With colorful monasteries, snow-capped peaks and sleepy villages lined with chilli fields, Bhutan’s beauty shines through at every hairpin bend.
World-renowned for its Gross National Happiness efforts, carbon negative status, and an astonishing daily sustainable development fee charged to visitors, Bhutan has worked hard to preserve its unique culture and natural beauty, and for good reason: with around 70% of the country covered in forest, Bhutan is home to an abundance of outdoor activities and numerous charming villages showcasing a unique culture found nowhere else on earth.
The drive to each destination can take several hours, but the scenic drives (and terrifying curves) are part of the experience of visiting this truly special place. Whether you’re interested in trekking, Buddhist spirituality and more, here are the best places to add to your Bhutan itinerary.
The iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery is just a short distance from Paro © Apisak Kanjanapusit / Shutterstock
1. Paro
Perfect for touring the highlights of Bhutan
Paro International Airport is Bhutan’s gateway, where travellers hurtle through rugged mountain slopes before their plane lands in the “Land of the Thunder Dragon”. Less than 10 minutes from the airport, the historic riverside town of Paro, known for the National Museum, the Rinpung Dzong fortress and the iconic Taktsang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), is a must-visit destination on any visit to Bhutan.
Wander through Paro’s streets and Paro Weekend Market to browse the shops and stalls selling handmade souvenirs. When you get hungry, stop at a restaurant such as Momo Corner to sample freshly made, handmade momo dumplings.
Planning tip: Its proximity to the airport makes Paro the first or last stop on many Bhutanese travelers’ itineraries. Whether you’ve just arrived or are wrapping up your trip, hire a car and a guide to explore all the historical and religious sites spread throughout the Paro Valley.
Temples and monasteries are at the heart of city life in Thimphu © Ramnath B. Bhat / Shutterstock
2. Thimphu
Perfect for enjoying a bit of city life
Bhutan’s capital city is a wonderful mix of culture and cosmopolitan flair: make your own stamp at the Bhutan Postal Museum, tour the enormous Thimphu Dzong and spend the day watching police officers manually direct traffic (there are no traffic lights in the entire country).
As the sun sinks below the mountains, enjoy the nightlife at Mojo Park or Grey Area, a popular arts bar with live music. Join the locals in shouting “Tashi Delek!” (Tibetan for good luck and health) over a bottle or two of Bhutanese ara (a rice spirit).
Combine adventure and culture on a rafting trip around the majestic Punakha Dzong © Punyaruk Baingern / Shutterstock
3. Punakha
Perfect for experiencing country life
Beloved for its rustic riverside farms where cows graze among rice paddies and chilli fields, Punakha is one of the most beautiful places in Bhutan and home to perhaps the most beautiful dzong (monastic fortress) in the country, standing majestically along the Punakha River.
Life in Punakha revolves around the river: a short walk from Punakha Dzong is one of the country’s largest suspension bridges, decorated with fluttering prayer flags, and visitors can go rafting down the rapids.
Planning tip: Due to Punakha’s lower elevation, temperatures tend to be warmer and sunnier than neighboring towns and districts, which means you’ll need to pack fewer layers of clothing and more sunscreen.
Koma is the centre of traditional weaving in Bhutan © David Pineda Svenske / Shutterstock
4. Top
Perfect for fashion and textile lovers
Adventurous travelers can peek behind the curtain (or shawl) in Koma, the textile heartland of Bhutan. Located east of Lwentse, this village of about 100 residents has no cars. Koma’s artisans spend their days weaving ornate patterns and motifs on traditional Bhutanese looms using dyes made from minerals and plants from the region.
Visit Gangtey Valley between October and March to see the majestic black-necked cranes © Cheten Tashi / Shutterstock
5. Gangtey Valley
Perfect for outdoor activities
Passing herds of yaks on the mountainside, we head to one of Bhutan’s most sacred sites: its main attraction, Gangtey Goemba, a 17th-century monastery overlooking the farmland of the valley, exudes tranquility and peace.
But Gangtey’s natural beauty is striking: here you can hike a myriad of trails, many of which are relatively flat, and recreational activities such as archery, mountain biking, camping, birdwatching, and picnicking are also available throughout the valley.
Planning tip: Nature lovers should plan their visit between late October and mid-March to see the famous endangered black-necked cranes that migrate from Tibet every year.
Dochu La is a rest stop with a view © Edwin Tan / Getty Images
6. Dochura
Great for a pit stop
I’d bet you 100 Bhutanese ngultrum that this scenic rest stop will definitely make it onto your Bhutan travel itinerary. Known as one of the most amazing viewpoints in Bhutan, the pass is on the route from Thimphu to Punakha.
It features 108 pagodas commemorating Bhutanese soldiers killed in military combat with Indian rebels in 2003. Across the road is Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple and a restaurant serving coffee, cakes and peaches. On a clear day, views of the shimmering Himalayan peaks stretch out beyond.
7. Raya
Perfect for off-the-beaten-path adventures
The gruelling seven-hour drive from Thimphu to Gasa gets you only halfway to this remote northwestern village, from which you’ll strap on your hiking shoes for a three-to-five-hour trek to the country’s highest village.
The views of the Himalayan mountains are worth seeing.
Inhabited by the indigenous Layap people, this car-free village is home to yak herders, cordyceps (a precious mushroom) farmers and ancient tradition holders.
Planning tip: Plan your trip to coincide with the famous Royal Highlands Festival in late October, where you’ll witness one of Bhutan’s most culturally unique and significant annual events.
If you visit Bhutan, be sure to time it with one of the country’s many traditional festivals © fritz16 / Shutterstock
8. Bumthang
Perfect for spiritual seekers
This central mountainous region is also one of the country’s most spiritual, with four valleys containing important sites such as Jampei Lhakhang, a historic Buddhist temple dating back to the 7th century, and Jakar Dzong, an auspicious fortress built in 1549. Rest your feet and enjoy fresh cheeses and jams at Bumthang Swiss Cheese, followed by a craft beer at the neighboring Red Panda Beer Factory.
Planning tip: The drive to Bumthang takes hours on treacherous roads, so if you’re short on time or prone to motion sickness, consider taking a domestic flight from Paro.
9. Haa Valley
Perfect for immersing yourself in nature
Bhutan is home to many postcard-worthy landscapes, but the Ha Valley is in a class of its own. Located about three hours from Paro, near the China-India border, it is home to some of the country’s most stunning hiking trails, passing through lush valleys and monastery-dotted villages.
Surrounded by alpine forests and rugged mountains, this small region is one of the most pristine wilderness areas in the country. Travelers can embark on the Ha’a Panorama Hiking Trail, the multi-day Sagara Trek, or simply sit on the banks of the Ha’a River and take in the 360-degree views of nature.