Bhutan – The Land of Thunder Dragon

The last Kingdom where happiness prevails, a region regarded as heaven which is shrouded with mysteries. The Kingdom is cuddled with pictorial & sub-alpine mountains. Amidst mountains, everyone find a range of scenic gateway in Bhutan.

With 47,000 sq. km, Bhutan has many getaways for thrill seeking adventurers in this rugged region, offering an adrenaline rush for admirers as it has picturesque sites that do eternal justice.

Planning to visit the Kingdom, get these locations on your next escapade in Bhutan;

Thimphu – The Royal Capital

Undoubtedly, first place to visit in Bhutan which is situated at the banks of a river, this city is decorated with a scenic vista and mountains that reaches 3,800 m, a region. Thimphu showcases rare culture of the Kingdom in splendid ways. Thimphu is a place where you can discover the commercial centre, & residence for Royal family.

March – May

Tourist Attractions in Thimphu: 

• Dochula
• Takin Preserve,
• Farmers’ Market
• Tashichho Dzong
• Dechen Phodrang
• Memorial Chorten
• Zangto Pelri Lhakhang
• Changangkha Lhakhang
• National Library of Bhutan
• Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point)
• The Folk Heritage Museum of Thimphu
• National Institute of Traditional Medicine

• Airport: Paro Airport (54km)
• Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (302km / 8 Hours)
• Weather
  • Summer (September – November)
  • Monsoon (June – September)
  • Winter (November – March)

Paro – The Last Shangri-La

A city studded with glorious past & a number of sacred sites, Paro Valley is often revered as the ‘Last Shangri-La’ on earth! One of the most wonderful destination, rich in cultures, semi-modern lifestyle & distinct ways of living.

Flaunting its meticulous beauty from the confluence of Paro Chuu and Wang Chuu rivers, to Mt Jomolhari, Paro contains the much-acclaimed Taktsang Monastery or the ‘Tiger’s Nest’.

September – November 

Tourist Attractions in Paro:

• Taktshang Lhakhang
• Ugyen Pelri Palace
• Rinpung Dzong
• Kyichu Lhakhang
• Jangsarbu Lhakhang
• Haa Valley
• Chelela Pass
• Kila Goemba
• Druk Choeding
• Dungtse Lhakhang
• Drukgyel Dzong
• Ta Dzong

• Airport: Paro Airport
• Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (297km / 8 Hours)
• Weather
  • Summer (June – August)
  • Monsoon (September – November)
  • Winter (December – May)

Punakha Dzong – Erstwhile Capital

Punakha Valley is one of the most scenic sites of the Kingdom. Punakha Dzong – The Palace of Great Happiness or Bliss, at a height of 1200 m, is tucked away amidst Pho chu and Mo Chu rivers, the Punakha Valley is 3.5 hours’ from capital, Thimphu. that can be easily reached from across the country. Pleasant climate, bountiful beauty, warm locals or the Buddhist cultures make this valley a must visit location in Bhutan.

A Year-Round Destination

Tourist Attractions in Punakha:

• Chimi Lakhang
• Rishta Village
• Punakha Dzong,
• Jigme Dorji National Park

• Airport: Paro Airport (122km / 3 Hours)
• Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (376km / 10 Hours)
• Weather
  • Summer (July – September)
  • Winter (October – April)
  • Monsoon (May – June)

Trongsa – The Balcony of Bhutan

Positioned on an elevated hilltop, Trongsa is a scenic destination, with panoramic views. Owing to its topology, this pictorial location in Bhutan is the ‘Balcony of Bhutan’. Magnifying the enchanting charm of this town, there is rich history, white-washed buildings with colourful plants spreading all across its perimeter.

Explorers often throng here to enjoy panoramic views of its surrounding valleys. Here the magical mountainous destinations provides much needed rest with rugged glimpses. Among the many attractions in this quaint town, the Trongsa Dzong resembles a flying dragon. An estimation is that the Trongsa Dzong was built in the year 1648.

A Year-Round Destination

Tourist Attractions in Trongsa:

• Trongsa Dzong
• Trongsa Tower
• Kuenga Rabten
• Thruepang Palace
• Chendbji Chorten
• Chökhor Raptse Dzong

• Airport: Paro Airport (230km / 6 Hours)
• Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (484km / 12 Hours)
• Weather
  • Summer (April – June)
  • Winter (September – April)
  • Monsoon (July – September)

Bumthang Valley – Highlands of the Kingdom

Enriched with the charm of remote mountains, Jakar Valley provides rugged Himalayan landscape, you can savour the ‘Swiss Cheese’. Rugged terrains of Jakar and challenging hiking paths earned fame among the adrenaline seekers. Whether exploring outdoors in offbeat mountains or at indoors, enjoying spa retreats, tourists would like each and every bit of this valley.

March – May /December – February

Tourist Attractions in Bumthang:

• Kurje Lhakhang
• Tamshing Gompa
• Wangdicholing Palace
• Zangtopelri Lhakhang
• Jambey Lhakhang
• Chakhar Lhakhang
• The Jakar Dzong
• Lhodrak Kharchhu Lhakhang

• Airport: Paro Airport (309km / 9 Hours)
• Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (563km / 16 Hours)
• Weather
  • Summer (June – August)
  • Monsoon (September – November)
  • Winter (December – February)

Phobjikha Valley – Sancturary for Black-Necked Cranes

One of the most enchanting places, a glacial valley which has rare black-necked cranes. A unique destination inside the Kingdom. Probjikha valley showcases heart – warming cultures which is adorned with rich fauna & biodiversity.

The grace of Phobjikha Valley is enchanted with vast expanses of green fields. Irrespective of season, one can expect a serene and surreal experience; all these creates Phobjikha Valley one of the most sought-after places.

April – July

Tourist Attractions in Phobjikha:

• Kuezang Chholing Shedra
• Gangtey Goemba
• Black Necked Crane Information Centre
• Nyingma Dzogchen
• Kumbhu Lhakhang
• Damchen Lhakhang
• Khewang Lhakhang

• Airport: Paro Airport (173km / 5 Hours)
• Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (427km / 11 Hours)
• Weather
  • Summer (June – July)
  • Winter (December – February)

Mount Chomolhari –

The Chomolhari Mountian or Jomolhari Mountain rises around 2,700 m above, this enthralling mountain is affectionately called the ‘Bride of the Kangchenjunga’ for its proximity with the latter.

A sacred site among Buddhists; mostly for Tibetan Buddhists, an adobe of Goddess Jomo, who is the protector of Kingdom. It remained un-climbed until 1924, as the folklore said that it is a bad omen for anyone who scale this sacred mountain. However, Jomolhari is a hot-spot among hikers or thrill seekers alike.

March – June (Peak Trekking Season)

• Airport: Paro Airport (49km / 1 Hour)

Wangdue Phodrang – Bhutan’s Unification Capital

At 28,000 ft, Wangdue Phodrang is the second largest and one of the most surreal places to visit in Bhutan. A scenic spot which showcases how soulful cultures meet and greet nature’s untouched elegance. This region inside the Land of Dragons is also expected to get enlisted on UNESCO World Heritage Site soon!

With an array of tourist attractions, Wangdue Phodrang is a unique mix of subtropical as well as cool and snowy climate. Thus, Wangdue Phodrang has earned an unmatched reputation among vacation seekers searching for wonderful places to see in Bhutan.

A Year-Round Destination

Tourist Attractions in Wangdue Phodrang

• Nahee Village
• Rinchegang Village
• Wangdue Phodrang Dzong
• Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park
• Temple of Sha Radap
• Phobjika Valley

• Airport: Paro Airport (107km / 2.5 Hours)
• Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (362km / 10 Hours)
• Weather
  • Spring (March – May)
  • Summer (June – August)
  • Winter (December – February)

Jigme Dorji National Park – Bhutan’s Wild Side

Spread around Gasa, parts of Thimphu, Paro, Wangdue Phodrang, along with Punakha, the enthralling Jigme Dorji National Park ranges from around 1400 m – 1700 m. It is a wildlife area for endangered and rare species, which flaunts its irresistible aura across 4315 sq.km. With more than 300 species, the National Park has several cultural sites. Tiger, Takin, Clouded Leopard or Himalayan Blue Sheep can be seen at Jigme Dorji National Park.

• Treks of Jomolhari
  • Snowman Trek
  • Gasa-Laya Trek
  • Lunana Trek

A Year-Round Destination

Operational Hours:

• Monday to Friday (09:00 AM – 05:00 PM)

• Airport: Paro Airport (161km / 5 Hours)
• Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (415km / 12 Hours)

Phuentsholing – The Gateway to Bhutan

Located at the foothills & sharing border with an Indian town called Jaogaon, Phuntsholing is a Gateway. A must visit place, owing to its proximity with India, one can always expect a mix of crowd at Phuentsholing, resembling Bhutan’s unique cultures in the most vivid ways.

Located around 5-6 hrs drive from Thimphu and Paro, tourists from India, Maldives & Bangladesh can explore. However, while crossing the border, national of these countries need to show valid ID proofs for seeking entry permission.

Year-Round Destination

Tourist Attractions in Phuentsholing

• Bhutanese Gate
• Karbandi Monastery
• Chukha Hydrothermal Project
• Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang

• Airport: Bagdogra Airport (167km / 5 Hours)
• Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (155km / 4 Hours)
• Weather
  • Summer (March – June)
  • Winter (November – February)
  • Monsoon (July – August)