Attractions of Bhutan

To help inspire or plan your trip to Bhutan, some of its major attractions for travellers are shown below, including some of the best natural, historical, cultural and adventure sites in the country. These include all of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for Bhutan which represent the best of the world's cultural and natural heritage.
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Natural	History	Wildlife	Trekking	Cities	Religious Monument	Boat Journey	Rail Journey	Diving	Cultural	Adrenaline	UNESCO WHS

Thimpu
Thimpu is one of the most unique capitals in the world, a small city of 90,000 people where every building is required to be constructed in traditional style and decorated with Buddhist symbols. The Tashicho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion) dates to the 17th century and is the religious and administrative centre of the country. The golden-spired Memorial Chorten was built in 1974 to commemorated the Third King, Jigme Dorij Wangchuk, who died two years earlier. Other attractions in Thimpu include the Painting School, where children receive education in traditional painting, sculpture and woodcarving, the National Library, Textile Museum and shopping for Bhutanese souvenirs in the bustling and atmospheric streets of the city. If possible, time your visit to coincide with the Thimpu Festival held every Autumn.

Thimpu

Thimpu is one of the most unique capitals in the world, a small city of 90,000 people where every building is required to be constructed in traditional style and decorated with Buddhist symbols. The Tashicho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion) dates to the 17th century and is the religious and administrative centre of the country. The golden-spired Memorial Chorten was built in 1974 to commemorated the Third King, Jigme Dorij Wangchuk, who died two years earlier. Other attractions in Thimpu include the Painting School, where children receive education in traditional painting, sculpture and woodcarving, the National Library, Textile Museum and shopping for Bhutanese souvenirs in the bustling and atmospheric streets of the city. If possible, time your visit to coincide with the Thimpu Festival held every Autumn.

Paro Valley
The Paro Valley is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan, located along the Paro Chu River with rice fields, pine-covered hills and many of the country's most famous and historic dzongs. The Taktseng Monastery is the most famous and sacred in Bhutan, perched spectacularly on a cliff face 900 metres over the valley. Translated as 'Tiger's Nest' based on the legend that its founder flew there on the back of a tiger, the monastery can be reached on foot but tourists aren't allowed to enter. Drukgyal Dzong, or Victorious Fortress, is located along the main route between Bhutan and Tibet and was named after a 17th century Tibetan invasion was defeated. The imposing fortress of Ta Dzong today houses the National Museum with an excellent collection of sacred scrolls, religious icons, Bhutanese stamps and walls covered in thanka paintings and colourful murals. Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the holiest temples in Bhutan and is believed to date back to the 7th century when it was built to subdue a demoness. The Paro Festival, held every year in springtime, brings a carnival atmosphere to the town and monks engage in masked dances and prayer meetings that celebrate Bhutanese legends and traditions.

Paro Valley

The Paro Valley is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan, located along the Paro Chu River with rice fields, pine-covered hills and many of the country's most famous and historic dzongs. The Taktseng Monastery is the most famous and sacred in Bhutan, perched spectacularly on a cliff face 900 metres over the valley. Translated as 'Tiger's Nest' based on the legend that its founder flew there on the back of a tiger, the monastery can be reached on foot but tourists aren't allowed to enter. Drukgyal Dzong, or Victorious Fortress, is located along the main route between Bhutan and Tibet and was named after a 17th century Tibetan invasion was defeated. The imposing fortress of Ta Dzong today houses the National Museum with an excellent collection of sacred scrolls, religious icons, Bhutanese stamps and walls covered in thanka paintings and colourful murals. Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the holiest temples in Bhutan and is believed to date back to the 7th century when it was built to subdue a demoness. The Paro Festival, held every year in springtime, brings a carnival atmosphere to the town and monks engage in masked dances and prayer meetings that celebrate Bhutanese legends and traditions.

Punakha
Punakha is located in eastern Bhutan, reached from Thimpu or Paro by a spectacular road journey over the Dochula Pass, which at 3,050 metres provides magnificent views over the eastern Himalayas. Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, is located in a sub-tropical valley at 1,350 metres. The 17th century Punakha Dzong was once the seat of the Bhutanese government but today is the winter retreat of the Chief Abbot of Bhutan. Located on the confluence of two rivers, the dzong is a magnificent example of Bhutanese architecture comprising numerous tiered halls, inner courtyards and golden spires. The nearby Cimi Lakgang Monastery is a beautiful sacred temple built in the 15th century by the 'Mad Monk', the Lama Drukpa Kunley.

Punakha

Punakha is located in eastern Bhutan, reached from Thimpu or Paro by a spectacular road journey over the Dochula Pass, which at 3,050 metres provides magnificent views over the eastern Himalayas. Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, is located in a sub-tropical valley at 1,350 metres. The 17th century Punakha Dzong was once the seat of the Bhutanese government but today is the winter retreat of the Chief Abbot of Bhutan. Located on the confluence of two rivers, the dzong is a magnificent example of Bhutanese architecture comprising numerous tiered halls, inner courtyards and golden spires. The nearby Cimi Lakgang Monastery is a beautiful sacred temple built in the 15th century by the 'Mad Monk', the Lama Drukpa Kunley.