Thimphu
Above the Thimphu–Paro road at Serbithang, the Royal Botanical Garden is a little untidy but there are rock sculptures, water features, ornamental beds,…
Must-see attractions in Bhutan
Bhutan
Tharpaling Goemba was founded by the Tibetan Nyingma (Dzogchen) philosopher and saint Longchen Rabjampa (1308–63). It has several temples and the compound…
Thimphu
Below the post office, this small museum is dedicated to the history of the Bhutan postal service, from its earliest days (when messages were delivered…
Western Bhutan
This small temple sits high above Taktshang Goemba and can be visited if you are hiking in the area above that temple. You can also visit Yoselgang on the…
Western Bhutan
This quiet temple above Taktshang Goemba has an unusual set of four exterior protectors and an interior 3D mandala that you can climb via a series of…
Bhutan
Do Zam is a natural formation said to be the remains of a stone bridge (hence 'zam') that was built by a goddess trying to meet Guru Rinpoche, but…
Western Bhutan
Consecrated in 2014, this Buddhist college in the west of town offers education to around 70 students aged between six and 25 and has some fine murals in…
Western Bhutan
After a visit to Drukgyel Dzong, you can take a five-minute stroll from the parking area up to the small Choedu Goemba, which houses a statue of the blue…
Western Bhutan
About 11km below the Dochu La pass at Lamperi is the entrance to this 47-sq-km park. It's worth visiting between April and mid-June to view 38 out of…
Bhutan
This chorten containing a large water-driven prayer wheel marks the intersection between Jakar's main thoroughfare and the road that follows the Chamkhar…
Western Bhutan
A dirt road to this atmospheric but somewhat rundown monastery runs from the side road that leads to the Nak-Sel resort from near Kyichu Lhakhang. An easy…
Western Bhutan
This seldom-visited hilltop monastery could be the object of a short but steep hike if you want to get off the beaten track in the Paro valley. You may…
Paro
The tower-like Chhoeten Lhakhang is southeast of Paro's town square. The caretaker may allow you to visit the upstairs chapel, which features a central…
Bhutan
The lovely twin waterfall at Lehleygang demands a stop on the journey from Tingtibi to Panbang. There's a small picnic ground (look for capped langurs in…
Western Bhutan
Just below the trailhead parking for Taktshang Goemba is a white chorten and this small but charming temple that remains almost completely unvisited.
Paro
On the road at the foot of the Paro Dzong, beside the Ugyen Pelri Palace, are five square chortens that were built in memory of the first king of Bhutan,…
Paro
This small village temple is not high on most travellers' lists, but it's a pleasant enough place, on the west bank of the Paro Chhu near several tourist…
Eastern Bhutan
This large prayer wheel and the pedestal on which it spins sits in the centre of Trashigang's tiny town square, and doubles as a meeting point and taxi…
Bhutan
Dorji Bi Lhakhang sits above an ancient, large white chorten. From here a dirt road descends to Tamshing Lhakhang via the turn-off to Pema Sambhava…
Bhutan
More humble abode than stately palace, this is where the third king of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, was born in 1928. It's off-limits to visitors.
Thimphu
This riverside park is a popular hang-out for local youths, with a large golden Standing Buddha statue, and views up and down the Wang Chhu.
Bhutan
This crafts centre features around a dozen looms worked at by local women. There is a small attached shop selling woven cloth and textiles.
Bhutan
This busy little produce market with clanking prayer wheels is squeezed into a tight corner of the highway at the northern end of town.
Paro
Just past the turn-off to the Cheli La, on the west bank of the river in Bondey village, is this little-visited 400-year-old temple.
Bhutan
This chorten marks the spot where a Tibetan general's head was buried after the defeat of a 17th-century Tibetan invasion force.
Eastern Bhutan
The large prayer wheel under the clock tower usually shelters a few of Mongar's old-timers shooting the breeze.
Thimphu
Bhutan's handsome Supreme Court is a striking dzong-like building with towers topped by bright yellow roofs.
Western Bhutan
When the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong reopens you might find archery competitions at this practice ground.
Bhutan
This rock painting depicts Guru Rinpoche in the form of Dorji Drolo, astride a tiger.
Paro
The secluded wooded compound of the Ugyen Pelri Palace, built by the Paro penlop Tshering Penjor in the early 1900s, is now a residence of the Queen…
Western Bhutan
Got an hour to kill in Phuentsholing? Perhaps go and snooze with the sleepy marsh muggers and gharials at the Crocodile Breeding Centre, a 10-minute walk…
Thimphu
This handsome Bhutanese-style building, across the Wang Chhu from the Trashi Chho Dzong, was built in the 1990s for South Asian Association for Regional…
Bhutan
Now mostly in ruins, this stately old house was built by relatives of the second king of Bhutan. New buildings being erected around it will house the…
Bhutan Thailand Friendship Park
Thimphu
This small public park is of note for its Thai-style pavilion and the Droma Lhakhang, a small chapel dedicated to Tara, enshrining a large prayer wheel.
Eastern Bhutan
The forlorn clock tower, with one clock face telling the wrong time and three clock faces missing, overlooks the small park near the old part of town.
Western Bhutan
At the time of research this army base was the location for the Wangdue Phodrang tsechu in October, at least until the dzong is rebuilt.
Western Bhutan
This small and little-visited hillside retreat is a short walk from the Ugyen Phendeyling Resort.
