Must visit places in Bhutan

A Comprehensive Guide of What Not to Miss in Bhutan

Phuentsholing, situated at the base of the Himalayan foothills, is often considered as the gateway to Bhutan as it is. Phuentsholing houses the beautiful monastery Kharbandi Gompa, built in the year 1967 by Royal Grandmother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedron. Kharbandi Gompa lies amidst garden of tropical plants and flowers; here one can enjoy majestic views of Phuentsholing and the Indian plain.

Semtokha Dzong, located just three miles from Thimpu, is famed to be the oldest fortress of the country. The fort was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the year 1629. Here one can also visit Memorial Chorten and admire the beautiful stupa which was built in the memory of the third King of Bhutan. The place also houses several paintings and statues that offer a peek into Buddhist philosophy.

Thimphu the capital city of the Kingdom hosts sites of great cultural importance like Zorig Chusum or the Painting School, National Library, which has a wide collection of Buddhist literature, infact some works date back to several hundred years. The Traditional Medicine Institute, a place where rich herbal medicines are prepared and Textile and Folk Heritage Museum which offer testament of the Bhutanese culture and living traditions also attract huge crowds. One must also visit Trashichhodzong, a beautiful fort and monastery which also serves as Government office area and King’s Throne room, and Handicrafts Emporium which offers wide range of exquisite hand-woven and crafted products.

Dochula pass: Dochula pass lies at 3,080mtr above sea level, here one can stop and admire the chorten mani wall and enjoy the view of prayer flags decorating the highest point on the road.

Punakha Dzong: The majestic structure and second oldest and second largest Dzong of the kingdom was built in the year 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dzong is located at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers so that it would serve as the religious and administrative center of the region. The place had suffered damage because of four major fires and an earthquake but the Dzong is fully restored.

Taktsang Monastery: According to a legend Guru Rinpoche arrived to Taktsang Monastery on a tigress and meditated here and therefore this place is also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. All Bhutanese try and visit this place least once in their lifetime.