Bhutan · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in Bhutan
These are the places worth your time in Bhutan, from the dzongs and cafés of Thimphu and Tiger's Nest above Paro to the warm valley of Punakha, the crane marshes of Phobjikha and the ancient temples of Bumthang. Classics sit beside quiet corners many travellers miss, so every kind of visitor finds something to love.
Places to Visit in Thimphu
Arts and Culture
- Tashichho Dzong (Chubachu)
The great fortress monastery of the capital, with its flag lowering ceremony at dusk. - Buddha Dordenma (Kuensel Phodrang)
A giant gilded Buddha on a hill above the valley, filled with thousands of smaller statues. - National Memorial Chorten (Doebum Lam)
The spiritual heart of the city, where locals circle and spin prayer wheels from dawn to dusk. - National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Kawajangsa)
Watch students learn the thirteen traditional arts, from thangka painting to wood carving. - Royal Textile Academy (Chubachu)
A beautiful museum of Bhutanese weaving with royal costumes and working weavers. - Folk Heritage Museum (Kawajangsa)
A restored traditional farmhouse that shows how rural families lived for generations. - Changangkha Lhakhang (Changangkha)
An old hilltop temple where parents bring newborn babies to be blessed and named. - Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory (Kawajangsa)
See daphne bark turned into traditional Bhutanese paper by hand. - Simply Bhutan (Chubachu)
A lively living museum with folk songs, archery and a taste of village life. - Coronation Park (Wang Chhu riverside)
A peaceful riverside park where families walk and picnic.
Shopping and Markets
- Centenary Farmers Market (Wang Chhu riverside)
The country's biggest market, piled with chillies, red rice and dried yak cheese at weekends. - Norzin Lam (Central Thimphu)
The main street, lined with handicraft shops, cafés and the famous traffic policeman.
Nature and Outdoors
- Motithang Takin Preserve (Motithang)
The best place to meet the takin, Bhutan's odd looking national animal. - Cheri Monastery (Upper Thimphu valley)
A forest hike across a covered bridge to a quiet seventeenth century meditation centre. - Tango Monastery (Upper Thimphu valley)
A cliffside Buddhist university reached by an uphill walk through the woods. - Phajoding Monastery (Above Motithang)
A steep half day climb to a monastery with sweeping views over the whole capital. - Sangaygang Viewpoint (Sangaygang)
A hill strung with prayer flags, with the classic view of the valley at sunset.
Things to Do
- Changlimithang Archery Ground (Changlimithang)
Watch Bhutan's national sport, with its long distances, singing and dancing archers.
Events
- Thimphu Tshechu (Tashichho Dzong)
The capital's great autumn festival of masked dances in the dzong courtyard.
Restaurants
- Folk Heritage Restaurant (Kawajangsa)
Traditional Bhutanese food served in a farmhouse setting next to the museum. - Bukhari (Taj Tashi)
An elegant round dining room with a wood fire and refined Bhutanese dishes.
Stays
- Taj Tashi (Central Thimphu)
A grand hotel in dzong style architecture in the heart of the capital. - Amankora Thimphu (Motithang)
A serene luxury lodge in the pine forest above the city. - Six Senses Thimphu (Above the valley)
A hillside retreat with wide views over the capital. - Le Méridien Thimphu (Central Thimphu)
A comfortable international hotel close to the main street. - Hotel Druk (Clock Tower Square)
A classic central hotel facing the clock tower square.
Places to Visit in Paro
Nature and Outdoors
- Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) (Upper Paro valley)
The cliffside monastery that is Bhutan's most famous sight and finest day hike. - Dzongdrakha (Bondey)
Cliffside temples on a short hike, often called the little Tiger's Nest. - Chele La Pass (Paro to Haa road)
One of the highest roads in Bhutan, with views of Jomolhari on clear days. - Nya Mey Zam Bridge (Paro town)
The traditional cantilever bridge leading to Rinpung Dzong.
Arts and Culture
- Rinpung Dzong (Paro town)
A mighty fortress monastery above a traditional covered bridge. - National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong)
Masks, thangkas and natural history in and around an old watchtower. - Kyichu Lhakhang (Kyichu)
One of the oldest temples in the kingdom, with orange trees in its courtyard. - Drukgyel Dzong (Upper Paro valley)
A restored fortress where the old trade route to Tibet began. - Dungtse Lhakhang (Paro town)
A rare chorten shaped temple built in the fifteenth century by the iron bridge builder. - Ugyen Pelri Palace (Paro town)
An elegant royal palace seen from its gardens near Rinpung Dzong.
Things to Do
- Paro airport viewpoint (Above the runway)
Watch planes thread through the mountains onto one of the world's most dramatic runways. - Haa Valley (Haa)
A rarely visited valley over Chele La with the white and black temples.
Events
- Paro Tshechu (Rinpung Dzong)
The great spring festival, ending with a giant thangka unveiled before dawn.
Shopping and Markets
- Paro main street (Paro town)
A painted single street of handicraft shops, cafés and small groceries.
Restaurants
- Taktsang Cafeteria (Tiger's Nest trail)
Tea and biscuits at the halfway point with the best view of the monastery.
Stays
- Amankora Paro (Upper Paro valley)
A minimalist luxury lodge in a blue pine forest near Drukgyel Dzong. - COMO Uma Paro (Above Paro town)
A calm luxury hotel with a spa on the hillside above the valley. - Zhiwa Ling Heritage (Satsam Chorten)
A grand hotel built by Bhutanese craftsmen with a temple inside. - Six Senses Paro (Upper Paro valley)
A stone lodge built around old fortress ruins with valley views. - Le Méridien Paro Riverfront (Shaba)
A comfortable riverside hotel near the airport road.
Places to Visit in Punakha
Arts and Culture
- Punakha Dzong (Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu confluence)
The most beautiful fortress in Bhutan, where two rivers meet. - Chimi Lhakhang (Sopsokha)
The fertility temple of the divine madman, reached by a walk through rice fields. - Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (Dochula)
A temple at the pass with modern wall paintings of Bhutan's history. - Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery (Wolakha)
A hilltop nunnery with a great bronze statue and valley views.
Nature and Outdoors
- Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (Yepaisa)
A gilded hilltop temple with fine views over the valley from its roof. - Punakha Suspension Bridge (Behind Punakha Dzong)
A long prayer flag draped footbridge swinging above the river. - Dochula Pass (Dochula)
The 108 chortens and, on clear days, a sweep of Himalayan peaks. - Royal Botanical Park Lampelri (Lampelri)
Forest trails and rhododendrons in bloom in spring. - Jigme Dorji National Park (Northern Punakha)
The vast national park where takin roam and long treks begin.
Things to Do
- Rafting on the Mo Chhu (Punakha valley)
A gentle float down the river past the dzong. - Wangdue Phodrang Dzong (Wangdue Phodrang)
A rebuilt fortress on a ridge, restored after a fire in 2012.
Events
- Punakha Drubchen and Tshechu (Punakha Dzong)
A late winter festival that reenacts a seventeenth century battle.
Shopping and Markets
- Sopsokha village shops (Sopsokha)
Painted houses and small craft stalls on the way to Chimi Lhakhang.
Cafés
- Druk Wangyal Café (Dochula)
Tea and a mountain view during the drive over the pass.
Stays
- Amankora Punakha (Upper Punakha valley)
A luxury lodge reached by a suspension bridge across the river. - COMO Uma Punakha (Upper Punakha valley)
A small luxury lodge above the river and rice terraces. - Six Senses Punakha (Punakha valley)
A hillside lodge looking over rice fields and the river. - Dhensa Boutique Resort (Punakha valley)
A tasteful resort with wide views of the valley. - Hotel Lobesa (Lobesa)
A long running family hotel above the rice terraces.
Places to Visit in Phobjikha
Arts and Culture
- Gangtey Monastery (Gangtey)
A seventeenth century monastery overlooking the whole glacial valley.
Nature and Outdoors
- Gangtey Nature Trail (Gangtey)
A gentle two hour walk through pine forest and meadows to the valley floor. - Black Necked Crane Visitor Centre (Phobjikha)
Telescopes and displays about the cranes that winter in the valley. - Phobjikha wetlands (Valley floor)
Watch the cranes feed from the edge of the marsh at dawn. - Lawala Pass (Lawala)
A high pass with prayer flags and yak pastures on the way into the valley.
Events
- Black Necked Crane Festival (Gangtey Monastery)
A November celebration of the cranes' return with dances by local schoolchildren.
Stays
- Gangtey Lodge (Gangtey)
A luxury lodge with sweeping views over the crane valley. - Amankora Gangtey (Gangtey)
A serene luxury lodge above the valley. - Dewachen Hotel (Phobjikha)
A comfortable lodge in traditional style overlooking the marsh. - Six Senses Gangtey (Gangtey)
A hillside lodge facing the valley and the monastery.
Places to Visit in Bumthang
Arts and Culture
- Jambay Lhakhang (Chokhor valley)
One of the oldest temples in Bhutan, home to a famous autumn fire festival. - Kurjey Lhakhang (Chokhor valley)
Three temples around the cave where Guru Rinpoche left his body print. - Jakar Dzong (Jakar)
The castle of the white bird, with views over the Chokhor valley. - Tamshing Lhakhang (Chokhor valley)
Pema Lingpa's temple, with ancient paintings and a chain mail coat to carry. - Ogyen Choling Palace Museum (Tang valley)
A family manor turned museum on aristocratic life. - Wangdicholing Palace (Jakar)
The first royal palace of Bhutan, restored as a museum. - Trongsa Dzong (Trongsa)
The ancestral seat of the royal family on a spur above a gorge. - Ta Dzong Trongsa (Trongsa)
A watchtower museum about the monarchy above Trongsa Dzong.
Nature and Outdoors
- Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) (Tang valley)
A sacred river pool where Pema Lingpa found hidden treasure.
Things to Do
- Red Panda Brewery (Jakar)
Taste Bhutan's unfiltered local wheat beer at the Swiss guest house cooperative. - Ura village (Ura valley)
The highest of Bumthang's valleys, with cobbled lanes and stone houses.
Shopping and Markets
- Chhume yathra weavers (Chhume)
Watch weavers make colourful yathra wool cloth. - Jakar main street (Jakar)
Small shops for local woollens, cheese and honey.
Events
- Jambay Lhakhang Drup (Jambay Lhakhang)
An autumn festival with a midnight fire blessing. - Ura Yakchoe (Ura)
A spring village festival with a sacred relic shown to the public.
Cafés
- Bumthang Swiss Guest House (Jakar)
A historic guest house with home cooking and an apple orchard.
Stays
- Amankora Bumthang (Jakar)
A luxury lodge beside the Wangdicholing Palace. - Six Senses Bumthang (Chokhor valley)
A small lodge among pine forest above the valley.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Craft Bazaar (Norzin Lam, Thimphu)
A row of stalls selling locally made textiles, masks, baskets and paper. - Voluntary Artists Studio Thimphu (Chubachu, Thimphu)
A community art space showing contemporary Bhutanese painters. - Thimphu Drubchen (Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu)
A ritual festival in the days before the Tshechu, with dances rarely seen elsewhere. - Zombala 2 (Norzin Lam, Thimphu)
A small local favourite for momos and ema datshi. - Chig-ja-gye (Norzin Lam, Thimphu)
Modern Bhutanese cooking with a creative twist in the centre of town. - Ambient Café (Norzin Lam, Thimphu)
A relaxed upstairs spot for breakfasts and light meals above the main street. - Ama Café (Norzin Lam, Thimphu)
A friendly café with good coffee and home style cakes. - Karma's Coffee (Changlam, Thimphu)
A local roaster known among residents for proper espresso. - Druk Bakery (Norzin Lam, Thimphu)
A long running bakery for pastries and snacks between sights. - Mojo Park (Chang Lam, Thimphu)
Thimphu's best known live music bar, with local bands most weekends. - Space 34 (Chang Lam, Thimphu)
A popular nightclub where young Thimphu dances at weekends. - Druksell (Clock Tower Square, Thimphu)
A shop of fine locally made crafts and textiles. - Farmhouse hot stone bath (Paro valley, Paro)
Soak in a herbal dotsho bath heated with river stones after the Tiger's Nest hike. - Paro Weekend Market (Paro town, Paro)
A small local produce market by the river. - Sonam Trophel Restaurant (Paro town, Paro)
A family restaurant serving honest Bhutanese food on the main street. - Champaca Café (Paro town, Paro)
A cosy café for coffee and cake after a day of temples. - Brioche Café (Paro town, Paro)
A small bakery café on the main street. - Mountain Café (Paro town, Paro)
An upstairs café and bar with views over the town. - Gangtey Palace (Paro town, Paro)
A historic former palace turned family hotel above town. - Bumdra Trek (Above Tiger's Nest, Paro)
An overnight hike to a meadow camp above Tiger's Nest with mountain views. - Talo village (Talo, Punakha)
A quiet hill village with a monastery and traditional houses. - Khuruthang market (Khuruthang, Punakha)
The valley town's local market for fruit, vegetables and everyday goods. - Chimi Lhakhang Café (Sopsokha, Punakha)
A simple café for tea and local food near the fertility temple. - Punakha Rinchengang village (Wangdue Phodrang, Punakha)
A clustered village of rammed earth houses on the hill opposite Wangdue Dzong. - Longtey Hike (Lawala to Gangtey, Phobjikha)
A ridge walk through rhododendron forest into the valley. - Phobjikha farmhouse visit (Gangtey, Phobjikha)
Butter tea, ara and a warm stove with a farming family. - Kumbhu Lhakhang (Phobjikha, Phobjikha)
A small temple on the valley edge, a quiet detour on foot. - Gangtey Tshechu (Gangtey Monastery, Phobjikha)
The monastery's own autumn festival of masked dances. - Gangtey village shops (Gangtey, Phobjikha)
Small shops selling local goods and woollens. - Hotel Gakiling (Phobjikha, Phobjikha)
A simple family run lodge on the valley floor. - Bumthang Swiss cheese shop (Jakar, Bumthang)
Local Swiss style cheese, honey and apple products made in the valley. - Prakhar Duchhoed (Chhume, Bumthang)
A small autumn festival at the Prakhar temple. - Tharpaling Monastery (Chhume, Bumthang)
A high monastery reached on a hike with views of the valleys. - Mountain Lodge Bumthang (Jakar, Bumthang)
A comfortable wood heated lodge near town. - Jakar Village Lodge (Jakar, Bumthang)
A family run lodge with valley views. - Bumthang Cultural Trek (Chokhor to Tang, Bumthang)
A short multi day walk between villages and temples.