Best Places to Visit in Bhutan

Closed to outsiders until 1974, the landlocked Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is a rare, reclusive gem in a busy, crowded world. It’s a country that can be genuinely described as off-the-beaten-path without feeling trite. In Bhutan, happiness is a measured commodity, walled-in valleys feel locked in the past, and white-and-red monasteries pop against pine forests, snowy summits, and dramatic cliffs. With its rich culture, dzong architecture, tangible spirituality, and enchanting landscapes, Bhutan is as close to an actual Shangri-La as you can get.

However, Bhutan guards its secrets well. Many valleys, towns, cities, and highlights in the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” don’t command mainstream name recognition which can make planning a trip feel like a riddle. As experts, Extraordinary Journeys travel specialists can help make sense of it all.

These are the seven best places to visit in Bhutan, from famous sites like cliff-hugging monasteries to remote Himalayan highlands populated with yaks and nomadic herders.

Best Places to Visit in Bhutan

Paro

Thimphu

Punakha

Phobjikha Valley | Gangtey

Haa

Bumthang

Gasa

Paro

Located an hour’s drive from the capital city of Thimphu, the Paro Valley is the gateway to Bhutan thanks to it being the site of the country’s only international airport. Forest-carpeted peaks, grand fortresses, and patchwork farmland greet arrivals landing on the valley’s broad, flat fields—just one of few places in the mountainous kingdom able to accommodate large passenger planes.

From the valley’s heart—where the town of Paro sits at the confluence of the Paro and Wang Rivers—narrow canyons dotted with ancient monasteries and temples extend deep into the mountains that stretch toward the Tibetan border.

As one of Bhutan’s most historic valleys, Paro is rife with ancient monasteries, temples, and landmarks worthy of a visit, not limited to the 17th-century Rinpung Dzong, the 15th-century Dungtse Lhakhang Buddhist temple, and the Ta-Dzhong, Bhutan’s tallest building at 72 feet high and home to the National Museum.

While old, these religious sites are active. Visitors have the opportunity to receive blessings from lamas or join monks in prayer while touring the premises with an expert guide.

The Paro Valley’s most famous landmark is Paro Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Located at the northern end of the valley, this sacred Buddhist site hugs a rocky cliff face high above the valley floor. It can only be reached via a three-hour hike (commonly considered one of the best things to do in Bhutan) along the rocky mountain walls, making for both a thrilling adventure and a transformative spiritual experience upon arrival.

Paro is included on all Extraordinary Journeys luxury Bhutan tours, typically allocated a day or two at the start or end of the itinerary.

When to visit Paro

Paro is accessible throughout the year, but thanks to its lofty elevation (7,200 feet above sea level), winters can be brutally cold and dry. Summer, specifically, mid-August through mid-September, can also be touch-and-go due to monsoon season. The spring months of March to April are generally considered the best time to visit Paro, offering comfortable temperatures and lovely spring blooms. Autumn (September through November) is another pleasant time to plan a visit.

Thimphu

Home to the kingdom’s capital city where the government and His Royal Majesty are based, the Thimphu region is Bhutan’s main political and economic hub.

Stretched out along the base of a river valley, Thimphu is Bhutan’s largest city and the sixth-highest elevation capital on Earth. Despite it serving as Bhutan’s most modern and cosmopolitan city, Thimphu is deeply rooted in history and culture. The city doesn’t even have traffic lights; instead, policemen direct cars around the quiet capital, keeping noise pollution to a minimum for a more serene soundscape of ringing temple bells.

Museums and institutions like the Royal Textile Academy and the Folk Heritage Museum Kawajangsa teach you about ancient Bhutanese art forms like papermaking and weaving while offering workshops for hands-on learning.

Hang out with takin, Bhutan’s national animal, at the Royal Takin Reserve, shop for handmade souvenirs at artisan markets, and observe traditional rituals such as lighting butter lamps at the National Memorial Chorten. Simply strolling Thimphu’s streets brings you face-to-face with national landmarks that include Tashichho Dzong, a 350-year-old complex of towering white buildings with red-and-gold roofs that serve as the official seat of Bhutan’s civil government and houses the king’s throne room.

Hiking trails through the surrounding mountains offer spectacular views of the city’s dazzling architecture from afar, and it’s also worth heading up into the hills to visit the golden Dordenma sitting Buddha statue, which is one of the largest on Earth.

But the Thimphu district has more to offer outside the capital city. Heading north, you’ll enter the borders of Jigme Dorji National Park, Bhutan’s second-largest national park that spans 1,666 square miles of mountains, valleys, and forests across five different districts. Within its vast expanse, you can trek through snow-sprinkled alpine, soak in natural hot springs, and perhaps catch glimpses of rare inhabitants like snow leopards and Bengal tigers.

Another must-visit spot is Dochula Pass, which sits at the border between the Thimphu and Punakha districts. Rising 10,000 feet above sea level, this mountain pass boasts breathtaking views of Bhutan’s highest peak, snowcapped Himalayan summits, and 108 stupas that dot the mountaintop.

When to visit Thimphu

Thimphu can be visited year-round. With pleasant temperatures and fair weather for hiking and city touring, fall and spring are great months to visit. The perk of visiting in October is attending the Thimphu Tshechu. Held each fall, the annual celebration features lavish masked dances known as chams, songs, and the unfurling reveal of an elaborate thongdrel.

Punakha

Site of the former capital before it moved to Thimphu, the Punakha Valley in western Bhutan is home to some of the kingdom’s most remarkable historic monuments thanks to its tenure as the seat of power.

With rolling hills blanketed with forests, a lush valley floor, and winding rivers, this idyllic valley is one of the kingdom’s most enchanting. Sitting on the banks of the Mo Chhu River, the Punakha Dzong is the second-largest and second-oldest fortress in the country. Dating from 1637, this majestic palace is now open to the public for architect-led tours and makes for incredible photos against the bucolic backdrop of green mountains and blue skies.

True to its name which means “the gathering ground,” Punakha is most famous for rice cultivation. In fact, it’s known as the “Rice Bowl of Bhutan,” with red and white rice thriving in fields fed by the Pho and Mo Rivers. With abundant rice paddies and farms, the region is an agricultural powerhouse and a farm-to-fork foodie paradise. Some families even roll out the welcome mat for farm stay experiences in cozy traditional farmhouses, serving classic Bhutanese dishes, and giving you a taste of local life.

This agrarian Arcadia is also a haven for outdoor sports, from rafting along the Mo and Pho Rivers to following in the footsteps of medieval monks like the Divine Madman along pilgrimage routes. You can mountain bike along flowy trails, trek, ride horseback to monasteries perched high on hilltops, and even cross Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge.

When to visit Punakha

Thanks to its subtropical climate, Punakha enjoys humid summers and warm winters, making it a great destination for year-round or winter travel.

Phobjikha Valley (Gangtey)

Carved by glaciers, Gangtey is a vast, sweeping bowl of a valley set on the western slopes of central Bhutan’s Black Mountains. Also known as the Phobjikha Valley, conifer-covered hills rim the edges of green meadows and protected marshlands where flora and fauna thrive. Home to Himalayan black bears, barking deer, wild boar, and 13 elusive, endangered species, it’s hailed as one of Bhutan’s most biodiverse regions.

Thanks to its splendid landscapes, many visitors choose to spend their time in the Phobjikha Valley outdoors, hiking along routes like the Gangtey Nature Trail or trying their hand at archery, Bhutan’s national sport.

Not to be missed, the valley hosts one of the kingdom’s most famous monasteries. Belonging to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, the ancient Gangtey Monastery is one of Bhutan’s most spectacular thanks to its ornate artwork and design. Set on a hilltop overlooking the valley, travelers are treated to breathtaking views of both the landscape and the monastery’s incredible artistry.

Gangtey is also a magnet for bird watchers thanks to one very special visitor. Each winter, flocks of endangered, black-necked cranes fly to the valley from the Tibetan Plateau on an annual migration. Globally threatened, these graceful and rare birds take up residence in the valley’s marshes and wetlands, which have been set aside as conservation areas for their protection. Observing the birds’ arrival or departure is a true once-in-a-lifetime experience as they circle three times above the Gangtey Monastery. Due to this mystical act, the birds are revered and said to bring prosperity and bountiful harvests.

When to visit the Phobjikha Valley

Spring and fall are lovely seasons to visit the Phobjikha Valley, especially for travelers wanting to enjoy outdoor pursuits. Birders wanting to glimpse black-neck cranes should pass through in November and December. The Black-Neck Crane Festival is a one-day event held on November 11 each year. Watch as dancers dress in black and white to honor the valley’s seasonal guests.

Haa Valley

Even reclusive, remote Bhutan has its hidden gems, and one of those is the Haa region. Despite being situated in the western part of the kingdom near better-known destinations like Thimphu and Paro, this verdant valley close to the Tibetan border receives far fewer visitors.

Meaning “Hidden-Land Rice Valley,” the towering peaks, patchwork fields, and a lack of foreigners make you feel far removed from the rest of the wider world, offering complete immersion in traditional Bhutanese nature and culture. Situated off the main tourist routes, locals here open their homes to travelers for cozy homestays in charming farmhouses. It’s the perfect place to sample regional delicacies like hoentay dumplings.

Dense forests and alpine highlands where yaks roam make the Haa Valley prime territory for hiking and mountain biking. Different paths, like the Haa Panorama Hiking Trail, connect monasteries up in the hills or follow historic routes once used by farmers to reach neighboring Paro. But the region has plenty of cultural attractions, as well.

Even though Buddhism is Bhutan’s main religion and has been around since the eighth century, there are temples and religious sites in Haa that pre-date the arrival of Vajrayana Buddhism. The seventh-century Lhakhang Narpo and Lhakhang Karpo temples located at the southern end of the valley are two of the best examples. You can also visit sacred sites dedicated to local, non-Buddhist deities.

En route to the Haa Valley, be sure to pause at the top of the Chelela Pass for its breathtaking views of Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drakey.

When to visit the Haa Valley

October and November are excellent months to visit Haa, avoiding both the heat of summer and the deep cold of winter. The milder weather is optimal for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, and you’ll be treated to lovely views of the surrounding peaks and seasonal colors.

Bumthang

With its vibrant green pastures, sky-scraping peaks, and quaint mountain villages, it’s easy to see why the Bumthang Valley has been nicknamed “Switzerland of the East.”

Located in eastern Bhutan, this region is actually divided into four different valleys: Ura, Chumey, Tang, and Choekho. Each boasts its own unique dialects and traditions, as well as stunning alpine scenery that’s idyllic for hiking and trekking.

Home to some of the kingdom’s oldest monasteries and temples, Bumthang is also known as Bhutan’s spiritual heartland. It’s where Buddhism was first introduced to the country, as well as the birthplace of Pema Lingpa, a saint and forefather of the royal family. Sites like the Tamzhing Monastery—the oldest Nyingma Buddhism institution in the country—and the seventh-century Jambay Lhakhang hold tremendous cultural and religious importance. At the Membartsho holy site, also known as the Burning Lake, you can gaze into waters that once hid sacred scriptures from the guru who brought Vajrayana Buddhism to Bhutan.

Two other must-see monuments here are the Jakar Dzong, which sits at the southern entrance to the region, and the elegant Wangduechhoeling Palace, a former royal residence.

With temples and sacred sites dotting the mountainsides around the Bumthang Valley, the best way to explore is by setting off on foot for a mix of nature, culture, and history. You can also drink locally made beer at the kingdom’s only craft brewery and sample hearty meals made with fresh-farmed buckwheat, potatoes, and honey.

When to visit Bumthang

Winters can be brutally cold in Bumthang, so the best times to enjoy the valley’s great outdoors are in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). In November, you can catch the Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival, held at the ancient Jambay Lhakhang temple and celebrated with dances, costumes, and fire ceremonies.

Gasa

To explore a truly lesser-visited region of Bhutan, head north to the Gasa region. Nestled up against the spine of the Himalayas, this northwestern district has some of the kingdom’s most mind-boggling scenic beauty. Imagine: snowcapped peaks, rocky valleys, and virgin forest.

Due to its mountainous terrain, Gasa is heaven on Earth for hikers and trekkers, with tons of trails to choose from. Technical hikers can take on the Snowman Trek, an old yak herding trail that is not only the longest trek in the country at 216 miles, but also notoriously difficult due to the altitude, weather, and terrain. Whether you choose to take on epic, multi-day routes or day hikes, decompress at the end of the day with soaks in natural hot springs purported to have healing capabilities.

Along with high-altitude hikes to glacial lakes and lofty plateaus, Gasa offers a unique cultural connection to Bhutan’s indigenous Layap people. A semi-nomadic group, you can learn more about their way of life in the town of Laya or as you encounter them in the alpine pastures where they shepherd herds of yak and sheep.

Held each October, the Royal Highland Festival is another great time to connect with local culture. Enjoy traditional song and dance ceremonies, watch horse races and animal competitions, and sampling locally made food and drink.

When to visit Gasa

With maximum elevations of just under 15,000 feet, winters are not recommended except for the hardiest of explorers. It’s best to visit in April and May for warmer weather, fair days, and alpine blooms or in the fall (September to October) for special events like the Highlander Festival.

Bhutan Travel FAQs

How long do I need for a trip to Bhutan?

Travelers will get a good feel for Bhutan on a week-long trip, but 10 to 12 days is more ideal. Bhutan is small—a bit larger than Maryland—but mountainous terrain complicates the logistics. Expect driving distances between destination valleys to take two to four hours. You’ll feel less rushed if you can stay two or three nights in each place you visit.

What’s required for Bhutan travel?

American citizens require a tourist visa to travel to Bhutan which can be obtained online, in advance of your arrival. You will also need a passport with at least six months’ validity. Each traveler is required to pay a daily sustainable development fee; $100 USD for adults and $50 for children ages six through 12.

Independent travel is not possible in Bhutan and foreigners are not permitted to self-drive. Travelers are required to book a trip through a reputable destination specialist—like Extraordinary Journeys.

How do you get to Bhutan?

There are no direct flights from the United States to Bhutan. Travelers commonly transit through Bangkok (Thailand), New Delhi (India), Kathmandu (Nepal), and Singapore on two carriers: Drukair or Bhutan Airlines.

When is the best time to visit Bhutan?

Spring (April-May-June) and fall (mid-September through November) are favored as the best time to visit Bhutan, coinciding with pleasant temperatures and important religious festivals (tsechus).