Bhutan is a picturesque Buddhist kingdom located on the eastern edge of the Himalayas. Bhutan is also interestingly known as the land of the “Thunder Dragon.” Bhutan offers one of the most dramatic landscapes in the world, from subtropical plains to steep mountainous regions and deep valleys; it’s no surprise then that Bhutan’s international airport has one of the most challenging runways to land aircraft.

The top cities to visit in Bhutan are Paro, Punakha, Phuentsholing, and Thimphu or if you’re looking for someplace different, you can also explore offbeat locations in Bhutan.

BEST TIME TO VISIT BHUTAN

An ideal time to visit Bhutan is during its summer months when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear. Plan your trip to Bhutan in the months of March to May to witness the pretty flowers of Bhutan flooding its valleys. October is ideal for trekking in Bhutan. 

Rinpung Dzong Paro

TOP 4 CITIES TO VISIT IN BHUTAN

PARO:  The historic town of Paro has a number of monasteries and museums but is well-known for the cliff-clinging Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). It also has the only airport. 

Places to visit in Paro: National Museum of Bhutan, Rinpung Dzong, Drukgyel Dzong, Tachogang Lhakhang, Royal textile Academy of Bhutan, and Folk Heritage Museum.

PUNAKHA: Among the many images that represent Bhutan, you would have come across the picture of the 17th-century fortress located at the juncture of the Pho and Mo Chhu river. The Punakha Dzong was built in 1637 and now houses the government offices and a monastery. There are many astonishing architectural structures in Punakha that make it worthwhile to visit this city. 

Places to visit in Punakha: Chimi Lhakhang, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Jigme Dorji National Park, Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery, and Punakha Suspension Bridge.

PHUENTSHOLING: This border town serves as the point of entry from Siliguri and Kolkata. It also serves as a vital trading center for the Bhutanese, Indians, and Nepalese.  

Places to visit in Phuentsholing: Bhutan Gate, Karbandi Monastery, Zangto Pelri Lhakhang, and Amo Chhu Crocodile breeding center.  

THIMPHU

Thimphu is one of the largest cities in Bhutan and lies in the western part of Bhutan. It is also the capital city of Bhutan, and hence, serves as the administrative seat of Bhutan. What makes Thimphu one of the most interesting cities in Bhutan is the wonderful juxtaposition of ancient tradition and modernity found within it: monasteries and traditional houses stand alongside modern shopping complexes and nightclubs.