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Bhutan

Bhutan is no ordinary place. It's the last great Himalayan kingdom, shrouded in mystery and magic, where a traditional Buddhist culture carefully embraces global developments.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions for your itinerary

Punakha Dzong
Western Bhutan
Punakha Dzong is arguably the most beautiful dzong in the country, especially in spring when the lilac-coloured jacaranda trees bring a lush sensuality to…
Trashi Chho Dzong
Thimphu
This splendid dzong, north of the city on the west bank of the Wang Chhu, dominates the valley, looking out over a cascade of terraced fields. It's…
Taktshang Goemba
Western Bhutan
The 'Tiger's Nest Monastery' is one of the Himalaya's most incredible sights, miraculously perched on the side of a sheer cliff 900m above the floor of…
Trongsa Dzong
Bhutan
This commanding dzong, high above the roaring Mangde Chhu, is perhaps the most spectacularly sited dzong in Bhutan, with a sheer drop to the south that…
Kyichu Lhakhang
Western Bhutan
Kyichu Lhakhang is one of Bhutan's oldest and most beautiful temples. The main chapel has roots as far back as the 7th century, with additional buildings…
Changangkha Lhakhang
Thimphu
This traditional Bhutanese temple perched like a fortress on a ridge above central Thimphu hums with pilgrim activity. It was established in the 12th…
National Textile Museum
Thimphu
Thimphu's best museum is part of the Royal Textile Academy. It features a stunning display of ancient and modern textiles, and explores the rich…
Paro Dzong
Paro
Paro Dzong ranks as a high point of Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley,…

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Attractions

Top picks from our travel experts

12 best things to do in Bhutan

Curated by Bradley Mayhew

Dzongdrakha Goemba
Western Bhutan
The visually splendid but little-visited cliffside retreat of Dzongdrakha Goemba is one of several local sites where Guru Rinpoche did battle with local…
Paro Dzong
Paro
Paro Dzong ranks as a high point of Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley,…
Mojo Park
Thimphu
Thimphu's premier live-music venue and bar, strong on blues, rock and reggae, and friendly to boot. Beers on tap include Amber Ale and Dragon Stout from…
Changangkha Lhakhang
Thimphu
This traditional Bhutanese temple perched like a fortress on a ridge above central Thimphu hums with pilgrim activity. It was established in the 12th…
National Institute of Traditional Medicine
Thimphu
Established in 1978, this institute collects medicinal plants from remote corners of the Bhutanese Himalaya, and distributes pills, ointments and…
Termalinca Resort & Spa
Thimphu
Perched beside a peaceful stretch of the Wang Chhu, about 7km south of Thimphu, Termalinca packs a lot of comfort into its stone and timber buildings…
Sephub Gyeltsen Tsongkhang
Thimphu
This is one of Thimphu's best cloth and clothing stores, with ready-made ghos (traditional dress for men) costing from Nu 2000 and kiras (traditional…
Space 34
Thimphu
A lively basement club (entry Nu 300 to 350), with live music and thumping electro beats courtesy of local DJs. It's downstairs in the same building as…
Changlimithang Archery Ground
Thimphu
Most days of the week you'll find arrows flying at the city's most important archery ground, just down from Changlimithang Stadium. Teams compete to hit…
Chumphu Ney
Western Bhutan
For a fabulous trip into the dreamlike miracle world of Bhutan's sacred geography, budget a day for a hike up to one of Bhutan’s most famous ney (sacred…
Taktshang Goemba
Western Bhutan
The 'Tiger's Nest Monastery' is one of the Himalaya's most incredible sights, miraculously perched on the side of a sheer cliff 900m above the floor of…