The capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu, is home to about 100,000 people. The Paro International Airport is a 1.5-hour drive from Thimphu, which was proclaimed the capital in 1961. Driving on Bhutan's first four-lane expressway as you enter the valley will take you directly into the center of town, crossing two flyover bridges en route. The city offers a great opportunity to experience Bhutanese culture, and many attractions are within walking distance.
Thimphu, situated along the Wang Chu River amidst weeping willows and rice terraces, offers a variety of attractions:
A short distance from Thimphu is the Royal Palace, home to members of the royal family, and beyond that, Tangu Cherry, one of the oldest lhakhangs in Bhutan, where monks practice meditation and levitation.
On the route from Thimphu to Punakha, travelers pass through Dochu-La Pass, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the 108 Druk Wangyal chortens.
Paro, home to Bhutan's only international airport, offers stunning aerial views upon arrival. The valley has historical and cultural significance and was a key hub for trade with Tibet.
Punakha, Bhutan’s former capital, lies at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. The Punakha Dzong, built in 1637, serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot). Punakha's fertile valley enjoys a mild climate, allowing fruit trees to flourish against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
Located south of Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang leads to central Bhutan. It is famous for:
Trongsa is Bhutan's central district and the ancestral home of the royal family. The Trongsa Dzong, a multi-leveled masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, dominates the valley. The district is known for the Trongsa Tsechu (festival), held between late November and mid-December.
Bumthang Valley, Bhutan's spiritual heartland, features numerous monasteries and sacred sites. Highlights include:
Eastern Bhutan offers unique cultures, languages, and handwoven textiles. Trashigang, located along the Sheri Chu River, is the largest district in the east. It serves as a junction for the east-west highway and the road north to Samdrup Jongkhar.
Trashi Yangtse, located 3.5 hours from Trashigang, is home to the eastern Black-Necked Cranes. It is famous for the Chorten Kora festival, which attracts Bhutanese and tribes from Arunachal Pradesh.
Phuentsholing is a border town adjacent to India (West Bengal, Jaigaon). The drive from Phuentsholing to Thimphu is a fascinating journey from tropical lowlands to higher elevations. The town serves as Bhutan’s entry and exit point for contemporary trade routes.