Top 5 Must See Tourist Places in Bhutan

People who have visited Bhutan earlier recall with fond memory the refreshing green valleys, awesome snow-capped peaks, the scintillating exotic landscapes, variety of the floral species, rare and exotic faunas, streams of copper-blue waters and gorgeous waterfalls and several fascinating natural and man- made tourist spots. This splendid paradise on earth, lap of the mighty Himalayas, is flanked by the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh in the East, Nepal in the West, and Tibet in the north.

Bhutan is widely acclaimed as a Botanists’ Paradise. It has a rich variety of the floral species that include some rare specimens like Rhododendrons, junipers, magnolias, carnivorous plants, rare orchids, blue poppy (the national flower), edelweiss, gentian, medicinal plants, daphne, giant rhubarb, high-altitude plants, tropical trees, pine and oak. Some exotic faunas are also found in Bhutan are the notable ones are langur, red pandas, black-necked crane, snow leopard, takin, musk deer, Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan marten, tiger, hornbills, pheasants, mountain goats and timid blue sheep.

Paro, the second largest town in Bhutan, is the most enchanting and thus one of the most frequented tourist destinations in Bhutan. You will be spellbound seeing the city's wondrous landscape. Paro is home to some of Bhutan's oldest palaces, temples and monasteries. The museum in Paro preserves artifacts and other items that reflect the ancient Bhutanese way of life. Make it a point to visit Taktshang Monastery, Kichu Lhakang, National Museum of Bhutan and Paro Dzong. The serenity of the Valley, naturally protected from external pollution is a splendid place to spend a few quality hours with your loved ones.

Located at an elevation of 2,300 meters, Thimpu Valley, the modern capital of Bhutan, features Taschichho Dzong that houses the main secretariat building. The chief attractions are the majestic throne rooms used by royalty and Thimpu Valley is also the summer retreat of the Buddhist monks who visit the place in large numbers. Go to the Viewpoint in Thimpu Valley to obtain a commanding view of the city of Thimpu.
At Thimpu, there are numerous museums, fortresses, temple complexes and monastries - among other sites. Norzin Lam (textile museum), the National Folk Heritage Museum, VAST (Voluntary Artist's Studio, Thimpu) and the National Institute of Traditional Medicine are some of the key attractions of Thimpu Valley. Visit the School for Dzongkha where you will notice the rich slate carvings and frescos.

Phuentsholing is a small town in Bhutan with clean environs and a secluded place to those tourists who are nature lovers and prefer to spend some lonely hours in quiet and solitude. Phuentsholing is the home of the Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan and Headquarters of the Bank of Bhutan, both of which lie on a hilltop, very close to Kharbandi. The chief tourist attractions of Phuentsholing are Amo Chuu, the Crocodile Breeding Center, Chukha Hydrothermal Project, the gate at the border (called Bhutan Gate) and Karbandi Monastery. The natural beauty of Phuentsholing will captivate you no end.

The notable places to visit in the mystical Bumthang Valley are the Kurjey Temple and the many monasteries dotting the place. Bumthang valley is at an elevation of 2,600 meters and is the religious hub of the nation and home to some of the oldest Buddhist temples. Bumthang is rightly called the spiritual heartland of Bhutan as bulk of the most ancient and precious Buddhist sites are seen here.

Jakar is the main town in Bumthang Valley and its undulating terrain, which is filled with apple trees and numerous temples, is a tourist's delight. Visiting Jakar in the month of September has special significance as you will not only be visiting the many tourist attractions in Jakar, but you can also participate in its two major festivals - Thangbi Mani and Tamshing Phala.

Wangdi dzong located at the altitude of 1,350 meters and at the convergence of Punakhachu and the Tang-chu River is a scintillating locale of tourist interest in Bhutan and the highest reaches of the valley confer rich pastureland for cattle.

Tongsa is another adorable place and the vast expanse of the spectacular landscape around Tongsa would invite you with open arms and the only difficulty is you will not have the heart to leave the place.

Mongar is a relatively modern man-made wonderland that features Bhutan's newest Dzongs built in the 1930s. When you visit these Dzong, you gain the impression that traditional Bhutanese architecture has continued to retain its charm through the centuries.

Chalela Pass is a two-hour uphill drive from Paro, wherefrom you will be able to view frozen rivers, waterfalls, alpine flowers and snow on the way to the pass. This pleasant pass offers astounding views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Tourism in Bhutan has increased tremendously in recent times owing to an assortment of tourist attractions– consisting of green lush meadows, scintillating valleys, picturesque snow-capped mountain ranges, flowing waterfalls, fertile valleys, wildlife reserves, dense forests numerous temples, monasteries and museums. Bhutan has something to every tourist whatever his/her preferences. Apart from sightseeing, you can also engage in various other activities like hiking, trekking and bird watching and similar recreational activities.