Bhutan is still one of the least-known and least-traveled places, especially for young people who love to travel. However, there is a large list of forts, temples, and other Buddhist treasures, hiking destinations, and retail places that are well worth a visit. The nation is known as the “Last Shangri-La” because of its panoramic valleys, breathtaking Himalayas, and wealth of unusual animals and plants.

The rivers that flow from the Himalayas enchant with their splendor as they meander across the valleys. If you are visiting the Land of the Thunder Dragon, you must include the top tourist attraction in Bhutan on your itinerary. If not all, at least a few of the locations to see in Bhutan mentioned below are worth a visit by you and your travel companions. Bhutan vacations are unrivaled in terms of calm and tranquility, with everything from animal reserves to monasteries.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bhutan

1. Paro

Paro is a tiny town located in Bhutan’s Paro Valley. It is the largest and most fertile valley in Bhutan, as well as the most historic. Paro is the most popular tourist destination in Bhutan due to its tranquil serene beauty and pure air, surrounded by unleveled mountains, lush green meadows, and ancient structures. The city’s sole international airport is located right here. As a result, Paro attracts the greatest number of visitors all year. There are regular excursions to the beautiful dzongs of Paro and Zuri, as well as monasteries and palaces such as Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), Pelri Goemba, and Ugyen Pelri Palace.

Paro is a tranquil historical town that is best visited on foot. It is worthwhile to take a walk and see local life, making it a must-see destination in Bhutan.

2. Jakar

Jakar is situated in the heart of the breathtaking Choekhor Valley, which has been dubbed the “Swiss Riviera ” because of the wide panorama of the Linh Sam woods and high mountains. A thorough exploration of the neighboring valleys in Jakar will most likely take many days.

It’s a religious hub and the entrance to the Bumthang District’s eastern beauty, and it’s dotted with beautiful, whitewashed monasteries.

The great Jakar Dzong stands guard atop the town, representing one of the country’s largest fortified monasteries, while sites like the Kurje Lhakhang below tell stories of the 8th-century Indian master Guru Rinpoche, who helped bring Buddhism to this remote corner of the mountains centuries ago.

3. Thimphu

Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, is an intriguing destination. The city, located in the Himalayan upper mountains, provides breathtaking views of the green trees and the Raidak or Chuu River. Thimphu is a must-see cultural destination that mixes ancient and new world attractions. You could be startled if you view their red light as a traffic officer. Interestingly, the red light only lasted three days before being replaced by a human traffic controller since the residents hated and felt light to be quite negative. Today, the city is crowded with tourists wanting to experience Bhutanese culture, cuisine, and way of life.

The most famous tourist attractions in Thimphu include Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten, Dechencholing Palace, Clock Tower Square, and Motithang Takin Preserve.The leading tourist attractions in Thimphu are Dechencholing Palace, Memorial Chorten, Clock Tower Square, Buddha Dordenma. Thimphu also boasts appealing cafés, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants where you may connect and meet like-minded people.

4. Phuentsholing

Get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a trip to Phuentsholing, Bhutan. Phuentsholing is a gathering spot for people from all over the country, including Kolkata and Siliguri.

The little, scorching border town of Phuentsholing is located beside the considerably larger Indian market town of Jaigaon, separated by a frail barrier and the abundantly captured Bhutan Gate. This location has become one of the most popular in Bhutan.

It is an enthralling location where several ethnic groups, most notably Indian, Bhutanese, and Nepalese, coexist. As a border town, Phuentsholing acts as a useful transit for Bhutan as well as a vital link to the Indian states of West Bengal, Sikkim, and Assam.

5. Punakha Dzong

Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s second biggest dzong, is recognized for its spectacular construction. The Dzong, one of the top tourist attractions in Bhutan, talks eloquently about the fascinating tales and traditions of Buddhist culture. This is a must-see on any Bhutan sightseeing trip.

Punakha is the country’s winter capital, and the head priest of Bhutan spends the winter at this famous Dzong. The Punakha Dzong is located at 1,200 meters, and at this elevation, no one ever suffers from altitude sickness or a lack of oxygen, so if you are thinking about trekking in Bhutan, you may aim for higher places such as Paro Taktsang or Tiger’s Nest, which is a great destination for novices.

This dzong is regarded as the most beautiful in the country, and it hosted the country’s first national parliament in 1953. This is Bhutan’s second biggest stronghold, as well as its most popular. It took a year to complete the construction of this dzong, and the most fascinating feature is that no nails were used in its construction. Almost every national asset of Bhutan is stored here.

6. Samdrup Jongkhar

Samdrup Jongkhar is a town in the district of the same name in Bhutan’s south-eastern region. It was bordered by the Indian state of Assam. The Salt Route’ refers to this beautiful green mountain hamlet. This location is historically significant and was an important trading center in Bhutan. It was famous for its silk manufacturing, which was exchanged for high-quality bamboo. Today, visitors may discover a little bit of everything from its past, including bamboo and silk items. Include it on your list since it is one of the best places to visit in Bhutan.

7. Bumthang

The phrase Bumthang means ‘beautiful fields’ in Bhutanese, and it certainly means what it says. Bumthang is a destination where you may spend days in nature, breathing pure mountain air and seeing amazing attractions. Bumthang, named after Jambay Lhakhang, is known as the spiritual center of the nation. The area is surrounded by numerous old monasteries and Buddhist temples, attracting a large number of history buffs and spiritual seekers.

Begin with a visit to the massive walls of Jakar Dzong before seeing the adjoining monastery of Tamshing Goemba.

There are even other mystery holy places in Shingyer Village, not to mention Chhumey’s traditional arts and crafts center, where you may purchase Himalayan wool!

8. Dochula Pass

Dochula Pass is a picturesque pass made up of 108 Chortens or Stupas constructed in commemoration of Bhutanese troops who perished fighting Indian separatists. The Dochula Pass, with its magnificently crafted temples and stupas and the gorgeous Gangkar Puensum mountain in the distance, is one of Bhutan’s most popular tourist destinations. Dochula pass is located between Punakha and Thimphu.

This particular pass is a famous destination for all tourists that visit the country. The pass provides a panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain range, and the view from the summit is breathtaking. You will be able to observe the snow-covered mountains and the breathtaking scenery of the area. Many Bhutanese families spend their vacations here, having little picnics and just enjoying the scenery. You may bring your lunch and tea in a flask and come here to eat and drink.

9. Mongar

Mongar, one of the most popular steppingstones in the east on the road to Trashigang, has its own hilltop on the Bhutanese Himalaya plateau.

Visitors are greeted with breathtaking vistas from the start, with sweeping valleys and broad mountain massifs draped with fire spreading on all sides.

Add to that Mongar’s reputation as an educational center and its bustling daily marketplace, which is brimming with woven items and organic lemon oils, and it’s easy to understand why so many people want to stay along.

10. Jigme Dorji National Park

Jigme Dorji National Park is Bhutan’s second-biggest national park and one of the greatest locations to visit. This location is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream, spanning 1316 square kilometers. See Bengal tigers, snow leopards, Himalayan blue sheep, and black bears. Keep your camera ready since there will be plenty of breathtaking vistas to photograph.

11. Phobjikha Valley

Phobjikha is a tiny town in Bhutan’s central region (The Land of Thunderbolt). It is surrounded by mountains and lush foliage, making it one of the top Bhutan attractions. The area is well-known for its scenic vistas and passes, and a day trek will take you through the town and the forests.

Phobjikha valley is located on the western slopes of the Alps and has a height of roughly 3000 meters. The location lies on the outskirts of the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. If you are visiting Bhutan, this is the most well-known location, and you must go there.

Experience a large flock of black-necked cranes in the winter, and since it is near a vital wildlife reserve in the country, you may also see or hear some barking deer nearby. To add to your thrill, the forest is home to leopards, wild boars, red foxes, Himalayan black bears, and several more species.

12. Royal Manas National Park

If you assume that Bhutan is just known for its Buddhist monasteries, you should rethink that assumption since Bhutan has much more to offer than only Buddhist monasteries. This wildlife park is the oldest one in Bhutan, and it has everything a person interested in animals could ever want. The Royal Manas Park preserves a significant amount of flora and fauna over its 1057 square kilometers of land area. The Manas Tiger Reserve in India is linked to the national park on its southern boundary.

This park is home to a wide variety of endangered animal species, such as the one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tigers, clouded leopards, Gangetic dolphins, Himalayan black bears, and many more. This region is also home to the elusive golden langur. A visit to this park is an excellent way to get a closer look at Bhutan’s wilder side.When you go to Bhutan’s Royal Manas National Park, you shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to participate in some of the country’s most fascinating activities, like trekking and elephant safaris.

FAQs

What is the best time to visit Bhutan?

The best time to visit Bhutan is from March to May and September to November. During these times, the weather is generally mild and dry, making it comfortable for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

In the spring, the flowers are in full bloom, making it an ideal time for nature lovers. During the autumn months, the skies are usually clear, making it a perfect time for trekking and hiking.

Is Bhutan safe for tourists?

Yes, Bhutan is generally safe for tourists. The crime rate in Bhutan is relatively low, and violent crime is rare.

What are the important tourist attractions of Bhutan explain?

Bhutan is a country with stunning landscapes, a unique culture, and a strong emphasis on sustainable development. As a result, there are many tourist attractions in Bhutan that are worth visiting. 

What is the famous thing about Bhutan?

One of the most famous things about Bhutan is its unique approach to measuring national progress and well-being. 

What is the currency of Bhutan?

The currency of Bhutan is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN).

What is unique about the culture of Bhutan?

One of the unique aspects of Bhutanese culture is its emphasis on Gross National Happiness (GNH).