An Ultimate Travel Guide for Bhutan Tourism and Tour Packages

Top Tourist Attraction of Bhutan Tourism:

Top tourist places to visit in Bhutan tourism are Thimphu, Paro, Punakha and Phuentsholing. Majority of tourist travel to bhutan explore those places. We have given local sightseeing places to visit in Thimphu, paro and punakha.

PARO – THE MOST BEAUTIFUL STOP IN BHUTAN

The town of Paro sits within the Paro District, situated at the western side of the country. Paro harbors Bhutan's only airport and was also the prime nucleus of international trade that used to happen between Tibet & Bhutan. The valley of Paro is said to be the most beautiful one in Bhutan, dotted with numerous religious sites like monasteries & Lhakhang. The interspersed rhododendron and jacaranda trees add a splash of color to the quaint surroundings.

TOURISM PLACES TO VISIT IN PARO, BHUTAN

The Tiger's Nest: Perhaps the most famous monastery in Bhutan, it was built at the edge of a 1,200-meter tall cliff during the 16th Century. Legend has it that it was anchored to the cliff by the hairs of a celestial being during construction.

The Paro Dzong: The Rinchen Pung Dzong, (which translates to Fortress in a Heap of Jewels) is the main venue where the Paro Tsechu is celebrated. The highlight is the unfurling of a mega-sized mural of Guru Rinpoche in public.

Chamlingthang Ground: It is the venue for regular archery competitions where a large number of locals participate. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan and it is played with a lot of discipline & finesse, which is a treat to the eyes.

Jangsarbu Lhakhang: This temple features the statue of Sakyamuni Buddha that was bought from Lhasa for the Paro Dzong. Kept here during an overnight shelter, the statue was then impossible to shift and remains here to date.

HOW TO REACH PARO, BHUTAN

You can land into Paro via the Paro International Airport, which is only airport in Bhutan. If you choose to reach Paro via road, it is an hour away from the capital of Thimphu. You can get plenty of public and reserved vehicles in the capital.

THIMPHU – THE CAPITAL CITY OF BHUTAN

The capital of Bhutan is the center of Bhutanese administration. Being the world’s third highest capital, Thimphu sits amidst richly forested valleys, which lend this location its countryside charm. Despite being incessantly close to nature, you will enjoy access to the modern lifestyle in Thimphu. From multi-cuisine restaurants serving you beside ancient dzongs to maroon clothed monks walking past by discotheques, you can catch the taste of a little bit of both sides in Thimphu.

TOURISM PLACES TO VISIT IN THIMPHU, BHUTAN

Cheri Monastery: The first monastery that was constructed in the domain of Bhutan. This monastery stands at the edge of a cliff in the capital ever since the philosophy of Buddhism entered into the premises of Bhutan.

Buddha Dordenma: This 169-foot giant icon of Sakyamuni Buddha greets you as you enter the valley of Thimphu. This statue is still under construction and is proposed to be filled with 1,00,000 smaller miniature statues.

National Institute of Zorig Chusum: Attended by children of Thimphu, this institute teaches the 6 traditional arts of Bhutan for free. You can walk in and watch the painters & sculptors live in action to get awed.

National Memorial Chorten: This Chorten or Stupa, was built in the year 1947 in memory of the Third King of Bhutan. Topped by a golden spire that shines brightly during peak afternoon hours, this location is a prime prayer site for locals.

HOW TO REACH THIMPHU, BHUTAN

Thimphu is an hour-long drive away from the nearest airport in Paro, the Paro International Airport. But if you are to enter the premises of Bhutan through the road routes, it will take you seven hours to cover the distance between the capital city of Thimphu from the bordering town of Phuentsholing.

PUNAKHA – THE WINTER RESIDENCE OF MONK BODY

Punakha is a fertile valley situated in the inner circles of Bhutan, slightly to the west. Being at an elevation of 1,200 meters above the sea level, this location stays relatively warmer compared to its colder counterparts like Thimphu. Punakha was the former administrative capital of Bhutan until the year 1995. The valley is surrounded by fertile rice fields all over, but the most iconic attraction remains to be the Punakha Dzong, often referred as the "Land of Great Happiness".

TOURISM PLACES TO VISIT IN PUNKAHA, BHUTAN

Pungthang Dewachen Phodrang: Essentially the landmark of Punakha, this is where Ugyen Wangchuck was crowned the first King of Bhutan. It is also the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan.

Geon Tsephu: This is a cave where Guru Padmasambhava meditated and was able to see the Amitayus Avatar of Buddha, who is the Buddha of long life. Through the trek, you will encounter many stone impressions of the saint.

The Koma Tsachu: Tsachu generally means hot springs and you can run into one in Punakha. It's a two-hour trek away from the small village of Mitesgang. You will discover 3 bathing pools & a free shelter with ample tenting space.

Chimi Lhakhang: This monastery was blessed by the "Divine Madman" who is revered throughout Bhutan. Legend has it that a trip to this site will cure the couples of their infertility problems and help them have a child.

HOW TO REACH PUNKAHA, BHUTAN

Once you get into the capital of Thimphu, you will find ample buses plying to Punakha. If you are not a fan of public transport, simply reserve a vehicle.