Paro

Journey by air to Paro is approx. one hour from Kathmandu or Calcutta. Paro is one of the most populated areas of the country. Because of its proximity to the airport, there are hotels & tourist facilities close by. The valley of Paro contains a wealth of attractions and requires a few days to be properly explored.

Drugyal Dzong

Drugyal Dzong means victorious fortress which was built in 1647 AD by Shabdrung Ngawang to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders, led by Mongolian warlord, Gushri Khan in 1644 AD. Strategically built over the only passage into Paro valley, the Dzong helped to repel numerous invasions all through the course of Bhutanese history. The Dzong was gutted by an accidental fire in 1951. The ruins, as it stands today still attract tourists.






Taktsang Monastery

Literally means the Tiger’s Nest (den). This temple clings precariously to a granite cliff 800m above the Paro valley. Legend has it that the great Guru Padmasambhava flew to this spot on the back of a Tigress and meditated in a cave during the 8th century. The temple was built around the cave and is a hallowed shrine for Bhutanese pilgrims. A terrible fire in April 1998 destroyed Taktsang’s medieval wall paintings and all inner temples. A new construction has already begun by the Royal Government. 

Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong)

Rinpung Dzong, meaning the fortress on a heap of jewels was built during the time of Shabdrung in 1646. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge. A walk to the Dzong offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. The Dzong now houses the Paro monastic school and the office of the civil administration. It is also the venue of the great Paro Tsechu (festival) held once a year in spring. 




Ta Dzong

The castle-shaped Ta Dzong was built in 1651 as a watch tower to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century. Ta Dzong has housed the nation’s heritage in Bhutan’s National Museum since 1976. It holds a fascinating collection of arts, relics and religious Thanka paintings. 

Thimpu

The modern capital of Bhutan lies at an elevation of 2,300m in a valley traversed by the Wang Chu. (river). Thimpu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is a bustling town on the banks of the Thimpu river & set gloriously in the hills of Thimpu valley. Thimpu is home to the revered Bhutanese Royal family, the Royal government, the judiciary and to several foreign missions and development projects. 

Memorial Chorten

This stupa was built in 1974 in the memory of the late third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck . The painting and images inside the monument provide a rare sight into Buddhist philosophy. 

Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong)

It was initially built in the 17th century and was rebuilt in early 1960s by the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Tashichho Dzong is the main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His majesty and a summer residence of the central monk body. It is open to visitor during Thimpu festival and when the monk body moves to their winter home in Punakha.

Indigenous Hospital

since Bhutan has its own brand of Himalayan medicine the Government has given equal emphasis to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The rich herbal medicine is prepared here. The old art of healing like acupuncture is still practiced today. 

National Library

The history of Bhutan lies imprinted in archaic texts, which are preserved at the National library. Beside thousands of manuscripts and ancient texts the library also has modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags. 

Painting School

It is the place, where young children learn the ancient art of paintings. One can actually see students at work. Education is free for the students. These children after passing out, are sent to different districts in the country to apply the same art form of traditional paintings in their areas, which is one reason that Bhutanese houses have almost the same type of colour and design. 

Punakha

The road from Simtokha winds into pine forests and through small villages for 20 kilometers and then opens miraculously onto the northern ridge of the mountains. The view over the Himalayas from Dochula Pass at 3,200m is one of the most spectacular in all Bhutan. One of the most striking features of the valley is its abundance of crops and vast terraces of rice fields, which change from lush green in summer to golden yellow in autumn. Chime Lhakhang located on the hillock among the rice fields is picturesque and is pilgrimage site for childless couples. The temple is associated with the famous saint Drupka Kuenlay “The Divine Madman” who has built a Chorten the site during the 14th century. Punakha Dzong is home to the central monk body and the Je Khenpo (the spiritual leader) during the winter months. It was built between two rivers in the 17th century by the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and is still the winter residence of the central monk body. In spite of the four catastrophic fires and earthquake that destroyed many historic documents, Punakha Dzong houses sacred artifacts and the embalmed body of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. 

Wangdiphodrang

Wangdiphodrang Dzong lies towards the south of Punakha at an elevation of 1300 m. It is the last town on the highway before entering central Bhutan. This Dzong built during the 17th century played a critical role in unifying the western, central and southern Bhutanese districts. Further up is Gangtey Gompa, an old monastery dating from the 16th century. It is in fact the only monastery, which follows the Pelling Nyingmapa sect of school. This valley of Phobjikha is also a home of the rare Black necked crane, an endangered species that migrate from the Tibetan plateau in winter. There are about 450-500 cranes residing the Bhutan out of which 250-300 lives in this beautiful valley. 



Bumthang

To the east of Trongsa lies the Bumthang valley at an altitude of 2,600 m. It has an individuality that charms its visitors and separates it from other regions. Comprised of four smaller valleys, the deeply spiritual region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious legend. Here tales of Guru Padmasambhava and his reincarnation known as Tertons still linger in most nooks and corners. The town of Jakar is the largest between Thimpu in the west and Trashigang in the east. Jakar is famous for honey production, cheese, apple juice and apricots. Visitors to Bumthang should plan to spend a few days taking advantage of the valley’s relatively gentle slopes to walk to nearby medieval temples and have a glimpse of Bhutan’s mostly rural population. It is also known for its woolen material (yathra), which can be seen hung outside of houses for sale. Further east there is the Ura valley in its center. Small but old Dzong and cobblestone paths give the village a medieval feel. Many excursions can be arranged from this valley like Tharpaling Monastery, Kunzangdra, Tang Mebartso and many more… 

Jakar Dzong

It was founded by the great grandfather of Shabdrung. The Dzong was initially built as a Monastery in 1549 but was upgraded after Shabdrung had firmly established his power in 1646. The Dzong is now used as the administration center for Bumthang valley. 

Phuntsoling (Phuentsholing)

Phuntsoling is a border town to the south bordering the Indian State of West Bengal. It is a hub of commercial activity. Jaigaon, a small Indian town is located near Phuntsoling and one can make road connections from Jaigaon or Phuntsoling to the airport in Bagdogra or the railway station in Siliguri, both in the state of West Bengal (169 kms, a drive of about 4-5 hours) of India. There are also convenient connections to Nepal, border at Kakarvitta or Indian hill stations of Kalimpong, Gangtok & Darjeeling.