Thimphu and Paro, Bhutan’s two ‘cities’ are charming and great places to explore on foot. It is especially fascinating to watch traffic flow through the only manned crossing in the country in Thimphu – traffic lights do not exist in the nation. Punakha, Gangtey and other small towns are always near a major Dzong, and all Dzongs have fascinating festivals which showcase the country’s rich culture and traditions through masked dances, music, and other performances.

Bhutan is our planet’s ONLY carbon-negative country and experiencing its pristine rivers, mountains and valleys illustrates the reasons for it to remain so. Traditional arts, crafts, architecture, and customs are highly valued and promoted. Its distinctive architecture is mandated for all buildings in Thimphu and strongly encouraged elsewhere. 

The small city of Thimphu is set in the picturesque Thimphu Valley and surrounded by lush forests and dramatic mountains. Notable attractions include the Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the Bhutanese government and the King’s office, the National Memorial Chorten, a prominent Buddhist stupa, and the Buddha Dordenma, a massive 169-foot-tall Buddha statue overlooking the valley. Thimphu’s bustling weekend market showcases a wide array of local produce, textiles, and handicrafts.

Paro, a charming valley town, is home to some of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks. The main attraction is the stunning Paro Taktsang, or the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched on a cliffside 900 meters above the Paro Valley. Other attractions include the Paro Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery, the National Museum of Bhutan, and the annual Paro Tsechu festival, which showcases vibrant traditional dances and rituals.

Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers. Its mild climate and fertile land make it an agricultural hub, with terraced rice fields and colorful orchards dotting the landscape. The majestic Punakha Dzong, built in the 17th century, is considered one of the most beautiful dzongs in the country and serves as the winter residence for the Central Monastic Body. Nearby, the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a picturesque temple, offers stunning panoramic views of the valley.

Phobjikha Valley, a vast glacial valley in central Bhutan, is a nature lover’s paradise. The valley is most famous as the winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes, which migrate from the Tibetan Plateau every year. The Gangtey Monastery, an important center of Buddhist learning, is perched atop a hill overlooking the valley’s expansive wetlands and rolling hills. With its pristine landscapes and diverse flora and fauna, Phobjikha Valley makes for an unforgettable experience.

Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Divine Madman Temple or the Fertility Temple, is a small Buddhist monastery located near where the roads between Thimphu, Punakha, and Phobjikha Valley meet. The monastery is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, a 15th-century Tibetan Buddhist saint. Also known as the Divine Madman, he is credited with spreading Buddhism across Bhutan while also subduing demons with his “thunderbolt of wisdom,” symbolized by a phallus.