9 Worth Visiting Tourist Places In Bhutan

Bhutan is one the most beautiful and peacful country in the world. Sharing international boundaries with India and China, this picturesque piece of heaven is shrouded by the mystical Himalayas, cuddled with pictorial plains and magical sub-alpine mountains. Amidst all these miraculous beauties, one would find a range of scenic places to visit in Bhutan.

Spread across 47,000sq.km, Bhutan has something for everyone! If you are on the lookout for romantic getaways, you would find Bhutan tourist places the most lovable ones. For thrill seekers, the mighty Himalayas (7,000m) and its rugged terrains would surely offer an adrenaline rush! For nature lovers, the picturesque places in Bhutan will do eternal justice. Well, if in case, you are thinking about taking a trip to this happiest kingdom, here is a list of most magnificent places to visit in Bhutan:

* Thimphu

The first stop on your Bhutanese adventure is presumably Thimphu, the largest and most populated city in this South Asian nation. Thimphu sits in a valley, sandwiched between rolling hills in the western part of Bhutan. The city is dotted with historical complexes that functioned both as a fortress and monastery, and are so typical for Bhutan. Dechen Phodrang Monastery is not to be missed, as this iconic priory has 12th-century paintings and admirable monastery buildings. The Chagri Dorjeden Monastery, built on a hillside just north of Thimphu, is also definitely worth the 20-kilometre drive.

* Mount Jomolhari

Bhutan is home to some striking summits, and Mount Jomolhari is one of the finest examples. This mountain, which rises 7326 metres above sea level, lies on the border with Tibet, and can be seen from afar. It is a holy grail for hiking fanatics. Hiking experience in an alpine environment is absolutely necessary, as the total trek takes at least a week and the oxygen level is very low along the way. You can pick from different routes, known as the Jomolhari Trek, Jomolhari Loop Trek, and Jomolhari Base Camp Trek. The 10-day Jomolhari Trek takes hikers to an altitude of up to 5000 metres. The Loop Track takes 7 days and starts at the settlement of Gunitsawa.

* Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)

If you pick up a brochure for Bhutan tourism, chances are that Paro Taktsang proudly shines on the cover. This Buddhist monastery is the most significant and iconic cultural landmarks and for valid reasons. Paro Taktsang – nicknamed the Tiger’s Nest – is stunningly draped over a rock outcrop, and surrounded by a green valley and rugged mountain peaks. Within this stunning complex, you’ll be able to visit praying halls, shrines, and four caves used as a living and meditation space for monks. Although the Tiger’s Nest was wholly destroyed by a fire in 1998, the cloister has been restored beautifully, keeping its original appeal alive.

* Trongsa

Trongsa is a town located right in the heart of Bhutan, 200 kilometres east of the capital Thimphu. The traditional Bhutanese architecture shines in this town that houses several palaces and a compelling heritage museum. An excellent location to kick off a trip to Trongsa is the Trongsa Dzong, the historical seat of Bhutan’s kings. Within this 17th-century complex, you can explore the courtyards and admire the stunning architecture and ornaments. Trongsa Dzong still functions as a monastery.

* Dochula Pass

The Dochula Pass combines fabulous vistas with a great religious significance. This alpine passageway lies just 20 kilometres east of Thimphu at an altitude of 3100 metres and is often covered under a blanket of snow. Stop here for an impressive visit to the Druk Wangyal Chortens, a total of 108 stupas on the top of this mountain pass. A walkway lets you explore all of the 108 stupas, which were built in memory of 108 Bhutanese soldiers who died in the war with India in 2003.

* Punakha Suspension Bridge

Hanging over the Puna Tsang Chu river, the Punakha Suspension Bridge is a wonder of engineering. With a length of 160 metres, this Punakha is one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan and certainly the one that offers the most breathtaking scenery. While walking over Punakha Suspension Bridge, the roaring Puna Tsang Chu river flows underneath, and the hills of central Bhutan show themselves all around. The Punakha Suspension Bridge is only a stone’s throw away from Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century fortified palace occupying the riverbank.

* Royal Manas National Park

Royal Manas National Park was the first national park to be established in Bhutan in 1966. This vast reserve in the south of Bhutan is home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna and attracts travellers that want to experience Bhutan’s biodiversity.

The best ways to delve into Royal Manas National Park is via a hike or wildlife safari. Keep an eye on the treeline, where elusive hornbills and eagles might appear at any moment. Other wildlife in this 1057 square kilometre park includes Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, rhinos and cobras. Perhaps one of the most enjoyable ways to navigate through Royal Manas National Park is via a boat trip, during which you might get a glimpse of the extraordinarily rare Gangetic dolphin.

* Drukgyel Dzong Ruins

The ancient ruin of Drukgyel Dzong is a remnant of a once-mighty fortress in Paro district. Drukgyel Dzong is inscribed on UNESCO’s Heritage List for its cultural and historical value. Construction of this former fortress started in 1649, and it stood here proudly for 300 years until a devastating fire completely burned the complex in 1951. The remaining walls and watchtowers provide a hauntingly beautiful contrast to the intact palaces of Bhutan today. The Drukgyel Dzong Ruins are near the Tiger’s Nest, which makes it easy to combine the two on the same trip.

* Druk Path

Bhutan is home to legendary peaks and mammoth hiking trails. But if you’re short on time, this 54-kilometre route is a relatively compact alternative for monster trails such as the Snowman Trek. The Druk Path Trek only lasts 7 days, but the differences in altitude and landscapes create an incredible and diverse journey. The route meanders its way between the Paro and Thimphu regions and crosses through forests and over high mountain passes.