Bhutan, also known as the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon‘, is situated in the Himalayan Mountains. Its capital city, Thimphu, is an important administrative centre and cultural centre and is equipped with all the modern facilities and infrastructure that one would expect from a major city. Most of the country’s population, which are the “Gross National Happiness” people, are Buddhist. You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for the best places in Bhutan to visit. Here is a compiled list of ten amazing Bhutan travel destinations you won’t want to miss.

Number 10.  Drukgyel Dzong Ruins

In the Paro district, Drukgyel Dzong is a remnant of a once-mighty fortress. UNESCO inscribed Drukgyel Dzong as a World Heritage Site for its cultural and historical significance. The former fortress was built in 1649, and it stood proudly here for 300 years until a devastating fire destroyed it in 1951. As contrast to the intact palaces of Bhutan today, the remnants of the walls and watchtowers provide a hauntingly beautiful sight. Seeing Drukgyel Dzong Ruins and Tiger’s Nest on the same trip is easy since they are so close together.

Number 9. Trongsa

Trongsa is a small town located in central Bhutan, 200 kilometres from Thimphu, the capital. Several palaces and a compelling heritage museum can be found in this town that showcases traditional Bhutanese architecture. Trongsa Dzong, the historical seat of Bhutan’s kings, is an excellent place to start a trip to Trongsa. Explore the courtyards and admire the stunning architecture and ornaments of this 17th-century complex. Trongsa Dzong still functions as a monastery. The Royal Heritage Museum is another eye-catcher in this ancient town. The institute is located in the brilliant 17th-century Tower of Trongsa and hosts exhibitions on Bhutan’s legendary kings and Buddhism. Trongsa and the lush valley it’s located in can be viewed from the viewing point.

Number 8. Druk Path

Legendary peaks and mammoth hiking trails can be found in Bhutan. If you don’t have much time, this 54-kilometer route is a relatively compact alternative to monster trails like the Snowman Trek. Druk Path Trek only lasts 7 days, but the different altitudes and landscapes make the journey fascinating and diverse. Through forests and over mountain passes, the route meanders between Paro and Thimphu. The trail will take you through vibrant flower fields, past herds of yaks, and past crystal-clear alpine lakes. On parts of the track, you can see giant snow-capped mountains like Jichu Drake and Gangkar Puensum.

Number 7. Royal Manas National Park

In 1966, Bhutan established its first national park, Royal Manas National Park. Bhutan’s biodiversity is exhibited in this vast reserve in the south of the country, which is home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna. A hike or wildlife safari are the best ways to explore Royal Manas National Park. Keep an eye on the treeline, where elusive hornbills and eagles might appear at any moment. Other wildlife in this 1057 square kilometre park includes Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, rhinos and cobras. Perhaps one of the most enjoyable ways to navigate through Royal Manas National Park is via a boat trip, during which you might get a glimpse of the extraordinarily rare Gangetic dolphin.

Number 6. Punakha Suspension Bridge

The Punakha Suspension Bridge spans the Puna Tsang Chu river and is a marvel of engineering. The suspension bridge at Punakha is one of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridges and offers some of the most breathtaking views. The Puna Tsang Chu river flows underneath Punakha Suspension Bridge, while the hills of central Bhutan are visible all around. Punakha Suspension Bridge is only a few steps away from Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century fortified palace. Even though Punakha Suspension Bridge is only 80 kilometres away from Thimphu, the winding roads take more than two hours to traverse.

Number 5. Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)

There is a good chance that Paro Taktsang will be featured on the cover of any brochure that promotes Bhutan tourism. For valid reasons, this Buddhist monastery is one of the most significant and iconic cultural landmarks in the world. In a green valley and surrounded by rugged mountain peaks, Paro Taktsang, nicknamed the Tiger’s Nest, is stunningly draped over a rock outcrop. Within this stunning complex, you’ll be able to visit praying halls, shrines, and four caves used as living and meditation spaces for monks. Although the Tiger’s Nest was wholly destroyed by a fire in 1998, the cloister has been restored beautifully, keeping its original appeal alive.

Number 4. Dochula Pass

Dochula Pass combines spectacular views with a deeply religious significance. At an altitude of 3100 metres, this alpine passageway lies just 20 kilometres east of Thimphu. Stop here for an impressive visit to the Druk Wangyal Chortens, a total of 108 stupas on the top of this mountain pass. There are 108 stupas in memory of the 108 Bhutanese soldiers who died in the war with India in 2003, which are accessible by the walkway. Classic Bhutanese architecture can be enjoyed at the Druk Wangyel Monastery across the stupa collection. Close inspection reveals delicate gold leaf details and windows with hand-carved decorations.

Number 3. Jigme Dorji National Park

Located on the border with Tibet, this protected reserve measures over 4300 square kilometres. Jigme Dorji National Park offers a wide range of sub-climates and landscapes, including imposing peaks of the Eastern Himalayas and rainforests. Several small communities exist in the area where crop farmers and animal farmers make their living. Some of the activities in Jigme Dorji are forest trekking, wildlife safaris, and hiking amidst alpine scenery.

Number 2. Mount Jomolhari 

Bhutan has some striking summits, and Mount Jomolhari is one of them. On the border with Tibet, this mountain rises 7326 meters above sea level and can be seen from a distance. For hiking enthusiasts, it is the holy grail. It is absolutely necessary to have hiking experience in an alpine environment since the entire trek takes at least a week and oxygen levels are very low. Several routes are available, including the Jomolhari Loop Trek, the Jomolhari Base Camp Trek, and the Jomolhari Trek. It takes hikers 10 days to reach an altitude of 5000 meters on the Jomolhari Trek. At Gunitsawa, the Loop Track begins and takes 7 days to complete.

Number 1. Thimphu

Bhutan’s largest and most populated city, Thimphu, is your first stop on your South Asian adventure. In the western part of Bhutan, Thimphu lies in a valley surrounded by rolling hills. Historical complexes serve as both fortresses and monasteries in the city and are typical of Bhutan. There are a number of 12th-century paintings and admirable monastery buildings at Dechen Phodrang Monastery, which should not be missed. Also worth a visit is the Chagri Dorjeden Monastery, built on a hillside just north of Thimphu.