Sights & attractions
Sights in Bhutan
Temples, dzongs, valleys and villages across Bhutan, grouped by district.
- Sights
- 185
- Towns and valleys
- 15
Where to start
Some of the best-known places in Bhutan, to begin with.
Towns and valleys
Each town page has its sights on a map, with hikes, places to stay and the best time to go.
Western Bhutan
Central Bhutan
Eastern Bhutan
Southern Bhutan
All sights in Bhutan
Filter by type or town. Pins on the map follow the list.
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Taktsang – Tigers Nest
No journey to Bhutan is complete without a visit to Taktsang Monastery, famously known as the Tiger’s Nest—the country’s most iconic and sacred landmark. 3,120 m · 10,236 ft
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Royal Manas National Park
The Royal Manas National Park, started in 1966, is the 1st protected Area in Bhutan with an area of 1000 sq. km.
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Tang Valley
Tang is one of the four valleys in Bumthang district, and it is situated at a higher elevation compared to Choekhor and Chumey.
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Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory
Paper Factory: Traditional papers were made from the daphne plant, using simple methods. Like rice papers, these papers are said to last longer.
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Chumphu Ney
Chumphu Ney, also known as Chumbu Ney or Chumophug, is situated in the higher reaches of the Dophshari valley in Doteng Gewog, Paro district. 3,100 m · 10,171 ft
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Kila Gompa Nunnery
Kila Goempa nunnery, also known as Chele la Gompa, is a tranquil retreat far removed from the hustle and bustle of urban life. 3,500 m · 11,483 ft
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Trongsa Dzong
Trongsa Dzong, also known as Choekhor Rabdentse, stands as an impressive and historically significant architectural marvel in Bhutan.
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Buddha Dordenma
Great Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue located on Kuensel Phodrang ridge overlooking the city.
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Memorial Chorten
Memorial Chorten is a large white structure with a golden spire crowning it, and is one of the most visible landmarks of Thimphu.
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Jakar Dzong
Jakar Dzong, meaning the "Castle of the White Bird," is perched atop a picturesque ridge overlooking Chokhor valley and the town of Chamkhar in Bumthang, Bhutan.
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Wangdue Phodrang Dzong
Wangdue Phodrang Dzong was originally constructed in 1639 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It was later expanded by the Fourth Desi, Gyalsey Tenzin Rabgye, who added two more storeys to the Uste.
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Ugyen Tsemo
The Ugyen Tsemo temple is located 220 meters higher and directly above Taktsang on the summit of the cliff. Ugyen' refers to Taktsang, and 'Tsemo' means 'on the…
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Gasa Dzong
Gasa Dzong is the administrative headquarter of the Gasa Dzongkhag, which consists of Goen Khartoed in the upper region and Goen Kharmed in the lower region.
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Takin Preserve
The Takin Preserve, situated in the upper Motithang area, serves as a wildlife reserve for the Takin, Bhutan's national animal.
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Cheri Gompa Monastery
It (2850m) was first built in 1620 by Shabdrung and it was here that the central monastic body (Dratsang) was first established.
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Paro Rinpung Dzong
The construction of the Paro Dzong began in 1644 on the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
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Cheli la Pass
Chele la is regarded as one of the highest motorable pass in Bhutan.
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Trashigang Dzong
Trashigang Dzong is one of the largest dzong fortress in eastern part of Bhutan in Trashigang.The impregnable Tashigang Dzong is located near the town, and stands on a…
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Folk Heritage Museum
Folk Heritage Museum or Phelchey Toenkhyim Museum is housed in a 19th century three-storey traditional rammed mud and timber house in Kawangjangsa, Thimphu.
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Punakha Dzong
Punakha Dzong is arguably the most beautiful dzong in the country, particularly enchanting in spring when the surrounding Jacaranda trees are in bloom.
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Gangtey – Phobjikha Valley
Phobjikha is a wide glacial valley with a central stream meandering through the open grassland and thickets of dwarf bamboo.
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Taa Dzong Museum
Taa Dzong is a multi-story watchtower, now converted into a museum, situated just above the Dzong it once protected.
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Merak Valley
Merak is one of the remotest villages in Trashigang Dzongkhag and is part of the Merak & Sakteng subdistrict. 3,500 m · 11,483 ft
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Day Excursions from Thimphu
Outside of Thimphu, there are number of interesting sights that you can visit.
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Sangaygang View Point (Telecom Tower)
From here it overlook beautiful Thimphu valley below. It is below the Telecommunication tower (2685m). The vicinity also houses the broadcasting studios of Bhutan television.
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Chimi Lhakhang
The temple, adorned with hundreds of prayer flags, graces the edge of a picturesque plateau overlooking fertile rice fields and river below.
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Khamsum Yulley Chorten
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chörten, perched atop Nyizergang hill, is a sacred site accessible via a 40-minute uphill hike.
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Drukgyel Dzong
Drukgyel Dzong, perched atop a ridge in Bhutan's upper Paro valley, stands as a magnificent and historically significant archaeological site.
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Kyichu Lhakhang
Kyichu Lhakhang is believed to be one of the 108 temples constructed in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet.
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Zangdopelri
The Zangdopelri temple is situated on a spur of a cliff, approximately 125 meters higher on the opposite side, separated by around 200 meters as the bird flies.
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In Thanza (Lunana)
We have to schedule a rest day here because this is also where we change our Yak Drivers from Laya.
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Tharpaling
Tharpaling Monastery, nestled in Bhutan's Chume Valley at an elevation of 3,600 meters, is a sacred site with a multifaceted history. 3,600 m · 11,811 ft
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Prakar Lhakhang
Prakar Lhakhang is located in Chumi valley of Bumthang which was built in 17th century.Visible on the promontory on the opposite side of the river from Zugney village…
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Black-necked Crane
‘Thrung Trung Karmo' as this bird is passionately known in Bhutan is the subject of many Bhutanese songs and folklore.
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Gangtey Gompa Monastery
Gangteng Monastery, also known as Gangtey Sangngak Choling, was established in 1613 by the first Gangteng Tulku, Rigdzin Pema Tinley (1564–1642).
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Institute for Zorig Chusum
Institute for Zorig Chusum or the institute of 13 arts and crafts was opened in June 1997, and it reflects Bhutan's effort to provide opportunities for vocational training…
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Chorten Kora
Chorten Kora is a large stupa patterned after the famous one of Boudha in Nepal. It was constructed in 1740 by Lama Ngawang Loday.
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Gom Kora
Around 13kms beyond Chazam (22km from Trashigang) on the road to Yangtse is an extraordinarily picturesque temple, just beneath the road, surrounded by terraced rice fields, called Gom…
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Sakteng
Sakteng is an isolated valley of Brokpa people, located north of Merak. It is a wide valley located at around 3000m, surrounded by mountains on all sides.
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Rangjung
Rangjung Woesel Choeling Monastery, located in Eastern Bhutan's Trashigang district, was founded in 1989 by His Eminence Dungsey Garab Dorje Rinpoche.
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Ambient Cafe
A relaxed café above the city square with coffee, salads, sandwiches, hummus and vegan cakes. A good choice for vegetarians or a light lunch.
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Babesa Village Restaurant
Only traditional Bhutanese food, from ema datshi and sikam paa to jaju soup, served in an old rammed-earth farmhouse on the city's southern edge.
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Folk Heritage Restaurant
Traditional Bhutanese set meals from a seasonal menu: red rice, buckwheat pancakes, ezay and butter tea. It is in the Folk Heritage Museum compound, so it suits a meal after the museum.
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Zombala 2
A simple, cheap local spot known for some of the best momos in the capital, steamed or fried, with meat or vegetable fillings.
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Wangditse Goemba
A one-hour walk uphill from the telecom tower takes you to 1750 by the attendants of Bhutan's eighth desi, Druk Rabgye, and was renovated in 2001.
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Drolay Goemba
It's a two to three-hours round trip from the parking lot below Tango Goemba to Drolay Goemba at 3400m.
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Dechen Phodrang
Dechen Phodrang is the site of Thimphu's original Trashi Chhoe Dzong. Since 1971 it has housed the state monastic school.
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Changangkha Lhakhang
Changangkha Lhakhang is an old fortress like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu.Established in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo…
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Changlimithang Stadium
The national stadium occupies the site of the 1885 battle that helped establish the political supremacy of Ugyen Wangchuck, Bhutan's first king.
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National Library of Bhutan
National Library was first established in 1967 with a small collection of precious texts and was initially housed within the central tower of Tashichodzong.
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National Textile Museum
The National Textile Museum, which opened in June 2001, is worth a leisurely visit to get to know the living national art of weaving.
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Simtokha Dzong
It is the first of Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal's Dzong or fortress built in 1629. It is much smaller compared to most other Dzongs in Bhutan.
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Zangto Pelri Lhakhang
Located near the Weekend Market area is one of the tallest temples and was built in 1990s by a local resident. Zangdopelri refers to the celestial abode of Guru Rinpoche.
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Weekend Market of Thimphu
The weekend market is in a permanent set of stalls north of Changlimithang Stadium. Vendors from throughout the region with varied products arrive on Friday and ends on Sunday afternoon.
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Trashigang Goemba
Trashigang Goemba located on a hilltop at 3200m was founded in 1768 by the 12th Je Khenpo, Kunga Gyatso. There is a monastery and few temples and several retreat houses.
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Thadranang Goemba
A strenuous two-hours uphill hike leads to Thradanang Goemba (3270m). Start at the Yangchenphu High School and climb steeply up the ridge through the blue-pine forest
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Talakha Goemba
The 15thcentury Talakha Goemba (3080m) offers spectacular views of the Bhutan Himalaya and Thimphu valley.
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Tango Goemba
Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa founded the goemba in the 12th century.Driving north up the valley takes 35 mins to Begana. A few kilometers beyond this takes to trail head.
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Tashichho Dzong
In 1216 Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa built Dho-Ngen Dzong (Blue Stone Dzong) on the hill above Thimphu where Dechen Phodrang now stands.
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Chimi Lhakhang Cafeteria
A glass-walled cafeteria by Chimi Lhakhang looking over village houses and rice terraces. Bhutanese and Indian buffet with red rice; dessert, tea and coffee included.
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Merengma’ Bistro & Bar
Bhutanese, Indian and international dishes, plus cocktails, wine and coffee, with views towards Punakha Dzong, just across the river from Khuruthang.
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Punakha and Wangdue
Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang, often mentioned together due to their close proximity, share a picturesque valley at an elevation of approximately 1300 meters, blessed with a pleasant semitropical climate.
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Tenphey Bhutanese Cuisine
A town-centre restaurant cooking authentic Bhutanese dishes with local ingredients, including ema datshi, phaksha paa, jasha maru, bathup and red rice.
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Brioche Café
A bakery café run by a pastry chef: tarts, croissants, cakes and apple crumble from local and organic ingredients, plus masala tea and seasonal ice cream.
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Phangguu Paro
A cosy, traditional dining room serving Bhutanese dishes such as khuley buckwheat pancakes, ezay chilli paste and sikam paa, opposite Paro's Rinpung Dzong.
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Sonam Trophel Restaurant
A family-run Paro institution since 1993, serving home-style Bhutanese cooking, momos and Chinese-style dishes. The set lunch is a favourite.
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Taktsang Cafeteria
The halfway stop on the Tiger's Nest hike, with butter tea, milk tea, khapse biscuits and a simple Bhutanese buffet at mealtimes, and views of the monastery.
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Druk Choeding Lhakhang
Druk Choeding temple was built in 1525 by Ngawang Chogyel, one of the prince-abbots of Ralung in Tibet and an ancestor of the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel.
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Dzongdrakha Gompa
Dzongdrakha Goemba, a visually stunning yet lesser-visited cliffside retreat is located off the Paro–Cheli La road, with a history tied to Guru Rinpoche's battles against local demons.
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Drametse Goemba
Drametse is one of the largest and most important Nyingma Monastery in Eastern Bhutan.
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Mongar Dzong
Unlike most of the dzongs in Bhutan, which were mostly built in the 17th century, Mongar Dzong was established in 1930 to replace the original Shongar Dzong.
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Khoma Village
Khoma Village is well known for the traditional hand woven textile works.
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Gasa – Koina
Approx. 14km, 6-7hrs trek/ 1710m ascent, 900m descent.
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Koina – Laya
Approx 19km, 7-8hr.
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Café Perk
A popular main-street café for good coffee, milkshakes, smoothies and sundaes, with plenty of vegetarian options. A good break from local food.
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Himalayan Pizza
Cheap and cheerful square pizza slices topped with local cheese, plus pasta, beef and cheese momos and chugo. Service can be slow.
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Swiss Guest House Restaurant
A long-running guesthouse restaurant with Bhutanese dishes, buckwheat pancakes and Swiss favourites like fondue and rösti, made with Bumthang cheese, plus local Red Panda beer.
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Yathra Weaving at Zungney
Yathra is colourful wool weaving with intricate patterns on colored wool native to Chumey valley in central Bhutan.
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Membartsho
Membartsho, or the "Burning Lake," is a hallowed pool formed by natural rock formations and fed by the Tang chu river.
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Ura Valley
Ura Valley is the easternmost and highest among the four Bumthang valleys, with an altitude of approximately 3,100 meters, imparting a profound sense of remoteness. 3,100 m · 10,171 ft
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Wangdichholing Palace
Wangdichholing Palace was built on the site of the battle camp by the Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyel, the father of the first King of Bhutan.
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Jambay Lhakhang
Jambay Lhakhang, the Temple of Maitreya, is one of the legendary 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 659 CE, according to legend.
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Lhedi to Thanza
Approx. 17km / 7-8 hours / 400m ascent The trail follows the north bank of Pho Chhu River, past several small farms to Chozo village (4090m).
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Narethang to Tarina
Approx. 18km, 6-7 hours/270m ascent, 1200m descent. It takes us about one hour to reach our pass at the head of the valley (Karchung La at 5120m).
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Woche to Lhedi
Approx.
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Lungchutse Hike
Starting at Dochula Pass (3100m), the trail gradually ascends through a forest of hemlock, birch, and rhododendron. It's a well-marked path winding through ancient forests with towering trees.
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Jichu Dramo to Chukarpo
Approx. 18km. 5-6 hrs trek / 320m ascent, 730m descent Climbs through a moraine to Rinchen Zoe La pass (5320m), which divides the Pho Chhu and Mangde Chhu drainages.
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Tarina to Woche
Approx. 17km, 6-7 hours/ 275m ascent, 330m descent.
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Gasa and Laya Trek
This section describes the trek route from Damji to Gasa Hot Spring, Gasa Dzong, Koena, & Laya, starting with drive from Punakha to Damji.
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Laya to Lunana Thanza Trek
This part describes the route from Laya to Thanza in Lunana.
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Thanza (Lunana Trek) to Sephu
This part describes the trek from Lunana Thanza to Sephu- via Danji, Tshochena, Jichu Dramo, Chukarpo, Thampe Tsho, Maurothang, Sephu).
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Drive Thimphu to Gangtey
Embarking on the 125-kilometer, 5-hour journey from Thimphu to Gangtey in Phobjikha Valley promises an enchanting experience through Bhutan's diverse landscapes.
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Thanza to Danji
Approx.
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Drive from Bumthang to Punakha
Retrace the drive from Jakar to Punakha, passing through Yotongla Pass (3,420 meters above sea level), then continue to Trongsa Valley.
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Gangtey to Trongsa drive
From Gangtey, the road ascends up to Lawa La pass(3360mts) through a stretch of a rough road and rejoins the east-west highway and ascends to Pele la pass(3420mts).
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Maurothang to Sephu (trek Ends)-
Aprrox.18km. 5-6 hrs / 990m descent. Here our Yak drivers change and we now have to get the horses (mules).
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Road from Gangtey to Jakar
The road journey between Gangtey and Bumthang in Bhutan is a scenic adventure through stunning landscapes.
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Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar
The journey along the 180-kilometer southern highway from Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar takes a minimum of six hours.
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Trashigang to Trashiyangte
Trashigang to Trashiyangte: The total distance of around 53km takes around 2hrs excluding the stops. From Trashigang, retrace the road back towards Mongar by descending till Chazam (9km).
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Thimphu to Paro Road
The drive to Paro from Thimphu takes about 1hr. covering distance of 55 km. The road has been recently broadened.
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Samdrup Jongkhar to Trashigang Journey
The 180km journey from Samdrup Jongkhar to Trashigang takes around 6 hours, offering scenic views.
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Drive from Punakha to Paro
Drive from Punakha to Paro: Takes about Approx.(3 to 4 Hrs).Distance covered is 128 KM.
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Road from Punakha to Jakar
The drive from Punakha to Jakar (Bumthang) is a scenic journey through the heart of Bhutan.
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Road from Punakha to Trongsa
The drive from Punakha to Trongsa spans about 133 kilometers and takes roughly 5 to 6 hours, offering a scenic blend of natural and cultural beauty.
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Mongar to Bumthang Road
Begin your journey early to tackle the longest leg with ease. Get ready for one of Bhutan's most picturesque drives!
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Mongar to Trashigang
The distance between Mongar and Trashigang is approximately 90 kilometers, with an expected travel time of over 3 hours.The road from Mongar ascends past fields to Kilikhar, where…
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Danji to Tshochena
Approx 12km, 5-6 hr trek/ 490m ascent, 240m descent Just near our campsite at Danji, there is a trail junction.
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Rodophu to Narethang
Approx. 17km, 5-6 hours/ 720m ascent.
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Tshochena to Jichu Dramo
Approx 14km, 4-5 hrs trek/ 230m ascent, 140m descent Following the shore of the lake, we climb up to a ridge at 5100m.
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Road from Jakar to Wangdue & Punakha
The road journey from Jakar (Bumthang) to Punakha in Bhutan is a captivating experience that takes you through diverse landscapes, historical sites, and charming towns.
- K Khewang Lhakhang Situated on the eastern side of Phobjikha Valley, opposite Tabiting, is a small monastery said to have been established in the 15th century by Trulku Penjor Gyeltshen, a…
- B Black-Necked Crane Information Centre This center provides insights into black-necked cranes and the valley's ecosystem. Visitors can utilize high-quality spotting scopes and cross-reference their sightings with the Field Guide to Crane Behaviour pamphlet.
- N Nyelung Drachaling temple Nyelung Drachaling temple was one of the eight Ling (residences) of the 14th-century Nyingma Dzogchen master Longchen Rabjam (Longchenpa).
- R Rinchengang village Rinchingang, recently renamed as Drinchengang, is a captivating village known for its remarkable cluster of interconnected houses. It is situated on the opposite hill, overlooking Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.
- C Chendebji Chorten Chendebji Chorten is an 18th-century stupa located in central Bhutan, about 40 km west of Trongsa.
- B Bomdeling A protected wildlife area in the far north-east of Bhutan, known for its forests and as a winter home for black-necked cranes.
- D Draktsho Institute Draktsho is a vocational training Centre in Thimohu providing supportive services or persons with disabilities.
- D Druk Wangyel Chorten The 108 chorten or stupa of Druk Wangyel Khangzang is strategically constructed high on the Dochula Pass under the patronage of Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck.
- D Druk Wangyel Lhakhang The Druk Wangyel Lhakhang constructed under the patronage of Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the eldest queen mother, for a memorial to celebrate the 100 years of monarchy in Bhutan.
- T Thimphu Handicraft Market Thimphu Craft Bazaar: Traditional Craft Bazaar is located in Thimphu in the heart of the town near Taj Tashi.
- V VAST Voluntary Artist's Studio, Thimphu located along Chang Lam is a busy place with after-school and weekend drawing and painting classes for youngsters conducted by volunteer artists.
- N National Institute for Zorig Chusum The National Institute for Zorig Chusum Pedzoe (School of Arts and Crafts) is commonly known as "the painting school".
- Z Zilukha Nunnery Zilukha nunnery is located on the slopes, looking down at Golf course and Tashicho Dzong with around 70 or so resident nuns.
- P Phajoding Monastery Perched at an altitude of 3,600 meters and nestled above Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city, Phajoding Monastery offers breathtaking views of the valley below. 3,600 m · 11,811 ft
- L Lungchutse Temple & Retreat Center Starting at Dochula Pass (3100m), the trail gradually ascends through a forest of hemlock, birch, and rhododendron. It's a well-marked path winding through ancient forests with towering trees. 3,550 m · 11,647 ft
- N National Institute of Traditional Medicine Established in 1988, one of the more interesting facilities in Thimphu is the National Institute of Traditional Medicine.
- C Choki Traditional Art School The Choki Traditional Art School in Thimphu, Bhutan, specializes in teaching Bhutanese traditional arts, notably thangka painting, a Tibetan Buddhist art form depicting deities and scenes from Buddha's life.
- B Bhutan Postal Museum The museum features images that chronicle this journey, along with rare artifacts and Bhutan’s unique stamps, highlighting the nation's rich traditions and cultural heritage.
- S Shechen Orgyen Chodzong Nunnery Shechen Orgyen Chodzong Nunnery is situated in a secluded area known as Sissinang, south of Thimphu, along the route to Paro.
- D Dodeydrak Monastery The hike to Dodey Drak Monastery offers not only spiritual significance but also breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- P Punakha – Damji – Gasa Tsachu Depending on the road condition, the drive from Punakha to Damji takes about 2/3 hrs.
- P Punakha Suspension Bridge Punakha suspension bridge is one of the longest bridges in Bhutan measuring roughly 520 feet long. A bridge that is always adorned with colorful prayer flags.
- D Dalay Goenpa (Nalanda Buddhist College) Dalay Goenpa or Dalida is as well-known as Nalanda Nalanda Buddhist College in Bhutan.
- R Ritsha Village Bhutan's Punakha valley is famous for rice farming where both red and white rice are grown along the river valleys of Pho and Mo Chhu, two of the…
- T Talo Village The village of Talo (alt. 2,800m) which is scattered along the hill slopes, known for its cleanliness and hygiene among Punakha villages.
- S Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery Located on the ridge overlooking Punakha & Wangdue.
- L Limbukha Village Limbukha village is accessible by feeder road from Punakha and Wangdue. Limbukha farmers are known for growing Bhutan's famous red rice which is supposed to have medicinal values.
- B Bumdrak -Taktsang-Paro Enjoy the sunrise view, climb higher to the peaks, or hang prayer flags.
- J Jela Dzong Jela Dzong, perched atop a mountain with commanding views of Paro Valley to the west and Tsaluna valley to the east, is indeed an iconic fortress.Historically known as…
- B Bumdrak Bumdrak temple is located at an elevation of 3800m, above Paro Taktsang Monastery in Paro. Bumdra or Bumdrak literally means "hundred thousand footprints on a cliff". 3,800 m · 12,467 ft
- T Tachog Lhakhang Tachog lhakhang means -œtemple of the hill of the excellent horse.-Tachog lhakhang was built in 16th century by Tibetan saint Thangton Gampo.
- C Chhoten Lhakhang Chhoten Lhakang is a large Bhutanese style chorten located south of Paro town square. There is a small chapel upstairs.
- B Bitekha Dzong Bitekha Dzong is located along the way to Haa from Chundzom (river confluence)
- P Paro Weekend Market Paro market is very vibrant during weekend .The market has got the small stalls and big shops selling the best at reasonable prices.The market not only offers fashionable…
- U Ugyen Pelri Thang Palace Ugyen Pelri Palace is situated below the Rinpung Dzong on a small piece of land beside Pa chhu.
- D Dumtseg Lhakhang A small, unusual temple built as a chorten in the shape of a three-storey mandala, said to have been founded by Thangtong Gyalpo.
- N National Museum of Bhutan The National Museum was established in 1968 and is housed inside a circular Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower.
- S Shama Lhakhang Shama Lhakhang is situated next to Taktsang but is not directly accessible from there.
- S Singye Dzong A remote and sacred cave site in Lhuentse associated with Guru Rinpoche, reached by pilgrims on a long journey from the road.
- L Lhuentse Dzong Lhuentse Dzong or most appropriately Lhuentse Rinchentse Phodrang sits high on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Kuri Chu Valley.
- L Lhakhang Karpo and Nakpo These two temples/monasteries are probably the most important site in Ha valley. Lhakhang Karpo (white chapel) is the official residence of Ha monastic body (Rabdey).
- C Chhundu Lhakhang This is one of several temples dedicated to the Ha valley's protective deity,'Ab Chhundu'.
- J Juneydrak Hermitage From Katsho village, a 1 hour hike uphill leads to Cliffside retreat that contains the foot print of Maching Labdrom (1055-1132), a female Tibetan yogin, student of famous…
- L Lunana Thanza – Dur via Gangkar Punsum This part describes the trek route after Thanza to Gangkar Phusum Base camp, then going east to Geshe Woma, Warathang, Dur Hot Springs, Tshochen and finally ending the…
- T Thanza – Tsorim Approx 8-9hrs trek. The treks start by climbing the ridge, with great view of the Table Mountain and Thanza valley below.
- T Tsorim – Gangkar Phunsum Base Camp This is the highlight of the trip and day starts with a short climb to the Tsorim Lake.
- T Thanza We have to schedule a rest day here because this is also where we change our Yak Drivers from Laya.
- L Laya Laya village is located in the Gasa district or Dzongkhag. The people of Laya have their own dialect, customs, and distinct dress.
- A Amo Chhu crocodile breeding centre Amo Chhu Breeding Center is a crocodile breeding centre aimed to increasing the number of different species of crocodiles and alligators.
- P Palden Tashi Chholing Shedra Palden Tashi Chholing Shedra is situated on a nice setting overlooking Phuentsholing town and Toorsa River.
- K Kharbandi Goemba (Rinchending) Founded in 1967 by Royal Grand Mother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedron and situated at the altitude of 400m, this beautiful monastery contains paintings on the life of Buddha, statues… 400 m · 1,312 ft
- Z Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang A peaceful Himalayan sanctuary in the heart of the border town Zangdopelri Lhakhang is one of Phuentsholing’s most iconic landmarks and a perfect first introduction to Bhutan’s spiritual…
- D Dur Tshachu – Tshochenchen Approx 18km, 6hr.
- G Gangkar Phunsum – Geshe Woma It's time now to leave beautiful mountains. But the trek is not yet over.
- G Geshe Woma – Warathang The path continues following Sha Chu for two and half-hours until the stiff climb to Sakala begins.
- T Tshochenchen – Dur / Bumthang This is our last day and we will probably switch from Yaks to mules.
- W Warathang – Dur Tshachu A short half-hour climb leads to Juelela pass (4,400m). After the pass, descend to the riverside through dense rhododendron, juniper and conifer forests.
- G Gangkar Punsum Base Camp Gangkhar Puensuum at 7541 meters (24,741 feet) is Bhutan's highest peak and one of highest unclimbed peak in the world.
- K Kharchu Dratsang Kharchu Monastery is a Nyingmapa Buddhist Monastery following the Jangter Tradition, led by the Seventh Namhai Nyingpo.
- D Domkhar Tashicholing Domkhar Dzong, also known as Domlhar Tashicholing Palace, is situated just above Domkhar village in the Chumey valley of Bumthang.
- C Chumey Valley Chumey Valley is one of the four valleys in the Bumthang district, situated at an elevation of approximately 2,800 meters. 2,800 m · 9,186 ft
- O Ogyencholing Manor Ogyencholing or Ugyencholing was the center of Dorje Lingpa (1346-1405), a Buddhist Dzogchen master who established his center here.
- P Pema Thekchok Choling Nunnery Located on a plateau at the entrance of Tang Valley, there is a nunnery known as Pema Thekchok Choling. This monastic school for nuns was established by Gangtey Tulku in 2001.
- T Ta Rimochen Ta Rimochen, also called Tang Rimochen, is a temple located near the village of Misethang, close to the Tangchu River.
- B Bumthang Brewery This state-of-the-art microbrewery offers tours that include a bottle of Red Panda beer.
- K Kenchoksum Temple Kenchoksum Temple, located a short walk from Tamshing Monastery, was rebuilt after being damaged by a fire in 2010.
- T Tamzhing Monastery Tamshing Monastery is said to have been built by Pema Lingpa himself in 1501.
- K Kurjey Lhakhang Complex The Kurjey Lhakhang Complex is a significant spiritual site where Guru Rinpoche meditated on solid rock, leaving the imprint of his body, hence known as "kurjey," meaning body imprint.
- C Chakhar Lhakhang A very important temple for Buddhism as it was a nine-storey 'iron castle' palace built by the 8th century King Sindhu Raja.
- C Chukarpo to Thampe Tsho Approx. 18km, 5-6 hours trek / 400m ascent, 640m descent We continue descend along the bank of the river until we reach a yak pasture at Gala Pang Chhu (4010m).
- T Thampe Tsho to Maurothang Approx. 14km, 5 hours / 280m ascent, 1020m descent Climb steeply to Thampe La at 4600m, where you may see blue sheep high on the slopes above the trail.
- G Gangtey Nature Trail The Gangtey Nature Trail is a tranquil two-hour trek that offers an immersive experience of Bhutan's stunning Phobjikha Valley.
- T Trashigang to Mongar Journey
- R Road to Gangtey to Paro The drive from Gangtey to Thimphu takes about 5 hours, covering 174 km.
- G Gasa Hot Springs to Gasa Dzong Approx. 2hrs trek/530m ascent. Relax this morning and enjoy the hot spring. After lunch we'll walk to Gasa Dzong, which is a steep 2hours of climb uphill.
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See these places with a local guide
Every Windhorse trip is guided by people from Bhutan. Tell us what you want to see and we will plan the days around it.