Bhutan has many scenic beauties to delight the eye.

Western Bhutan

1. Paro
2. Thimphu
3. Punakha
4. Wangdiphodrang

Central Bhutan

1. Trongsa
2. Bumthang

Eastern Bhutan

1. Mongar
2. Trashigang
3. Trashiyangtse
4. Samdrupjongkhar

Paro

Altitude: 2,200m/7,218ft.

It is a beautiful valley which encapsulates within itself rich culture,scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. Mount. Jumolhari (7,300 meters) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial waters plunge through deep gorges to form the Pa Chu (Paro River). It is home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, the country's only airport and the National Museum. Paro has 199 Lhakhangs and 428 Chortens, the most important being Taktshang Monastery and Kyichu Lhakhang. Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom, producing a bulk of the famous red rice from its terraced fields besides wheat, millet, potatoes, apple and seasonal vegetables.

Most of the trade of Bhutan in olden times was conducted through Paro by way of a low pass, the Tremo La to Phari Dzong. Today, Paro is a living cultural centre. In spring, thousands of families gather at Paro to celebrate the Paro Tshechu, a four day religious festival of mask dances and folk entertainment.

• Paro Rinpung Dzong

Rinpung Dzong, also known as “fortress of the heap of jewels ", was built during the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646. It now houses the administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called the Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge to the Dzong, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also venue of the Paro Tshechu (religious dance festival), held once a year in spring.

 

 

• Taktsang Monastery

Taktsang Monastery, popularly known as the Tiger’s Nest temple is the Bhutan’s most famous monastery perched on the side of a cliff900m above the Paro valley.According to legend, Guru Padsambhava is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands and hence it’s called the ‘Tigers Nest’.It was from there, he propagated the Vajrayana- Mahayana Buddhism (Larger Wheel) that was prophesied by the Buddha at the time of attaining Nirvana. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion.

 

• Drukgyel Dzong

(Literally meaning winner of Bhutan)Drugyal Dzong which means victorious fortress was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders, led by the Mongolian warlord, Gushri Khan in 1644. Strategically built over the only passage into Paro valley, the
Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century from this location. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when it was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of Mount Jumolhari from the village, below the Dzong.

 

• Ta Dzong

(The National Museum) This circular shaped building that is now a museum served as a watchtower for Paro Rinpung DzongIt and holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. The museum circular shape augments its varied collection displayed over several floors. The visit will give provide an insight into the rich and unique cultural heritage and tradition of Bhutan.

 

 

 

 

• Kyichu Monastery

Kyichu Lhakhang (temple) is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to the 7thcentury (the other is Jambey Lhakhang in Bumthang). Kyichu Lhakhang is composed of twin temples, the first temple was built by Buddhist Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, by Ashi Kesang Choden, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in same style.

 

 

Thimphu(up)

Thimphu
Altitude: 7,600 feet.
The capital of Bhutan and in its on way distinguishes itself by being the most unusual capital city in the world, by keeping a strong national character in its architecture. Thimphu is a bustling town and home of the Kingdom’s royal family, monk body, civil servants and expatriates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Tashichhoedzong

(The Fortress of the glorious religion) This Dzong was built in 1641 by the Shabdrung. In 1965 Tashichhodzong was rebuilt into its present grandiosity by the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck to serve as the administrative headquarters for the government and the religious order. Today it houses the seat of Bhutan’s government and houses the office of the King and the chief Abbot that is as par in ranking with the King. It’s courtyard is open to the visitors during the Thimphu Tshechu (festival).

 

 

 

• Memorial Chorten

Built in 1974 in memory of the Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is popularly considered as the Father of Modern Bhutan. The religious paintings and complex tantric statues inside the monument reflect both peaceful and wrathful aspects of Buddhist deities. It is one of the most visible religious stupas in Thimphu and for many Thimphu residents it is the place where they come to circumambulate the stupa and pay their daily worship.

 

 

 

 

 

• Tango and Cheri Gompa

(The abode of divinity) This monastery was built in 1620 by Nagwang Namgyel, also known as the Shabdrung, who was the first ruler of unified Bhutan. Indeed, the first order of monks from the Tibetan School of the Drukpa Kagyu version of Buddhism was established in Bhutan at this Gompa (Monastery). Today, the monastery is an important seat of religious teaching that attracts monks from around the country who come for refresher courses and spiritual retreats. Curious

 

 

 

• Semtokha Dzong

Simtokha Dzong: First fortress built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1627 among the series of fortresses built by him in 17th century in Bhutan. About 4 miles drive from Thimphu, this fortress is situated on a lofty ridge and now houses the educational institute for Buddhist studies.

 

 

 

• The Institute for Zorig Chusum

(13 traditional arts & crafts):Centre where children learn traditional drawing and painting, wood carving, sculpture and other forms of traditional arts. On a visit, one can view the students at work.

 

 

 

 

• National Library

It has Bhutan’s history in the form of religious and historical literature.Houses a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts and texts including the imprinted and archaic text of Bhutanese history. The library also has research documents and printing blocks for prayer flags.

 

 

 

 

• The Folk Heritage Museum

Founded by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. This museum gives you a sense of what a traditional Bhutanese home looked like in the medieval days. Many houses in the villages more or less still look like this one.

 

 

 

• The Institute of Traditional Medicine

Here one can receive indigenous treatment. It produces it own herbal medicine.The rich herbal medicine found abundant in Bhutan are prepared and dispensed from here. The institute also researches the use of medicinal herbs and plants and operates a trial experiment on the premises.

• Weekend Market

This is one interesting place for a tourist to visit. Here villagers come to sell their agriculture products from all over the village.

 

 

 

 

Punakha(up)

 

Altitude: 1,310m/4,300ft.

It served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and is still the winter seat of Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot). Blessed with temperate climate and fed by Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female) rivers, Punakha is the most fertile valley in the country with abundant with crops and vast terraces of rice fields. There are splendid view of the distant Himalayas at Dochula pass (alt. 3,100 m) on Thimphu - Punakha road.

 

• Drukwangyal Chortens at Dochula

A few hours drive from Thimphu to Punakha, you will come across 108 stupas at Dochula. It is built by the eldest Queen, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. Depending on the weather one can get a beautiful view of the snow-capped ranges of the Himalayas from Dochula, the highest point on this road.

 

 

 

 

 

• Punakha Dzong

This Dzong was built a year ago before the Wangdi Dzong in 1637. Punakha is much lower in altitude and has an almost sub-tropical climate. It used to be the capital of Bhutan at one point but now serves as winter capital for the monk body that moves their headquarters from Thimphu.

 

 

 

 

 

• Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chhorten

It is one of the most beautiful Chorten (Stupa), built by HRH Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, the third Queen,it was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. The Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond.

 

 

 

 

• Chimi Lhakhang

is situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatize his teachings and due to this also known as ‘Divine Madman’. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. It is an half an hour leisurely

 

 

 

Wangdiphodrang(up)

Altitude: 1,300m/4,265ft.

The last western town before heading towards central Bhutan, Wangdue Phodrang is like an enlarged village with a few well provided shops. Located towards the south of Punakha, the higher ridges of the Wangdue Phodrang valley provides rich pastureland for cattle. This district is also famous for its fine bamboo work and its slate, stone carvings.

 

 

 

• Wangdiphodrang Dzong

It was built in 1638 by Shabdrung and situated on a ridge overlooking a river junction was built in the 1638. The position of the Dzong completely covers the spur and commands an impressive view over both the north-south and east-west roads. In the 17th century, Wangdue Phodrang played a critical role in unifying the Western, Central and Southern Bhutanese districts

 

 

 

 

• Gangtey Goenpa/Phobjikha

Gangtey Goemba ia an old 16th Century private monastery that belongs to a reincarnate (Gangtey Trulku).This imposing building of ancient Tantric Buddhist history (although now being renovated) dominates and overlooks the Phobjikha valley.Inside the monastry are ancient artifacts of Tantric Buddhism (like the mummified body – not wrapped like the Egyptians- 7th Century by the Indian saint Guru Padma Sambhava (known famously as Guru Rimpoche).

The Phobjikha valley is the roosting grounds of the black-necked cranes (grus nigricollis). They are known as Thrung Thrung Karm by the Bhutanese. They arrive like clockwork with the onset of winter and leave just as systematically with spring. There are myths, legends and songs about them; a clear indication of longlasting familiarity with and affection for the cranes. Their arrival and departure in flocks flying with necks and legs outstretched and heavy flapping of their broad wings punctuated with glides is a sight one never tires of.

Trongsa(up)

Altitude: 2,300m/7,545ft.

The landscape around Trongsa is spectacular. It was from here that the present royal family emerged as the most powerful force at the beginning of the last century. The Royal family has strong links with Trongsa. The First King Ugyen Wangchuck, the Penlop of Trongsa and his successor, Second King Jigme Wangchuck, ruled the country from Trongsa’s ancient Dzong. The Crown Prince of Bhutan has always held the position of the Trongsa Penlop prior to ascending the throne. The Fourth King continued this tradition as he was appointed Trongsa Penlop in 1972 shortly before he ascended the throne of Bhutan. The present King, Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was appointed Trongsa Penlop on 21 October, 2004.

• Trongsa Dzong

The Dzong was originally built in 1648 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, which was later extended by its powerful Penlops, and the sixteenth Desi Sonam Lhundub., Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the Royal family. Bothe the first and the second King ruled the country from this ancient seat. All Kings hold the post of Trongsa Penlop prior to being crowned as King.It is the largest Dzong in Bhutan at an altitude of 7,500 feet is a labyrinth of temples, corridors and office holding court over the local community. Protected from invaders by an impenetrable valley, Trongsa Dzong is an impregnable fortress. It is built on many levels into the side of the hill and can be seen from every approach to Trongsa heralding its strength as a defensive stronghold.

• Ta Dzong

Perched above the Traongsa Dzong. It is a watch tower which once stood guard over the Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion. It is now being turned into a heritage museum.

Bumthang(up)

It has an altitude of 8,530 – 13,125 feet. This is one of the most beautiful valley in Bhutan. There are many old and beautiful Buddhist temples and monasteries. The valley is famous for its production of honey, cheese and yatra (a woolen material that is being used for making Jackets and Blankets and many more).

 

 

 

 

 

• Jambay Lhakhang

Jambey Lhakhang (temple) was built in 7th century by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gembo, believed to be the reincarnation of the Buddha of Compassion. It is one of the 108 monasteries built by him to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region.

 

 

 

 

 

• Kurje Lhakhang

Kurjey Lhakhang (temple) which is located above Jambey Lhakhang, consists of three temples. The one on the right was built in 1652 on the rock face where Guru meditated in the 8th century. Second temple is built on the site of a cave containing a rock with the imprint of Guru's body and is therefore considered the most holy. The third temple was recently built by the present Royal Queen Mother. These three temples are surrounded by 108 Chorten wall.

 

 

 

 

• Tamshing Lhakhang

It was builtin 1501by Terton Pema Lingpa (a re-incarnation of Guru Padmasambhava) and whose lineage the Royal Family trace their ancestors to.Tamshing Lhakhang (temple) located opposite Kurje Lhakhang on the other side of the river was founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa, the re-incarnation of Guru Padmasambhava. The Lhakhang has very ancient religious paintings like 1,000 Buddhas and 21 Taras (female form of Bodhisattva). The temple was restored at the end of the 19th century.

 

 

 

• Jakar Dzong

It is the administrative center for the Bumthang district. The most popular Tshechu (festival) which is performed mostly at night is held in this Dzong.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Member Tsho

It is one of the sacred pilgrimage sites of Bhutan where Pema Lingpa found the treasures   hidden by Guru Padsambhava and thus became a terton, a 'discoverer of religious treasures'. The importance of this site is indicated by the extensive array of prayer flags and the small clay offering called ‘tse tsa’ in rock niches.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mongar(up)

 

It has an altitude of 5,575. The journey from Mongar to Bumthang is one of the most beautiful in the Himalayas crossing the 3,800 m high Trumshingla pass. Mongar marks the beginning of eastern Bhutan. The second largest town in the sub-tropical east, Mongar, like Trashigang further east, is situated on the side of a hill in contrast to other towns of western Bhutan which are built on the valley floor.

 

 

 

Trashigang(up)

It has an altitude of 3,775 feet. This is the largest district in Bhutan and it lies in the far east on the banks of the river

Gamri Chu. It was once the center of a busy trade with Tibet. Today it is the junction of the east west highway with road connecting to Samdrupjongkhar and then to the Indian state of Assam. The nomadic people from Merak and Sakten who are remarkable for their exceptional features and costumes use this town as their market place mostly during winter.

 

 

• Trashigang Dzong

It was built in1659 and now serves as the administrative seat for the district as well as the home of the monk body. The Dzddong commands a remarkable view of the surrounding countryside.

 

 

 

 

 

• Gom Kora

It is said that the Guru mediated in this place to subdue a demon that dwelt in a big rock. A temple was then built.

Trashiyangtse(up)

It has an altitude of 6000 feet. It is also home to the Black Necked Crane especially in Bumdeling. This is the eastern most part of Bhutan and borders Arunachal Pradesh in India.

• Chorten Kora

It is similar to the stupa fo Boudhanath in Nepal and was built in 1740 by Lama Ngawang Loday. During the second month of the lunar calendar an interesting celebration known as “Kora” takes place here when people from neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh also join in the festivities.

 

 

 

 

Samdrupjongkhar(up )

The road from Trashigang to Samdrupjongkhar was completed in the 1960s and it enables the eastern part of the country to access and benefit from trade with the south as well as across the Indian border. There is little for travelers to see in this area but it is used as more of a convenient exit town.