The final Himalayan kingdom, Bhutan, is a place where happiness reigns supreme!This idyllic piece of heaven, which has borders with China and India, is surrounded by the mysterious Himalayas, picturesque plains, and magical subalpine mountains.Bhutan has a lot of beautiful places to visit in the midst of all these amazing beauty.
Bhutan, which covers 47,000 square kilometers, has something for everyone!If you're looking for a romantic getaway, the best places to visit in Bhutan are in its tourist areas.The rugged Himalayas, with their mighty height of 7,000 meters, would undoubtedly provide an adrenaline rush for thrill seekers!For nature sweethearts, the beautiful spots in Bhutan will do everlasting equity.If you've ever considered visiting Bhutan, the following is a list of the country's most magnificent destinations:
1. Thimphu – The Royal Capital
The capital city of the nation, Thimphu (recently called Thimbu) is without a doubt the primary spot to visit in Bhutan.This city is in the country's western-central region and is on the banks of the Raidak River. It is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and mountain peaks that range from 2,000 to 3,800 meters in elevation.
Thimphu is a city that exemplifies Bhutan's indigenous cultures and traditions in the most beautiful ways. It also boasts of being the commercial hub of this prosperous kingdom.This stunning city, which serves as the official residence of the royal family of Bhutan, is home to a plethora of luxurious lodging options, tourist attractions, things to do in Bhutan, and other cutting-edge facilities.
Best Time to Visit: March to May
Tourist Attractions: Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), Tashichho Dzong , Memorial Chorten, Centenary Farmers’ Market, National Library of Bhutan, National Institute of Traditional Medicine, The Folk Heritage Museum, Changangkha Lhakhang, Dechen Phodrang, Dochula, Takin Preserve, Zangto Pelri Lhakhang
Nearest Airport: Paro Airport (54km)
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal, India) (302km / 8 Hours)
Weather: Summer (September to November), Winter (November to March), Monsoon (June to September)
2. Punakha Dzong – The Lost Capital of Bhutan
Punakha Valley, once the capital of Bhutan, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Bhutan throughout the year.Punakha Dzong, also known as "The Palace of Great Happiness or Bliss," is a Himalayan wonder that sits at a height of 1,200 meters and is a peaceful tourist destination for the entire country.
The Punakha Valley is easily accessible from all over the country and is tucked away among the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, about 3.5 hours from Thimphu.This valley in Bhutan is a must-see due to its pleasant climate, abundant beauty, welcoming locals, and diverse Buddhist culture and traditions.
Best Time to Visit: Year-Round Destination
Tourist Attractions: Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lakhang, Jigme Dorji National Park, Rishta Village
Nearest Airport: Paro Airport (122km / 3 Hours)
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (376km / 10 Hours)
Weather: Summer (July to September), Winter (October to April), Monsoon (May to June)
3. Bumthang or Jakar Valley – The Switzerland of Bhutan
Bumthang, or the Jakar Valley, is affectionately referred to as "Little Switzerland" due to its abundance of evergreen mountains and their enchanting beauty!Although you won't find the picturesque Swiss Alps here, you can still enjoy the mouthwatering "Swiss Cheese" while exploring the magnificent Jakar Valley;As a result, it got its name.
With its abundant beauty and natural wonders, Bumthang, which is in the country's central-eastern region, easily outperforms any other place to visit.Along with its challenging trails and rugged terrain, Jakar is well-known among adrenaline junkies.You will undoubtedly enjoy every aspect of this valley, indoors or out.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March May), Winter (December to February)
Tourist Attractions: Jakar Dzong, Wangdicholing Palace, Kurje Lhakhang, Zangtopelri Lhakhang, Jambey Lhakhang, Lhodrak Kharchhu Lhakhang, Tamshing Gompa, Chakhar Lhakhang
Nearest Airport: Paro Airport (309km / 9 Hours)
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal, India) (563km / 16 Hours)
Weather: Summer (June to August), Winter (December to February), Monsoon (September to November)
4. Paro – The Last Shangri-La
Paro Valley, a city with a long and illustrious history and a lot of sacred sites, is often called the "Last Shangri-La" on Earth!This district of Bhutan is one of the most beautiful places to visit. It is full of natural beauty, rich cultures, semi-modern lifestyle, and colorful traditions.
The Taktsang Monastery, also known as the "Tiger's Nest," can be found in Paro, which is renowned for its meticulous beauty from the point where the Paro Chuu and Wang Chuu rivers meet to the majestic Mt. Jomolhari.This valley is also famous for its famed terraced farming and "red rice" cultivation, to be mentioned here.
Best Time to Visit: September to November
Tourist Attractions: Taktshang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest), Ugyen Pelri Palace, Rinpung Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang, Jangsarbu Lhakhang, Haa Valley, Chelela Pass, Kila Goemba, Druk Choeding, Dungtse Lhakhang, Ta Dzong, Drukgyel Dzong.
Nearest Airport: Paro Airport
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal, India) (297km / 8 Hours)
Weather: Summer (June to August), Winter (December to May), Monsoon (September to November)
5. Trongsa – The Balcony of Bhutan
The town of Trongsa, which is on top of a high hill, is famous for its scenic beauty and panoramic views.This scenic spot in Bhutan can also be referred to as the "Balcony of Bhutan" due to its topography!The town's rich history, traditional white-washed buildings, and colorful plants all around its perimeter magnify its magical appeal.
This location is frequently visited by people who want to take in the breathtaking mountain vistas and panoramic views of the valleys that surround it.The Trongsa Dzong, which looks like a flying dragon and is one of the town's many attractions, is a major draw.It should be mentioned that the dzong was probably built in 1648!
Best Time to Visit: Year-Round Destination
Tourist Attractions: Trongsa Dzong, Ta Dzong, Chendbji Chorten, Kuenga Rabten, Chökhor Raptse Dzong, Thruepang Palace, Trongsa Tower
Nearest Airport: Paro Airport (230km / 6 Hours)
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal, India) (484km / 12 Hours)
Weather: Summer (April to June), Winter (September to April), Monsoon (July to September)
6. Jigme Dorji National Park – The Wild Side of Himalayan Kingdom
The captivating Jigme Dorji National Park, which lies between 1,400 and 1,700 meters above sea level and spans the entirety of Gasa District in addition to a portion of Thimphu, Paro, Wangdue Phodrang, and Punakha, is a natural habitat for a number of endangered and rare species of wildlife.Parading its powerful magnificence across 4,315sq.km, this held region is likewise an extreme competitor name in the rundown of 'UNESCO World Legacy Site'.
The park is also home to several cultural sites and has more than 30 different species of wildlife within its boundaries.When you go to Jigme Dorji National Park, you can easily spot the Bengal Tiger, Snow Leopard, Takin, Clouded Leopard, and Himalayan Blue Sheep.In addition, it is home to a wide variety of uncommon floral species and more than 300 distinct bird species.Jigme Dorji Public Park has likewise turned into a most loved ground for travelers settling on Jomolhari Journey, Snowman Trip, Lunana Journey and Gasa-Laya Trip.
Best Time to Visit: Year-Round Destination
Operational Hours: Monday to Friday (09:00AM – 05:00PM)
Non-Operational Hours: Weekends
Nearest Airport: Paro Airport (161km / 5 Hours)
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal, India) (415km / 12 Hours)
7. Phuentsholing – The Gateway to Bhutan
Phuntsholing, also known as the "Gateway to Bhutan," is one of the best places to visit in Bhutan. It is at the foothills of the great Himalayas and shares a border with an Indian town called Jaogaon.This magnificent town always has a mix of people due to its proximity to Indian territory.On the other hand, the town evokes Bhutan's distinctive traditions and cultures in the most vivid ways.
Visitors from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives can reach this picturesque town without requiring a tourist visa. It is approximately five to six hours away from Thimphu and Paro.However, in order to gain entry, citizens of these nations must present valid identification documents.
Best Time to Visit: Year-Round Destination
Tourist Attractions: Bhutanese Gate, Karbandi Monastery, Chukha Hydrothermal Project, Amo Chouu, Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (167km / 5 Hours)
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal, India) (155km / 4 Hours)
Weather: Summer (March to June), Winter (November to February), Monsoon (July to August)
