Places to Visit
Paro:
for visitors traveling by air, their trip to Bhutan begins and ends at Paro. It is a beautiful valley and one of the most populated areas in the kingdom. It has some of the holiest monasteries like Takshang and Kichu. The Drukgel Dzong (now in ruins), Rimpong Dzong and Taa Dzong (National Museum of Bhutan) are places of interest to visit. Visiting a typical Bhutanese Farm House will give you immense pleasure to know how Bhutanese live in close proximity with nature. On the north Mt.Jumolhari reigns in white glory and the glacier water from the “Five Sister” peaks converge to form the Paro Chu river. Mountain view from Chelela Pass would be one of the highlights of your Bhutan tour. From the pass, if the weather is clear, you will have breathtaking views of the Himalayan range.
Thimphu:
Two hours drive east from Para, lies the modern capital city of Bhutan ‘Thimphu’. It is perhaps the most unique capital city in the world that has strickly maintained its national character in its architecture. It has lot of things to offer you like the Simtokha Dzong, supposed to be the oldest Dzong, Tashichhodzong which houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan and head quarters of all the Ministries. It is also the summet residence of the Je-Khenpo (head abbot) and the Central Monk Body. Other places of interest are the Painting school, National Library, Indigenous Hospital, Dup-Thop and Chamilingthang Monasteries, Memorial Chorten, Handicrafts Emporium, Arts & Crafts center, Indigenous Paper factory, Post & Telegraph Office, the mini zoo for view of Takin (the national animal of Bhutan) and Sangaygang for Ariel view of Thimphu valley.
Punakha:
75 kms further east from Thimphu lies Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan and the winter home of Jee-Khenpo and the Central Monk Body. It has a temperate climate. Punakha Dzong, which is historically very important is built at the junction of two rivers Pho-Chu and Mo-Chu. Driving through the Dochula Pass alt. 3050 Mtrs., one can have a spectacular view of the Himalayan Range in a clear weather. The binocular at the cafeteria will further enable a closer view of the peaks.
Other places to visit would be Wangduephodrang, Gangtey Gompa, Trongsa and Bumthang, which lie further east.
Wangduephodrang:
A typical small Bhutanese town is 17 kms from Punakha.
Gangtey Gompa:
A small village at the edge of the Black Mountain range is the winter home of Black-Necked Crane, a rare species that migrate from the Tibetan plateau.
Trongsa:
Further east from Wangduephodrang lies Trongsa. Trongsa Dzong was built in 1648 and is the biggest Dzong in the country. It has been the traditional home of all four kings of Bhutan prior to their ascending the throne.
Bumthang:
Onwards to Bumthang, the drive is very interesting with a total change in scenery. Bumthang valley is a mine of cultural wealth, which accommodates holy monasteries like Kurje Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang, Thamsing and Kencho-Sum and also hosts one of most spectacular festivals known as the Jambay Lhakhang Drub.
