Places To Visit In Bhutan

Here are the different places to visit in Bhutan and you must try to cover them, no matter how small the trip is.

1. Taktsang Monastery, Paro

Taktsang Monastery or the Tiger’s Nest Monastery is among the most visited and significant Bhutan tourist attractions. The cluster of the golden peaks of the monastery can be seen on the steep climb up to the place. The secluded place where the highly respected Monastery stands were the abode of Guru Rinpoche or Padmasambhava, where he meditated for three whole years and then emerged in eight incarnated forms. It is said that he literally brought in his knowledge about this path to the land of Bhutan, and he rode on the back of a tigress which gave this place its name. Taktsang Monastery, being one of the best Bhutan places to visit also offers a spectacular view of the Paro valley, cuddling in between the high, green and brown peaks of the Bhutan Himalayas.

2. Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa

There are many dzongs among the Bhutan tourist places. They are complexes that incorporate both spiritual and administrative institutions. It resembles a fortress-like architecture with towering exteriors and extensive interiors. Trongsa Dzong is the largest dzong fortress-monastery of Bhutan, located in the heart of the country overlooking the Mangde Chhu River. The colossal size of the Trongsa Dzong complex will leave you bewildered as you tread through the various halls and prayer rooms. This place was once the ancestral home of the Wangchuck dynasty, which is responsible for the unification and formation of modern Bhutan after the successive civil wars of 19th century. They are still the constitutional monarchs of the country, but operations have moved to the capital Thimphu. However, Trongsa Dzong still holds its importance as the place where it all started, and, thus, is one of the Bhutan points of interest.

3. Buddha Dordenma Statue, Thimphu

Situated very poetically right at the foot of the hills of Thimphu, the Buddha Dordenma Statue is a great Bhutan destination. The 169 feet tall statue is a larger-than-life recreation of the Bodhisattva. This statue is a tribute to the good work Lord Buddha did in the hills of Bhutan and his propagation of the faith of Buddhism. The gold and bronze statue, with the familiar serene smile, sitting on a full-bloomed lotus, is a landmark of Thimphu.

4. Gangteng Monastery, Gangteng

The Gangteng Monastery is one of the most important institutions of the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism and an equally important Bhutan attraction. The edifice of the monastery emerges like the sacred shrine it is amidst snow-covered firs and spruces in the Gangteng village of Wangdue Phodrang district in central Bhutan. A visit to this tourist destination in Bhutan is important because Gangteng monastery is a revered seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition – one of Bhutan’s greatest spiritual patrons. The timber front-pieces carved on the façade of the monastery, embellished with gargoyles gives it a mysterious look. During winters, the area around Gangteng becomes a hunting ground for rare black cranes.

5. Simply Bhutan, Thimphu

Located in the capital, Simply Bhutan is an underrated museum that reflects brilliantly the culture, customs, cuisine, and tradition not only through displays but live performances and thematic storytelling as well. It is a unique experience to get a glimpse of the entire country under one roof.