Introduction

A small, landlocked country high in the Himalayas, Bhutan is one of the least known travel destinations in the world, which actually suits its own unique brand of tourism. Meant for environmental tourism, the country actually limits the number of people that it has visiting it at any one time by making it very complex to get into the country, and requiring all visitors to be on a pre-arranged tour through one of the hundreds of approved and accredited travel agents.

The major attractions of Bhutan are located in western and central region, largely in and around Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. It’s where you will find iconic Buddhist sites, stunning Himalayan trek and cultural heart of Bhutan. If you are preparing for the upcoming Bhutan tour, here is a list of the top ten places to visit for any tour of the last great Himalayan kingdom.

1. Thimphu

The capital and largest city in the kingdom, Thimphu is situated in the western part of central Bhutan, in one of the country’s most stunning valleys. Given capital status in 1961, Thimphu took over from Punakha, the former ancient capital of the kingdom that was the home of the religious leaders of Bhutan before it crowned its royal family. The city is a widely spread out place that lies on the banks of the Wang Chhu River. While the city does not have a stunning nightlife for the younger generations of visitors, it does have many amazing and astounding sights to see, including the Tashichho Dzong, the ancient fortress monastery at the edge of the city that was once a seat of governance for the civil leaders of Bhutan.

2. Buddha Dordenma Statue

Erected in the mountains to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the fourth Bhutanese king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Buddha Dordenma Statue is one of the largest Buddha rupas in the world, and stands 52 meters tall, with over 125,000 small statues of the Buddha inside. Made in the form of the sitting figure of Sakyamuni Buddha, the project cost over 100 million US dollars to complete. Around the Buddha statue lies the Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park, 943 acres of forested areas that was opened in 2011 to allow visitors to the site to relax in a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Interestingly, the building of the statue was foretold by Padmasambhava himself in an ancient terma that dates back to the 8th century, which was repeated by the yogi Sonam Zangpo in the early 20th century.

3. Paro

Set in the delightful Paro Valley, the second city of Bhutan is the first place you will see when you enter the country, since it is where the only international airport is situated. Lying alongside the Paro River, the site has been the location of a monastery of one kind or another since the 10th century, and was the northern stronghold of Bhutan against invasion from Tibet. The main street of the city is filled with rich and complex architecture, with traditional Bhutanese houses and shops vying for space with cafes and restaurants. Paro is also a good place for unique antiques and Buddhist souvenirs, as well as many prayer-related artifacts, although antiques cannot be taken out of the kingdom.

4. Taktshang Monastery

Sitting more than 800 meters above the Paro Valley, perched on a ledge halfway up the cliff face of the mountain, sits the awesome Taktsang or “Tiger’s Nest” monastery. Renowned around the world for its unique and spectacular position, the Taktsang Monastery has become something of a legend in Bhutan, and across many parts of Asia and around the world where Buddhism resides. Believed to be the meditation place of the Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), who first brought Buddhism to Bhutan, legend has it that he landed on the mountain after flying on a giant tigress believed to be a consort known as Yeshe Tsogyal. After meditating in the 13 caves on the ledge for three years, three months, three weeks, three days, and three hours, he emerged in eight manifestations and the place became holy. The monastery was built around the caves in 1692, and has since become a cultural icon of the Bhutanese people.

5. Rinpung Dzong

A large monastery and fortress of the Kagyu school of Buddhism in Bhutan, Rinpung Dzong is one of the most famous temples in Bhutan, and it houses the Monastic Body of Governance for the region. One of Bhutan’s “tentative” sites in the UNESCO inclusion lists for future World Heritage Sites, the site of the dzong was given in the 15th century to the Buddhist Lamas, where a small temple was built. The temple was given to the Zhabdrung Rinpoche in the 17th century, who demolished the previous structure and built the dzong that still stands there today. It was reconsecrated and became the monastic and administrative center of western Bhutan in 1646, and the dzong also appeared in the 1993 film, Little Buddha.

6.Chele La Pass

Considered to be the highest pass accessible by vehicle in Bhutan, at around 3,989 meters above sea level, Chele La Pass is one of the most popular high points to visit in Bhutan. Lying above the virgin forests of the Haa Valley in Paro District, the pass offers some stunning views of the waterfalls, forests, and alpine valleys surrounding it. Just over two hours from Paro, the road to the pass runs through thick forests and passes rivers and waterfalls with stunning scenery. Alongside the road heading up to the pass are hundreds of poles adorned with prayer flags that have been erected by the locals to scare off demons and evil spirits.