Bhutan is a magical Himalayan kingdom settled between India and China. Known as the happiest country in the world, Bhutan is full of beautiful temples known as dzongs and monasteries where resident monks spend their lives chanting and praying. As a Buddhist country, it is full of lhakhangs, ‘houses of gods’ and covered with stupas or chortens, sacred religious monuments. All sitting against the striking backdrops of pristine valleys and fresh pine covered mountains. A journey into Bhutan is a sacred pilgrimage like none other. Wade into culture and living history so rich and deep that your spirit will feel renewed.
Paro
The town of Paro is a great introduction for first time travelers to the country of Bhutan. It is home to Paro Dzong and Tiger’s Nest -two of Bhutan’s most famous landmarks. But there is more to Paro than just these beautiful monasteries. One could never go wrong with a visit to Drugyel Dzong or Ta Dzong, both charmingly set on hills in the middle of the valley. Or if Dochula Pass isn’t on your Bhutan itinerary consider visiting Paro’s Chele La Pass instead. Below we’ve gone into more depth about Paro’s highlights to prepare you for your time here!
Paro Dzong
One of the largest dzongs in all of Bhutan, Paro Dzong long ago was a fortress and since then has been a pinnacle of Bhutanese architecture. If its name meaning ‘fortress on a heap of jewels’, gives you any clue, Paro Dzong is stunning. The power and wealth of the Bhutanese kingdom is displayed through the dzong in its rich wood, high towers, painted in deep reds and bold blacks. Explore the courtyards, prayer halls, and festival grounds while admiring the complex’s ancient statues and carvings. Insider Tip: Keep an eye out for the ‘mystic spiral’ mural, the Bhutanese variation of the mandala.
Tiger’s Nest
Otherwise known as the spectacular Taktsang Monastery, Tiger’s Nest is easily the most famous landmark in Bhutan. The hike starts through a beautiful pine forest adorned with prayer flags and the climbs up the cliffs above to access the sacred monastery. Once you see the precariously perched Tiger’s Nest, you’ll understand why so many visitors prioritize this temple over any other. The sight of its ornate golden and red buildings atop the cliffside is breathtaking and unlike anything you’ve seen. At 10,000 ft, you’ll need to pace yourself to avoid altitude sickness but to reach the birthplace of Bhutanese Buddhism, it’s a small price to pay. From the top, the amazing views of Paro Valley will impress even those travelers who have ‘seen it all’.
Ta Dzong
Just outside Paro is Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower that’s circular shape resembles a conch shell. It symbolizes the gemstone of wealth; ironically it now doubles as a museum housing many national treasures inside. It’s known for its collection of festival masks, fine art, paintings and bronzes as well as the building’s distinctive character. Defensively set atop a hill, the watchtower is 5 stories tall and has great views of the valley and River Paro Chu. After your visit, consider walking back down into the valley for fresh air and scenic views of Ugyen Pelri palace
Thimphu
After visiting Paro, journey deeper into Bhutan to the capital city, Thimphu. Its innumerable religious and cultural sites can make it difficult to choose an itinerary. Many visit the Archery Stadium to watch archers elegantly perform their national sport hitting targets with impressive accuracy. Others leisurely hike through green rice fields, blue pines and prayer flags to Sangay Gang view point for a stunning panoramic view of the valley. Thimphu’s wide array of interesting activities includes wandering through phallic gardens, examining the country’s unique stamps at the post office or going on an owl trek. However, for your convenience we have listed the three most popular sites below.
Buddha Dordenma
One of the world’s largest Buddha statues, at 54m tall Buddha Dordenma overlooks Thimphu Valley with a commanding presence that instills peace in all. The bronze Buddha emanates this aura of love sitting atop a magnificent gilded meditation hall. Fully realizing its name, Buddha point, this impressive Buddha encloses 125,000 smaller golden and bronze buddhas within its structure. It historically fulfilled the prophecy of a Buddha built above Thimphu Valley to “bestow blessings, peace, and happiness to the whole world.” The ability to hike the surrounding mountain and enjoy the great views of the capital city at this landmark are just icing on the cake.
Tashichho Dzong
Tashichho Dzong is the heart of Bhutan’s kingdom, acting as a functional monastery, fortress and political seat. Surrounded by manicured gardens and landscaping, this dzong houses the king’s throne room and offices. Built in the 1950’s, this undisputedly picturesque dzong is embellished with vibrant murals and intimidating towers. Throughout the day red robed monks old and young walk the halls between their chores and studies. We recommend visiting Tashichho Dzong in the evening to watch the elaborate flag ceremony before the revered palatial architecture is lit up at night.
The Memorial Chorten
Its crowning golden spires and bells make Thimphu Chorten one of the most iconic religious sites in Bhutan. Monks are commonly seen here prostrating themselves on the ground and using their prayer beads while meditatively circumambulating this enormous stupa. This celebrated structure representing the mind of Buddha, is a social and religious hub for the local community. Built in Tibetan style for the highly revered third king of Bhutan, this stupa offers a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Buddhist culture. The locals welcome foreigners to join them in accumulating wisdom and good karma by spinning the large prayer wheels and walking around the stupa clockwise.
There really are countless natural, religious and cultural sites in Thimphu and although we won’t go into detail about all of them, here is a short list of additional sites to consider if you have the time.
Changangkha Monastery
Takin Preserve Centre
Motithang Takin Reserve
Dechen Lhakhang
Dodey Drak Buddhist Institute
Bumthang
Considered to be the religious heartland of Bhutan, Bumthang is full of pilgrimage sites and mystic lore. This ‘beautiful valley’ offers a magnitude of cultural and spiritual experiences to those who travel here. Vist the hidden gem Tamshing Lhakhang, or Jakar Dzong, with its temple courtyard displaying great views of the Chokhor valley. This treasure trove of unspoilt nature, colorful festivals, and elaborate temples make even decisive travelers second guess their planning. Once again, we’ve listed the top three places of interest in Bumthang to guide your travels.
Kurjey Lhakhang
Kurjey Lhakhang is not one but a site with three sacred temples surrounded by a wall of 108 chortens in Bumthang valley. The caves behind it were Guru Rinpoche’s meditation site as he fervently prayed to subdue a demon for the health of the local king. On the lower floor is a narrow crawl through passage to ‘leave your sins behind. Once inside you can pay your respects to three large buddhas, the 1000 statues of Guru Rinpoche, his meditation cave, and the guru’s body imprint.. If you are in Bumthang in June or July you may be able to witness the cultural festival Kurjey Tshechu with its celebratory dancing and grand ending in an unfurling of a giant buddha paintin
Jambey Lhakhang
There is nothing boring about Jambey Lhakhang. Although it’s one of the oldest and most sacred buddhist temples in Bhutan it has a captivating past and present. It’s said this Lhakhang (house of gods) was built to pin down an evil demoness who was impeding the spread of buddhism throughout the land. It is one of the only remaining 108 lhakhangs built to secure her to the valley floor. It sits inconspicuously on a plateau and without being told you’d never know that this temple is the home of the famed naked dance. It’s the reenactment of an ancient legend; taking place at midnight, sixteen nude men dance around the temple to distract havoc wreaking devils long enough to render them harmless.
Membartsho
Membartsho, meaning ‘burning lake’, is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for the Bhutanese. The story goes that the saint Terton Pema Lingpa had the vision of the Buddhist master Guru Rinpoche hiding treasure in the lake centuries earlier. To the disbelief of the villagers, he dived into the lake and reemerged with paper scrolls and a chest with his lamp still burning bright.
Punakha
There are many remarkable experiences to be had within the Punakha region of Bhutan. There is Gangtey, the glacial valley known for the vulnerable, sacred black-necked cranes that live in its wetlands and rhododendron forests. Forests that bloom spectacularly in the springtime, painting the valleys in colour. There is Trongsa Dzong, the longest dzong in Bhutan housing 25 temples, reachable via a questionable road not for the fainthearted. Other adventures in Punakha include river rafting Mo Chhu or visiting the Punakha suspension bridge, the second tallest in the country. However, to truly experience the best of Punakha prioritize the top three ‘must see’ locations we’ve listed below.
Dochula pass
The route from Thimphu to Punakha meanders through some of the most scenic ice clad mountain landscapes in Bhutan. At 10,000ft, Dochula Pass is a high altitude highway granting visitors breathtaking Himalayan views, including a glimpse of the tallest mountain in Bhutan, Gangkhar Puensum. A standard stopping point on Dochula pass is at the 108 memorial chortens sitting in a calm unity commemorating soldiers whose lives were lost in service to their country. Take a moment here to get lost in the prayer flags flying high above, snap some stunning photos, or feel the ebb and flow of the Himalayas through some yoga stretches.
Punakha Dzong
The ‘palace of great happiness’ as it is called, is a majestic temple, often visited by the King of Bhutan. At 6 stories tall and sitting at the confluence of the country’s largest rivers , this temple is arguably the most beautiful in the country. It is especially stunning in the spring when the purple jacaranda trees bloom and the pure air smells as sweet as it does fresh. With its whitewashed walls standing out against the blue water, it’s no surprise that this riverside palace is one of the most visited locations in the country. Before leaving the dzong, make sure to have seen the colorful murals in the one hundred pillar hall and paid your respects to the wish fulfilling shakyamuni buddha at the North exit.
Chimi Lhakhang
Alternatively called the Temple of Fertility was inspired by the “divine madman”, Drukpa Kunley. This penis decorated temple was humorously constructed through Drupka’s creative interpretation of Buddhism through the lens of phallicism. A visit will enter you into a world of sexual tones, penis murals and seemingly bizarre rituals. If you’re a woman yet to have any children, do not be surprised if you are blessed with a large wooden penis and given the instructions to walk it around the temple’s chamber.
Bhutan is truly an escape like none other and a source of endless wonder. With innumerous religious and cultural sites set in picturesque landscapes, it’s the wanderlusting traveler’s shangri la. Don’t be surprised if a trip here leaves you coming back later for another visit. We hope this itinerary is a helpful resource! Don’t hesitate to contact us for questions regarding Bhutan travel. If you find yourself in the ‘I’m a fan of trip taking but not trip planning’ category consider one of our Bhutan tours!
Best Tours of Bhutan to Consider.
Bhutan Highlights 4 Day – Covers Paro, Thimphu and the Tigers Nest.
Bhutan at a Glance 5 Days – Covers Paro, Thimphu, the Tigers Nest and Punakha.
Bhutan Shangrilas Delight 7 Day – Covers Paro, Thimphu, the Tigers Nest, Punakha and Gangtey.
Bhutan Insight Tour 9 Days – Covers Paro, Thimphu, the Tigers Nest, Punakha, Gangtey and Bumthang.
We can always customize your desired itinerary. Don’t hesitate to contact us for questions regarding Bhutan travel.
