28 Best Places To Visit in Bhutan

Bhutan is one of the most beautiful countries, known for its breathtaking natural beauty, monasteries, and exquisite Buddhist architecture. The magnificent Himalayas runs along its length. It is frequented by trekkers worldwide for its remote yet picturesque trekking trails.

Here is a comprehensive list of the best tourist places to visit in Bhutan.

Currency in Bhutan: The official currency in Bhutan is the Bhutanese Ngultrums (BTN). 1 Bhutanese Ngultrums is equal to 1.00 Indian Rupees as of 28 March 2023*.

*Currency rate is subject to market exchange rate changes.

This article lists some of the most popular tourist places in Bhutan, including monasteries, hiking routes, natural places, national parks, museums and palaces.

Here is the list of the best tourist attractions in Bhutan that you can visit. The land has famous monasteries, wildlife sanctuaries, UNESCO sites, natural attractions, etc. to explore on your trip. Wherever you go in Bhutan, you will be surrounded by nature and serenity wherever you go in Bhutan.

1. Dochula Pass, Thimphu

This mountain pass was built, honouring the Bhutanese soldiers who laid down their lives for their country in various military operations. It is located at an elevation of 3100 m above sea level. Along the pass are 108 stupas, known as the Druk Wangyal Chortens, commemorating each life lost. The place has a very peaceful ambience.

• Location: Located on the east-west pass between Thimpu and Punakha, Trashigang - Simtokha Highway
• Timings: Throughout the day
• Entry Fee: Free

2. Chele La, Paro

Perched between Haa and Paro Valleys at 3,988 m above sea level, Chele La is the highest motorable route in Bhutan. This scenic place lies 35 km from Paro and offers plenty of opportunities for photography.

• Location: Located 26 km from Haa and 35 km from Paro valleys on Bondey-Haa Highway
• Timings: Throughout the day
• Entry Fee: Free

3. Mo Chu, Punakha

Among many other things, Bhutan is also known for its outdoor activities. If you are an adventure lover, try rafting and kayaking on the Mo Chu River. Mo Chu is more gentle of the two rivers and has a consistent flow. Therefore, it is preferred by beginners and safe for kids and the elderly. On the other hand, Po Chu has rough river currents and is more suitable for professionals.

• Location: Punakha Dzong
• Timing: 1.5 hours for 5.6 miles, covering 10 rapids (rafting time)
• Entry Fee: Peak season - 3500 BTN; Off-season - 1500 BTN

4. Chomolhari, Punakha

Chmolhari is a sightseeing place in Bhutan and a paradise for trekkers. Adventure lovers must visit this place and explore the trekking trails in Chomolhari. While trekking, you can also explore the picturesque local villages and monasteries.

• Location: Near Punakha, Bhutan
• Timings: Throughout the day
• Entry Fee: Free

5. Tiger’s Nest, Taktsang Trail

One of the most visited sightseeing places in Bhutan, Tiger’s Nest is a perfect destination for trekking lovers. Besides, this place also has religious importance so every year many pilgrims come to visit this place. The monastery, temples, and grand natural view are the prime points of Tiger’s Nest

• Location: Taktsang Trail BT, Bhutan
• Timings: Throughout the day
• Entry Fee: Free

6. Phobjikha Valley, Wangdue Phodrang

Surrounded by lofty mountains and lush greenery, Phobjikha Valley in Bhutan is another famous natural destination. The valley is also very popular among bird watchers. In addition, you can get a great hiking experience here. Further, you can also watch some wildlife here such as leopards, Himalayan bears, wild boars, etc.

• Location: Wangdue Phodrang, Bhutan
• Timings: Throughout the day
• Entry Fee: Free

7. Hidden Valley of Bumthang, Bumthang

A mystical valley of fog and mist, Bumthang is an offbeat tourist destination in Bhutan. The valleys in Bumthang are a hotspot Himalayan ecosystem and biodiversity. Altogether, the region is famous for nature lovers seeking solace from city life's regular din and bustle. Apart from this, you can also enjoy adventure sports here.

• Location: Bumthang, Bhutan
• Timings: Throughout the day
• Entry Fee: Free

Monasteries are places of reverence in the Buddhist religion followed in Bhutan. Your trip to Bhutan will be incomplete if you do not visit these monasteries:

8. Tango Buddhist Institute, Thimphu

It is an ancient Buddhist monastery founded in the 13th century by a Tibetan Buddhist called Phajo Drugom Zhigpo. The word ‘Tango’ in the native language means horse. It is a highly revered religious destination in Bhutan. Today, it is an educational centre for monks to learn Buddhist religious texts and scriptures. There are 6 chapels housed within the institute.

• Location: It is situated about 14 km from Thimphu, and the hike might take around 3 hours 
• Timings: 8 am to 6 pm daily
• Entry Fee: Free

9. Gangtey Monastery, Wangdue

Located in Wangdue Phodrang, the Gangtey Monastery is one of Bhutan's best examples of Buddhist architecture. The monastery is situated at 16,000 feet, offering an excellent view of the gorgeous Phobjikha Valley lying right below.

• Location: Located in Phobjikha Valley, surrounded by Gangteng Village, Wangdue
• Timings: 6 am to 5 pm daily
• Entry Fee: Free

If you are a wildlife lover, you must explore the national parks in Bhutan. Here are some great national parks in Bhutan that you must visit.

10. Jigme Dorji National Park, Gasa

Jigme Dorji National Park is touted as Bhutan’s second-largest national park in the Gasa district. In addition, it also covers the northern parts of the Phodrang, Thimpu, Punakha, and Wangdue Paro districts. The park is home to many endangered species, such as clouded leopards, Himalayan blue sheep, Bengal tiger, Himalayan black bear, etc.

• Location: Gasa District
• Timings: 9 am to 5 pm daily
• Entry Fee: Adult - 150 BTN

11. ThrumshingLa National Park, Mongar

Situated in the central part of Bhutan, Thrumshingla National Park is a beautiful nature reserve in Bhutan, and it has a unique natural charm. The surrounding mountain regions have also made the spot perfect for adventure sports. Apart from this, the national park has a  picturesque Alpine forest and tranquil lakes.

• Location: Mongar
• Timings: 9 am to 6 pm daily
• Entry Fee: Free

12. Torsa Strict Nature Reserve, Western Haa

To get a refreshing day trip, you can visit Torsa Strict Nature Reserve, a popular place among tourists. This nature reserve is untouched by humans, and the environment is calm and pristine. You can also enjoy bird watching here. The natural vegetation of this region is also very soothing to explore.

• Location: Western Haa, Bhutan
• Timings: Throughout the day
• Entry Fee: Free

Bhutan has several UNESCO world heritage sites, which are extremely popular among tourists. Read further to discover the best places to visit in Bhutan to find heritage and value:

13. Ruins of Drukgyel Dzong Monastery, Paro

Drukgyel Dzong Monastery is an ancient ruin in Bhutan surrounded by natural abundance. The monastery is getting renovated to preserve its historical value. The hilly beauty in this region is highly picturesque and perfect for nature photography.

• Location: Paro, Bhutan
• Timings: 7 am to 6 pm daily
• Entry Fee: Free

14. Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, North East Bhutan

A stunning place in Bhutan, Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary is the homeland of multiple flora and fauna. The Himalayan ecosystem has its charm in this region. You can enjoy strolling in the Alpine, Alder, and Oak forest. Due to its natural abundance, the place has declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012.

• Location: North-east Bhutan
• Timings: 9 am to 5 pm daily
• Entry Fee: Free

15. Royal Manas National Park, Thimphu

Royal Manas National Park is one of the oldest national parks in Bhutan and a popular tourist destination. Here you can explore diverse flora and fauna. Among wildlife, you can spot some endangered species such as one-horned rhinos, Gangetic dolphins, Royal Bengal Tigers, etc. Trekking and elephant safari are some other things to do here.

• Location: Thimphu
• Timings: 9 am to 5 pm daily
• Entry Fee: Free

16. Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, Merak

The wildlife park is also called the “Paradise of Rhododendrons” because here, you can find 35 different species of rhododendrons. Visitors can watch Capped langur, Himalayan serow, leopards, red panda, Himalayan black bear, and many more. The cattle grazing field in this region is a picturesque destination in Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Location: Merak
• Timings: 9 am to 5 pm daily
• Entry Fee: Free

17. Tamshing Monastery, Jakar

Tamshing Monastery in Bhutan is an important historical emblem built by Pema Lingpa. The special attraction of this place is the unique sacred dance form performed during the age-old Tshechu festival. Apart from this, you will explore the ancient mural paintings in this region.

• Location: Jakar, Bhutan
• Timings: 6 am to 6 pm daily
• Entry Fee: Free

18. National Museum, Paro

If you are interested in Bhutan’s rich historical and cultural background, then there is no better place than the National Museum in Paro. The building has 6 floors, each dedicated to a different collection. When you visit the museum, seek out the mule’s egg, a major attraction.

• Location: Paro, Bhutan
• Timings: 9 am to 5 pm daily (March to October); 9 am to 4 pm (November to February)
• Entry Fee: Adult - 500 BTN

19. The Folk Heritage Museum, Thimphu

This is the oldest wood and mud structure in Bhutan, almost 150 years of age, and one of the most visited tourist places in Bhutan. The museum has been open for public viewing since 2001. The colourful decoration of this place will attract you greatly. Besides, you will also explore the local lifestyle of the surrounding area.

• Location: Thimphu, Bhutan
• Timings: 9 am to 5 pm 
• Entry Fee: Adult - 30 BTN (SAARC resident) and 150 BTN (non-residents)

20. Rinpung Dzong, Paro

The Rinpung Dzong got its name from housing many important administrative offices and religious buildings such as temples and chapels. Built way back in 1644, Rinpung Dzong today is an important seat of the Paro administration. Also, it serves as a venue for the celebrations of the famous religious festival of Bhutan, Paro Tshechu.

• Location: On Pachu Hill in Paro district
• Timings: 9 am to 5 pm daily
• Entry Fee: Free

21. Punakha Dzong, Punakha

Meaning ‘the palace of great happiness or bliss,’ the Punakha Dzong holds great significance for being the place where Bhutan’s kings are crowned. It is one of the famous tourist places in Bhutan and stands true to its name by virtue of its spectacular architecture and enchanting location at the confluence of the rivers Po Chu and Mo Chu.

• Location: Punakha - Wangdue Valley
• Timings:  8:30 am to 5 pm daily (March to September); 11 am to 5 pm (October to February) 
• Entry Fee: Adult - 300 BTN

22. The Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong), Thimphu

The Tashichho Dzong is an important tourist attraction in Bhutan for housing the throne room of the current ruler and also many other offices of the government. It is a fortress and a monastery that has been the centre of government activities since 1952. The construction of the monument dates back to 1216 AD.

• Location: Thimphu, Bhutan
• Timings: 11 am to 4 pm daily
• Entry Fee: Adult - 300 BTN

23. Tower of Trongsa, Trongsa

A great place for cultural exploration in Bhutan, the Tower of Trongsa is one of the most popular tourist destinations. Here you can explore many gorgeous Bhutanese art and artefacts along with other historical elements. Apart from exploring history, you can visit the ancient watchtower nearby. The jacket of Ngagi Wangchuk, which is almost 500 years old, is a great attraction in this museum.

•  Location: Trongsa, Bhutan
• Timings: 9 am to 4:30 pm
• Entry Fee: Adult - 30 BTN (SAARC resident) and 150 BTN (non-residents)

The cities of Bhutan have different beautiful attractions for tourists. These are listed below:

24. Buddha Dordenma, Thimphu

It is an imposing Shakyamuni Buddha statue in dazzling gold, atop a mountain in the Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park. The statue sits inside a meditation hall and affords a view of the entrance to Thimpu, Bhutan’s capital. This 169-foot-tall statue was built in 2015, commemorating the anniversary of Jigme Singye Wangchuk, the fourth king of Bhutan.

• Location: Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park, Thimphu
• Timings: 9 am to 5 pm daily
• Entry Fee: Free

25. Handicrafts Market, Thimphu

Do you like to collect souvenirs from different countries while travelling? Then you must visit the Handicrafts market in Thimphu. Here you can find beaded ornaments, wooden bowls, small statues, printing blocks, yak tails, and many more.

• Location: Thimphu, Bhutan
• Timings: 8 am to 5:30 pm
• Entry Fee: Free

26. Memorial Chorten, Thimphu

Memorial Chorten is a Buddhist monument in Bhutan that is dedicated to world peace. The monument is decorated with bright white colour and golden on top. The monument receives a huge amount of visitors every year for its tranquillity. Besides, there are also some nearby attractions that tourists can explore.

• Location: Thimphu, Bhutan
• Timings: Throughout the day 
• Entry Fee: Adult - 300 BTN and Student - 150 BTN

27. Philatelic Bureau, Thimphu

If stamp collection is your hobby then you must visit the Philatelic Bureau in Bhutan. The bureau also offers personalised stamps for visitors. This is no doubt a unique destination to visit in Bhutan and collect tokens of memories.

• Location: Thimphu, Bhutan
• Timings: 10 am to 4 pm
• Entry Fee: Adult - 300 BTN and Student - 150 BTN

28. Chimi Lhakhang Temple, Punakha

Chimi Lhakhang Temple in Bhutan is a great tourist attraction in Bhutan. Built-in 1499, the temple is associated with legendary tales and folklore. It is also famous as a “fertility temple” among the locals. Mainly people come here to enjoy the serene atmosphere and seek blessings.

• Location: Punakha, Bhutan
• Timings: 9 am to 1 pm, 2 pm to 5 pm
• Entry Fee: Free