The document provides an overview of the top 30 attractions in Bhutan, with details on each one. It begins with an introduction to Thimphu City and provides 2-4 sentences on notable sites in Thimphu like Memorial Chorten, Buddha Point, Drukgyel Dzong, Tashichho Dzong, Cheri Monastery, and more. It then gives brief descriptions of attractions in other regions like Punakha, Paro, Bumthang, and concludes by advertising a Bhutan tour company.

1. TOP 30 Attractions in Bhutan
Introduction to all famous places in the Kingdom of Happiness

2. Thimphu City
Altitude: 2,350m / 7,710ft
A historic town with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered through the area.

3. Memorial
Chorten
Close to the center of Thimphu city
This stupa was built in 1974 to honour the
third King of Bhutan - Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.
“The most visible religious landmark in
Bhutan”
Visitors will find elderly Bhutanese people
circumambulating the Chorten throughout
the day.

4. Buddha Point
One of the largest statues of Buddha in the world
Built to celebrate the 60th anniversary of fourth
king Jigme Singye Wangchuk
Made of bronze and gilded in gold
Offer breath-taking view of the whole Thimphu
city

5. Drukgyel
Dzong
Near the end of the paved road, 14km from Paro, stand
the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong.
This dzong was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung Ngawang
Namgyal in a location chosen for its control of the route
to Tibet. The dzong was named Druk (Bhutan) gyel
(victory) to commemorate the victory of Bhutan over
Tibetan invaders in 1644.
One of the features of the dzong was a false entrance
that lured the returning Tibetan invaders into an
enclosed courtyard during a second attack.

6. Tashichho
Dzong
Tashichho Dzong has been the seat of the
government since 1952 and presently houses
the throne room and offices of the king, the
secretariat and the ministries of home affairs
and finance. Other government departments are
housed in buildings nearby.
The dzong is located close to Thimphu town,
next to the banks of the Wangchhu River. It is an
impressively large structure, surrounded by
well-kept lawns and beautiful gardens.

7. Cheri
Monastery
Cheri Monastery is considered very sacred as it
contains the remains of Tempi Nima, the father of
Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Zhabdrung built the
monastery in 1620 in memory of his father and spent
three years in strict retreat at the monastery and it’s a
renowned meditation place even today.
The first community of monks in Bhutan was
established here.
The monastery is now a major teaching and retreat
center of the Drukpa Kagyu sect, and serves as the
monastic school for study of Buddhist Philosophy and
other Buddhist studies.

8. Tango
Monastery
Tango is the highest center of Buddhist
learning in the country; almost every Je
Khenpo (religious head of Bhutan) completed
the 9-year program there. After completing
that program, monks traditionally spend 3
years, 3 months and 3 days in meditation at
the nearby Cheri Goemba retreat.

9. Zilukha
Nunnery
Located on the slopes, looking down at Golf
course and Tashicho Dzong with around 70 or so
resident nuns.
Founded by later reincarnation of Druthob
Thangtong Gyalpo or Drubthob Chakzampa, who
in the 15 century was known all over Tibetan
Buddhist world for building iron bridges and he
is also considered the father of Tibetan Opera.
Zilukha is among the few nunneries in Bhutan.

10. Changangkha
Lhakhang
The oldest temple in Thimphu
Established in the 12th century on a site
chosen by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo, who
came from Ralung in Tibet
Parents traditionally come here to get
auspicious names for their newborns or
blessings for their young children

11. National
Textile
Museum
Worth a visit to learn about Bhutan’s living
national art of weaving
The ground floor focuses on Cham costumes,
while the upper floor introduces the major
weaving techniques, styles of local dress and
type of textiles made by women and men.
There is usually a small group of weavers
working their looms inside the shop, which
features work from the renowned weaving
centre of Lhuntse in northeastern Bhutan.

12. The Jungshi
Paper Factory
The Jungshi handmade paper factory uses
traditional methods to produce the authentic
Bhutanese paper known as Deh-sho.
Visitors can observe the entire process of
producing handmade paper using ancient
traditional methods that have been practiced
for generations. You can even try your hand
at this ancient craft and make some paper of
your very own as a souvenir.

13. Choki
Traditional Art
School
It is the primary center of learning for
Bhutanese artists. Depending upon the
student’s interest, one can specialise in any
of the thirteen arts and crafts, including
painting, weaving, sculptures, blacksmithing,
embroidery, etc.
The best place for visitors to learn about
traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts

14. The Centenary
Farmer’s
Market
Located below the main town, near the
Wangchhu River, Thimphu’s weekend market is
by far the largest domestic market for the
farmers in Bhutan.
Farmers come from all over the country to sell
their farm products in the market.
With its wide assortment of fresh, organic
produce, the Farmer’s Market has become a
favourite spot for tourists and a recreational
place for people from all walks of life.

15. Punakha Town
Altitude: 1,310m / 4,300ft
Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan during the time of Zhabdrun Ngawang Namkgyal, the founder of Bhutan.
Today it is the administrative and religious center of the district and the winter home of Bhutan’s Central Monk Body.
Blessed with temperate climate and owing to its natural drainage from Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers, the Punakha valley produces abundant crops and fruits.

16. Dochula Pass
Located on the way from Thimphu to
Punakha
Offer a stunning 360 degree panoramic view
of Himalayan mountain range
The view is especially scenic on clear, winter
days with snowcapped mountains forming a
majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the
108 chortens gracing the mountain pass.

17. Chimi
Lhakhang
Dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley (also
known as the Divine Madman) and is popular
among childless Bhutanese couples as a
temple to seek blessings for fertility.
The hike up to the temple is an easy 20-30
minute walk as the trail cuts through a flat
paddy field and gentle slope.

18. Punakha
Dzong
Located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu
(father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the
Punakha–Wangdue valley
Also known as Pungtang Dechen Photrang
Dzong (meaning very awesome dzong "the
palace of great happiness or bliss”)
The administrative center of the district
The second oldest and second largest dzong in
Bhutan and one of its most majestic structures

19. Punakha
Suspension
Bridge
Known for the 2nd longest suspension bridge
in Bhutan
The bridge is perfect for those who wish to
get their heart pumping with excitement.
Offer great opportunity for photography
enthusiasts

20. Khamsum
Yulley Namgyel
Chorten
Stands majestically on a strategic ridge
above the Punakha valley.
Built over a period of 9 years, Bhutanese
craftsmen consulted holy scriptures rather
than engineering manuals, to construct this
four-storey temple.
1 hour to hike up through paddy field and
pine forest, then 30 minutes to hike down

21. Talo Village
A serene village within the mountains
Known for its cleanliness and hygiene
amongst Punakha villages.
The stunning farm houses of the village have
its own flower gardens and on the hill slope
corns and sweet peas are grown plenty.
The women of Talo are especially known for
their beauty.

22. Lamperi
Botanical
Gardens
En-route from Punakha to Thimphu
The first botanical park in Bhutan and forms
the backdrop of the Dochula Pass.
This is planted with 46 species of
rhododendron of which 18 species are native
to the park while the other 26 species are
brought from other regions of Bhutan and
planted here.

23. Paro Town
Altitude: 2,250m / 7,382ft
A historic town with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered through the area.
Also home to Paro Airport, the only international airport of Bhutan

24. National
Museum
The National Museum of Bhutan is among
the few educational institutions that
interpret the history and culture of Bhutan
through its exhibits, conducting
symposiums, publication of research
findings and conservation of artefact.
Perform an essential role as a preserver and
promoter of Bhutanese cultural values

25. Paro Rinpung
Dzong
Regal and imposing, this Dzong is arguably
among the most distinctive and important
structure in Bhutan.
In 1644 Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal
ordered the construction of the dzong on the
foundation of a monastery built by Guru
Rinpoche. The fort was used on numerous
occasions to defend the Paro valley from
invasions by Tibet.

26. Kyichu
Lhakhang
It is one of the oldest and most sacred
shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th
century.
The lhakhang complex is composed of two
temples. The first temple was built by
Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th
century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the
Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second
temple in original pattern.

27. Sangchokhor
Buddhism
College
The Sangchokhor Monastery houses the
monastic institute of higher studies.
There are 200 monks pursuing 9 years of
rigorous Buddhist studies.
On school days (Mon-Sat) you can listen in
on lectures and gain knowledge about the
monks’ nine-year educational program.

28. Tiger’s Nest
Bhutan’s most important landmark

29. Taktshang – Tiger’s Nest
Taktshang the Tiger’s nest clings to the side of a steep cliff 300 meters above
the Paro valley.
The place was first visited by Guru Rimpoche, founder of the tantric form of
Buddhism in Himalayan countries, in the 8th century. It was said that he
meditated there for about three months.
The original temple was built in the 17th century, but tragically, it was
consumed by fire in 1998. Like a phoenix, the temple was rebuilt to its fullest
glory in 2003.
Taktshang is considered to be the 10th-holiest site in the Buddhist world. You
can visit three different temples inside the main Taktshang complex.
Riding Ponies provided upon request.

30. Bumthang
Town
Altitude: 2,800m / 9,185ft
A historic town with many sacred sites and
historical buildings scattered through the
area.
Also home to Pao Airport, the only
international airport of Bhutan

31. Phobjikha
Valley
Altitude: 3,000m / 9,800ft
The Phobjikha Valley is a vast glacial valley
at an elevation of about 3,000 metres (9,800
ft) on the west side by the Black Mountains
(Bhutan) (range above 5,000 metres (16,000
ft) elevation) that separates western and
central Bhutan.

32. Haa Valley
Altitude: 2,700m / 9,000ft
Located in South West of Paro and covering an
area of roughly 1706 sq. km. Haa is the smallest
Dzongkhag in the country. This tiny region is one
of the most beautiful and isolated areas in the
kingdom, adorned with pristine alpine forests
and tranquil mountain peaks.

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