Bhutan

Bhutan Highlights

Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is a Himalayan kingdom known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and commitment to gross national happiness. Thimphu, the capital, is home to the majestic Tashichho Dzong and the National Memorial Chorten. The Tiger`s Nest Monastery, clinging to a cliff, is one of the country`s most sacred sites. Punakha Dzong, the former capital, is another architectural gem. The local cuisine features dishes like ema datshi (chili cheese) and red rice. With its monasteries, fortresses, and dramatic landscapes, Bhutan offers an unforgettable and unique travel experience, preserving its traditions in the face of modernity.

Top 10 Attractions

Ambient Cafe

Ambient Cafe, located in the heart of Thimphu city, is a popular hangout spot for both locals and tourists. With its cozy decor, a wide array of beverages, and a menu boasting international and Bhutanese dishes, it`s a perfect place for a relaxing me... more

Ambient Cafe, located in the heart of Thimphu city, is a popular hangout spot for both locals and tourists. With its cozy decor, a wide array of beverages, and a menu boasting international and Bhutanese dishes, it`s a perfect place for a relaxing meal or a coffee break during your sightseeing tour.

Bhutan Kitchen

Bhutan Kitchen in Thimphu offers an authentic Bhutanese culinary experience. With a menu that includes a wide range of local dishes, it gives visitors a taste of Bhutan’s rich culinary heritage. From spicy stews to delicious dumplings, there`s someth... more

Bhutan Kitchen in Thimphu offers an authentic Bhutanese culinary experience. With a menu that includes a wide range of local dishes, it gives visitors a taste of Bhutan’s rich culinary heritage. From spicy stews to delicious dumplings, there`s something for everyone to enjoy.

Bhutan Postal Museum

Bhutan Postal Museum in Thimphu is a fascinating place that tells the story of Bhutan`s progress and development through the evolution of communications and postal services. The museum is also known for offering personalized stamps, where visitors ca... more

Bhutan Postal Museum in Thimphu is a fascinating place that tells the story of Bhutan`s progress and development through the evolution of communications and postal services. The museum is also known for offering personalized stamps, where visitors can get a stamp with their picture on it.

Buddha Dordenma Statue

Overlooking the southern approach to Thimphu, the Buddha Dordenma is a 51.5m tall bronze statue gilded in gold. Inside, it houses 125,000 smaller Buddha statues. The statue fulfills an ancient prophecy, and the site offers impressive views over Thimp... more

Overlooking the southern approach to Thimphu, the Buddha Dordenma is a 51.5m tall bronze statue gilded in gold. Inside, it houses 125,000 smaller Buddha statues. The statue fulfills an ancient prophecy, and the site offers impressive views over Thimphu valley.

Chele La Pass

At over 13,000 feet, Chele La Pass is the highest motorable point in Bhutan, offering majestic views of valleys, rivers, and mountains. It`s also a great place to witness the grandeur of sacred peaks such as Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. The pass is ado... more

At over 13,000 feet, Chele La Pass is the highest motorable point in Bhutan, offering majestic views of valleys, rivers, and mountains. It`s also a great place to witness the grandeur of sacred peaks such as Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. The pass is adorned with colorful prayer flags and during clear weather, it provides mesmerizing views of the surrounding landscape.

Chimi Lhakhang

Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Fertility Temple, is a small Buddhist monastery located in Punakha. It was built by the "Divine Madman" Lama Drukpa Kunley in 1499. Couples visit this temple to seek blessings for fertility. The temple, set amidst sp... more

Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Fertility Temple, is a small Buddhist monastery located in Punakha. It was built by the "Divine Madman" Lama Drukpa Kunley in 1499. Couples visit this temple to seek blessings for fertility. The temple, set amidst sprawling rice fields, provides a beautiful and serene environment.

Dochula Pass

Dochula Pass, located on the way from Thimphu to Punakha, offers panoramic views of the Himalayas. Marked by 108 memorial chortens known as "Druk Wangyal Chortens", it`s a beautiful and peaceful place, making it a popular spot for photography, picnic... more

Dochula Pass, located on the way from Thimphu to Punakha, offers panoramic views of the Himalayas. Marked by 108 memorial chortens known as "Druk Wangyal Chortens", it`s a beautiful and peaceful place, making it a popular spot for photography, picnics, and meditative walks.

Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant

The Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant in Thimphu provides a unique dining experience by offering traditional Bhutanese dishes. The restaurant, part of the museum complex, is set in a restored three-story traditional house. You can taste authentic Bhuta... more

The Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant in Thimphu provides a unique dining experience by offering traditional Bhutanese dishes. The restaurant, part of the museum complex, is set in a restored three-story traditional house. You can taste authentic Bhutanese cuisine, served in traditional wooden bowls, and experience a genuine glimpse of the Bhutanese way of life.

Jigme Dorji National Park

Jigme Dorji National Park is the largest protected area in Bhutan. It`s home to several endangered species, including the Bengal tiger, snow leopard, and Himalayan black bear. The park also has a rich variety of flora and offers numerous trekking rou... more

Jigme Dorji National Park is the largest protected area in Bhutan. It`s home to several endangered species, including the Bengal tiger, snow leopard, and Himalayan black bear. The park also has a rich variety of flora and offers numerous trekking routes, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Jigme Singye Wangchuck Park

Jigme Singye Wangchuck Park, named after the fourth King of Bhutan, is a lush green park located along the Thimphu river. It`s a perfect place for a leisurely stroll, picnic, or just to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. The park also has several tr... more

Jigme Singye Wangchuck Park, named after the fourth King of Bhutan, is a lush green park located along the Thimphu river. It`s a perfect place for a leisurely stroll, picnic, or just to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. The park also has several traditional Bhutanese games for visitors to try.

National Museum of Bhutan

The National Museum of Bhutan is housed in a circular fortress-like structure, known as the Ta-Dzong, above the Rinpung Dzong in Paro. It houses a rich collection of art and artifacts that represent the country’s cultural heritage, including traditio... more

The National Museum of Bhutan is housed in a circular fortress-like structure, known as the Ta-Dzong, above the Rinpung Dzong in Paro. It houses a rich collection of art and artifacts that represent the country’s cultural heritage, including traditional costumes, weapons, and religious paintings. Each item tells a story about Bhutan`s history, tradition, and culture.

Phobjikha Valley

Phobjikha Valley is a vast U-shaped glacial valley known for its stunning landscapes and the Black-necked Cranes that migrate here during the winter. It`s a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The valley is also home to the Gangtey Monastery... more

Phobjikha Valley is a vast U-shaped glacial valley known for its stunning landscapes and the Black-necked Cranes that migrate here during the winter. It`s a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The valley is also home to the Gangtey Monastery, adding a spiritual element to its natural beauty.

Punakha Dzong

Known as the palace of great happiness, Punakha Dzong is a stunning architectural feat. Built at the confluence of two rivers, the dzong houses many sacred temples and serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Its architectural grandeu... more

Known as the palace of great happiness, Punakha Dzong is a stunning architectural feat. Built at the confluence of two rivers, the dzong houses many sacred temples and serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Its architectural grandeur and the serene surrounding landscape make it a must-visit sight in Bhutan.

Simply Bhutan Museum

Simply Bhutan is an interactive `living` museum in Thimphu that offers visitors a fun-filled and educational experience of traditional Bhutanese culture and lifestyle. Through live demonstrations of rural traditions, skills, and habits, it seeks to p... more

Simply Bhutan is an interactive `living` museum in Thimphu that offers visitors a fun-filled and educational experience of traditional Bhutanese culture and lifestyle. Through live demonstrations of rural traditions, skills, and habits, it seeks to preserve and promote Bhutanese cultural values in an engaging way.

Sonam Trophel Restaurant

Located in Paro, Sonam Trophel Restaurant serves an array of traditional Bhutanese dishes. The ambiance is relaxed and the service warm, making it a great place to try local food like Ema Datshi (chilli cheese stew), Phaksha Paa (pork with red chilie... more

Located in Paro, Sonam Trophel Restaurant serves an array of traditional Bhutanese dishes. The ambiance is relaxed and the service warm, making it a great place to try local food like Ema Datshi (chilli cheese stew), Phaksha Paa (pork with red chilies), and Ara (local liquor).

Tashichho Dzong

Tashichho Dzong is a Buddhist monastery and fortress on the northern edge of Thimphu. Serving as the seat of the Bhutanese government, the Dzong houses the throne room and the office of the king. Its stunning architecture, lush gardens, and the signi... more

Tashichho Dzong is a Buddhist monastery and fortress on the northern edge of Thimphu. Serving as the seat of the Bhutanese government, the Dzong houses the throne room and the office of the king. Its stunning architecture, lush gardens, and the significance it holds in the country`s administrative and monastic life make it a key point of interest.

Textile Museum

The Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan, also known as the Textile Museum, in Thimphu provides insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life. The museum displays a range of intricate textiles, traditional costumes, and weaving techniques, ther... more

The Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan, also known as the Textile Museum, in Thimphu provides insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life. The museum displays a range of intricate textiles, traditional costumes, and weaving techniques, thereby preserving and promoting Bhutan’s unique textile art.

Tiger`s Nest Monastery

Tiger`s Nest Monastery, also known as Paro Taktsang, is arguably the most iconic sight in Bhutan. Perched precariously on a cliffside about 900m above the Paro Valley, this sacred Buddhist site was first built in 1692 around the Taktsang Senge Samdup... more

Tiger`s Nest Monastery, also known as Paro Taktsang, is arguably the most iconic sight in Bhutan. Perched precariously on a cliffside about 900m above the Paro Valley, this sacred Buddhist site was first built in 1692 around the Taktsang Senge Samdup cave where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated in the 8th century. The journey to the monastery makes for a challenging trek, but the view and the spiritual atmosphere are deeply rewarding.

Trongsa Dzong

Trongsa Dzong is one of the oldest and the largest Dzongs in Bhutan. It`s a significant administrative building, as the future Kings of Bhutan must serve as the Trongsa Penlop (Governor) before ascending to the throne. The Dzong, with its labyrinth o... more

Trongsa Dzong is one of the oldest and the largest Dzongs in Bhutan. It`s a significant administrative building, as the future Kings of Bhutan must serve as the Trongsa Penlop (Governor) before ascending to the throne. The Dzong, with its labyrinth of temples, corridors, and offices, offers a peek into the country`s religious and political history.

Zombala 2

Zombala 2 is a popular restaurant in Thimphu known for its delicious and spicy momos (dumplings). It`s a great place to experience local flavors and engage in friendly conversations with locals. more

Zombala 2 is a popular restaurant in Thimphu known for its delicious and spicy momos (dumplings). It`s a great place to experience local flavors and engage in friendly conversations with locals.

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