• By Roamcrafts

  • 19th July 2025

“In Bhutan, you don’t just travel through landscapes — you journey through your soul.”

Welcome to Bhutan — a kingdom cradled in the Himalayas, wrapped in clouds, soaked in stories, and ruled by Gross National Happiness. From sacred monasteries perched on cliffs to valleys that hum with the rhythm of nature, Bhutan invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and feel alive.

Whether you're planning your first visit or looking to go deeper, this Bhutan travel guide covers every major sightseeing destination—across all regions—so you never miss a moment of magic.


🌄Western Bhutan – The Gateway for Most Travelers


📍 Paro – The Mystical Welcome

  • Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) – Bhutan’s crown jewel.

  • Rinpung Dzong – A stunning fortress and monastery.

  • National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong) – Insight into Bhutanese heritage.

  • Kyichu Lhakhang – One of the oldest temples, built in the 7th century.

  • Drukgyel Dzong – A fortress in ruins, with stories of victory and protection.

  • Paro Town – Quaint shops, riverside cafés, and handicrafts.

📝 Travel Tip: Stay at a traditional farmhouse for an authentic local experience.


📍 Thimphu – The Heartbeat of Bhutan

  • Buddha Dordenma – One of the largest Buddha statues in the world.

  • Tashichho Dzong – The seat of the government and a spiritual marvel.

  • Motithang Takin Preserve – Home to Bhutan’s national animal.

  • Folk Heritage Museum – Dive into Bhutanese rural life.

  • Simply Bhutan Museum – Try archery, wear gho/kira, and dance with locals.

  • Weekend Market – Organic veggies, incense, fabrics, and smiling locals.

  • Memorial Chorten – A place of prayer, peace, and remembrance.

  • Changangkha Lhakhang – An ancient temple overlooking Thimphu valley.

  • National Institute for Zorig Chusum – Watch students master 13 traditional arts.

📝 Pro Tip: Thimphu is the only capital city in the world without traffic lights!


📍 Haa Valley – Bhutan’s Best-Kept Secret

  • Lhakhang Karpo & Nagpo – Twin temples of white and black.

  • Haa Town – Simple, untouched, and nestled in silence.

  • Chele La Pass – Scenic drive from Paro with breathtaking views of Mt. Jomolhari.

  • Yaks, pine forests, and untouched villages – Ideal for nature lovers.

📝 Best For: Offbeat travelers, slow exploration, and photography.


📍 Punakha – Romance of Rivers and Monasteries

  • Punakha Dzong – Bhutan’s most picturesque dzong by the riverside.

  • Punakha Suspension Bridge – One of the longest in Bhutan.

  • Chimi Lhakhang – Temple of fertility, known for its unique cultural beliefs.

  • Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten – A beautiful stupa with a panoramic trek.

  • Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery – Overlooking the valley with serenity.

📝 When to Visit: Spring (March–April) for blooming jacaranda trees.


🏞️ Central Bhutan – Spiritual Depths & Untouched Valleys


📍 Phobjikha Valley (Gangtey) – Nature’s Sanctuary

  • Black-Necked Crane Centre – For wildlife lovers and conservationists.

  • Gangtey Monastery – One of Bhutan’s most beautiful spiritual centers.

  • Nature Trails – Peaceful walks through pine forests and open meadows.

📝 Best Time: Oct–Feb for bird watching (black-necked cranes).


📍 Trongsa – The Royal Ancestry

  • Trongsa Dzong – The largest dzong in Bhutan, once a royal seat.

  • Trongsa Museum (Ta Dzong) – A rich archive of royal artifacts.

  • Watchtower – A panoramic viewpoint of the dzong and valley.

📝 Interesting Fact: All Bhutanese kings served as Trongsa Penlop before ascending the throne.


📍 Bumthang (Jakar Valley) – Bhutan’s Spiritual Core

  • Jambay Lhakhang – Built in the 7th century, one of the oldest temples.

  • Kurjey Lhakhang – Sacred site with Guru Rinpoche’s body imprint.

  • Tamshing Lhakhang – A seat of the Nyingma school of Buddhism.

  • Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) – A spiritual site surrounded by legends.

  • Swiss Cheese Factory – Yes, Swiss cheese and apple brandy in Bhutan!

📝 Travel Tip: Visit during Jambay Lhakhang Drup for traditional mask dances and fire rituals.


🏔️ Eastern Bhutan – Raw, Remote, and Rarely Explored


📍 Mongar – The Gateway to the East

  • Mongar Dzong – A new but beautiful architectural marvel.

  • Great for hiking and exploring untouched terrains.


📍 Lhuentse – Birthplace of the Royal Family

  • Lhuentse Dzong – Perched dramatically on a ridge.

  • Known for kushuthara weaving (exquisite traditional fabrics).


📍 Trashigang – The Largest District

  • Trashigang Dzong – A historic fortress.

  • Hub for eastern Bhutanese culture.


📍 Trashi Yangtse – Artistic & Spiritual

  • Chorten Kora – Modeled after the famous Boudhanath in Nepal.

  • Known for wood carving and traditional art.

📝 Best For: Cultural immersion and spiritual peace.


📍 Samdrup Jongkhar – Eastern Border Town

  • The entry point for those coming via Assam (India).

  • Great for cross-border travelers and trade markets.


🛕 Other Spiritual & Scenic Places Worth Visiting

  • Kila Gompa Nunnery (Near Paro) – A peaceful monastery built into cliffs.

  • Dochula Pass (Thimphu–Punakha Highway) – 108 stupas with Himalayan views.

  • Dagana & Tsirang – Emerging eco-tourism and homestays.

  • Zhemgang – For hardcore wildlife and forest adventure.


🧭 Practical Travel Tips for Bhutan

Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (March–May): Blooming rhododendrons and clear skies.

  • Autumn (September–November): Festivals, crisp air, and golden fields.

Visa & Permits

  • Indian citizens need a permit (available at Phuentsholing or online).

  • Others need a visa and must book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.

How to Get There

  • By Air: Paro International Airport (Druk Air, Bhutan Airlines).

  • By Road: Through Phuentsholing, Gelephu, or Samdrup Jongkhar.

Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum (1 INR = 1 BTN). Indian Rupee accepted everywhere (except ₹2000 note).

Connectivity: Local SIM cards available. Wi-Fi in most hotels.
Respect Local Culture: Dress modestly. Don’t point at religious objects. Always walk clockwise around stupas.


🌺 Conclusion: Let Bhutan Change You

In Bhutan, you don’t just see places—you feel them. You feel the whispers of ancient monks in mountain winds, the smile of a child offering butter tea, the hush of a thousand prayer flags dancing under the Himalayan sun.

Let Bhutan change you. Let it slow you down, open your heart, and remind you of what truly matters.

Post Tags:

Share: