Bhutan is one amazing country. Picking up five best places to visit in Bhutan is not an easy task.
Nonetheless, below are our top five places in Bhutan which you must not miss !!
Table of Contents
Tiger's Nest Monastery - most photographed place in Bhutan
Tiger’s Nest is Bhutan’s most sacred religious site and one of the must places to visit in Bhutan. Also known as Paro Taktsang, Tiger’s Nest is a beautiful Monastery hung 900 meters above on a cliff overlooking the spectacular Paro Valley. As legend has it, Guru Rinpoche flew to this site on a Tigress’ back to subdue local demons after which he meditated there for months. Guru Rinpoche is said to be the second Buddha and the one to introduce Buddhism to Bhutan.
Tiger’s Nest is located 10kms north of the beautiful valley of Paro. Hence Paro is the perfect base for the Trek.There are a number of hotels in Paro available at reasonable prices although we would suggest to look for hotels at the foothills of Tiger’s Nest. The sight of the monastery from below, early in the morning is beyond beautiful.
Haa Valley - Bhutan's best kept secret
One of the most beautiful valleys of Bhutan and our favourite pick has to be the Haa Valley. Approximately 65kms from Paro, this beautiful hamlet is Bhutan’s best kept secret.
# Getting there
Thimphu – Haa Valley
✓ Approximately 100kms
✓ There are local busses that ply from Thimphu to Haa
Paro – Haa Valley
✓ Around 65kms from Haa, Paro is the nearest town
✓ Most convenient way is to hire a private cab from Paro
✓ The route to Haa from Paro is via Chele La Pass – The highest motorable pass
in Bhutan
# Discovering Haa
- The Valley is very close to the disputed Indo China Border in Doklam and hence was closed for tourists till 2002. It was made available for the public in 2002. Not many people know of it, as a place to be included in their Itinerary.
- Since not many tourists visit Haa Valley, the place is still an untouched natural beauty. It is here where nature looks its Incredible best.
- One must visit Haa to embrace the magical view of the vast grassland, pristine alpine forests and majestic mountain peaks. Soaking in the untainted air, listening to the sound of river flowing, the serenity of the unending landscape, Haa is rejuvenating and relaxing.
- The valley adorns some Steller Buddhist ancient architecture and is rich in culture and tradition.
- There are numerous ancient Buddhist temple around which makes the valley ideal for hiking. Few hike options are Yangthang – Hatey Hike, Bjungneydra – Kat – Sho
Gonpa Hike, Jyenkhakha – Jamtey Gonpa – Yangthang Gonpa Hike
# Our experience
One of the most beautiful places to visit in Bhutan – Haa Valley has been our favourite. Lack of crowd, its remoteness, rivers flowing, vast grasslands, majestic mountains, untainted air, undoubtedly makes it the hidden jewel of Bhutan.
River rafting at Punakha, Bhutan
If out of all the genres of travel, adventure is your true love, do not miss rafting in Punakha.
Imagine yourself flowing with the current, all drenched while watching few rare birds in their most natural habitat along with the beautiful punakha valley at the backdrop. White water rafting is a different experience altogether. Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers in Punakha are famous for river rafting in Bhutan.
# Rafting in Pho Chu and Mo Chu
- Pho Chu River has a 16km long course while Mo Chu has around 10-12kms long course
- Pho Chu is termed as the ‘Male river’ and is said to be violent in comparison to Mo Chu i.e. the ‘Female river’, However both the rivers pass through the same geographical terrain and hence are almost the same in terms of rapids and strength except for the length of the course
- A little or No experience is required for rafting on these rivers as there are certified experts who would guide you through out the course. Specific instructions are given before riding the boat and off you go for an amazing adventure.
- The most memorable part of the course is the point where you can see the Punakha Dzong from the river. The Dzong looks beautiful at the backdrop while rafting across.
- Also, if you are lucky, Birds like White Belled Heron and Kingfishers can be spotted in their most natural habitat.
# Our experience
• Bhutan is peace redefined. Even while rafting across gushing water, the beauty along the river bed never fails to amaze you. Kids playing on the river banks, Prayer flags flying at a distant land, Mountain peaks peeking over forest tops, this instant connect with nature takes you to a different world.
• White water rafting was one amazing experience because it was a perfect blend of adventure and nature.
Dochula Pass
Mountain passes are always beautiful because altitude nurtures tranquillity. Located at an elevation of 3100m, Dochula pass is a tale of bravery, valour, inspiration and spirituality.
# All about Dochula Pass
• This beautiful mountain pass is located on the way to Punakha from Thimphu and one of the most divine places to visit in Bhutan.
• It is approximately 20 kms from Thimphu and 65 kms from Punakha.
• It was built in commemoration of 108 Bhutanese soldiers who passed away in military operations of 2003.
• There are 108 memorial Chorten or stupas built in remembrance of every lost soul.
• The hills are decorated with colourful prayer flags which gives it a sacred vibe.
• There is a temple – Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, just opposite to the Dochula pass and a small restaurant nearby to offer you food with a view.
• The temperature here remains cold throughout due to the altitude. A visit during winters would mean a magnificent view of snow-capped mountains at the backdrop.
# What makes Dochula divine : Our experience
Walk up to the white painted chortens and you’ll see many Bhutanese families with picnic baskets enjoying a day out. Children playing hide and seek, adults spending time together.
Climb the small hillock on which the chortens are built and turn back to admire the magnificent Himalayan Ranges. The settling of the cloud, the rising of the mountain peaks above horizon, the sunlight and the fog dancing around the valley, a lifetime is less to admire this very sight.
Take a breath and walk upwards to the summit of this small hillock. The ambience around makes you to sit and ponder, how humans and mother nature co-exist. The making of the 108 memorial chortens in the lap of natural beauty is a reminiscence of a war but a symbol of sacrifice, courage and Valour.
A stopover of an hour on your way to Punakha is the least that this place deserves. Remember the sacrifices people make for mankind, talk to the children playing around, sit and relax, hangout for a cup of tea at the restaurant nearby to admire the beauty that this place has to offer.
Chele la Pass - highest motorable place to visit in Bhutan
Standing on the highest possible road in Bhutan wrapped in clouds and prayer flags, Chele La is enthralling. Located at an altitude of 3810m, Chele la links the two Valleys of Paro and Haa.
# Exploring Chele la
• Approximately 36kms from Paro and 27kms from Haa, Chele La is situated in between the two valleys.
• Because of its altitude, natural trail through forests with a view of Himalayas , Chele la is famous for Mountain Biking and Trekking in Bhutan.
• The drive to Chele La is through dense spruce forests. Depending on the season of visit, one may come across gushing waterfalls, blooming rhododendrons and yaks grazing.
• The mountain slopes on the way to Chele La are covered in white poppy – a type of flower only found here and nowhere else in the world.
• Temperature at the Top is pretty cold and staying long becomes difficult due to the altitude. Summers are chilling but clear and winters are blood freezing cold.
• One a clear day, one can view Mt. Jumolhari – one of Bhutan’s most sacred peak, standing tall at 22,000 ft.
# Our experience
• Thriving flora and fauna, picturesque surrounding, the trail through beautiful forests, the altitude and the view of the Himalayan Ranges makes Chele La, a trekker’s paradise. Put on your trekking shoes if you want a Himalayan Getaway in a short span of time.
• Although staying at the top is difficult due to the altitude, the view of the Snow-capped mountains make every moment spent worth the while.
While every nook and corner of this mystical country amazed us, the above 5 were our favorite picks. If you are planning, don’t forget to include these amazing places to visit in Bhutan
Read our A week in Bhutan- an all inclusive Itinerary to plan an amazing trip all by yourself !!
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