Thimpu

Also known as Thimphu Dzong, this fortress is the administrative hub of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Its name means “fortress of the glorious religion”.

The enormous Tashichho Dzong

The best time to visit is 100% during Tshechu, the annual religious festival held between the 11th to the 15th day of the eighth month of the Bhutanese calendar. (This usually falls in late September or early October.) Tashichho Dzong is at the heart of Thimphu Tshechu, and here you’ll see colourful and traditional masked dances, be able to shop local wares at the pop-up market, and much, much more.  

Thimphu Tshechu (Festival) in Tashichho Dzong

It takes just 75 minutes to drive from Paro to Thimphu.

Punakha is a gorgeous valley town that was the capital of Bhutan up until 1955. It’s a relatively warm valley with milder winters than Thimphu. Punakha is where the first king of a united Bhutan, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned in 1907. It should definitely be on your Bhutan travel itinerary, as it has a heady mix of history, culture, natural beauty and exciting outdoor activities to offer.

White water rafting along the Po Chhu and Mo Chhu is a fun way to see more of the treasures of Punakha

The Punakha Suspension Bridge is an iron-chain suspension bridge of about 160 m long that connects the town of Punakha with the rest of the valley. It’s the second-longest suspension bridge in all Bhutan. One of the reasons necessitating the bridge is the occasional flash flood in the valley caused by melt from glacial lakes up river.

Punakha Suspension Bridge is extremely popular with visitors to Punakha. It offers fantastic views of the dzong and the valley. And it can get the adrenaline going when the wind picks up and the bridge starts to sway!

Punakha Suspension Bridge is 160 m long and one of the oldest suspension bridges in the world!

Punakha Dzong is the largest and second oldest dzong in Bhutan. It’s official name is the lengthy Pungthang Dewachen Gi Phodrang, which means 'Palace of Great Happiness'. It sits at the confluence of Po Chhu and Mo Chhu Rivers. For this reason, you’re able to raft past the dzong and see it from the water, which is popular with Bhutan tourists. The dzong is especially attractive in spring when the purple blooms of the jacaranda trees around it are in flower.

Punakha Dzong, built in the C17th, sits at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu

The Fertility Temple of Bhutan (more accurately known as Chimi Lhakhang) is a modest, traditional monastery that dates as far back as 1499. It sits a a little ways outside of Punakha, and you can hike there along a beautiful trail. The temple is known worldwide for its success in helping couples to fall pregnant. If you're looking to conceive, the temple welcomes visitors to partake in its fertility ritual.

Gorgeous jacaranda blooms show up all over Punakha in spring

It takes a little over three hours to drive from Paro to Punakha. You’ll be on a highway the whole time. If you're heading there from Thimphu, the drive is just two and a half hours.

The Haa Valley in Haa District is a gorgeous region that makes for a perfect day’s outing from Paro. Part of the fun is the drive there, which is a two-hour jaunt meandering up zigzag mountain roads to reach the lookout point at Chele La Pass (3,988 m). The view from here over the lush Haa Valley and towards the snow-capped Himalayan peaks is glorious. 

Haa Valley is a gorgeous traditional Bhutanese and Himalayan valley village

The Haa Valley consists of traditional buildings, terraced fields and thickly forested mountains on either sides of the Haa Chhu River. If you visit in summer, you’ll be treated to the Haa Summer Festival, which includes displays of archery and spear throwing.

We also recommend making time to visit Kila Nunnery. This ninth-century nunnery – the oldest in Bhutan – is home to around 50 nuns. Similarly to Tiger’s Nest, the temple complex sits precariously on a mountainside ridge, offering dramatic views of the valley below. You can reach Kila Nunnery via a one-hour hike from Chele La (Pass). On the hike you’ll walk through forest, encounter prayer flags and chortens (shrines), and get the chance to spot many gorgeous birds including Gould’s sunbird and the Himalayan bluebird.

A forest of prayer flags on Chele Pass

Has Valley is a 65 km drive from the town of Paro. As mentioned above, the drive is part of the appeal of the trip, as the scenery is spectacular.

Traditional architecture on display in Haa Valley

Jigme Dorji National Park covers a whopping 4,316 km² and is Bhutan’s second largest protected area. It extends into five districts and ranges in elevation from 1,400 to 7,000 m above sea level. The park was named after King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who reigned from 1952 to 1972 and helped to modernise and stabilise Bhutan. 

The mighty Kang Bum (6,494 m) in Jigme Dorji National Park

Bhutan has eight fantastic national parks, all with their own special offerings, so it can be hard to pick which to visit. That said, we feel Jigme Dorji National Park definitely deserves to be near the top of the list. For starters, its immensely rich ecology has earned it a spot as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The scenery of Jigme Dorji NP is simply sublime, and naturally varies greatly across the park. It’s a fantastic place for day hikes as well as longer treks. You can find towering peaks, glaciers, alpine meadows, conifer forest, scrubland, broadleaved forests and fast-paced rivers. Many of the 300+ plant species are used in traditional medicines. Keep your eyes open for the incomparably delicate and delightful Himalayan blue poppy, as well as edelweiss, orchids and rhododendrons. 

A little bird on a moss-covered rock in the park's Jangothang campsite

Some of Bhutan's very best multiday treks take place inside of Jigme Dorji National Park. One of our favourites is the Jomolhari trek, which lasts seven days and gives you great views of Mt Jomolhari, a sacred mountain to the Bhutanese and therefore not open to climbers. Another world-class trek is the Laya trek, which takes you far north into the park and lets you visit the very remote Layap community in the town of Laya.

Mt Jomolhari rises to 7,326 m (24,035 ft) above sea level

The wildlife of the park includes a stellar roundup: Bengal tigers, snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, takins, red pandas, blue sheep, musk deers, marmots and pheasants. This is, in fact, the only place in the world where snow leopards and Bengal tigers have overlapping habitats.

A mighty Bengal tiger

It takes a little under five hours to drive from Paro to Jigme Dorji National Park. It’s only a three-hour drive if you’re heading there from Punakha.

Swoon-worthy Himalayan blue poppies!

We now head to the south of Bhutan …

Speak to any Bhutanese and they’ll tell you that the Royal Manas National Park is a special park. It’s the oldest in the country, a conservation showpiece, and has been dubbed as Bhutan’s Crown Jewel. The park, which covers 1,057 km², is home to roughly 5,000 people, who live in remote, isolated villages.

The park is a true wildlife sanctuary, showcasing numerous animals not found in the north of the country. Some of the precious species you can look for on safari include endangered Bengal tigers, clouded leopards, Asian elephants, Himalayan black bears, gaurs (Indian bisons), greater one-horned rhinos, wild buffalos, golden langurs, pygmy hogs, pangolins, hispid hares (bristly rabbits), and Ganges river dolphins. Need we say more??

A gorgeous clouded leopard – spotting one of these has to be nirvana

The quickest way to reach Royal Manas National Park from Paro is to fly to Gelephu Domestic Airport, then drive the remaining 80 km to reach the park. The flight is only 40 minutes. One of the drawbacks, however, is that there aren’t flights there every day. To drive there along the Wangdue–Tsirang Highway takes nearly eight hours, but there are plenty of very worthy destinations along the way, including Thimphu, and the scenery is gorgeous!

A greater one-horned rhino, also called an Indian rhino

And now to central Bhutan ...

If you visit Bhutan, a great place to include in your itinerary is Ganteng Valley, also known as Gangtey Valley or Phobjikha Valley. A World Heritage Site, Gangteng Valley in Wangdue Phodrang District is a great place for learning about local Bhutanese culture and traditions. There are also numerous traditional Buddhist temples in the valley to visit such as Gela Drechagling Lhakhang and Gangteng Monastery. 

Ganteng is also very popular with trekkers as it’s included in the Gangtey trek route. The relatively easy trail winds through beautiful forests of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendron. It’s also a great birdwatching location. In November of every year, Ganteng Village and Monastery celebrate the Crane Festival in honour of the arrival of endangered black-necked cranes from Tibet, who come south for the winter.

A traditional dance as part of November's Crane Festival which celebrates the arrival of black-necked cranes to Gangteng Valley | Image by Richapandkar

Ganteng Monastery, established in 1613 and is also known as Gantey Gonpa, can be reached by hiking part of the popular Gangtey trek route from the valley floor up to the gonpa. The monastery was renovated in 2008, so the colours, architectural details and statues are now visible in their full glory. Seriously, this is one very attractive monastery you don’t want to miss!

The front of Gangteng Monastery, which was renovated in 2008 | Image by stull17

The best and most affordable way to reach Gangteng Valley from Paro is to drive there. It's 204 km away and the drive takes about three hours.

Gangteng Valley (or Phobjikha Valley) with prayer flags in the foreground

If we were to serve as your Bhutan travel guide, we’d encourage you to pair a visit to Gangteng Valley with one to the mediaeval town of Trongsa. Trongsa, like Gangteng Valley, sits pretty much smack dab in the middle of Bhutan. Moreover, the drive connecting the two is very scenic. You pass through traditional villages, forests and pasturelands, and also cross both Lawa Pass (3,360 m) and Pele Pass (3,420 m). These passes offer awesome views of the snow-capped peaks of Jomolhari (7,326 m) and Jitchu Drake (6,662 m), among others.

Chökhor Raptentse (or Trongsa) Dzong with the eastern Himalayas in the background

Chökhor Raptentse Dzong – or simply Trongsa Dzong – is an imposing, sprawling and very striking dzong. It resides on a spur high above the Mangde Chhu River. It was built in 1644 to be the seat of power of the Wangchuck Dynasty. Together with its watchtower higher up on the mountain, the dzong helped the Wangchucks to control the trade route between east and west Bhutan. In 1907, the House of Wangchuck became rulers of all Bhutan.

Chökhor Raptentse Dzong used to control the trade road between east and west Bhutan

The best way to reach Trongsa from Paro is to drive there along the Bumthang–Ura Highway. The journey takes about six hours. Alternatively, if you’re planning a visit to Jakar as well (which we advocate!), you could fly to Bathpalathang Airport (this takes just 35 minutes) and then drive west to Trongsa. The journey lasts about two hours.

Jakar is the capital of Bumthang District in north-central Bhutan. Bumthang boasts some of the oldest and most spiritually important sites in all Bhutan. This heritage, together with the quiet valleys, rivers, forests, pretty hiking trails, apple orchards and dairy farms, attract many tourists to the district. Three of the main attractions in Jakar that we’d recommend visitors to Bhutan make an effort to see are Jakar Dzong, Membartsho and the temple of Jambey Lhakhang.

A tshechu is a religious Bhutanese festival held annually in each district of Bhutan - this picture of Guru Rinpoche is part of Jakar Tshechu | Image by A. Zwegers

Jakar Dzong, built in 1667, is believed to be the largest dzong in Bhutan, having a circumference of 1.5 km. It sits on a ridge above Jakar town and you walk up a stone-paved path to reach it. Your efforts are rewarded with magnificent views of the valley. The dzong is unusual among Bhutanese dzongs as its central tower doesn’t sit in the middle of the complex, but rather is attached to the outer wall. 

Jakar Dzong (fortress) shrouded in mist

Membartsho is an incredibly picturesque holy site that sits on the banks of the Tang Chhu River. It’s believed to be the spot where the treasure hunter Pema Lingpa found some of the hidden teachings of Guru Rinpoche in the fifteenth century. Guru Rinpoche (also known as Padmasambhava) was an eight-century Buddhist master who many in the Himalayas consider a kind of ‘second Buddha’. Membartsho is cared for by the nuns of Pema Tekchok Choling Nunnery.  Devotees often leave offerings on the banks and rocks of Tang Chhu. It’s a fantastic site to explore for both its culture and religious significance and its natural beauty.

Some of the nuns of Pema Choling Nunnery stand on the bridge above Tang Chhu River in Membartsho | Image by Doctor 17

If you’re coming from Paro, you could choose between flying or driving to reach Jakar. There’s the option of hopping on a domestic flight to Bathpalathang Airport in Jakar. This takes 35 minutes. Alternatively, you could drive there along the Bumthang–Ura Highway, but this is a long journey of nearly eight hours so we’d recommend you break it up by visiting other attractions along the way, like Trongsa.

Two enormous prayer wheels at Jambey Lhakhang

And finally, let’s look at eastern Bhutan ...

Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary in northeastern Bhutan is a varied and breathtakingly beautiful park of 1,500 km². It ranges in elevation from 1,500 m and 6,400 m and contains floodplains, broadleaved forests, green valleys and deep gorges, scrubland, glacial lakes, alpine meadows and snowy mountain peaks. It’s also home in the lower regions to many communities as well some important cultural and religious sites, including the Rigsum Gompa and Dechen Phrodrang (Palace of Great Bliss). Here, as elsewhere in Bhutan, you can learn the skill of archery, the national sport.

The unique architecture of Bhutan's dzongs are a major tourist attraction

The sanctuary is home to many endangered species, including the red panda. Red pandas are fast and nimble carnivores who live in trees and spend much of the day sleeping. They’re also incredibly attractive animals with their fluffy, multi-coloured coats, short legs, whiskers, and striped tails. Bumdeling Sanctuary also has 150 known butterfly species and is one of the country’s two wintering spots for the endangered black-necked crane.

Red pandas are an endangered species

Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary covers much of Trashiyangtse District in northeast Bhutan. The closest airport is Yonphula Airport in Trashigang District, 64 km to the south. The fastest way to reach it is therefore a short domestic flight from Paro Airport to Yonphula Airport, followed by a drive.

In 1971 archery was declared the national sport of the Kingdom of Bhutan

Lhuentse, or Lhuntse, in northeastern Bhutan is one of the most ancient, remote and untouched parts of Bhutan. It’s home to many sacred pilgrimage sites. Weaving is a mainstay here and the textiles produced are the best in Bhutan. Much of the district is given over to environmentally protected land. For tourists wanting to leave the beaten track behind and experience ancient culture and isolated villages, this is your destination! 

The suspension bridge across the Kuru Chhu (River) near Lhuentse Dzong | Image by muddum27

The town of Lhuentse, though the HQ of the district, is more a small, mountain village than a town. Lhuentse Dzong sits on a spur above the village and the river, as is the way in Bhutan. Be sure to take time to walk to the suspension bridge for awesome views up and down the valley.

Lhuentse Dzong and village | Image by muddum27

While in Lhuentse, be sure to take a leisurely drive both north and south out of town along the Monggar-Lhuntse Highway. The road snakes along the side of the Kuru Chhu River for miles, offering amazing views of the river valley and taking you through small, traditional villages and past forests and terraced fields. Just north of Lhuentse town is the incredibly attractive Gangzur Village, which is definitely worth a visit. Keep driving and you'll reach the unbelievably pretty temple of Dungkar Nagtshang at the road's end.

An archery tournament in Lhuentse – archery is the national sport of Bhutan | Image by muddum27

Lhuentse is a 175 km-long drive from Paro Airport. You’ll want to get your It takes some commitment to get to Lhuentse, as it really is very, very remote. The town is 175 km from Paro Airport. You’ll want to get your Bhutan tour guide to drive you there, or you can catch a bus there from Paro or Thimphu on Monday, Thursday or Friday morning. If you were to fly to Bathpalathang or Yonphula Airport and then drive, you’d still have a pretty long journey ahead of you.

A blessing by the Buddhist religious leader Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche | Image by A. Zwegers

Finally, note that visitors are obliged to pay a daily fee just to be in Bhutan. This fee is US$200 a day. The Government uses the money to promote sustainable tourism development within the country.

The Druk (Thunder Dragon) of Bhutan is seen absolutely everywhere in the country, from beer labels to its airplanes!

As we discuss in more detail in Best time to visit Bhutan, you can have a fantastic trip to Bhutan at any time of the year.

Arguably, though, the best time to visit Bhutan is in spring or autumn.

As Bhutan is in the northern hemisphere, we’re talking late March to early June for spring, and September to November to autumn. Here are a few notes about each season in Bhutan to help explain our reasoning …

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for visiting Bhutan

Winter (December to February) in northern Bhutan can be very cold - even downright icy. Let’s not forget that Bhutan encompasses part of the eastern Himalayas! There can be heavy snowfall in winter, which can mean certain roads get blocked, certain places and trails are closed, and some activities (like river rafting) are a no-go. 

Spring (March to May) is a fantastic time to visit Bhutan. The temperatures are gentler, snow melt gluts the rivers, and the countryside is covered in fresh greenery. Rhododendron, jacaranda, foxgloves, cosmos, Himalayan poppies, lilies and many other beautiful flowers emerge, painting the Bhutanese landscape with vivid colours. 

A beautiful spring-time tiger lily in Thimphu

Summer (June to August) isn’t a great time to visit Bhutan as the Indian monsoons bring rain and high humidity to much of the country. And if you’re wanting to hike in Bhutan, summer equals slippery trails.

Wreathed hornbills can be found in Bhutan

Autumn (September to November) in Bhutan is a dream. The rains and humidity start to dissipate, and the temperatures are pleasant. It’s a perfect season for outdoor activities and exploration. And while the tshechu (religious festival) of each district varies year by year, the Black-necked Crane Festival is on 12 November every year. To witness this special occasion and its festivities is a cultural highlight of a visit to Bhutan.

Around 50 species of migratory birds from northern Tibet and Mongolia also come to Bhutan in September and October to roost there for the winter. These birds include the black-necked crane, of course, as well as ducks, waders, birds of prey, thrushes, finches and buntings.

A black-necked crane | Image by Candle Tree

Every Follow Alice trip relies on the services of a welcoming and informed local leader eager to share the gems of his or her country with others. In Bhutan, our fearless leader is Passang Sherpa, as seen below. Passang says he likes being a tour guide as he enjoys meeting new faces and making friends with people from around the world. #travelwithfriends

A selfie with Passang, our fantastic English-speaking Bhutanese tour guide

If you love to explore cultures different from your own, taste new foods, hear new sound, and just basically experience something outside of your own 'normal', then you should definitely make the time to explore Bhutan!

At Follow Alice we love to bring together adventurous people from around the world who are young at heart and curate an exceptional holiday that will live in your memory for a lifetime. Our trips are great for groups and solo travellers alike. Want to know more, or have a burning question you need answered? Give us a shout and we'll be happy to talk Bhutan with you!

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