Tourism in Bhutan

Explore notable sights and destinations in this country

Asia / Southern Asia

Tourist attractions

Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest)

Region: Paro Valley

Cultural Heritage

Training monastery clinging to 900m cliff. Iconic symbol of Bhutan tourism.

Punakha Dzong

Region: Punakha

Historical Architecture

Winter administrative and religious center fortress architecture where royal coronation ceremonies held.

Buddha Dordenma

Region: Southern hills of Thimphu

Modern Architecture

51m tall bronze Great Buddha. Interior contains 108 small Buddhas and meditation hall.

Dochula Pass

Region: Thimphu-Punakha Highway

Nature

Elevation 3,100m, beautiful pass with 108 chortens and Himalayan range view.

Bumthang Valley

Region: Central Highlands

Culture and Nature

Consists of four valleys, called 'heart of Bhutan,' sacred site. Rinchen Ling monasteries scattered.

Phobjikha Valley (Black-Necked Crane Reserve)

Region: Wangdue Phodrang District

Nature

Ramsar wetland where rare black-necked cranes fly in during winter.

Trongsa Dzong

Region: Trongsa

Historical Architecture

Grand fortress considered royal family birthplace.

Gasa Hot Springs

Region: Gasa District

Hot Springs

Natural mountain hot spring cluster cherished locally as 'medicinal bath.'

Jigme Dorji National Park

Region: Northwest

Nature Reserve

Treasure trove of alpine wildlife including Himalayan tahr and musk deer.

Samtse Border Market

Region: Phuentsholing

City/Shopping

Lively cross-border bazaar at Indian border.

Suggested itineraries

Royal Capital and Western Highlights

Duration (days): 5

Highlights: Thimphu City Tour, Dochula Pass, Punakha Dzong, Paro Taktsang

Short course visiting representative temples of Punakha and Paro after cultural experience in capital, crossing Himalayan view pass.

Central Bumthang Sacred Site Pilgrimage and Black-Necked Crane Observation

Duration (days): 8

Highlights: Trongsa Dzong, Bumthang Valley Temple Complex, Phobjikha Valley, Traditional Farmhouse Stay

Medium-term itinerary entering central highlands by domestic flight or overland, enjoying religious center and winter bird watching.

Alpine Trekking - Snowman Partial Route

Duration (days): 15

Highlights: Linchin Valley, Laya Village, Lunana Glacier Lake, Highland Camp

Experience part of world's most challenging trail, savoring nomadic culture and pristine glacier scenery. For serious climbers.

Travel tips

  • Foreigners must pay $200 USD per night per person sustainable development fee.
  • Visa obtained online in advance through travel agency.
  • Due to large elevation differences, avoid overexertion on first day as altitude sickness countermeasure.
  • Cash uses ngultrum plus Indian rupee circulation, ATMs only in urban areas.
  • October-November dry season is best season with most stable visibility.
  • National roads have many hairpin turns, motion sickness countermeasures essential.
  • Monastery accommodation requires advance permission and donation, women-only stays may not be permitted.
  • Drone imports for photography generally prohibited.
  • SIM cards available at airport and town communication company counters.
  • Southern border area continues to require guide accompaniment for security.
  • Firewood collection during trekking prohibited by law, bring or use biofuel.
  • Etiquette not to talk to monks with legs crossed.

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