places to visit in bhutan

Thimphu (Capital City)

Location: Western Bhutan

Distance from Paro: 65 km (2 hours)

Elevation: 2320m/ 7611ft above sea level

Thimphu is a bustling town on the banks of the Thimphu Chhu and set gloriously in the hills of the Thimphu valley. It is home to the Bhutanese Royal Family, the Royal Government to several foreign missions and development projects. Bhutan’s only golf course, a nine-hole circuit, is situated next to the magnificent Tashichoo Dzong.Thimphu also boasts of mountain climbing, river rafting and mountain biking. The following are some of the prominent places to visit in Thimphu.

Thimpu - Market
Market days are absolutely central to the lives of the Bhutanese, but there are many reasons to visit other than the delicious fresh food on offer every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  At the Changlimithang ground, there are regular competitions centered on the national sport of Bhutan - archery - as well as the opportunities to buy beautifully handcrafted items such as yak tail dusters and butter tea cups.  The people crowd the stalls every day, dressed in full colour and gathered to meet and to barter, much like the street markets in London!

Thimpu - Memorial Chorten
Chorten are memorial structures designed to evoke the same perfect symmetry and elegance of the Buddha himself, and it is traditionally good luck to pass them on the left.  This particular chorten was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of the country, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan.  The chorten is just another example of how seriously the Bhutanese consider, and how perfectly they realize, their unique architectural style.

Thimphu - Textile museum
The foundation was laid in 2000 under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck. It was established with the aim of preserving and promoting Bhutanese textile arts. It’s a good place to see the art of traditional weaving being kept alive and preserved through exhibition and has a good collection of old textiles which are rich in colors and designs.

Thimphu - Zorig Chusum Institute
This is the “Thirteen Crafts” institute. It was established in 1971 by the Royal Government in order to preserve the invaluable heritage and promote the arts of Bhutan. The institute teachers train their students in the field of painting, calligraphy, embroidery, wood carving and sculpture. 

Thimphu - Sangaygang View Point

As well as being the location of the transmitter tower of the only national television tower in the country (BBS), the view point is also the perfect place to take in some truly breathtaking views of the entire city of Thimphu.  On a clear day you can see the ubiquitous prayer flags fluttering on the hills in the distance as well as the whole of the Thimpu valley - needless to say, this are THE place to take your camera and capture the essence of a remarkable country.  Perhaps unsurprisingly, it is also known as the Lover’s Point!

Thimphu- Folk Heritage museum
The museum is dedicated to showing people the Bhutanese rural past through exhibition of items and artifacts used in rural households. It displays the replica of a traditional farm house as it would have been equipped about a century ago and also items from existing traditional farm houses.

Thimphu - Mini zoo
Here  you can see  just one animal - Bhutan’s national  - the Takin. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,125ft and over). They live on a diet of grass and bamboo. It can weigh as much as 550 pounds. The zoo was emptied in accordance with Buddhist principles, but the Takin came back so the keepers decided to look after them, also in accordance with Buddhist principles!

Thimphu - Paper factory
Jungshi Paper Factory was established in November 1990 as an undertaking of the Royal Government of Bhutan. The paper is made from the bark of the  Daphne plant. The workers in the factory make paper by hand, and you can see a wide range of designs, and paintings and gifts made out of it.

Thimphu – Handicraft Emporium
The Bhutanese still vividly recall and celebrate this victory which was tremendously important to them The shop  is one of the best places to buy souvenirs from Bhutan, including finely made traditional clothes, jewelry,  linen work, books, and paintings. There is also a money changing facility and the shop will exchange travelers cheques.

Thimphu - Institute of Traditional Medicine: In November 1967, the third Druk Gyalpo, His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck commanded the Health Department to establish traditional medicine system for the welfare of Bhutanese people and to preserve its rich culture and tradition. Accordingly Indigenous Hospital was opened on 28th June 1968.The main objectives of the hospital are to promote and preserve traditional medicine system in the country. Provide alternative medicine as complementary to the allopathic system and to achieve excellence in traditional medicine services in Bhutan.

Thimphu- Tashichho Dzong
The names means - Means Fortress of Glorious Religion. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and was reconstructed into present structure by the late King, His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the year 1962-1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body.

Thimphu - Archery
During weekends we can also see the archery match at the Changlimithang ground. Archery is the national game of Bhutan.

Thimphu - Hike to Cheri Monastery(Includes Dodina and Jigme Dorji Wild life Sanctuary): Hike about 2hrs leds to Cheri Goemba (Cheri Dorji Dhen). The trail starts by crossing a lovely covered bridge that spans the Wang Chu, and then climbs steeps to the monastery. Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built this monastery in 1620 and established the first monk body here. Silver Chorten inside the monastery holds the ashes of Shabdrung father.(Option for meditation)

Entertainment
During your trip to Bhutan the ADARSH TOURS, TREKS AND EXPEDITION  Team will try to include the following – actual selection depends on the itinerary.

Night in “down town Thimphu”
In the evening we can make arrangements to take you to enjoy life the way the young Bhutanese do, in the discotheques, or in the entertainment areas. There are live performances of Bhutanese songs and dances (traditional and modern) by the best Bhutanese bands. If you wish you can even test your singing talents in the bars that offer Karaoke. (Guests pay for own drinks and entrance fees).

Evening Meal with music and dancing
We try to visit a local restaurant for an evening meal, where we are also entertained with performances of local dancing and signing, and much wine! (No extra charge).

Local bars
The local bars in the towns (and Thimphu) do not live up to Western standards, but the people are polite, friendly but not obtrusive. Your Raven Tours and Treks guide will be happy to escort you into town to visit such a bar. It is very unlikely that any of the bar staff will speak English, hence the need for the guide!

Paro

Location: West of Thimphu

Distance from Thimphu: 65 km(2 hours)

Elevation: 2250m/ 7382ft above sea level

This beautiful valley is home to many Bhutan’s oldest monasteries and temples. The country’s only airport is in Paro. The valley is also home to Mount Jumolhari(7,326 meters) situated at the northern end of the valley whose glacier water forms the Pachu flowing through the valley. Some of the popular trek routes also start and end in Paro( Jumolhari Trek, Laya Gasa Trek, Snowmen Trek, Drukpath Trek), birding, etc. The following are some of the prominent places to visit in Paro

Paro - Drugyel dzong
This ruined dzong is of historical importance. It was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung to commemorate the victory of the Drukpas over the Tibetan invasion in 1644. The Bhutanese still vividly recall and celebrate this victory which was tremendously important to the history of the area. On a clear day (7326m/ 24035ft), you have a fascinating view of the white domed peak of sacred Jumolhari (Mountain of Goddess).

Paro - Tiger’s Nest
Generally regarded as Bhutan’s most recognizable cultural icon, the Taktshang Monastery, or Tiger’s Nest, is strikingly iconic of the country’s culture and traditions.  Legend has it that the Guru Rinpoche flew to the monastery on the back of a tiger, hence the nickname.  It towers majestically over 800 metres above sea level, and forms the spectacular culmination of a number of forest hikes, offering wonderful views of the Paro valley and the surrounding landscape.  Despite a number of devastating fires, the Tiger’s Nest is beautifully restored, and remains a must-see attraction during your stay in Bhutan.

Paro - Rimpung Dzong
The Bhutanese Dzongs are huge architectural structures constructed for a variety of functions throughout the country, from administrative buildings to monasteries and temples, yet they are carefully and thoughtfully designed and are strikingly beautiful.  The Rimpung Dzong, known as the “fortress of the heap of jewels” in the picturesque setting of the Paro valley, is of course no exception, built in the time of the dynamic spiritual and political leader Zhabdrung in 1644.  Once a year, as part of the Tsechu festival, one of the oldest Thongdol (gigantic scroll paintings) is ceremonially unfurled here.

Paro - Ta Dzong
This means -  watch tower, which it served as  during the 17th century to guard the region from the Tibetan invasion. It was converted to the National Museum in 1968. It houses a fine collection of Bhutanese art, relics, religious thankas (used to bolster the visualization generated during meditation and were made from Himalayan animal fibers), paintings, animals found in Bhutan, arms and ammunitions and the country’s exquisite stamp collections.

Paro - Kichu Lhakhang
(Monastery): It is one of the two most sacred and the oldest temples in Bhutan. It was built in 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. It is believed that he took the responsibility to built 108 temples in the different regions of Tibet, Bhutan and in other Himalayan regions to control evil spirits, disease and droughts out of which two of them are in Bhutan.(Kichu Lhakhang in Paro and Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang).

Local bars
The local bars in the towns do not live up to Western standards, but the people are polite, friendly but not obtrusive. Your ADARSH TOURS, TREKS AND EXPEDITION  guide will be happy to escort you into town to visit such a bar. It is very unlikely that any of the bar staff will speak English, hence the need for the guide!

Visit to a local farmhouse for dinner
Bhutan is justly NOT famous for it’s cuisine, which is somewhat predictable. Eating at a local farmhouse at least gives a slightly different variation, and a chance to see the inside of such a home, rather than just the brightly decorated exteriors

Punakha 

Location: Between Thimphu and Wangdi

Distance from Thimphu: 77 km(3 hours)

Elevation: 1350m/4430ft above sea level

Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955. It is the winter seat of the Je Khenpo(Chief Abbot) and the monk body. It has a temperate climate and its rich fertile valley is fed by Pho(male) Chu and Mo(female) Chu rivers. It has places for river rafting, kayaking, mountain biking and treks, flower tours and birding. The following are some of the prominent places to visit in Punakha.

Druk Wangyal Chortens at Dochula:
On the way to Punakha from Thimphu is the Dochula pass from where a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range can be seen, especially in clear winter days. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens- a 108 stupas built by the eldest Queen, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck.

Punakha - Chimi Lhakhang
This is a monastery dedicated to the so-called ‘Divine Madman’ Drupka Kuenley, who was widely condemned for his shockingly outrageous, even obscene teachings that were designed to persuade people to discard their preconceptions about the universe.  It is located in the Punakha valley, which sits astride the Mo (Mother) and Pho (Father) rivers, and lies a half-hour hike away from the road across open fields.  There are many reasons to visit - to view the worship house, to learn about its unconventional dedicatee, or maybe just to see the ritual phalluses!

Punakha Dzong
Remarkable for its ability to withstand natural disasters - fires and earthquakes have done nothing to diminish its grandeur - the Punakha Dzong is rightly famous throughout Bhutan, as well as being one of the most well protected buildings in the country.  During the winter it is the home of the Central Monastic Body, and was once the base for the National Assembly until 1961.  It also holds a sacred treasure that only the Chief Abbott and the King himself can access - the remains of the Dzong’s builder, the Zhabdrung.  Naturally it is emblematic of Bhutan’s culture, and is essential visiting for anyone wishing to fully appreciate the country’s traditions.

Punakha - Kham Sum Yule Lhakhang
(Monastey): It was built by HRH Azhi (Queen) Tshering Pem Wangchuck for a successful rule during the reign of the present Crown Prince Daso Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck.  It took 8 years to build and was consecrated in December 1999. It’s around 45 minutes hike from the road point.

Gangtey Goenpa/Phobjikha

Location: Between wangdi and Trongsa

Distance from Punakha: 65 km(2 hours)

Elevation: 2800m/ 9186ft above sea level

The valley of Phobjikha is well known as the winter home of the black necked cranes. Bhutan is home to around six hundred black necked cranes with Phobjikha being one of the popular places that the birds migrate to in the winter months from Tibetan plateau. These elegant and shy birds can be observed from early November to end of March. Overlooking the Phobjikha valley is the  Gangtey Goenpa. This is an old monastery that dates back to the 17th century.

In Phobjikha you have attractions such as Black Necked crane festival held every year on 12th November, Gangtey Trek, flower tour and some birding.

Trongsa

Location: Central Bhutan

Distance from Thimphu: 199 km(7 hours 30 minutes)

Elevation: 2180m/ 7152ft above sea level

Trongsa forms the central hub of the kingdom and is historically the place from where attempts at unifying the country where launched. The place has also introduced Royal Heritage Trail and Nabji Korphu Community Trek. The following are some of the prominent places to visit in Trongsa.

Trongsa Dzong
Trongsa used to be the winter capital of the Bhutan before Thimpu and its Dzong is one of the most impressive in the country - indeed, it provided the seat of power for both the first and the second Kings of Bhutan.  It is nowadays just as central to government, providing a base for 300 monks in 26 temples, as well as local civic and judiciary offices.  A visit is essential to witness just how this impregnable fortress dwarfs everything surrounding it, and remains a glorious example of Dzong architecture.

Trongsa - Kunga Rabten:
It used to be the winter palace of the 2nd King. The building has a superb wood work and decorations and presently part of the palace is used as a library. From the palace one can take a hike up to the road and further along the village to a nunnery. Just beside the palace we can see five great water prayer wheels.

Trongsa – Ta Dzong:
Perched above the Trongsa Dzong this is a watch tower which once stood guard over the Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion. It is now being turned into a heritage museum.

Bumthang

Location: Central Bhutan, east of Trongsa

Distance from Trongsa: 68 km(2 hours 30 minutes)

Elevation: 2600m/ 8530ft above sea level

This fascinating valley is the religious heartland of the nation and home to some of the oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. Its gentle sloping hills offer plenty of walking opportunities to the many temples that dot this valley. The valley is also famous for its production of honey, cheese, apples and the yathra- a woolen material that has multiple uses. The following are some of the prominent places to visit in Bumthang.

Tamzhing Lhakhang: “Temple of good message”. It was built by Terton Pema Lingpa (Treasure Discoverer) in 1501AD. We can see the paintings done by him on the wall and an iron jacket which was also made by him. It’s believed that if we wear that jacket and circumambulate the temple three times we will be able to cleanse some of the sins that we had committed.

Kenchosum Lhakhang: Its establishment dates back to 7th century. It has three main statues that are believed to have flown from the eastern part of the country to the present location.

Jampey Lhakhang: This is one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo on the same day as Paro Kichu Lhakhnag. The temple hosts Guru Joyo Jampa, the future Buddha as its main statue……

Kurjey Lhakhang: Means body print. It dates back to 8th century when Guru Rimpoche first visited Bhutan. It is after his visit to the Mon yul (country in the darkness); Buddhism was introduced in the country. He is said to have meditated in a cave after which it is believed that he had left his body print where the old temple stands today.

Wine Factory and Cheese factory:
They produce cheese and butter made from Yak’s milk and it has the only beer making factory in Bhutan.

Mebar Tsho(Lake of Burning Fire)
This is a sacred lake for Bhutanese who believe that Pema Lingpa discovered religious treasures from this lake in the 12th century. On auspicious days many Bhutanese go and offer butter lamps on this fresh water lake.

Jakar Dzong : The Dzong was initially built as a monastery in 1549 by the great grand father of the Zhabdrung. It is now used as the administrative center for the Bumthang district. The Bumthang Tshechu(festival) is one of the most popular. It is held mostly at night and is said to bring fertility to any woman wanting a child.

Ura Village: Ura lies in the Tang valley, a one and a half hour drive from Bumthang town. The drive is mainly through sheep pastures and along the way one can glimpse a magnificent view of Mount Gangkhar Phuensum from Ura La(Pass). The main characteristics of this village are the closely clustered houses. It is the last settlement before the climb to the highest road pass as Trumsingla.

Chakhar (Iron Castle) Lhakhang: It is the site of the palace of the Indian King, the Sindhu Raja who invited Guru Rimpoche to Bumthang. The Original palace was made of Iron and hence the name Chakhar. The saint Dorji Lingpa built the Current building in 14th century. Its correct name is Dechen Phodrang. We then visit Kurjey Lhakhang that is named after body print of Guru Rimpoche, built in 1652 by Minjur Tempa.

Visit to a local farmhouse for dinner
Bhutan is justly NOT famous for it’s cuisine, which is somewhat predictable. Eating at a local farmhouse at least gives a slightly different variation, and a chance to see the inside of such a home, rather than just the brightly decorated exteriors.

Mongar

Location: Eastern Bhutan, between Bumthang and Trashigang

Distance from Bumthang: 198 km(7 hours)

Elevation: 1600m/5250ft above sea level

The journey from Mongar to Bumthang is one of the most beautiful in the Himalayas crossing the 3,800m high Thrumsingla pass. Mongar marks the beginning or eastern Bhutan. The second largest town in the sub tropical east, Mongar, like Trashigang further east is situated on the side of a hill in contrast to other towns of western Bhutan which are built on the valley floor. The place is famous for some sacred places, lakes, National Park and birding

Mongar Dzong: Mongar Dzong was rebuilt in 1953. The present site of the dzong (fortress) is the new location that was established in 1930 to replace the original Shongar dozing which is now in ruin

Trashigang

Location: Eastern Bhutan

Distance from Mongar: 90 km(4 hours)

Elevation: 1070m/3510ft above sea level

This is the largest district in Bhutan and it lies in the Far East on the banks of the river Gamri Chu. It was once the center of a busy trade with Tibet. Today it is the junction of the east west highway with road connecting to Samdrupjongkhar and then to the Indian state of Assam. The nomadic people from Merak and Sakten who are remarkable for their exceptional features and costumes use this town as their market place mostly during winter.

Gom Kora: It is said that the Guru meditated in this place to subdue a demon that dwell in big rock. A temple was then built.

Lhuntse

Location: Eastern Bhutan

Distance from Mongar: 76 km (3 hours)

Elevation: 1700m/5577ft above sea level
Lhuentse is one of the least developed Dzongkhags in the country. Apart from the district highway, the Dzongkhag lacks internal motor roads and most villages still remain remote and inaccessible by motor roads. Majority of the households have no access to electricity. Difficult terrain and scattered settlements make delivery of services costly and challenging.

Limited agriculture land and other farm infrastructure pose considerable problem in enhancing farm production and productivity. Despite favourable climatic conditions, farming remains largely subsistence.
Attractions: Ethnic Festivals, Kishutharas(handwoven fabrics with intricate designs), Aja Nye Trek via Phuningla, Rodonlga Trek via Khini Lhakhang, The Underground Palace, Varied Flora and Fauna.

Trashiyangtse

Location: North - eastern Bhutan

Distance from Trashigang: 53 km (2 hours)

Elevation: 1871m/6138ft above sea level
The Dzongkhag is connected to Trashigang by a 54 Km long road passing through Trashiyangtse, Jamkhar and Khamdang Gewogs. Trashiyangtse is also known for its Wildlife Sanctuary at Bumdeling, which is the winter roosting place for the black-necked cranes.

Chorten Kora: It is similar to the stupa of Boudhanath in Nepal and was built in 1740.Chorten Kora festival which is very different from the other festivals in Bhutan, as not only the Bhutanese, but also the people from Arunachal Prdesh in India, gathers for the festival. During the festival, as an added bonus, you could also play the “game of love”, which usually ends in marriages!

Zorig Chusum Institute: Located near Chorten Kora in Trashi Yangtse.The institute was established in 1997 as a Rigney School and has five areas of studies.

1. Painting
2. Silversmith
3. Embroidery
4. Carving and
5. Lacquering.

Bumdeling: It is about two to three hours walk north of Chorten Kora. It is the roosting place for the flock of black necked cranes. Last year the cranes arrived on 6th Nov, 2005 bringing the total crane count to 131. The reason for decreasing number has been attributed to loss of feeding grounds caused by heavy annual floods of the Kulong River. The concrete walls that have been built by the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary have been repeatedly washed away.

Samdrupjongkhar: Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag lies in the South Eastern part of Bhutan bordering the Indian State of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The Dzongkhag has a total area of approximately 2,308 square kilometers and major portions of the Dzongkhag fall within the subtropical belt with elevations ranging from 200-3,500 metres above sea level.
Due to lack of adequate motorable road network, most places remain isolated and remote. Rugged terrain and scattered settlements make delivery of services difficult and costly.

Samdrup Jongkhar is the gateway to and commercial hub for five Eastern dzongkhags. The dzongkhag’s potential is further enhanced by the commissioning of Kurichu hydropower. Availability of reliable hydropower combined with modern Telecom facilities will change the development landscape of the dzongkhag by offering tremendous opportunities for household, business and industries. Lack of adequate road network also has direct impact on socio-economic development and quality of lives of the people in the dzongkhag.

Phuentsholing

Phuentsholing, the “gateway to Bhutan ” in the south-west of Bhutan, is the only land border which grants access to the country. 90% of trade in Bhutan is with India and is conducted through this town. Phuentsholing is approximately 170km east of the Indian national airport Bagdogra, near Darjeeling, and 180km from the capital city Thimphu, a drive of around eight hours.
Phuentsholing being the border town has an Indian character and taste, even though it tries to maintain Bhutanese way of living.

The road ascends from Phuentsholing towards the capital city Thimphu, you will witness some of the most fascinating views of the Himalayan mountain ranges available during the day, and take in the wide variety of fauna and flora along the roadside. You will also notice the sudden change in altitude, temperature and vegetation that heralds the beginning of a truly memorable stay in our country. from the foot hills, passing through many villages and spectacular landscape.