Sightseeing Spots in Paro:
Paro is probably one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. It is located at an altitude of 2280 meters above sea level. Home to Bhutan’s only international airport, the Paro international airport is one of the smallest airports in the world. Paro, in fact, is tourist’s first point of contact with Bhutan. The valley includes some of the most popular points of interest in Bhutan, such as the majestic Rimpung Dzong, National Museum, Kyichu Lhakhang, Drugyel Dzong Ruins, Jomolhari Mountain (7300 Meters) at the north end of the valley and world-famed Taktsang Monastery. Besides visiting the important Tourist places of Paro, the valley also offers an opportunity for a wide range of authentic tours such as cycling, astrology, hot stone bath, Bhutanese cooking classes, easy walks and a plethora of nature hikes. Like: Tigers Nest Monastery, Rimpung Dzong, Drukgyel Dzong, National Museum, Kyichu Monastery and Farm Houses
Sightseeing Spots in Thimphu:
Thimpu is the capital of Bhutan. Situated at an altitude of 2320 meters, the city is an hour’s drive from Paro International Airport. Home to all government offices, religious institutions and the seat of the Bhutanese royal family, the picturesque valley of Thimphu offers places to visit such as the Buddha Point of Bhutan, Memorial Chorten, Semtokha Dzong, Jorig Chusum Institute, Folk Heritage Museum, National Library, Institute of Traditional Medicine, Centennial Farmers Market and Tashichodzong. The majestic Tashichodzong is the most iconic landmark of Thimphu and houses the office of His Majesty. In addition, the fort also hosts the annual Thimphu Festival. The outskirts of the city offer some amazing trekking trails, especially towards Tango Chari Monastery, Kuenselphodrung, and BBS Tower. The Druk Path trek can also be done as an alternative to the usual Thimphu to Paro route. Like: Tashichodzong, Memorial Chorten, Simtokha Dzong, National Library, Painting School, Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum, Weekend Market, Zoo
Tourist Attractions in Punakha:
Punakha is the former capital of Bhutan. Situated at an altitude of 1200 meters, this city has played a very important role in shaping the destiny of Bhutan and even today it is the home of the chief abbot of Bhutan during the winter. In 2011, Punakha Dzong hosted the wedding of the current King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema. The Punakha Valley is mainly agricultural in nature with fertile lowland land fed by the Pochu and Mochu rivers. It is about a two and a half hour drive from Thimphu, via the beautiful Dochu La pass. One can choose to do a day trip from Thimphu or alternatively stay overnight. Indian nationals require a special permit to visit Punakha and this can be obtained from the Immigration Department in Thimphu. Like: Punakha Dzong, Chhimi Lhakhang, Khamsum Yuley Temple.
Sightseeing Spots in Wangdue Phodrang:
Wangdu Phodrang is the gateway to the eastern part of Bhutan. It takes 30 minutes from Punakha to reach Wangdu and two and a half hours drive from Thimphu. This district is the largest district in Bhutan, covering an area of 4300 square meters and at an altitude of 800-5800 meters. The region is characterized by many small villages and the rural culture of Bhutan can be best experienced here. To the west of Wangdu is a village called Sha. The locals here practice animism. Animists are nature worshippers, every three years a festival called “Bonko” (an animist festival) comes which is a joy for the locals and a rare gift for visitors. Other festivals held in the district are the Wangdu Phodrang Festival and the Black-necked Crane Festival. Like: Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, Dargay Goempa, Phobjika Village
Sightseeing Spots in Phobjika:
Phobjika is a glacial valley located on the western slopes of the Black Mountains at an elevation of 9,840 feet above sea level in Bhutan. Although it is part of the Wangdi Phodrang District, it is located in a separate valley. Known for its scenic beauty, it is about a two-hour drive from Wangdi Phodrang. The valley is Bhutan’s largest alpine wetland and a designated ecotourism hotspot in the country. The beautiful wide valley offers visitors a sense of vast, tranquil expanse and is the winter home of the rare and endangered black-necked crane that migrates from the high plateaus of Tibet in late autumn. Phobjika is a designated conservation area and is also a hallmark of community-based tourism in Bhutan. Like; Gangtey Gompa Monastery, Black Neck Crane Information center, Day Hikes
Tourist Attractions in Bumthang:
The picturesque Bumthang Valley is the cultural and religious hub of Bhutan and is home to some of the oldest Buddhist sites, temples and monasteries. Cultural tours through the region are very popular. Jambe Lhakhang, Tamsing Lhakhang, Jakar Dzong and Kurje Lhakhang are some of the must-see attractions. Bumthang is about a two and a half hour drive from Trongsa and an eight hour drive from Thimphu. Domestic flights can also be taken from Paro to reach the district. Situated at an altitude of 8530–13125 feet, Bumthang is the common name given to a complex of four valleys – Chume, Chokhor, Tang and Ura. Chokhor and Chume are agricultural valleys while Tang and Ura are mostly dependent on animal husbandry. The valley hosts some popular festivals including the Kurje Festival, Nimalung Festival, Ura Festival and the famous naked dance performance, Jambe Lhakhang Festival. Like; Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Temple, Konchogsum Temple, Membertsho (Burning Lake), Ura Village, Tang Village, Jakar Dzong, Chankhar Temple, Lhodrak Kharchhu Temple, Ugenchholing Palace, Kunzangdrak Temple, Pelseling Monastery
Sightseeing Spots in Trongsa
Trongsa is the central hub of Bhutan and is historically significant as the unification of the nation is said to have taken place here. Approximately, an 8-hour scenic drive from Thimphu, the valley can also be accessed via a short flight from Bumthang’s Bathpalathang Airport (2 hours drive from Bumthang). The landscape around Trongsa is picturesque and for miles on end, the Dzong seems to loom and tease one as to whether it will ever be reached. The town is situated on a steep ridge and offers 360-degree views of the valleys surrounding it. Like; Trongsa Dzong, Ta Dzong (Watch Tower), Kungarabten Palace, Chendebji Chorten
Sightseeing Spots in Gasa:
Gasa is one of the most remote places in Bhutan. The valley is full of pristine natural beauty and is very popular for nature trekking. The nomadic Lapp tribe is indigenous to the valley and their lifestyle is characterized by yak herding, yak cheese and butter production, yak cloth, and harvesting the rare fungus Cordyceps. The valley borders Punakha and Wangdi districts to the south and Tibet to the north. Home to 3000 odd inhabitants, Gasa is the route for many popular treks such as the Snowman Treks and the Laya-Lunana Trek. It has some of the highest peaks in the country that form a natural wall to Tibet. The entire valley falls under the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park and is home to hundreds of Himalayan glacial lakes. The national park is home to rare flora and fauna such as the snow leopard, takin, red panda, mountain goat, blue sheep, and blue poppy. Like; Gasa Dzong, Laya Village, Lunana Village, Hot springs
Sightseeing Spots in Haa Bhutan:
Haa was a restricted area for tourists until 2002. Since opening, it has rapidly gained popularity among nature lovers and campers. The valley is home to important landmarks such as the majestic Meri Phuensam Mountains, locally known as the Three Brothers. The mysterious three mountains are believed to represent the valley’s fearsome guardian deities, Manjushri, Vajrapani and Avalokiteshvara. The valley is an easy one and a half hour drive from Paro via the beautiful Chela La Pass (3700m). The route is extremely popular for picnics, cycling and motorbike trips. The valley has popular nature treks and natural forests ideal for overnight camping and an impressive biodiversity. White rhododendrons are common in the valley. Like; Lhakhang Karpo (Black Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (White Temple), Haa monastery, Gyechu Lhakhang, Haa Dzong
Sightseeing Spots in Phuentsholing:
Phuentsholing is located at an altitude of 350 meters and is a thriving trading center on the northern edge of the Indian Plains and the southern part of Bhutan. The gateway hub is a 5-6 hour drive from Paro and Thimphu and a 4-5 hour drive from Bagdogra International Airport in India. Being a strategic trading hub for Bhutanese with other neighboring countries in South Asia, it also facilitates tourism to other popular tourist destinations such as Sikkim, Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Tourists entering Bhutan via Phuentsholing must carry an approved Bhutanese visa. On the other hand, Indian tourists can apply for a permit at the Immigration. Please note that the Immigration offices are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Highlights of Phuentsholing; ZangdoPelri Temple, Kharbandi or Richending Monastery, Crocodile Farm
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