Bhutan City Guide
Bhutan is a great destination for mountaineers and Buddhist. We’ve included an initial list of cities and destinations to visit in Bhutan. Our travel agency focuses on providing wonderful city tours in Bhutan. Select from the list below which cities you would like to visit, read travel guides to Bhutan 's cities, such as Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, and Bumthang.
Thimphu
Found high up in the mountains is the capital and largest city of Bhutan, Thimphu. Home to about 100,000 people including the Royal family, the small city is the country's political and economic center. It has undergone some modernization but still retains its deep cultural roots. An interesting facet of the city is that it is the only capital in the world with no traffic lights; policemen in small decorated booths direct traffic with their hands. Whether walking along the main street enjoying the small shops, exploring the architecture of the temples and monasteries, or trekking in the mountains, tourists can find themselves in the midst of a unique set of cultural experiences in this gorgeous mountain city.
Punakha
From 1637 to 1907, it was the capital of the country, and the first national assembly took place here in 1953. The city can be found about 1,200 m above sea level amidst countless red and white rice fields. Unlike many other Bhutanese cities, it is warm in the winter and hot in the summer. Punakha Dzong is found where the two main rivers of the valley, Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu, meet. Its beautiful whitewashed walls house cultural relics such as the sacred remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and the Ranjung Karsapani, an image of Avalokiteswara. Important political events took place here, such as the coronation of the country's first King in 1907. The Dzong is still used for monastic purposes today.
Paro
The Paro valley is filled with a rich history. Nestled in the mountains near the Tibetan border, the valley begins where the Paro Chhu and Wang Chhu rivers meet. Traditional-style houses can be found in the beautiful hills surrounding the valley. The quickly growing town of Paro is also situated here. Many small shops are seen along the main street with traditional architecture. The central plaza has a large prayer wheel, an amphitheater, and a 15th-century temple. The city contains Bhutan's only international airport and the country's National Museum. Just outside the city is the famous Taktshang (Tiger's Nest) Hermitage found on the side of a steep cliff. The trek to this sacred spot presents a panoramic view of Paro town.
Bumthang
Bumthang is an area unlike any other. It is a region made up of four smaller valleys: Tang, Ura, Choekhor and Chumey. The deep-rooted religious history of the region has been home to some important Buddhist figures. Ancient glaciers in the area have led to beautiful valleys that attract many of tourists. The verdant valleys are filled with crops of staples like buckwheat, rice, and potatoes, and there are also many apple orchards and dairy farms. Some of Bhutan's most important temples can be found in Bumthang, and one notable example is Jambey Lhakhang, which is the oldest temple in Bhutan. Legend states that this ancient temple was built in 659 by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet.
Bhutan is a great destination for mountaineers and Buddhist. We’ve included an initial list of cities and destinations to visit in Bhutan. Our travel agency focuses on providing wonderful city tours in Bhutan. Select from the list below which cities you would like to visit, read travel guides to Bhutan 's cities, such as Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, and Bumthang.
Thimphu
Found high up in the mountains is the capital and largest city of Bhutan, Thimphu. Home to about 100,000 people including the Royal family, the small city is the country's political and economic center. It has undergone some modernization but still retains its deep cultural roots. An interesting facet of the city is that it is the only capital in the world with no traffic lights; policemen in small decorated booths direct traffic with their hands. Whether walking along the main street enjoying the small shops, exploring the architecture of the temples and monasteries, or trekking in the mountains, tourists can find themselves in the midst of a unique set of cultural experiences in this gorgeous mountain city.
Punakha
From 1637 to 1907, it was the capital of the country, and the first national assembly took place here in 1953. The city can be found about 1,200 m above sea level amidst countless red and white rice fields. Unlike many other Bhutanese cities, it is warm in the winter and hot in the summer. Punakha Dzong is found where the two main rivers of the valley, Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu, meet. Its beautiful whitewashed walls house cultural relics such as the sacred remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and the Ranjung Karsapani, an image of Avalokiteswara. Important political events took place here, such as the coronation of the country's first King in 1907. The Dzong is still used for monastic purposes today.
Paro
The Paro valley is filled with a rich history. Nestled in the mountains near the Tibetan border, the valley begins where the Paro Chhu and Wang Chhu rivers meet. Traditional-style houses can be found in the beautiful hills surrounding the valley. The quickly growing town of Paro is also situated here. Many small shops are seen along the main street with traditional architecture. The central plaza has a large prayer wheel, an amphitheater, and a 15th-century temple. The city contains Bhutan's only international airport and the country's National Museum. Just outside the city is the famous Taktshang (Tiger's Nest) Hermitage found on the side of a steep cliff. The trek to this sacred spot presents a panoramic view of Paro town.
Bumthang
Bumthang is an area unlike any other. It is a region made up of four smaller valleys: Tang, Ura, Choekhor and Chumey. The deep-rooted religious history of the region has been home to some important Buddhist figures. Ancient glaciers in the area have led to beautiful valleys that attract many of tourists. The verdant valleys are filled with crops of staples like buckwheat, rice, and potatoes, and there are also many apple orchards and dairy farms. Some of Bhutan's most important temples can be found in Bumthang, and one notable example is Jambey Lhakhang, which is the oldest temple in Bhutan. Legend states that this ancient temple was built in 659 by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet.
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