Top Places To Visit In Bhutan

Haa valley covers an area of roughly 1706 sq. km and is one of the smallest districts in the country. This tiny region is one of the most beautiful and isolated areas in the kingdom. It is adorned with pristine alpine forests and tranquil mountain peaks. The beautiful Chelela pass at an altitude of 3988 m separates Paro from Haa valley. This valley remains one of the remote places and retains the air of an unspoiled, primeval forest. The wooded hills of Haa provide an ideal location for hiking and biking around the valley. A colorful annual Haa summer festival is held in July.

Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan and lies at an altitude of 2300 m. This is a small vibrant city with approximately one hundred and fifty thousand people. It is the only capital city in the world with no traffic lights. The Tashichho dzong is the administrative center and houses the government offices including the office of His Majesty the King and summer residence of Je-Khenpo. The other significant structure is the SAARC Secretariat which houses national assembly of Bhutan. Thimphu is certainly one of most recommended places to visit in Bhutan.

Wangdue Phodrang (Altitude: 1300 m) is on the way to Gangtey and is the last town before entering central Bhutan. It is a small town with a prominent landmark, Wangdue Phodrang dzong which sits on a hillock. The dzong was built in 1639 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal on a ridge that looks like a sleeping elephant. As you drive 40 km towards central Bhutan, there is a diversion on the right before reaching Pelela pass that leads to the beautiful Gangtey / Phobjikha valley.

Trongsa is the first town in central Bhutan and the first two kings of Bhutan ruled the country from here. The name Trongsa means a new village. It was built in 1644 by Chhogyal Minjur Tempa on the order of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Lama Ngagi Wangchuk, the great grand father of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built the first temple in 1543. This dzong is in the middle of tri–junction and used to controlled the trade between east and west Bhutan.

Making up the eastern part of the nation, these four districts boasts the most diverse elevations and climatic zones. From lush sub-tropical forests to extreme alpines and mountains that form the natural formidable border, the east is a must visit. Here, rivers teem with mahseer, tigers roam the rich forests and the black necked cranes roosts in highest climes. Trashigang and Lhuentse have spectacular dzongs replete with ancient history. The people of the east are also distinct in their way of life and culture. Merak and Sakteng have been designated as a wildlife sanctuary.

Phuentsholing is one of the main entry points into Bhutan from the sweltering plains of Indian state of West Bengal at 293 m. The small town is spread at the foothills of the mountains that lead into the interiors. Given its border status and linkage to India, Phuentsholing is also an industrial and business hub in Bhutan. The nearest airport is 164 km (4 hours drive) at Bagdogra, India. You can travel to the Indian states of Sikkim which is 7 hours journey and to Darjeeling which is approximately 6 hours drive. The route passes through the lush tea gardens of the British era in India.