Top 15 Tourist Attractions in Bhutan

Most of us know Bhutan to be the land of the towering Himalayan mountains. This country offers a thriving Buddhist culture at every turn. Incredible landscapes lend Bhutan scenic beauty. You can make a trip and select from among the top 15 tourist attractions in Bhutan.

All these places are best if you want to experience Bhutanese culture and history. Bhutan beckons you with its hospitality and happiness. So make the most of your holidays in Bhutan and visit these 15 best tourist attractions.

Rinpung Dzong

Rinpung Dzong is on this list of the top 15 tourist attractions in Bhutan. Royal kings of Bhutan built this monastery fortress in the 16th century. Locals also call this monastery by the name of Paro Dzong.

This fortress monastery is an architectural wonder. You must visit Rinpung Dzong if you want to experience Bhutanese culture and Buddhist traditions. Many smaller shrines exist inside the main structure. Moreover, Rinpung Dzong celebrates the local Tshechu Festival. Monks perform mask dances and carry holy images of various deities in a procession.

• Key attractions: Architecture and paintings on walls
• Entry Fees: Free of cost

For more inspiration on exploring historic landmarks around the world, check out the Most Famous Monuments and Landmarks In Canada for an enriching cultural journey.

Chele La Pass

Chele La Pass is the highest mountain pass in Bhutan. It also ranks among the highest motorable roads in Bhutan. You can view magnificent scenery from Chele La Pass. The view of Mount Jomolhari and other Himalayan peaks is sure to give you excitement.

You can even see the valleys of Paro and the scenic panoramas of Ha. Additionally, the locals celebrate the Haa Summer Festival with great festivities here.

• Key attractions: View of Mount Jomolhari, Haa Summer Festival, waterfalls, alpine flowers, and valleys
• Entry Fees: Free of cost

Punakha Dzong

Punakha Dzong is the second-largest monastery in Bhutan. This is also the second oldest dzong monastery in Bhutan. Punakha Dzong means “a place of great happiness.” The monastery is a majestic architectural structure and houses sacred relics of Buddhist masters.

The special thing about this monastery is that it is more accessible to tourists. A trek to Punakha Dzong is ideal for beginners because it is a very easy trek.

• Key attractions: carvings, paintings, architecture, relics of Buddhist masters
• Entry fees: INR 300

If you enjoy exploring ancient sites with rich architecture, discover the Most Famous Monuments and Landmarks In London to broaden your cultural horizons.

Dochula Pass

Dochula Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass where you will view the famous 108 stupas. This mountain pass ranks among the top 15 tourist attractions in Bhutan. Dochula Pass is incredibly scenic and you can enjoy the Himalayan mountain peaks from Dochula Pass.

Many soldiers died on the battlefield. As a result, Bhutan named this mountain pass in their memory.

• Key attractions: View of Chomolhari Peak, paintings
• Entry fees: Free of cost

Tiger’s Nest

Tiger’s Nest Monastery ranks among the most famous monasteries in Bhutan. Local Bhutanese people lovingly call this the Taktsang Monastery. The monastery has become very famous because Guru Padmasambhava taught and practised Buddhism here.

In ancient times, Buddhist monks built this monastery on the side of a huge towering cliff in a huge cave. The rock faces of the cliff make up the walls of the monastery. Many shrines and residential spaces exist in this monastery.

• Key attractions: View of the scenic valleys and mountains, paintings, rocky clifftop setting
• Entry fees: INR 500

For those planning adventures in other stunning locations, explore the Dubai Desert Camel Safari for an unforgettable desert experience.

Phobjikha Valley

Phobjikha Valley ranks among the top 15 tourist attractions in Bhutan. This is a beautiful place with views of mountain peaks and lush greenery. Green meadows will charm you with their breathtaking beauty. Phobjikha Valley is located very close to the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park.

• Key attractions: hiking, spotting migratory birds
• Entry fees: Free of cost

Chomolhari

Bhutan has several tall mountain peaks and one of the highest is Chomolhari Mountain. Bhutanese people consider Chomolhari in high esteem and with great devotion. The mountain deities are five sisters. They are believed to be the guardian deities of Tibet and Bhutan.

Jomolhari trek is a multi-day trek and is not for amateur trekkers. Only seasoned mountaineers can attempt this trek. In addition, it also needs acclimatization.

• Key attractions: glacial lakes, snow-capped mountain views
• Entry fees: Free of cost

Must Read: Top Mountains for Trekking in the World

Norzin Lam Street

Norzin Lam Street is a shopping area in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Norzin Lam Street has several shops and malls. Here you can find local souvenirs, Bhutanese handicraft items, wine, and woollen clothes. The restaurants and eateries on this street offer lip-smacking Bhutanese delicacies and street food items.

• Key attractions: textile shops, eateries, restaurants, garment shops
• Entry fees: Free of cost

Tashichho Dzong

Tashichho Dzong is among the top 15 tourist attractions in Bhutan. The monastery is located on the northern edge of Thimphu. It is the most visited monastery in Bhutan. Many smaller shrines and temples exist inside the main structure.

The monastery is a magnificent building with incredible architecture. It has towers with golden roofs and also a central tower.

• Key attractions: the royal seat of the Bhutan civil government
• Entry fees: INR 300

Drukgyel Dzong

Drukgyel Dzong is a fortified monastery in Bhutan. It is one of the top 15 tourist attractions in Bhutan. Though the monastery structure is in ruins, it is still in pretty good condition and well preserved. You can view the wooden houses, window frames, roofs, and other structures.

Royal Bhutan kings built the monastery in 1649 to celebrate victory over a Tibetan army.

• Key attractions: ruins, historical importance
• Entry fees: Free of cost

Trongsa

Trongsa is a town in Bhutan located in the central part of the country. Natural beauty surrounds this town. The main attraction of Trongsa town is the Trongsa Monastery, which is a whitewashed building with red roofs. Well-developed roads connect Trongsa with other parts of Bhutan like Punakha, Bumthang, and Gelephu.

• Key attractions: Trongsa Monastery, lush green meadows, local markets
• Entry fee: Free of cost

Motithang Takin Preserve

Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. Motithang Takin Preserve is a protected reserve aimed at protecting this animal. The reserve is in Thimphu and is very popular with tourists. Motithang Takin Preserve was originally a mini-zoo where a few takins were kept.

Later, authorities created a protected space for the takin and named it Motithang Takin Preserve. Apart from the Takin, you will also find sambar deer and barking deer in this reserve.

• Key attractions: Bhutan Takin
• Entry fee: INR 50

Buddha Dordenma Statue

The top 15 tourist attractions in Bhutan include the famous Buddha Dordenma Statue. This statue of Buddha is situated in the foothills of Thimphu. It stands 169 feet tall. The statue is made of gold and bronze. It ranks among the most visited tourist sites in Bhutan.

Prayer flags line the roads that lead up to the statue. People of Bhutan see this statue as having great religious importance.

• Key attraction: Buddha statue, Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park
• Entry fees: Free of cost

National Museum of Bhutan

You can visit the National Museum of Bhutan which is one of the best places to experience Bhutanese history and culture. The National Museum of Bhutan is located in Paro. Authorities constructed it in 1968. You can view fascinating works of art here and handicrafts of Bhutan.

Among the exhibits you can see are traditional paintings, a photo gallery, and bronze statues. You will also find Buddhist scrolls, traditional Bhutanese costumes, jewellery, weapons, coins, and several other priceless treasures.

• Key attractions: Bhutanese paintings, bronze statues, photo galleries
• Entry fees: INR 1000

Punakha Suspension Bridge

Punakha Suspension Bridge is another spectacular tourist attraction of Bhutan. This bridge is located close to Punakha Dzong. It is a suspension bridge built over the Po Chu River. Punakha Suspension Bridge is considered the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. The bridge provides a connection between Punakha City and Punakha Dzong.

• Key attractions: Rafting in Po Chu River, Chimi Lhakhang Temple, Namgyal Chorten
• Entry fees: Free of cost

Conclusion

The above places are highly regarded as the top 15 tourist attractions in Bhutan. They are also the famous historical places of Bhutan. You can include them in your Bhutan trip itinerary. You will feel both excitement and thrill when you visit these places.

They are a must-visit in any Bhutan tour package. Don’t miss any of them because they all are architectural gems of Bhutan and natural wonders of Bhutan. The dzongs, monasteries, nature preserves, Buddhist shrines, high mountain passes, and towering Himalayan mountain peaks make the list of all the top places to visit in Bhutan.

However, you can also visit hamlets, shop around for local Bhutanese handicrafts, and savour the Bhutanese cuisine for a truly enriching journey to the Land of the Thunder Dragon, which is Bhutan.