A tiny country in South Asia, the Kingdom of Bhutan lies tucked away in the heart of the Himalayas. The nation is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, including lofty, ice-capped peaks, mountain rivers, enormous glaciers, lush green forests, and a diverse range of wildlife.
Tourists often visit several well-known historical, cultural, and religious locations. Here is a list of some of Bhutan’s top tourist destinations:
Table of Contents
1. Treks via Phobjikha Valley and Gangtey
The Phobjikha Valley is renowned for its breathtaking scenery. Here is where Bhutan’s renowned Gangteng Monastery is. Rare black-necked cranes from Tibet roost in the valley each winter.
Interestingly, when these cranes come into the valley close to the end of October, they are reported to circle the Gangteng Monastery three times.
They repeat the same motion of going around the monastery three times as they leave the valley. The monastery hosts the Crane Festival every year to welcome the cranes into the valley.
Additionally rich in biodiversity, the Phobjikha Valley is home to 13 species that are endangered worldwide. Visitors to the area often engage in the Phobjikha Valley and Gangtey hikes.
2. National Park Royal Manas
The Royal Manas National Park is a hidden gem of Bhutan that is just waiting to be discovered. It stretches from the banks of the Manas River to the ice-covered summits of the Himalayan ranges.
It is the oldest national park in the nation and has an area of 1,057 square kilometers. Bengal tigers, elephants, wild water buffalo, and rhinoceroses are just a few of the spectacular megafauna that calls this park home.
The park is also home to many birds, including four kinds of hornbills and other uncommon birds.
3. Punakha
Punakha, a town and the seat of administration for the Punakha dzongkhag (district), was the seat of the Bhutanese government until Thimphu took its position in 1955. Punakha, 1,200 meters above sea level, is known for its Punakha Dzong.
The Punakha Dzong, also known as the Palace of Great Happiness, was built under Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal’s direction beginning in 1637 and was finished in two years. It is Bhutan’s most stunning Dzong and is home to priceless Buddhist artifacts.
At this location, in 1907, the first monarch of Bhutan was crowned. The Punakha Dzong, situated at the confluence of two mountain rivers, is susceptible to flash floods when the glaciers melt during warm weather.
Visitors to Punakha may also go to the adjoining little town of Onitsha, where the houses are fashioned of pounded mud on stone foundations. Gardens and rice fields surround these homes. Bhutan is known for the rice that is farmed here.
Also See: Year’s Biggest Cheetah News From Around The World On 2022 International Cheetah Day
4.Sakteng Wildlife Refuge
A portion of the Trashigang and Samdrup Jongkhar Districts in Bhutan are protected as part of the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary. Several rare plant and animal species, including the eastern blue pine and the black-rumped magpie, may be found in the sanctuary. An intriguing story is connected to the sanctuary’s beginnings.
The Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary was created to safeguard the minor, a cryptid monster like a yeti, in contrast to most other protected areas throughout the globe that were created to preserve the local natural flora and animals.
Locals fervently believe that the minor inhabits the area, even though there is no scientific proof to support its existence.
5. Bundling Wildlife Sanctuary
One of Bhutan’s major natural attractions, the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, is located in northeastern Bhutan and spans an area of 1,520.61 square kilometers.
The refuge is between 1,500 meters and 6,000 meters above sea level. The Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, founded in 1998, has beautiful scenery, alpine lakes, and gorgeous valleys in addition to a diverse range of wildlife.
Bird enthusiasts from all over the globe often visit the refuge. An Important Bird Area designation has been given to it (IBA). Some of the famous birds of the sanctuary are wood snipes, black-necked cranes, and Grey-crowned prints.
6. Lhuntse Dzong
In eastern Bhutan’s Lhuntse District, there is a Buddhist monastery and Dzong called the Lhuntse Dzong.
The Kuri Chhu river runs close to the Dzong across a lovely valley framed by impressive hills. The monastery was first constructed in 1543, and since then, it has undergone several changes to take on its current appearance.
In the past, the Dzong was the Wangchuck Dynasty’s ancestral residence. Five temples can be found at the Lhuntse Dzong and a monks’ gathering place. A neighboring attraction is the Khoma hamlet, which is well-known for its intricately woven silk fabric known as the Kishu Thara.
7. Paro
Several important historical and spiritual sites in Bhutan are located in the town of Paro. The only international airport in the nation is housed there and is situated in the Paro Valley.
The Rinpung Dzong, a Buddhist fortification and monastery, is one of Paro’s top attractions and is on Bhutan’s Tentative List to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Paro also provides access to the well-known Taktsang Monastery. The village also has boutique stores, regional eateries, and instances of classic architecture.
8. The monastery at Taktsang
The Taktsang Palphug Monastery, also known as the Paro Taktsang and the Tiger’s Nest, is a Buddhist holy place perilously perched on a cliffside high on the Himalayas in Bhutan’s upper Paro valley. It is renowned for its beauty and distinctiveness.
It is said that Guru Padmasambhava, the nation’s tutelary god, spent many years meditating in the monastery, which was founded in 1692.
Every day, travelers and well-known individuals from all over the globe stop at the monastery. On April 15, 2016, Prince William and Kate Middleton made a three-hour walk to the location.
9.Jigme Dorji National Park
Bhutan has a beautiful wilderness region called Jigme Dorji National Park. The park was created in 1974 and today covers 4316 square kilometers. The park’s height varies from 1,400 to 7,000 meters, and it has diverse ecosystems that fluctuate with elevation.
Given that it is home to more than 37 different animals, the Jigme Dorji National Park is the ideal vacation spot for nature enthusiasts. The Bengal tiger, Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard, snow leopard, and Indian leopard are a few examples of these dangerous predators.
Additionally abundant in the national park are herbivore species such as the takin, barking deer, goral, and sambar. The park also has several colorful birds that are entertaining to observe.
The Jigme Dorji National Park also provides visitors with a spiritual experience and several significant cultural landmarks.
10. Thimphu
The only city and capital of Bhutan are called Thimphu. It is the third-highest capital city in the world by height and is situated in the nation’s center. It extends along the valley’s western bank of the Raidk River.
Bhutan’s most popular tourist attraction in Thimphu, which perfectly embodies the country’s culture. The Tashichho Dzong, a Buddhist monastery and fortification on the outskirts of Thimphu, is the city’s most famous landmark.
It has historically housed the Druk Desi, the leader of Bhutan’s civil administration. The Simtokha Dzong, Dechen Phodrang Monastery, Dechencholing Palace, Tango Monastery, Buddha Dordenma, and Memorial Chorten are a few of the other Thimphu attractions.
A popular natural site in Thimphu is the Motithang Takin Preserve. The attraction, once built as a mini-zoo, has now been transformed into a preserve and is home to a sizeable population of the takin, the country’s national animal.