​5 Best Places to Visit in Bhutan: The Ultimate Kingdom Guide

 Squeezed between India and China, Bhutan evaluates the progress of its nation by its “Gross National Happiness” not GDP. It is a realm of lush pine forests, cliff-hanging monasteries and fluttering prayer flags set against the roaring Himalayan wind.

1. Paro: The Iconic Gateway and Cliffside Wonder

Paro is where most visitors arrive, and from there, expectations are set. The lush landscape, consisting of paddy fields and traditional painted houses, offers one of the most iconic sights in the country: Paro Taktsang. This temple, perched precariously on a 3,120m-high rock, requires a four- to five-hour uphill trek through forests of blue pine and rhododendron. But there are other attractions as well: Rinpung Dzong, a great fortress overlooking the river with delicate timber-work and sturdy stone buttresses.

​2. Thimphu: The Traffic-Light-Free Capital

​There are only a handful of national capitals in the world that do not have a single traffic light. The couple of times Thimphu tried to introduce traffic lights, the backlash was so severe that the traffic police were brought back. Ancient tradition rubs shoulders here with modern youth culture. Look up at the gargantuan 52-metre Buddha Dordenma statue that overlooks the valley. Watch monks debate outside the towering Tashichho Dzong fortress. And visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where apprentices can spend years studying the kingdom’s 13 traditional arts.

​3. Punakha: The Warmer Valley of Royal Fortresses

Scenic Dochula Pass, shrouded in clouds, with its 108 chortens and spectacular Himalayan vistas, drops you into the subtropical valley of Punakha. Where the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers meet, Punakha Dzong is considered to be Bhutan’s most beautiful dzong. In springtime, bright purple jacaranda flowers bloom next to its immaculate white walls. The short walk along the rice fields from the dzong leads to Chimi Lhakhang, the famous fertility temple that was erected in memory of the colourful Saint, Drukpa Kunley.

​4. Phobjikha Valley: Glacial Meadows and Sacred Cranes

For true serenity and unadulterated alpine splendour, make your way to the broad, U-shaped glacial valley of Phobjikha. The terrain here is dramatically different from the deeply incised gorges found throughout the country, as long, undulating, treeless meadows stretch out before you, backed by thick woodland. Perched on the edge of the valley, atop a high ridge, is the 17th-century Gangtey Monastery. From the last week of October until about mid-February each year, the valley becomes home to hundreds of migrating black-necked cranes that fly in from Tibet’s plateau, and which are honoured with their own annual festival.

​5. Bumthang: The Spiritual Heartland

Bumthang consists of four valleys, namely Chokhor, Tang, Ura and Chumey, and is considered the heart of Bhutanese Buddhism. It has the highest number of historic temples and holy relics (chortens) including Jambay Lhakhang built in the 7th century and Kurjey Lhakhang, which contains Guru Rinpoche’s body imprints in a cave wall. Bumthang is famous for its artisanal products such as red-rice buckwheat noodles, honey, craft beer and Yathra.