Western Bhutan
The districts of Haa, Paro, Chukha, Thimphu, Punakha, Gasa, and Wangdue Phodrang are in Western Bhutan. It’s home to the only airport of Bhutan, including the capital and some of the largest, oldest, and most spectacular dzongs (fortresses) and temples. This is the region that anyone first encounters in Bhutan, whether flying out to Paro or driving from Phuntsholing.
Paro
A trip to Bhutan normally begins and ends at Paro, where the country has its only international airport. Paro, located at an altitude of 2,250 meters, is a lush green, beautiful valley with rich culture, scenic beauty, and home to Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, and the country’s only airport. Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom, producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice. Some of the important landmarks in Paro are:
Taktshang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’
Taktsang is located at an altitude of 3,120 meters, perched on a high vertical cliff to the north of Paro town. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, the father of the Bhutanese Mahayana Buddhism, came to Paro Valley more than a millennium ago on the back of a legendary flying tigress. He meditated for three months in the cave where they later built a monastery, so they call it Taktshang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. The trip to Bhutan is never complete without climbing to Taktshang.
Rinpung Dzong
Rinpung Dzong was built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan. The Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head), and the Thrimpon (judge) of the Paro district. It is linked by the traditional cantilever bridge called the Nemi Zam, which spans the Pa Chu River. This Dzong hosts the popular Paro Tshechu festival once a year in the spring.
Ta Dzong
Ta Dzong is above Rinpung Dzong and was built as a watchtower to protect the Dzong from intruders. In 1968, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as the National Museum. The museum houses ancient Bhutanese arts and artifacts, weapons, stamps, birds and animals, and an incredible collection of silver tea ware. The museum’s circular shape augments its varied collection displayed over several floors.
Kyichu Lhakhang
Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom, dating back as far as the 7th century. The Lhakhang complex has two temples. The first temple was built by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo, in the 7th century. In 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in the same original pattern. Next to the temple, they have turned the house into a museum dedicated to the late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.
Drukgyel Dzong
Drukgyel Dzong was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Historically, this Dzong has endured, and the glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained unchanged even when it was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day, the village below the Dzong can spot a majestic view of Mt. Jomolhari.
Haa Valley
Haa was one of the main commercial gateways through Phuntsoling until roads opened in the early 1960s. In 1958, Indian Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru walked to Bhutan along this route, marking the historic journey of Indo-Bhutan friendship. It is one of the smallest districts in the country. After the arrival of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the chief guardian deity of Haa became Ap Chundu.
Thimphu
Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, is a bustling and the fastest-growing city in Bhutan. Thimphu, located at an altitude of 2350m, is the center of government, religion, and commerce. The city has an unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Although not what one expects from a capital city, Thimphu is a lively place. It is home to the Kings and the Royal family members, as well as civil servants, expatriates, politicians, businesspersons, and monks. Some of the popular landmarks of Thimphu are:
National Memorial Chorten
National Memorial Chorten was built on 28th July 1974 in memory of Bhutan’s third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Simtokha Dzong
Simtokha Dzong, located five miles from Thimphu, is the Kingdom’s oldest Dzong. It is now used as the Institute for Language and Cultural Studies and was built in 1627 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Changangkha Temple
Changangkha Temple is situated on the top of a small hill above Thimphu city. It was built in the 13th century by the illustrious Lam Phajo Dugom Zhigpo. The central statue here is Chenrezig in a manifestation with 11 heads. The temple is considered the spiritual home of children born in the Chang valley.
National Library
The National Library was established in the late 1960s, basically to conserve the literary treasures that form a significant part of Bhutan’s cultural heritage. It now houses a vast collection of books and research documents on Buddhist studies. The library also has modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags, besides having thousands of manuscripts and ancient texts.
Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums
This museum was established in 2001, offering interesting perspectives on Bhutanese material culture and ways of life. The Folk Heritage Museum, with a three-storied 19th-century traditional house, provides a glimpse of the Bhutanese lifestyle and artifacts from the rural households. We keep typical household objects, tools, and equipment here.
Handicrafts Shops
Thimphu has various handicraft emporia displaying a wide assortment of colorful, hand-woven textiles and other craft products. Good for the souvenir.
Weekend Market
A weekend market on the banks of the river is held in Thimphu from Friday afternoon until Sunday evening. Most of Thimphu’s population and many valley dwellers gather at this market. The market sells a wide range of foodstuffs and local arts and crafts. A visit to the market provides great photo opportunities and the chance to mingle with local people or perhaps buy souvenirs.
Buddha Point
Buddha Point is the viewing point for the Thimphu Valley. It is a short drive from Thimphu Town. The largest statue of Buddha in Bhutan is located here.
Cheri Monastery
Cheri Monastery was established in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of the Bhutanese state. The monastery is about 15 kilometers away from town and stands on a hill above the end of the road at Dodeyna. It takes about an hour to walk up the steep hill to reach the monastery from the road.
Dochula Pass (3,050m)
The first stop after leaving Thimphu is Dochula, located at 3050 meters, just an hour’s drive from Thimphu. Especially during clear winter days, Dochula offers visitors the first glimpse of the central-eastern Himalayan range. There are 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens at Dochula, built by the eldest Queen Mother—HM Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. During the clear, warm day, photographers can take stunning pictures of the snow-capped mountains at Dochula.
Punakha
The district of Punakha ranges from 1300m at the valley floor and rises to almost 3000m around Dochhula pass. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan from 1637 until 1907. Thimphu’s monk body and the Je Khenpo (leader of Bhutan’s religious order) still come to Punakha to pass the winter. The Valley of Punakha produces abundant crops and fruits due to its temperate climate and its natural drainage from Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers. Splendid views of the distant Himalayas can be seen at Dochula pass (3,050m) on the drive from Thimphu to Punakha.
Punakha Dzong
Punakha Dzong was built at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River) by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1637 to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. It was here that the dual system of government was introduced in the 17th century, and in 1907, the first King Gongsr Ugyen Wangchuck was enthroned. Four fires and an earthquake in 1897 destroyed it, and flooding from the great northern glaciers has frequently devastated it. The Dzong has now been fully restored to its original splendor. Punakha festival is celebrated at Punakha Dzong.
Chimi Lhakhang
The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the center of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humor, songs, and outrageous behavior to dramatize his teachings, and is also known as ‘Divine Madman.’ This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children come to pray at this temple and are usually blessed with a child very soon. It is about a 30-minute walk across the field from the road to the temple.
Wangdue Phodrang
Wangdue Phodrang is the last District before reaching central Bhutan. The highway to central Bhutan passes through this District. Wangduephodrang valley provides rich pastureland for cattle. This district is also renowned for its fine bamboo products, as well as slate and stone carvings. Wangdue Phodrang is also known for the Lozeys, or the ornamental speeches. Some of the popular landmarks of Wangdue are:
Wangdue Phodrang Dzong
Wangdue Phodrang Dzong is on the hilltop above the confluence of the Punatsangchhu and Dhangchhu rivers. During pre-monarchy days, the governor of this dzong played an important role. Wangdue Dzong is open to visitors during the Wangduephodrang Tshechu, which is celebrated in autumn.
Gangtey Monastery/Phobjikha Valley
Gangtey is the largest village in Phobjikha Valley and is situated to the south of the main road and east of Wangdue Phodrang. Gangtey Monastery, a monastery dating back to the mid-17th century, is at its center. It is located on a small hill rising from the valley floor and is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountains, as well as the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. A large village surrounds the Monastery, and the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of it mainly inhabit it.
The village of Phobjikha is on the valley floor just a few kilometers down from the monastery. This quiet, remote valley is the winter home of black-necked cranes migrating from the plains of Tibet in the north to pass the winter months in a milder climate.
Central Bhutan
Central Bhutan is the districts of Trongsa and Bumthang. The Centre region boasts several unique features and hosts many sacred monuments in Bhutan. These two districts also define much of Bhutan’s history and, until the early 1950s, were the seat of power for two Kings.
Bumthang
Bumthang consists of the Chumey, Choekhar, Tang, and Ura Valleys. This region that spans from 2,600-4,500m is the religious heartland of the nation and home to some of its oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. Tales of Guru Padmasambhava and the tertons (“religious treasure-discoverers”) linger in this sacred region. Bumthang is also the traditional home to the great Buddhist teacher Pema Linga, to whose descendants the present dynasty traces its origin.
Trongsa
Trongsa is the ancestral home of the royal family. Both His Majesty King Ugyen Wangchuck, the Penlop of Trongsa, who was elected the country’s first hereditary monarch, and his successor, King Jigme Wangchuck, ruled the country from Trongsa’s ancient seat. The crown prince of Bhutan traditionally becomes “penlop” (governor) of Trongsa before being crowned king.
Trongsa Dzong
Trongsa Dzong, built in 1648, holds great historical importance. Both the first and second kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat. It is customary for all the kings of Bhutan to be invested as Trongsa Penlop (“governor”) before ascending the throne. Trongsa Dzong is a magnificent fortress protected from invaders by an impenetrable valley. The Dzong itself is a labyrinth of temples, corridors, and offices holding court over the local community. Many levels on the side of the hill make it visible from every approach to Trongsa.
Eastern Bhutan
Eastern Bhutan is blessed with unexplored trekking routes, historical and cultural escapades, spectacular landscapes, and natural wonders. Eastern Bhutan contains the districts of Mongar, Lhuentse, Tashi Yangtse, Tashigang, and Samdrup Jongkhar. The Lhuentse, Khoma Chhu, Kuri Chhu, and Radhi areas host the finest weavers. This kind of weaving occurs only in the Kingdom of Bhutan.
Mongar
Mongar district marks the beginning of Eastern Bhutan, covering an area of 1,954 sq. km with elevations ranging from 400m to 4,000m. Mongar town is the second largest town in the sub-tropical east and is situated on the side of a hill, in contrast to other towns of Western Bhutan located on the valley floor. The region is known for weavers and textiles and fabrics considered one of the best in the country.
Lhuentse
Lhuentse is 77 km from Mongar (3 hours drive) and is one of the most isolated districts in the country. The landscape here is spectacular with stark cliffs and gorges and dense coniferous forests. The region is notably famed for its weavers and their special textiles, generally considered to be the best in the country.
Trashigang
Trashigang is the easternmost point on the highway and the country’s largest district, with an altitude ranging from 600 m to over 4000 m. Bhutan’s largest river, the Dangmechu, flows through the district. Trashigang town, on the hillside above the Gamri Chhu (river), was once the center for a busy trade with Tibet. Today, it is the junction of the east-west highway, with road connections to Samdrup Jongkhar and then into the Indian state of Assam.
Samdrup Jongkhar
Samdrup Jongkhar is situated in the southeastern part of Bhutan and shares borders with the Indian state of Assam. It is by far the largest urban center in eastern Bhutan. The road from Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar was completed in the 1960s, enabling the eastern half of the country to access and benefit from trade with the south as well as across the Indian border.