The Kingdom of Bhutan has adopted a very cautious approach to tourism in an effort to avoid the negative impacts of tourism on the country’s culture and environment. All tourists must travel on a pre-planned, pre-paid, guided package tour making independent traveling highly unlikely. The package rate is fixed and controlled by the Government and is followed by all travel agents.

Thimpu

The capital city of Thimpu located at the broad fertile valley of the Wang Chu river. Thimpu currently has a population of over 34,000 people. At the entrance to the valley you will be able to see Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan’s most ancient fortress. This was the country’s first official centre of social and religious education. As Bhutan is well known for the preservation of its culture the Tashichho Dzong (” Fortress of the Glorious Religion”), is still standing strong in the valley.

Another landmark located at Thimpu is the gold topped Stupa which was built in honour of the Late King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

WESTERN BHUTAN

Paro

The only airport in Bhutan is located in Paro. This valley is one of the most populated areas in the country. The valley a whole lot of attractions and would definitely require a few days to be fully explored. The elegant and perfectly symmetrical Rinpung Dzong looks after the religious and secular activities in the valley. And behind it, on a high hillside is the castle shaped Ta Dzong. This watch tower was built in 1651 in order to protect to Bhutan from Tibetan invasions. Since 1967, Dzong has housed the National Museum. The building was built in 1656 and there is a specific route visitors should follow and cameras are not allowed in the museum.

Kyichu Lhakang

A short distance away from Paro is Kyichu Lhakang. This temple was built in 659 and it’s the oldest and most stunning temple. This should be on your list for your trip around Paro.

Punakha

Punakha was the capital of Bhutan until 1955.Punakha Dzong is home to the Central Monk Body and the Je Khenpo (the spiritual leader) during the winter months. Punakha’s climate and warm temperature makes the valley one of the most fertile in Bhutan. And interesting fact about Punakha is althought four unfortunate fires and a earthquake destroyed many aritifacts and documents, it still house sacred artifacts and also the body of Shabrung Ngawang.
Punakha served as a capital of Bhutan till 1955. The Dzong is one of the most spectacular dzongs in the country situated at the joining of the two rivers.

Wangdue Phodrang

Located just before Central Bhutan and sitting on the top of a hill the formidable Dzong is the town’s most visible features. The road from Wangdue to Trongsa is one of the most breath taking experience ever.. A few kilometers past the Gompa is the village of Phobjikha which host home to the Black Necked Cranes who migrate to Bhutan from Central Asia to pass the winters in a lower climates.

CENTRAL BHUTAN

Bumthang Dzongkhag

Over here is the location of the active and important temple complex which is called Kurjey Lhakang. When you are about to enter the complex you can see three large lhakhangs against the hillside on the right. The are a few places you can visit here such the Guru Lhakhang temple, Sampa Lhundrup Lhakhang temple and the Khurjey Drupchu which is a sarced spring.

EASTERN BHUTAN

Eastern Bhutan is home to one of the liveliest and wonderful twon which is Trashigang. It is a good base for excursions to other places like Khaling, Radi, Phongme and other places of eastern Bhutan. A place to stay would be hard to find but there is a variety of restaurants where you can eat from and also bars.