TOP 30 Attractions in BhutanIntroduction to all famous places in the Kingdom of Happiness

Thimphu CityAltitude: 2,350m / 7,710ft

A historic town with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered through the area.

Memorial Chorten

Close to the center of Thimphu city This stupa was built in 1974 to honour the

third King of Bhutan - Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. “The most visible religious landmark in

Bhutan” Visitors will find elderly Bhutanese people circumambulating the Chorten throughout

the day.

Buddha PointOne of the largest statues of Buddha in the world

Built to celebrate the 60th anniversary of fourth king Jigme Singye Wangchuk

Made of bronze and gilded in gold

Offer breath-taking view of the whole Thimphu city

Drukgyel Dzong

Near the end of the paved road, 14km from Paro, stand the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong.

This dzong was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in a location chosen for its control of the route to Tibet. The dzong was named Druk (Bhutan) gyel (victory) to commemorate the victory of Bhutan over Tibetan invaders in 1644.

One of the features of the dzong was a false entrance that lured the returning Tibetan invaders into an enclosed courtyard during a second attack.

Tashichho Dzong

Tashichho Dzong has been the seat of the government since 1952 and presently houses the throne room and offices of the king, the

secretariat and the ministries of home affairs and finance. Other government departments are

housed in buildings nearby. The dzong is located close to Thimphu town,

next to the banks of the Wangchhu River. It is an impressively large structure, surrounded by

well-kept lawns and beautiful gardens.

Cheri Monastery

Cheri Monastery is considered very sacred as it contains the remains of Tempi Nima, the father of

Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Zhabdrung built the monastery in 1620 in memory of his father and spent three years in strict retreat at the monastery and it’s a

renowned meditation place even today. The first community of monks in Bhutan was

established here. The monastery is now a major teaching and retreat center of the Drukpa Kagyu sect, and serves as the

monastic school for study of Buddhist Philosophy and other Buddhist studies.

Tango Monastery

Tango is the highest center of Buddhist learning in the country; almost every Je

Khenpo (religious head of Bhutan) completed the 9-year program there. After completing that program, monks traditionally spend 3

years, 3 months and 3 days in meditation at the nearby Cheri Goemba retreat.

Zilukha Nunnery

Located on the slopes, looking down at Golf course and Tashicho Dzong with around 70 or so

resident nuns. Founded by later reincarnation of Druthob

Thangtong Gyalpo or Drubthob Chakzampa, who in the 15 century was known all over Tibetan

Buddhist world for building iron bridges and he is also considered the father of Tibetan Opera. Zilukha is among the few nunneries in Bhutan.

Changangkha LhakhangThe oldest temple in Thimphu

Established in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo, who

came from Ralung in Tibet Parents traditionally come here to get

auspicious names for their newborns or blessings for their young children

National Textile

MuseumWorth a visit to learn about Bhutan’s living

national art of weaving The ground floor focuses on Cham costumes,

while the upper floor introduces the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and

type of textiles made by women and men. There is usually a small group of weavers

working their looms inside the shop, which features work from the renowned weaving centre of Lhuntse in northeastern Bhutan.

The Jungshi Paper Factory

The Jungshi handmade paper factory uses traditional methods to produce the authentic

Bhutanese paper known as Deh-sho. Visitors can observe the entire process of producing handmade paper using ancient

traditional methods that have been practiced for generations. You can even try your hand

at this ancient craft and make some paper of your very own as a souvenir.

Choki Traditional Art

SchoolIt is the primary center of learning for

Bhutanese artists. Depending upon the student’s interest, one can specialise in any

of the thirteen arts and crafts, including painting, weaving, sculptures, blacksmithing,

embroidery, etc. The best place for visitors to learn about

traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts

The Centenary Farmer’s Market

Located below the main town, near the Wangchhu River, Thimphu’s weekend market is

by far the largest domestic market for the farmers in Bhutan.

Farmers come from all over the country to sell their farm products in the market.

With its wide assortment of fresh, organic produce, the Farmer’s Market has become a favourite spot for tourists and a recreational

place for people from all walks of life.

Punakha TownAltitude: 1,310m / 4,300ft

Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan during the time of Zhabdrun Ngawang Namkgyal, the founder of Bhutan. Today it is the administrative and religious center of the district and the winter home of Bhutan’s Central Monk Body.

Blessed with temperate climate and owing to its natural drainage from Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers, the Punakha valley produces abundant crops and fruits.

Dochula PassLocated on the way from Thimphu to

Punakha Offer a stunning 360 degree panoramic view

of Himalayan mountain range The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass.

Chimi Lhakhang

Dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley (also known as the Divine Madman) and is popular

among childless Bhutanese couples as a temple to seek blessings for fertility.

The hike up to the temple is an easy 20-30 minute walk as the trail cuts through a flat

paddy field and gentle slope.

Punakha Dzong

Located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the

Punakha–Wangdue valley Also known as Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong (meaning very awesome dzong "the

palace of great happiness or bliss”) The administrative center of the district

The second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and one of its most majestic structures

Punakha Suspension

BridgeKnown for the 2nd longest suspension bridge

in Bhutan The bridge is perfect for those who wish to get their heart pumping with excitement. Offer great opportunity for photography

enthusiasts

Khamsum Yulley Namgyel

ChortenStands majestically on a strategic ridge

above the Punakha valley. Built over a period of 9 years, Bhutanese

craftsmen consulted holy scriptures rather than engineering manuals, to construct this

four-storey temple. 1 hour to hike up through paddy field and pine forest, then 30 minutes to hike down

Talo VillageA serene village within the mountains Known for its cleanliness and hygiene

amongst Punakha villages. The stunning farm houses of the village have its own flower gardens and on the hill slope

corns and sweet peas are grown plenty. The women of Talo are especially known for

their beauty.

Lamperi Botanical Gardens

En-route from Punakha to Thimphu The first botanical park in Bhutan and forms

the backdrop of the Dochula Pass. This is planted with 46 species of

rhododendron of which 18 species are native to the park while the other 26 species are brought from other regions of Bhutan and

planted here.

Paro TownAltitude: 2,250m / 7,382ft

A historic town with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered through the area. Also home to Paro Airport, the only international airport of Bhutan

National Museum

The National Museum of Bhutan is among the few educational institutions that

interpret the history and culture of Bhutan through its exhibits, conducting

symposiums, publication of research findings and conservation of artefact.

Perform an essential role as a preserver and promoter of Bhutanese cultural values

Paro Rinpung Dzong

Regal and imposing, this Dzong is arguably among the most distinctive and important

structure in Bhutan. In 1644 Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal

ordered the construction of the dzong on the foundation of a monastery built by Guru

Rinpoche. The fort was used on numerous occasions to defend the Paro valley from

invasions by Tibet.

Kyichu Lhakhang

It is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th

century. The lhakhang complex is composed of two

temples. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th

century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second

temple in original pattern.

Sangchokhor Buddhism

CollegeThe Sangchokhor Monastery houses the

monastic institute of higher studies. There are 200 monks pursuing 9 years of

rigorous Buddhist studies. On school days (Mon-Sat) you can listen in on lectures and gain knowledge about the monks’ nine-year educational program.

Tiger’s NestBhutan’s most important landmark

Taktshang – Tiger’s Nest

Taktshang the Tiger’s nest clings to the side of a steep cliff 300 meters above the Paro valley.

The place was first visited by Guru Rimpoche, founder of the tantric form of Buddhism in Himalayan countries, in the 8th century. It was said that he meditated there for about three months.

The original temple was built in the 17th century, but tragically, it was consumed by fire in 1998. Like a phoenix, the temple was rebuilt to its fullest glory in 2003.

Taktshang is considered to be the 10th-holiest site in the Buddhist world. You can visit three different temples inside the main Taktshang complex.

Riding Ponies provided upon request.

Bumthang Town

Altitude: 2,800m / 9,185ft A historic town with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered through the

area. Also home to Pao Airport, the only

international airport of Bhutan

Phobjikha Valley

Altitude: 3,000m / 9,800ft

The Phobjikha Valley is a vast glacial valley at an elevation of about 3,000 metres (9,800 ft) on the west side by the Black Mountains (Bhutan) (range above 5,000 metres (16,000

ft) elevation) that separates western and central Bhutan.

Haa ValleyAltitude: 2,700m / 9,000ft

Located in South West of Paro and covering an area of roughly 1706 sq. km. Haa is the smallest Dzongkhag in the country. This tiny region is one

of the most beautiful and isolated areas in the kingdom, adorned with pristine alpine forests

and tranquil mountain peaks.

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