UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Book Attractions in Advance

Skip the lines at Bhutan's top attractions by booking tickets in advance through Tiqets. Get instant confirmation and mobile tickets for museums, monasteries, and experiences across Bhutan.

🏔️

Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest)

Ascend to this iconic cliffside monastery perched 900m above Paro Valley, a spiritual pilgrimage site.

Especially magical during clear mornings, perfect for hikes and meditation overlooking the Himalayas.

🏰

Punakha Dzong

Explore this stunning fortress at the confluence of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, a winter residence for monks.

A blend of architectural splendor and serene courtyards that captivate cultural enthusiasts.

⛩️

Thimphu Tashichho Dzong

Admire the seat of Bhutan's government and central monastic body in this fortified monastery.

Festivals and rituals create a lively hub perfect for immersing in Bhutanese traditions.

🕌

Trongsa Dzong

Walk through this massive dzong ancestral home of Bhutan's royal family, overlooking the Mangde River.

Combining religious heritage with panoramic views in a historic setting.

🛕

Bumthang Jakar Dzong

Uncover ancient temples and valleys highlighting Bhutan's spiritual roots.

Less crowded, offering a peaceful alternative to western sites with local crafts.

🕍

Kyichu Lhakhang

Visit this 7th-century temple in Paro, one of Bhutan's oldest, symbolizing Buddhist origins.

Fascinating for those interested in ancient history and serene prayer wheels.

Natural Wonders & Outdoor Adventures

🏞️

Paro Valley Hikes

Trek through lush valleys and rice terraces, ideal for adventure seekers with trails to sacred sites.

Perfect for multi-day walks with scenic viewpoints and rhododendron forests.

⛰️

Dochu La Pass

Drive or hike to 3,100m elevation with 360-degree Himalayan views and prayer flags.

Spiritual spot for picnics and birdwatching with fresh mountain air year-round.

🦅

Gangtey National Park

Explore wetlands and black-necked crane habitats via nature trails, attracting photographers.

Serene area for wildlife spotting and cultural valley walks with diverse flora.

🌿

Bumthang Valley

Wander alpine meadows and hot springs near Jakar, perfect for easy hikes and family outings.

This central valley offers a quick nature escape with historic trails and farms.

🚤

Pho Chhu River Rafting

Raft along the river with stunning gorges and villages, ideal for water adventures.

Hidden gem for scenic floats and riverside meditation spots.

🌸

Chele La Pass

Discover high-altitude blooms and yaks with trekking routes in Paro region.

Ecological tours connecting to Bhutan's biodiversity and mountain heritage.

Bhutan by Region

🏔️ Western Bhutan

  • Best For: Iconic monasteries, valleys, and cultural immersion with sites like Paro and Thimphu.
  • Key Destinations: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Wangdue for dzongs and festivals.
  • Activities: Hiking to Tiger's Nest, dzong visits, archery sessions, and hot stone baths.
  • Best Time: Spring for rhododendrons (March-May) and autumn for clear skies (Sept-Nov), with mild 10-25°C weather.
  • Getting There: Fly into Paro Airport, with private transfers available via GetTransfer for guided tours.

🌄 Central Bhutan

  • Best For: Ancient heritage and spiritual valleys as Bhutan's cultural heart.
  • Key Destinations: Trongsa for dzongs, Bumthang for temples and crafts.
  • Activities: Valley walks, weaving demonstrations, local cheese tastings, and monastery hopping.
  • Best Time: Year-round, but summer (June-Aug) for festivals and fewer crowds with lush greenery.
  • Getting There: Paro Airport is the main hub - compare flights on Aviasales for best deals.

🗻 Eastern Bhutan

  • Best For: Remote landscapes and ethnic diversity, featuring rugged terrain.
  • Key Destinations: Mongar, Trashigang, and Samdrup Jongkhar for hill forts and markets.
  • Activities: Trekking, village homestays, tea plantation visits, and birdwatching in forests.
  • Best Time: Autumn for hikes (Sept-Nov) and spring for blooms (March-May), 5-20°C.
  • Getting There: Rent a car for flexibility in exploring remote roads and villages.

🌿 Southern Bhutan

  • Best For: Subtropical forests and wildlife with a gateway vibe.
  • Key Destinations: Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Royal Manas for parks and borders.
  • Activities: Jungle safaris, river crossings, ethnic dances, and nature reserves.
  • Best Time: Winter months (Dec-Feb) for milder heat, with warm 15-30°C and misty mornings.
  • Getting There: Overland from India via Phuentsholing, with guided transport essential.

Sample Bhutan Itineraries

🚀 7-Day Bhutan Highlights

Days 1-2: Thimphu

Arrive in Paro, transfer to Thimphu, explore Tashichho Dzong, visit the National Folk Heritage Museum, and experience giant Buddha views.

Days 3-4: Paro & Punakha

Drive to Punakha for dzong visits and river walks, then return to Paro for Tiger's Nest hike and local markets.

Days 5-6: Paro Valley

Explore Kyichu Lhakhang, farmhouses for cultural immersion, and archery demonstrations with scenic drives.

Day 7: Return to Paro

Final day in Paro for hot stone baths, last-minute crafts shopping, and departure, ensuring time for reflections.

🏞️ 10-Day Adventure Explorer

Days 1-2: Thimphu Immersion

Thimphu city tour covering dzongs, textile museums, traditional medicine institutes, and local food markets.

Days 3-4: Paro & Punakha

Paro for historic sites including Rinpung Dzong and archery, then Punakha for fortress visits and vibrant valleys.

Days 5-6: Dochu La & Wangdue

Pass viewpoints for prayer flags and hikes, then Wangdue for ruined dzong exploration and village walks.

Days 7-8: Gangtey Activities

Full nature adventure with Phobjikha valley treks, crane sanctuary visits, and stays in eco-lodges.

Days 9-10: Paro & Return

Paro relaxation with farm visits, hot stone baths, and scenic Chele La Pass before returning to Paro Airport.

🏙️ 14-Day Complete Bhutan

Days 1-3: Thimphu Deep Dive

Comprehensive Thimphu exploration including museums, food tours, memorial chortens, and government district visits.

Days 4-6: Western Circuit

Paro for monasteries and hikes, Punakha for dzongs and rivers, Wangdue for crafts and local immersion.

Days 7-9: Central Adventures

Trongsa dzong tours, Bumthang valley hikes, temple visits, and weaving experiences in scenic highlands.

Days 10-12: Eastern Glimpse & Gangtey

Drive to eastern edges for markets, followed by Gangtey for wetlands and nature trails.

Days 13-14: Southern & Paro Finale

Phuentsholing border area for wildlife, final Paro experiences with shopping before departure.

Top Activities & Experiences

🥾

Tiger's Nest Trek

Hike the challenging 4-5 hour trail to Paro Taktsang for breathtaking cliffside monastery views.

Available year-round with guided options offering spiritual insights and picnic spots.

🏹

Archery Sessions

Participate in Bhutan's national sport at ranges across valleys with local instructors.

Learn traditional techniques from expert archers during festive gatherings.

🛁

Hot Stone Baths

Relax in therapeutic herbal baths using heated river stones in rural farmhouses.

Experience ancient wellness rituals with guidance on medicinal herbs.

🚶

Valley Nature Walks

Explore Punakha and Bumthang paths with prayer wheels and village encounters.

Popular routes include rice fields and forests with easy terrain for all levels.

🪶

Birdwatching Tours

Spot over 700 species in Phobjikha and Manas parks with expert guides.

Rare sightings of cranes and pheasants with binoculars provided on tours.

🎭

Tsachu Festival Attendance

Immerse in masked dances and rituals at annual tshechu festivals in dzongs.

Many events offer cultural performances and blessings for immersive experiences.

Explore More Bhutan Guides