City: Bhutan
Top Things to do in Bhutan
Top 10 Things to do in Bhutan
Remote Bhutan first allowed the world a peek inside in 1974. With four millennia of habitation, the Himalayan kingdom offers a trove of archaeological treasures, including many ornate temples and dzong fortresses. Isolation has preserved the heavily Buddhist-influenced culture of the last Shangri-La.
Restaurants in Bhutan
1. Taktshang Goemba (Tiger's Nest)
Overall Ratings
5 based on 372 reviews
Reviewed By kalasubramanyam - Chennai (Madras), India
Visited this place with wonderful world friends group. It's was little bit strenuous for the knees. Climbed half the way up through pony and the other half by self. The last two Kms of coming down was difficult due to dehydration. Better equip yourself with lot of water and energy bar if you are above 60. Enjoyed the trip.took more than 8 hours for the trip but still it's worth.
2. Punakha Dzong
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By KetanforTravel - Mumbai, India
While you are crossing the bridge try to spot the fishes in the water below. Its a good walk inside the Dzong. Ensure that you go behind the main temple (further ahead of the washrooms) from where you can see the confluence of the rivers.
3. Dochula Pass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By atwin90frames - Mumbai, India
One of he highest passes in Bhutan and one that has a spectacular view on a clear day. The pictures are of flowers that grow there, this pass has a lot written on it which can be read on google. I will suggest one must eat rice, potato and cheese and daal at the restaurant which is situated at this pass
4. Tongsa Dzong
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By gumshoe7 - Johannesburg, South Africa
We really enjoyed visiting this dzong, it has a very authentic feeling to it. Among the dzongs we have seen (Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Trongsa, Jakar), it was our second favorite. Worth the trip even though at the time of this writing it was a real pain to get to Trongsa (road works in progress).
5. Haa Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By Kim025Singapore - Singapore
Haa is only opened to tourism in 2002 and remains relatively untouched by tourism. It is the western most district in Bhutan. It shares a western border with Tibet. When we went, it was a very hot day and we were glad to arrive at our lunch stop at Risum resort. However the salty food did not suit me and I ate alot of the fruits which we brought with us (bought in Thimphu weekend market). Finally we changed into our Kira in one of the rooms helped by the ladies at the restaurant. We took a driving tour through Haa small town and went to the White temple. We passed the green roof buildings which served as the Indian and Bhutanese army camp. The return journey to Paro took two hours and our driver was so skilful and alert, providing a safe journey without stopping for a rest at Chele La. Haa is relatively small in terms of population, not more than 15000 residents.
6. Gangtey Monastery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By Geminican - San Jose
On the second floor, there is a room about hunted witch or something like that, it's kind of creepy. it's not the same as other Dzong or temples in Bhutan. The stairs going to the second and third floors are very steep, not easy so be careful.
7. Taktsang Palphug Monastery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By fhartigan - Vatican City, Italy
You have to be in good shape to climb 6 kilometers up the mountain and do another 6 kilometers on the way down. Think of it as cardio, core training, weight loss, and spiritual enlightenment all in one activity. The view along the way is every changing and so beautiful. Tempature also changes significantly based on elevation and location of sun. Round-trip the hike will take you between 3 and 6 hours depending on physical condition. It's a comment but well worth the time and effort. My best part of visiting Bhutan.
8. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
Overall Ratings
5 based on 143 reviews
Reviewed By wildawai - Hong Kong, China
You begin the hike by strolling through the paddy fields and then you reach the prayer wheel, this is where the real hike begins. It's a steady hike uphill and if you are not physically fit you can still do it at a slower pace. The path is dusty and rocky for the first half of the hike and then after you reach the gate (most likely to keep the cows out) the path is paved. There are benches and prayer flags on the way up and also a beautiful pine forest. We hiked in December so the weather was perfect with the air temperature of around 13C.
The elevation of Punakha is only 1100m so the hike was a lot easier than Tiger's Nest. It took about an hour to walk up and less time to come down depending on your fitness level.
Once you reach the temple, you can sit under the bodhi tree and meditate or watch the monks on their phones. The monks also play music inside the temple when you walk in and climb up the three floors to view the inside. There are mural explaining buddhist teachings, statues of buddha and his disciples and manifestations of other forms. No photos are allowed inside any temples where shoes need to be removed.
The view from the top has breathtaking 360 views of the valley and you can spend quite some time up there.
9. Buddha Dordenma
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Laeeq A
Must visit if you are in Bhutan. The sheer size of the Buddha blows you away. And then if you are believer in Buddha, then even more better.
10. Kurje Lhakhang
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By GolakaNath - Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Since we had two days at Bumthang, we kept one day for seeing the local tourists attractions. The attractions include Bumthang Dzong (one of the steepest climb to reach the place), all monasteries/temples, Golden temple (a relatively new one), etc. We visited Kurje Lakhang and spent some time here. There were very few tourists here and we enjoyed the serene beauty of the place. few monks were praying at the Lakhang.
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