“Better to see something once than hear about it a thousand times.”
ATTRACTIONS
The best places to visit in Bhutan are located in the small fertile valleys. Bhutan is a mountainous and landlocked country. The snow capped mountains and hills adorned with beautiful stupas surround these beautiful valleys. The colorful prayer flags fluttering the hills and mountain tops are a common sight.
As you travel to Bhutan from the west to the east, you will discover that each of these valleys has its own beauty and uniqueness. Some tourists visiting in Bhutan still choose to travel to eastern Bhutan which has its own charm. Most recommended places to visit in Bhutan are Paro, Haa, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang, Trongsa and Bumthang.
Picturesque Paro
One of the best places to visit in Bhutan is Paro. It is one of the biggest and most fertile valleys. Bhutan’s only international airport is located in this amazing valley. The iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery is one of the main tourist spots.
Haa – Unspoiled & Unsullied
This beautiful hidden valley was closed for the Tourists until 2001. Explore the beautiful Cheli la pass and discover the hidden secrets of this valley. Haa valley is certainly one of the most recommended places to visit in Bhutan.
Thimphu – Capital City
Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan since 1960, lies at an elevation of over 7600 ft. The tallest statue of Sitting Buddha at Kuensel Phodrang is one of the best tourist sites in Thimphu. The annual grand festival is a held in Capital.
Wangdue phodrang
Wangdue Phodrang is the last town on the highway before entering Central Bhutan. This small town is little more than an enlarged village. The Dzong is the town’s most visible structure and a major tourist attraction.
Phobjikha Valley
The most beautiful valley of the Himalayas, also called “Switzerland of the Himalayas”. This beautiful valley at 3000 m is one of the best places to visit in Bhutan and falls under the Black Mountain park in western Bhutan.
Bumthang
Bumthang is the Cultural hub of Bhutan with ancient temples, the birth place of Bhutanese saint, Pema Lingpa. The place is also visited by Guru Rinpoche. This makes Bumthang one of the recommended places to visit in Bhutan.
Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang)
The Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang monastery) is built on a scary and stiff cliff. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava flew to this site in the eighth century on a flying tigress. The monastery is also the most popular site in Bhutan for tourists and locals alike. In Bhutanese belief, one must visit this once in their lifetime to this sacred monastery. The hike to the monastery makes a splendid half-day excursion.
108 Stupas (Dochula)
108 small stupas perched on a small ridge along the Thimphu – Punakha highway at an elevation of 3,100 meters. Where it has become one of the best tourist spots to witness a range of snow-peaked mountains forming a horizon at an altitude of (3,100 meters). It is about 30 minutes drive from Thimphu, the capital city.
Buddha Statue
One of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. This gigantic statue of Buddha Shakyamuni is made of bronze and gilded in gold over looking the southern approach to the capital. The recreational park opened in 2011 conserves 943.4 acres of forest area that surrounds the Buddha Dordenma statue.