Apart from Punakha Dzong, what makes Punakha a popular tourist attraction is the Punakha suspension bridge. It is built over the Po Chhu river. It is one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan, spanning 160 m. It connects Punakha town with Punakha Dzong. Draped with prayer flags, it is a delight for photographers. Walking on it will by far be one of your most adventurous experiences. Make sure to stop by here.
Location: 10 minutes away from Punakha Dzong, Punakha
Based on the theme of the villages in Bhutan, Simply Bhutan is a beautiful museum that takes the travelers through the various facets of Bhutan. From the smiling people to the authentic cuisine, and from the age-old traditions to the live cultural performance, witness the best of Bhutan at this wonderful museum.
Experience the best of Bhutan culture under one roof in this museum. Get to know about the lives of the country people, their traditional clothes, food, mud huts, and so many things. If you like you can always buy some souvenirs from the shops here and have a snack at the little restaurants.
Location: Genyen Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
Timings: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Built in the year of 1968 and set above the famous Rinpung Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan was constructed to exhibit the famous Bhutanese art. From contemporary paintings to ancient statues, the museum today houses about 3000 masterpieces and exhibits more than 1,500 years of cultural heritage of Bhutan. This place is also the photo gallery of the country and many Bhutanese holds their dance ceremonies in this place as well.
The building is currently under some temporary building but you can visit the other parts of it as the museum is divided into portions for wildlife, masks, and so on. At the evening time the museum lights up and you can visit the place to take amazing photos. Apart from masks and wildlife, you will get to experience the pretty flora and fauna in this place and get to view the brief history of Bhutan as well.
Key attractions: Do not miss out on the bronze statues, galleries, and the ancient paintings.
Timings: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Did you know about the national animal of Bhutan? Well if your answer is no, then you’re not alone in that. Located in the district of Motithang in Thimphu, Motithang Takin Preserveserves as the home of the famous species of takin. Many travelers consider visiting this zoo-converted-reserve as one of the best tips while traveling to Bhutan. The Takin is a rare type of animal and falls under the goat species and their actual habitat is the eastern Himalayas. These animals live in the high altitudes of the country, also found in Northwest Myanmar, northwest India as well. These odd-looking animals according to the local legends were assembled by a 15th-century saint who agreed to create a miracle.
This saint joined the head of a goat at the top of a cow’s skeleton and brought this new type of animal to life. Apart from myths, this animal is the result of evolution and has a protracted nose, large head, and strong torso provides it a different look. The Takins live around the 8.4 acres from the rainforest and the Bhutan government is taking good care of them by preserving the species and they do not keep the animals in a zoo because they believe in non-confinement of animals in a Buddhist country.
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM; Closed on Mondays
Entry Fee:
Once a massive fortress that stood tall and served as one of the greatest Buddhist monasteries, only ruins remain on the site of the famous Drukgyel Dzong. Located in the upper district of Paro, this monastery was established in 1649 by the famous Tenzin Drukdra after they were triumphant over Tibet’s invasion.
This is one of the famous Dzong in the country and regarded as the largest landmark of Thimphu. The dzong is situated two kilometers away from the actual town and holds huge importance as it is the main secretariat and its houses are the office of the throne room and the King as well.
Some of the central monastic bodies and some people from the ministry live here and this is the summer residence of the monks too. If you have a plan to visit this place then try not to miss the 5 pm changing of the flag, as it’s very important to watch and it begins in the courtyard and ends outside in the front.
Location: Paro District 11001, Bhutan
Timings: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 6 PM
Located at the northern end of the city, Tashichho Dzong is one of the most beautiful tourist places in Bhutan. A popular fortress set on the edge of the city’s border, this monastery is a delight to watch as it is set on the western banks of River Wang Chu.
This is one of the famous Dzong in the country and regarded as the largest landmark of Thimphu. The dzong is situated two kilometers away from the actual town and holds huge importance as it is the main secretariat and its houses are the office of the throne room and the King as well.
Some of the central monastic bodies and some people from the ministry live here and this is the summer residence of the monks too. If you have a plan to visit this place then try not to miss the 5 pm changing of the flag, as it’s very important to watch and it begins in the courtyard and ends outside in the front.
Key attractions: It has not only served as the summer capital of the country but also as the royal seat of Druk Desi who is also called the Dharma Raja.
Timings: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM, and 5:30 PM to 6 PM; Saturday & Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
The main street of Paro, stretching across two lanes, is known for its antique Buddhist souvenirs and prayer related materials. Some of the unique souvenirs can be shopped here. Have a walk on this Main street of Paro for admiring the numerous shops and the mountain ahead. If you are a tourist then you must buy something as the souvenir, then you will get every necessary thing for the same purpose only. Try visiting the market on this street on Sunday, and you will see how many delightful things the Bhutanese sell in their respective shops.
From Kiran which is the traditional dress of the country to Bhutanese stamps, all are available here. You can check the handcrafts here, handmade Bhutanese boots, dried Yak cheese, amazing embroidery, weavings at various shops. Take note of the expensive jewelry from the shops as well, as there are pricey silver amulets and other types of traditional wearables are sold.
Key attractions: Scrumptious local food, wonderful bounty of nature, lots of tourist attractions in the vicinity, and the welcoming locals
The capital city is probably the most beautiful tourist places in Bhutan. The main street of Norzin Lam is filled with shops selling various items – souvenirs, woolen clothes, crafts, and local wine. Although slightly expensive, some things are worth buying there if you’re not going further till Bumthang.
This is the artery of Thimpu and is a very popular place here as well. Although the place is always crowded you will get to see some artifacts and so many other shops which are perfect for shopping. If you live at a hotel near this street, you might get to see the football stadium from there and if lucky you can enjoy a match on the ground too!
You can find the beautiful wood items here and carpets, clothing anything that symbolizes Bhutan, you will get from the shops at the site of the street. Have the taste of local food from the restaurants here and you might not forget the taste of those tasty cuisines.
Key attractions: Textile building and the textile shops in the middle lane of Norzin Lam for buying some of the best handmade textiles, including Gho and Kira – the traditional attire of Bhutan for men and women respectively
Chomolhari is among the popular Bhutan tourist spots, most popular for its treks. Chomolhari trek, starting at Paro, is one of the most challenging treks of Bhutan. With the altitude going about 5,000 meters, it is enchanting and rewards the trekkers with blissful views after a difficult trek. The trek is truly for the adventure enthusiasts and spans between 7 – 15 days on average.
If you love small treks then this is one of the ideal ones for you. Chomolhari or Jomolhari is one of the well-known tourist spots in here, and if you are here for the trip then you must be acclimatized in the Haa valley first then begin the trek. This entire valley will offer you eye-searing beauty of the monasteries and the small villages. Get to see the beautiful alpine forests and experience the most untouched parts of the country.
The perfect time for the trek is from late March to the middle of June, also, September to November is a good time as well. However, the ideal time for the trek is April to May. Also, the entire trek is mildly strenuous but not tough.
Key attractions: The glacial lakes, the snow capped mountains and splendid views of the landscapes are a treat to the eyes
Phobjikha is a small town in the central part of Bhutan(The Land of Thunderbolt). Like many other beautiful places to see in Bhutan, Phobjikha is bestowed with valleys and is surrounded by mountains and lush greenery making it one of the top Bhutan attractions. The place is known for its beautiful landscapes and passes and a day’s hike will take you through the town and the woods.
Phobjikha valley is about 3000-meter elevation and the place is in the shape of a bowl, and it’s on the western slopes of the mountains. The place is at the border of the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. If you are visiting Bhutan then this is the most famous place and you must visit this place.
Get to experience the big flock of black-necked cranes at the winter time and as it is at the side of the crucial wildlife sanctuary in the country, you might also see some barking deer nearby as well or hear their voice. To heighten your excitement you must know that there are leopards, wild boars, red foxes, Himalayan black bears and so many other species in the forest.
Key attractions: Black-necked cranes migrate to Phobjikha from November, and the hike through the valleys to witness spectacular views of the birds and the amazing greenery.
