Explore The Top places to visit in Bhutan : A small landlocked country in the Himalayas, is a hidden gem that offers a unique and authentic travel experience. Bhutan has something for everyone, from the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes to the warm and friendly people. In this guide, we will explore the top 20 cities in Bhutan to visit , each with its unique charm and appeal.
- Top 20 Cities to visit in Bhutan
- 1. Thimphu , Capital city
- 2. Paro ( Best places to visit in Bhutan )
- 3. Punakha ( Historical Places in Bhutan )
- 4. Phuentsholing
- 5. Wangdue Phodrang
- 6. Trongsa ( Places to visit in Bhutan )
- 7. Bumthang
- 8. Mongar ( Tourist Attractions in Bhutan )
- 9. Lhuntse ( Natural Places to visit in Bhutan )
- 10. Trashigang
- 11. Trashi Yangtse
- 12. Gasa ( Hidden Tourist Attractions in Bhutan )
- 13. Haa ( Beautiful places to visit in Bhutan )
- 14. Dagana
- 15. Samdrup Jongkhar
- 16. Pemagatshel
- 17. Zhemgang ( Attractions in Bhutan )
- 18. Trashiyangtse
- 19. Lhuentse ( Places to visit in Bhutan )
- 20. Samtse ( Best places to visit in Bhutan )
- Conclusion
Top 20 Cities to visit in Bhutan
1. Thimphu , Capital city
Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, is a unique blend of tradition and modernity. The city is home to the Tashichho Dzong. This fortress monastery serves as the seat of the government and the National Library, which houses an extensive collection of Bhutanese texts. Visitors can also explore the weekends market, where you can find a wide range of local products, including textiles, ceramics, and jewelry.
2. Paro ( Best places to visit in Bhutan )
Paro is a city steeped in culture and history, and it is home to some of Bhutan’s most famous landmarks. The Paro Dzong, also known as Rinpung Dzong, is a fortress-monastery that dates back to the 17th century and is a prime example of Bhutanese architecture. The city is also home to the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, and the Paro Taktsang, also known as Tiger’s Nest, a sacred temple that is said to be one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Bhutan.
3. Punakha ( Historical Places in Bhutan )
Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan and is home to the Punakha Dzong, a fortress monastery that dates back to the 17th century. The Dzong is a beautiful example of Bhutanese architecture and is the most impressive Dzong in the kingdom. Visitors can also explore the Punakha Suspension Bridge, which offers stunning views of the Punakha Dzong and the Punakha valley.
4. Phuentsholing
Phuentsholing is the gateway to Bhutan and serves as visitors’ main point of entry. The city is home to the KhPhuentsholing Bhutan Gate, which marks the border between Bhutan and India. Visitors can also explore the city’s markets, which offer a wide range of local products, including textiles, ceramics, and jewelry. Phuentsholing is an excellent base for exploring nearby towns and villages, including Jaigaon and Hasimara.
5. Wangdue Phodrang
Wangdue Phodrang is a town in central Bhutan renowned for its traditional arts and crafts. Visitors can explore the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, a fortress-monastery that dates back to the 17th century, and the Wangdue Phodrang Folk Heritage Museum, which showcases the town’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can also participate in traditional arts and crafts workshops, such as bamboo weaving and woodcarving.
6. Trongsa ( Places to visit in Bhutan )
Trongsa, also known as Tongsa, is a town in central Bhutan and is considered the kingdom’s heart. The town is home to the Trongsa Dzong, a fortress monastery that dates back to the 17th century, and it is one of the most impressive dzongs in Bhutan. Additionally, visitors can also explore the Trongsa Tsechu, a traditional festival held annually in the town that features colorful masked dances and traditional music.
7. Bumthang
Bumthang is a town in central Bhutan and is considered a spiritual haven. The town is home to several important temples and monasteries, including the Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Tamshing Lhakhang. Additionally, visitors can also explore the Bumthang Tsechu, a traditional festival held annually in the town that features colorful masked dances and traditional music.
8. Mongar ( Tourist Attractions in Bhutan )
Mongar is a town located in eastern Bhutan, and it is renowned for its traditional weaving. Visitors can explore the Mongar Dzong, a fortress monastery that dates back to the 17th century, and take part in traditional weaving workshops, where they can learn the art of weaving intricate textiles using handlooms.
9. Lhuntse ( Natural Places to visit in Bhutan )
Lhuntse is a remote and scenic town located in eastern Bhutan, and it is renowned for its traditional textiles. Visitors can explore the Lhuntse Dzong, a fortress monastery that dates back to the 17th century, and take part in traditional textile workshops, where they can learn the art of weaving intricate textiles using handlooms.
10. Trashigang
Trashigang is the easternmost town in Bhutan and is located in the heart of the country’s eastern region. The town is home to the Trashigang Dzong, a fortress monastery that dates back to the 17th century, and it is one of the most impressive dzongs in Bhutan. Visitors can also explore the town’s markets, which offer a wide range of local products, including textiles, ceramics, and jewelry.
11. Trashi Yangtse
Trashi Yangtse is a town located in eastern Bhutan, and it is renowned for its traditional handicrafts. Visitors can explore the Trashi Yangtse Dzong, a fortress monastery that dates back to the 17th century, and take part in Traditional handicraft workshops, where they can learn the art of making traditional items such as bamboo baskets, woodcarvings, and metalwork.
12. Gasa ( Hidden Tourist Attractions in Bhutan )
Gasa is a remote and little-known town located in the northern part of Bhutan, and it is a hidden gem for those looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience. The town is home to the Gasa Dzong, a fortress-monastery that dates back to the 17th century and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Visitors can also explore the surrounding villages, where they can learn about the local people’s traditional way of life and customs.
13. Haa ( Beautiful places to visit in Bhutan )
Haa is a town located in western Bhutan, and it is known for its natural beauty. The town is surrounded by beautiful valleys, forests, and rivers, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Visitors can explore the Haa Dzong, a fortress monastery that dates back to the 17th century, and take a hike through the surrounding landscapes to enjoy the breathtaking views.
14. Dagana
Dagana is a town located in southern Bhutan, and it is known for its natural and cultural diversity. The town is surrounded by beautiful valleys, forests, and rivers, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Visitors can explore the Dagana Dzong, a fortress monastery that dates back to the 17th century, and take a hike through the surrounding landscapes to enjoy the breathtaking views. Additionally, visitors can also learn about the local people’s traditional way of life and customs.
15. Samdrup Jongkhar
Samdrup Jongkhar is a town in eastern Bhutan known for its trade and commerce. The town is the main trading center in the region, and visitors can explore the local markets, where they can find a wide range of local products, including textiles, ceramics, and jewelry. Additionally, visitors can also learn about the local people’s traditional way of life and customs.
16. Pemagatshel
Pemagatshel is a town located in eastern Bhutan, and it is known for its agriculture and handicrafts. Beautiful valleys and forests surround the town, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Visitors can explore the Pemagatshel Dzong, a fortress monastery that dates back to the 17th century, and take a hike through the surrounding landscapes to enjoy the breathtaking views. Additionally, visitors can also learn about the traditional way of life and customs of the local people, including agriculture and handicrafts.
17. Zhemgang ( Attractions in Bhutan )
Zhemgang is a town located in eastern Bhutan, and it is known for its natural and cultural beauty. Beautiful valleys and forests surround the town, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Visitors can explore the Zhemgang Dzong, a fortress monastery that dates back to the 17th century, and take a hike through the surrounding landscapes to enjoy the breathtaking views. Additionally, visitors can also learn about the local people’s traditional way of life and customs.
18. Trashiyangtse
Trashiyangtse is a town in eastern Bhutan known for its traditional arts and crafts. Visitors can explore the Trashiyangtse Dzong, a fortress-monastery that dates back to the 17th century, and take part in traditional arts and crafts workshops, where they can learn the art of making traditional items such as bamboo baskets, woodcarvings, and metalwork. The town is also home to the Chorten Kora, a stupa considered one of the most sacred in Bhutan and is visited by both Bhutanese and Tibetan pilgrimage.
19. Lhuentse ( Places to visit in Bhutan )
Lhuentse is a remote town in eastern Bhutan known for its textile heritage. The town is home to the Lhuentse Dzong, a fortress monastery that dates back to the 17th century, and it is renowned for its traditional weaving and textile production. Visitors can participate in traditional weaving workshops, where they can learn the art of weaving intricate textiles using handlooms. Additionally, visitors can also explore the surrounding villages, where they can learn about the local people’s traditional way of life and customs.
20. Samtse ( Best places to visit in Bhutan )
Samtse is a town located in southern Bhutan, and it is known for its agriculture and handicrafts. Beautiful valleys and forests surround the town, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Visitors can explore the Samtse Dzong, a fortress monastery that dates back to the 17th century, and take a hike through the surrounding landscapes to enjoy the breathtaking views. Additionally, visitors can also learn about the traditional way of life and customs of the local people, including agriculture and handicrafts.
Conclusion
Bhutan is a unique country that offers a wide range of experiences, and these 20 cities are a great starting point for discovering the country’s unique culture, history, and natural beauty. Each city offers something different, from the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes to warm and friendly people, and a journey through these cities will give you a complete experience of Bhutan.
