The Top Attractions in Bhutan
We distill all the top attractions in Bhutan to a single list here, so that whether you love deep dives into detail or simply want the bare minimum, this is the perfect page to gather all the information needed to create a Bhutan travel itinerary. Bhutan is filled with splendid peaks as well as beautiful plains, and it contains many temples and fortresses. The famous cliffside Tiger's Nest, monastery looms over the beautiful Paro Valley. If you’re still in the study phase of your Bhutan Tours, we can help you to gather all the details needed to create an amazing travel memory. And if you have more questions, reach out to our specialists who can guide you every step of your Bhutan vacations.
Tiger Nest
Taktshang Goemba, located 900 meters on a cliff overlooking the beautiful Paro valley, is the most famous temple in Bhutan. Although the temple had been used for worship for many centuries, the temple complex was officially built only in 1692. The Tigers Nest is a temple living in tandem with scenery and art. A picturesque waterfall hangs in front of the mountain, the water dripping through the layers of rock as it falls to the valley several hundred feet below. Inside the Temple, each floor has a balcony that allows one to admire the beautiful Paro River scenery and to have a moment of quiet reflection.
Trashi Chhoe Dzong
It is both a Buddhist monastery and a fortress structure that serves for political, religious and legal functions. It is also the present Bhutanese king's working office where the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Finance positions are assigned. Trashi Chhoe Dzong is a square stone structure with 7 stories, the outer wall is whitewashed and there are four golden roof towers at each corner of the Dzong. The King's throne and office are still kept in the monastery, which is also the place where the royal family deals with family and business issues.
Rinpung Dzong
Constructed in 1644 for the purpose of defending the Paro valley from aggression by Tibet, it is considered one of the most impressive structures of architecture in Bhutan. The Rinpung Dzong was struck by an earthquake in 1897 and was also severely damaged by fire in 1907 but it managed to survive these disasters. Formerly the meeting hall for the National Assembly, now it serves to house both the monastic body and district government offices, including the local courts. Even with the government facilities, this site still houses 200 monks and holds a great annual festival called Tshechu.
Thimphu Takin Zoo
The Motithan Takin Preserve is a wildlife area primarily for Bhutan takin, and visitors can also see muntjac (barking deer) and sambar. The takin is the national animal of Bhutan, famous for its unusual appearance. Visitors can go to a fence and observe them closely in their natural habitat. There are future plans to bring other animals to the preserve such as the red panda and the Himalayan serow.
Dochula Pass
On the way from Thimphu to Punaka, be sure to make a stop at the renowned Dochula Pass. 30 kilometers from the capital Thimphu, Dochula Pass is one of the most famous attractions in Bhutan. Located on the main ridge of the Northern Himalayas with an altitude of 3150 meters, Dochula Pass has an extraordinary panoramic view of the Himalayas. You also can see the 108 chortens, otherwise known as stupas, which were built in memory of the Bhutanese soldiers killed in the 2005 war against insurgents from India.
Punakha Dzong
The old capital of Bhutan, Punakha holds many great buildings, but one of the best is the Punakha Dzong. The first king of the current government was crowned in this Dzong in 1907. The Punakha Dzong has been damaged 6 times by fire, once by flood and once by an earthquake. It is worth noting that the current king has ordered all repairs to be done using traditional methods and materials thus it has retained many of its traditional beauty and remains one of the most beautiful Dzongs in Bhutan. It remains used to this day for special ceremonies, such as royal weddings and it is a must-see sight when visiting Punakha.
Giant Buddha Dordenma Statue
Bhutan is very much a Buddhist country, so it should not come as no surprise that the 17th tallest Buddha statue in the world, with a height of 51.5m (170ft), is built on a hill just outside of Thimpu. This hill offers a magnificent panoramic view of the valley below and is a perfect place to capture a stunning photo. A famous cultural and religious landmark, the Buddha Dordenma statue is a must-see on your trip to Bhutan.
Trongsa Dzong
Trongsa Dzong is the largest dzong fortress in Bhutan, located in Trongsa district. It was first constructed by Ngawang Namgyal in the 17th century, built strategically on a 2200 meters mountain top overlooking the local valley. Trongsa Dzong now serves as the headquarters of the Trongsa District government, while also overlooking the pass of Bhutan's east-west road. Trongsa Dzong is also unique because every future king in Bhutan must live here before they ascend the throne.
National Memorial Chorten
The Memorial Chorten is a stupa in Thimphu. Built in 1974 to honor the King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, it is a major landmark near the center of the city. It is known for its golden spire and bells as well as its elaborate wall paintings and intricate Buddhist statues. A famous prayer festival takes place here each year, and the religious head of Bhutan blesses the crowd.
We distill all the top attractions in Bhutan to a single list here, so that whether you love deep dives into detail or simply want the bare minimum, this is the perfect page to gather all the information needed to create a Bhutan travel itinerary. Bhutan is filled with splendid peaks as well as beautiful plains, and it contains many temples and fortresses. The famous cliffside Tiger's Nest, monastery looms over the beautiful Paro Valley. If you’re still in the study phase of your Bhutan Tours, we can help you to gather all the details needed to create an amazing travel memory. And if you have more questions, reach out to our specialists who can guide you every step of your Bhutan vacations.
Tiger Nest
Taktshang Goemba, located 900 meters on a cliff overlooking the beautiful Paro valley, is the most famous temple in Bhutan. Although the temple had been used for worship for many centuries, the temple complex was officially built only in 1692. The Tigers Nest is a temple living in tandem with scenery and art. A picturesque waterfall hangs in front of the mountain, the water dripping through the layers of rock as it falls to the valley several hundred feet below. Inside the Temple, each floor has a balcony that allows one to admire the beautiful Paro River scenery and to have a moment of quiet reflection.
Trashi Chhoe Dzong
It is both a Buddhist monastery and a fortress structure that serves for political, religious and legal functions. It is also the present Bhutanese king's working office where the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Finance positions are assigned. Trashi Chhoe Dzong is a square stone structure with 7 stories, the outer wall is whitewashed and there are four golden roof towers at each corner of the Dzong. The King's throne and office are still kept in the monastery, which is also the place where the royal family deals with family and business issues.
Rinpung Dzong
Constructed in 1644 for the purpose of defending the Paro valley from aggression by Tibet, it is considered one of the most impressive structures of architecture in Bhutan. The Rinpung Dzong was struck by an earthquake in 1897 and was also severely damaged by fire in 1907 but it managed to survive these disasters. Formerly the meeting hall for the National Assembly, now it serves to house both the monastic body and district government offices, including the local courts. Even with the government facilities, this site still houses 200 monks and holds a great annual festival called Tshechu.
Thimphu Takin Zoo
The Motithan Takin Preserve is a wildlife area primarily for Bhutan takin, and visitors can also see muntjac (barking deer) and sambar. The takin is the national animal of Bhutan, famous for its unusual appearance. Visitors can go to a fence and observe them closely in their natural habitat. There are future plans to bring other animals to the preserve such as the red panda and the Himalayan serow.
Dochula Pass
On the way from Thimphu to Punaka, be sure to make a stop at the renowned Dochula Pass. 30 kilometers from the capital Thimphu, Dochula Pass is one of the most famous attractions in Bhutan. Located on the main ridge of the Northern Himalayas with an altitude of 3150 meters, Dochula Pass has an extraordinary panoramic view of the Himalayas. You also can see the 108 chortens, otherwise known as stupas, which were built in memory of the Bhutanese soldiers killed in the 2005 war against insurgents from India.
Punakha Dzong
The old capital of Bhutan, Punakha holds many great buildings, but one of the best is the Punakha Dzong. The first king of the current government was crowned in this Dzong in 1907. The Punakha Dzong has been damaged 6 times by fire, once by flood and once by an earthquake. It is worth noting that the current king has ordered all repairs to be done using traditional methods and materials thus it has retained many of its traditional beauty and remains one of the most beautiful Dzongs in Bhutan. It remains used to this day for special ceremonies, such as royal weddings and it is a must-see sight when visiting Punakha.
Giant Buddha Dordenma Statue
Bhutan is very much a Buddhist country, so it should not come as no surprise that the 17th tallest Buddha statue in the world, with a height of 51.5m (170ft), is built on a hill just outside of Thimpu. This hill offers a magnificent panoramic view of the valley below and is a perfect place to capture a stunning photo. A famous cultural and religious landmark, the Buddha Dordenma statue is a must-see on your trip to Bhutan.
Trongsa Dzong
Trongsa Dzong is the largest dzong fortress in Bhutan, located in Trongsa district. It was first constructed by Ngawang Namgyal in the 17th century, built strategically on a 2200 meters mountain top overlooking the local valley. Trongsa Dzong now serves as the headquarters of the Trongsa District government, while also overlooking the pass of Bhutan's east-west road. Trongsa Dzong is also unique because every future king in Bhutan must live here before they ascend the throne.
National Memorial Chorten
The Memorial Chorten is a stupa in Thimphu. Built in 1974 to honor the King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, it is a major landmark near the center of the city. It is known for its golden spire and bells as well as its elaborate wall paintings and intricate Buddhist statues. A famous prayer festival takes place here each year, and the religious head of Bhutan blesses the crowd.
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