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's 46 species of rhododendron or spot some of the 220 species of birds.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
8.51 MILES
Punakha Dzong is arguably the most beautiful dzong in the country, especially in spring when the lilac-coloured jacaranda trees bring a lush sensuality to…
7.34 MILES
This splendid dzong, north of the city on the west bank of the Wang Chhu, dominates the valley, looking out over a cascade of terraced fields. It's…
23.97 MILES
The 'Tiger's Nest Monastery' is one of the Himalaya's most incredible sights, miraculously perched on the side of a sheer cliff 900m above the floor of…
23.64 MILES
Kyichu Lhakhang is one of Bhutan's oldest and most beautiful temples. The main chapel has roots as far back as the 7th century, with additional buildings…
8.01 MILES
This traditional Bhutanese temple perched like a fortress on a ridge above central Thimphu hums with pilgrim activity. It was established in the 12th…
7.44 MILES
Thimphu's best museum is part of the Royal Textile Academy. It features a stunning display of ancient and modern textiles, and explores the rich…
21 MILES
Paro Dzong ranks as a high point of Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley,…
6.97 MILES
About 5km south of Thimphu on the old road to Paro and Phuentsholing, the handsomely proportioned Simtokha Dzong was built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang…
Nearby Western Bhutan attractions
1.11 MILES
This temple crowning a hillock next to the Dochu La is well worth a visit to view its upper-floor cartoon-style modern murals. Images include the fourth…
2. Choki Traditional Art School
6.62 MILES
This charitable school trains disadvantaged children in the traditional arts of painting, sculpture and carving. It's in the village of Kabisa, 2km up the…
6.76 MILES
Founded in the early 16th century, this riverside monastery complex houses Bhutan's most important college for traditional astrology. Zhabdrung Ngawang…
4. Sangchen Dorji Lhendrub Choling Nunnery
6.96 MILES
Above Wolakha on the way to Drolay Goemba is this thriving nunnery, which was financed by the fourth king's father-in-law to serve as a Buddhist college…
6.97 MILES
About 5km south of Thimphu on the old road to Paro and Phuentsholing, the handsomely proportioned Simtokha Dzong was built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang…
6. Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory
7.09 MILES
This small factory produces traditional Bhutanese paper handmade from the bark of the daphne bush. You can see the whole process, from soaking and boiling…
7.15 MILES
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…
7.21 MILES
Thimphu's Weekend Market fills a maze-like pavilion on the west bank of the Wang Chhu, just north of Changlimithang Stadium. Vendors from throughout the…