Places of Interest:

THIMPHU (2300m)

The only capital in the world without a traffic light, it is the center of government, religion and commerce. It is a unique city where modern development and ancient traditions live comfortably together. Though small, it is very lively especially on weekends with many bars and discos featuring live bands, snookers, and karaoke. Despite modernization, Thimphu still maintains a strong national character with its temples and traditional architectural styles.

What to see in Thimphu

Tashicho Dzong: The "fortress of the glorious religion", was initially built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal. The present structure was rebuilt in 1965 by the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, when he chose Thimphu as his permanent capital. It houses the government and the central clergy of monks. It is open to the visitors during festivals, on weekends, and after office hours.
Memorial Chorten: This large prominent stupa was built in 1974 in memory of the third King who is regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. It is unique in design and one of only a very few of this type in the world. For many Thimphu residents it is their main focus of worship. Inside there are a number of rare paintings and statues to represent the philosophy of Nyingmapa, the old form of Buddhism.
National Institute for Traditional Arts: Here students learn the techniques of traditional arts and crafts--painting, sculpture, wood carving, leather work, textile production and art. During a visit to the school, you can see the students at work and nearby you can purchase some of their products.
Traditional Medicine Institute: This Institute was established in 1988 with the help of the European Union to preserve Tibetan, Chinese, and Bhutanese traditions of herbal medicine. You can see these medicines being made and view the plants and minerals used in the process.
Folk Heritage Museum: This is a traditional farm house dating back to the 19th century and restored to represent a typical Bhutanese rural setting. The farm house gives a very real sense of how farmers lived and worked in the past.
Textile Museum: On the main street of Thimphu there is a textile museum which has been open since 2001. There is an exquisite display of Bhutanese textiles that must be seen to be appreciated. The display also includes information on how and when different types of textiles were introduced into Bhutan.
Simtokha Dzong: Four miles south of Thimphu is the Simtokha Dzong, one of the first dzongs built by Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal in 1627. This is the oldest standing fortress in Bhutan and it is presently the location of the Centre for Buddhist Studies.
National Library: On the ground floor of this four-storied building is the world's largest book, which is about Bhutan. The upper floors contain thousands of manuscripts and ancient texts from the different sects of Buddhism that still exist in Bhutan and Tibet.
Weekend Market: Close to the Thimphu River there is a lively and busy market every Saturday and Sunday. Here you can find a variety of products depending on the season of the year. Some are locally produced and some are imported.

PHUNTSHOLING

Phuntsholing, the southwestern gateway to India, is a major trade center located in the foothills of the Himalayas. The town is a fascinating mixture of Bhutanese and Indian--a perfect example of the harmony of two cultures. Also, the town serves as a convenient entry/exit point for Bhutan travelers visiting India.

What to see in Phuntsholing

Zangtho Pelri: The temple is in the heart of Phuntsholing and is a representation of the celestial palace of Guru Rimpoche. On the ground floor there are statues of the eight manifestations of Guru Rimpoche and paintings of Buddha’s life. The upper floor contains eight Bodhisttavas and statues of Avalokiteshwara and Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal while on the top floor is the main statue of Amitabha, the Buddha of infinite light.
Kharbandi Gompa: From the temple location, which is often referred to as "the balcony of the Himalayas", you can see a lovely view of Phuntsholing and the great Indian plains. The monastery situated at an altitude of 400m, was founded in 1967 by The Queen Mother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedron. It is surrounded by a beautiful garden of tropical plants and flowers. Inside are paintings on the life of Buddha, statues of Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal, and Guru Rimpoche.

PARO (2250m)

This is one of the largest and most beautiful valleys in Bhutan--rich in culture and legends. It has the country's only airport. Coming into the country by plane provides you with an incredible flying experience as you descend right next to the mountainside and then suddenly you are landing over the vast rice fields of this--one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom.

What to see in Paro

Rinpung Dzong: Meaning the "fortress on the heap of jewels" was built in 1644 at the command of Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal. The best way to visit the Dzong is a walk through Nemi Zampa, the traditional cantilevered bridge over the crystal clear Pa Chhu (Paro river) which also offers a panoramic view of the Dzong and its surroundings. The Paro Tshechu (festival), one of most popular with tourists, is held here.
National Museum: On the ridge just above Paro Dzong is the National Museum. To the Bhutanese it is known as Ta Dzong, meaning the Watch Tower. Built in 1651 and renovated in 1968, it is round and is one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture.
Drukgyel Dzong: This Dzong known as "the fortress of glorious victory" was built to commemorate victory over the Tibetan invaders. The Dzong captured the eyes of westerners in 1914 when it was featured in an article in National Geographic magazine. It was destroyed by fire in 1951 and is now in ruins. On a clear day from here one can see Mt. Jhomolhari, the sacred mountain of Bhutan. It is at this point that the major trekking routes in Bhutan begin.
Kyichu Lhakhang: One of the oldest temples in Bhutan, the origin of Kyichu Lhakhang dates back to the 7th century. Legend tells us that it was built by a Tibetan king to suppress the body of an ogress. Inside is a large statue of Buddha.
Farm House. The beauty of the Paro valley is enriched by clusters of quaint farm houses. Bhutanese farm houses are very colorful and are decorated with traditional paintings and built without the use of a single nail. All houses follow the same architectural design. A visit to a farm house is very interesting and offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer.

PUNAKHA (1350m)

Punakha was the winter capital of Bhutan until the 20th century and today it is still the winter seat for the monks of the central clergy. The valley is a sub-tropical region where the best rice in the Kingdom is grown.. The drive from Thimphu to this valley is splendid with views of the snow capped eastern Himalayas from the Dochula Pass (3100 m).

What to see in Punakha

Punakha Dzong: Built strategically at the confluence of the Pho Chu (male river) and Mo Chu ( female river) in 1637 by Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal to house the monastic body and civil administration which it still does. The Dzong has a history of damages from earthquakes and fires. It is open to visitors from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

WANGDIPHODRANG (1350m)

Wangdiphodrang is the last town before the long drive to central Bhutan. This is a small neat town and is known for its slate and stone carvings and bamboo work.

What to see in Wangdiphodrang

Wangdi Phodrang Dzong: On top of the hill at the confluence of Puna Tsang Chu and Dang Chu rivers with a commanding view over the valley is Wangdi Phodrang Dzong built in 1638 by Zhabdrung Nawang Namgual. The Dzong is open for visitors during Wangdiphodrang Tshechu, celebrated in Autumn.
PHOBJIKHA VALLEY (3000 m) This glacial valley to the east of Wangdiphodrang is the winter habitat for the black-necked cranes which migrate from Tibet and China for the winter. Presently this area is a nature preserve for primarily for the protection of these birds. There is the old monastery of Gangtey Gompa dating back to the 17th century and overlooking the valley. It is presently under renovation and is closed to visitors.

TRONGSA (2180m)

Trongsa is on the main road linking east and west Bhutan. It was the summer capital during the reigns of the first two kings. It is a small town where the residents are mostly Tibetan immigrants settled there for many many years. The landscape around Tongsa is breathtaking with spectacular vistas and rich vegetation. The area is known for its production of handmade bamboo hats worn by farmers and for bamboo baskets.
Trongsa Dzong: Built in 1648 and the ancestral home of the royal family. Both the first and second kings ruled the country from this ancient seat. Custom dictates that all kings, prior to their coronation, must have held the post of Tongsa Penlop (Governor). The Dzong is one of the largest and most impressive in the country. Because of its enormous size it can be seen from long distances and the multi-level interior has many interesting temples and walkways. Trongsa is known for its production of handmade bamboo hats worn by farmers and for bamboo baskets.

BHUMTHANG (2600m)

Bumthang is the general name of four valleys mainly--Chumey, Chamkhar, Tang and Ura with altitudes starting at 2,600 meters. Today Jakar, where the dzong stands, is known for its honey, apples, apricots and buckwheat. There are approximately 2000 temples in Bhutan and Bumthang is said to have half of them.

What to see in Bumthang

Jambey Lhakhang: This monastery was built in 7th century by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gembo, believed to be the reincarnation of Alokiteswara, the Buddha of compassion. It is the oldest in the region.
Kurje Lhakhang: Located close to Jambey Lhakhang, the Kurje Lhakhang consists of three temples. The one closest to the entrance was built in 1652 against the rock face where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated in the 8th century. Inside there is a small cave where you can see the outline his body. This is one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan. The second temple was built by the first King in early 20th century and the third one was constructed by the Queen Mother in 1990 The temples are surrounded by 108 chortens on the compound walls symbolizing each joint of the human body.
Tamshing Lhakhang: Opposite Kurje Lhakhang on the other side of the river is Tamshing Lhakhang--temple of the good message. This temple was founded in 1501 and has very interesting religious paintings. It was restored at the end of the 19th century.
Jakar Dzong:“The Dzong of the white bird” was founded in 1549. Initially there was a small temple, but it was upgraded into present larger structure in 1646. The Dzong is still used for housing the monastic body and the civil administration for Bumthang valley.
Membertsho: “ The flaming lake” is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Bhutan. It is thought to be where Terton Pema Lingpa retrieved the religious treasures hidden by Guru Rimpoche around the 8th century.

MONGAR (1700m)

The drive from Bumthang to Mongar is most spectacular and on a clear day you can see Mt. Gangkhar Pinsum (7490m) the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. The road continues through Ura village (the highest settlement in Bhutan) which marks the beginning of eastern Bhutan—with its high mountains and narrow valleys. One of the most interesting features of Mongar is the Dzong which was built in the 1930's in traditional style at the request of the third King.

LHUNTSE

Lhuntse is 77 km from Mongar and is one of the most isolated districts in Bhutan. On the drive you will be awed by the stark cliffs and gorges. The region is most noted for the special textiles--considered the best in the country.

TRASHIGANG (1100m)

Trashigang is the largest and most densely populated district in eastern Bhutan and is also the largest mountain town in the Kingdom except for Thimphu. It is believed to be the home of the earliest settlement in Bhutan.

What to see in Tashigang

Tashigang Dzong: Built in 1659, the Dzong has a commanding view over the Sangme Chu, the largest river in Bhutan. There is also a school for the blind and Sherubtse College, founded by Canadian Jesuits in the mid-20th century.

Gom Kora: Just 24 miles from Trashigang is the temple of Gom Kora. It is a major religious site where Guru Rimpoche subdued a demon who dwelt in a large black rock. Every year on the l0th day of the second month of the lunar calendar there is a festival here attended not only by local people but also those coming from the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.

TRASHIYANGTSE (1900m)

This is the newest district in the Kingdom and is about 40 miles north of Tashigang. The Trashiyangtse Dzong is a half-hour walk from the road. The Dzong was founded in 1656 and completely renovated in 1976. It presently houses only a monastic school. The new Dzong above the town was inaugurated in 1997 and is used for the civil administration of Tashiyangtse district. The town is new and is famous for its handmade wooden bowls which are considered the best in Bhutan.

SAMDRUP JONGKHAR

About 180 km south of Tashigang is Samdrup Jongkhar, the southeastern gateway to Bhutan. It is a convenient exit town for the travelers going to northeastern India