Top 15 Tourist Attractions in Bhutan

Most of us know Bhutan to be the land of the towering Himalayan mountains. This is also a country where you will find a thriving Buddhist culture at every turn. Incredible landscapes lend Bhutan a 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 is a type of fortress monastery and it is also an architectural wonder. You must visit Rinpung Dzong if you want to experience Bhutanese culture and Buddhist traditions. There are many smaller shrines inside the main structure. Rinpung Dzong celebrates the local Tshechu Festival. Monks perform mask dances and holy images of various deities are taken out in a procession.

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

Chele La Pass

This is the highest mountain pass in Bhutan and also one of the top 15 tourist attractions in Bhutan. Chele La Pass, evidently 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. 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

The second-largest monastery in Bhutan is none other than the Punakha Dzong. 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 has 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 as it is a very easy trek.

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

Dochula Pass

The Dochula Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass where you will view the famous 108 stupas. This mountain pass of Dochula 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 and Bhutan has 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 as Guru Padmasambhava taught and practised Buddhism here. In the 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. There are many shrines and residential spaces in this monastery.

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

Phobjikha Valley

The valley known as Phobjikha Valley ranks among the top 15 tourist attractions in Bhutan. This is a beautiful place with views of mountain peaks and lush greenery. The sight of green meadows will charm you with their breathtaking beauty. The 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 who 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 and 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

This is a shopping area in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Norzin Lam Street has several shops and malls, where 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

The monastery and fortress called Tashichho Dzong are among the top 15 tourist attractions in Bhutan. The monastery is located on the northern edge of Thimphu and is the most visited monasteries in Bhutan. There are many smaller shrines and temples inside the main structure. The monastery is a magnificent building with incredible architecture and 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

The fortified monastery in Bhutan is called Drukgyel Dzong. 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

This is a town in Bhutan, which is located in the central part of Bhutan. Natural beauty surrounds this town of Trongsa. 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 and the 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. But later a protected space for the takin was made and named as 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 and is 169 feet tall. The statue is made of gold and bronze and is among the most visited tourist sites in Bhutan. Prayer flags line the roads that lead up to the statue. This statue is seen as of great religious importance to the people of Bhutan.          

• 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 the history and culture of Bhutan. The National Museum of Bhutan is located in Paro and was constructed in 1968. You can view fascinating works of art here and handicrafts of Bhutan. Among the exhibits you can visit here 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

The Punakha Suspension Bridge is another spectacular tourist attraction of Bhutan. This bridge is located close to Punakha Dzong. This is a suspension bridge, which is built over the Po Chu River. The Punakha Suspension Bridge is considered to be 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 and 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 the above 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. But 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.