The land known locally as “Druk Tsenden” or the Kingdom of Brontosaurus is one of the smallest picturesque countries in the world. Hidden at the foot of the Himalayas, Bhutan Has a strong tourism industry, which accounts for the majority of its foreign income.In this article, we take a look at Best Tourist Attractions and Fun Activities in Bhutan, the Land of Dragons.
Top 8 tourist destinations in Bhutan
The Land of Thunder Dragon is blessed with natural beauty and historical sites. From local delicacies to breathtaking highlands, this tiny Himalayan country has it all for wanderers. If the view isn’t for you, the love and genuine care of the people. Your Bhutan travel itinerary must include the following locations.
The Royal Capital Thimphu
The first stop of the itinerary in Bhutan should definitely be the capital. This place brings a unique combination of Bhutanese traditions, culture and its interweaving with nature. The city itself is over 2,500 meters above sea level. So expect lots of mountains in and around every corner.
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Famous attractions worth visiting include the Folk Museum, Buddha Point, the Farmers Market and the Dochula and Take Preserve ranges.
The best way to get to the city is by bus or private car, as the nearest drop-off destination is Paro Airport, 54 km from the capital.
Paro
We did start this list with the capital of Bhutan. But those willing to delve deeper into Bhutanese culture should start their journey in Paro.
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The most famous is the last Shangri-La in the world, the Tiger’s Nest. Known locally as Paro Taktsang, the century-old monastery is located on the edge of a cliff at an altitude of 2,950 meters. Getting there is also not easy as you have to be prepared for a trek of at least 2 hours.
Apart from that, Zuri Dzong Fort and Chele Pass are other places worth visiting in Paro. When you visit this place, you see a deep connection to Buddhism, as the locals hold sacred reverence to most of these places. So be careful not to disrupt the ancient customs of these places in any way.
Getting around Paro is easy as there are taxis and nearby accommodation hotels near the airport.
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Thongsa
Thongsa Valley is located in the center of Bhutan. This place is famous for the Trongsa Dzong Monastery, one of the largest and oldest monasteries in the region. Zong is shaped like a flying dragon, with exquisite design and unique pattern. It’s hard to imagine artists perfecting the craft with limited means in the past.
In addition to the stunning Dzong, there are breathtaking views of the luscious Himalayas. Trongsa Valley is also known as the Balcony of Bhutan, as visitors can enjoy almost unobstructed views of the nearby mountains.
The valley is located 230 kilometers south of Paro Airport. Due to the convoluted location, it is best to take public transport to get to the city.
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Bumthang Valley
Just as the Kashmir Valley is known as the Switzerland of the East, so is the Bumthang Valley. Except here, winters in Bhutan are reminiscent of glacial winters in the Swiss Alps. The valley has a wide open space surrounded by snow-white clouds. Not to mention a few Dzongs.
Similar to the Swiss Alps, there are several hiking routes that traverse the rugged terrain of the Bumthang and Jakar valleys.
If nothing else, you might as well visit the city and taste its world-famous cheese.
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The best time to visit Bumthang Valley is early winter. Severe winters often grip the city in every direction. It takes about 9 hours from Paro Airport to Bumthang Valley.
Chomolhari Mountain
Chomolhari Mountain is not for the average leisure tourist. Located in the southwest near Kanchenjunga, this sacred mountain is one of the toughest walks in all of Bhutan. Naturally, the travelers who come here are seasoned hikers looking for a thrill and a chance to see the mighty Kanchenjunga up close.
As a holy place, there are certain rules and regulations that every visitor has to abide by. The location of the mountain is very close to the airport, an hour drive away.
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Wangdu Podlang
If you want to experience the whole of Bhutan in one place, look no further than the cultural capital – Wangdue Phodrang. The Wangdue Phodrang district is the second largest district in the country and is one of the few places where you can experience a tropical climate.
The people of Wangdue Phodrang are at one with nature, and the nature reserve is at the heart of the cultural endeavours in the region. It is expected that the area will soon be inaugurated as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors can check out the neighboring villages in the area. Other than that, Khu Dzong and Sarada Temple is a great spiritual journey.
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The Wangdue Phodrang area is a 2.5 hour drive from Paro International Airport.
Jigme Dorje National Park
Jigme Dorji National Park is one of five national parks spread across Bhutan. While national parks are aggregated into wildlife sanctuaries, Jigme Dorje National Park truly embodies Bhutan’s version of the Wild West.
The national park covers an area of about 4,315 square kilometers and has an average altitude of 1,500 meters. There are 5 hiking trails in the park and more than 30 species of wildlife. So if you want to experience Bhutan’s biodiversity, you must visit Jigme Dorji National Park.
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Punakha Dzong
Lastly is Punakha Dzong. According to history, this place is considered the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The dzong here is called Kek Lok Si and has an impressive architectural design with white and red details.
The valley is a 3.5-hour drive from the capital and has a mild climate throughout the year. If you are thinking of looking for a laid back and scenic tourist spot throughout Bhutan, this is a must visit.
last words
With one of the highest life expectancies, negative carbon emissions and a GDP measured by happiness, Bhutan is everything you can expect from an ideal country. People here have great respect for their culture and traditions, making it a perfect mix of modernity and tradition. A trip to Bhutan is sure to be an experience of a lifetime.
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So far we have discussed Best tourist attractions in Bhutan. Hope our discussion guides outdoor lovers to have amazing travel experience in Bhutan.
