Paro
A 15-minute uphill hike (or short drive) above Tago village, just southeast of Paro, is the small Pelri Goemba, a rare Nyingmapa-school chapel that was…
Must-see attractions in Western Bhutan
Paro
This charming temple on the hillside above Paro actually predates Paro Dzong. Don't miss the meditation cave of Pha Drun Drung, the founder of the dzong…
Phobjikha Valley
South of Tabiting, the unpaved road down the west side of Phobjikha valley winds past Yusa village to this small but charming chapel, said to be the…
Western Bhutan
This monastery in the upper Haa valley is worth visiting, especially if you are heading on the Saga La trek. The charming upper chapels feature murals…
Western Bhutan
The Wangdue Phodrang Dzong (Wangdi) was founded by the Zhabdrung in 1638 atop a high ridge between the Punak Tsang Chhu and the Dang Chhu, clearly chosen…
Western Bhutan
This interesting but little-visited 400-year-old lhakhang on the north side of the valley has some interesting relics and is said to have been carved out…
Western Bhutan
Eleven kilometres north of Haa is this recently rebuilt local temple, one of several shrines dedicated to the valley's protective deity. Blue-faced App…
Western Bhutan
At night you'll see the Sangchen Choekor Shedra spotlit up high on the top of a hill on the north side of the valley. The shedra, a Buddhist college, is…
Western Bhutan
On the hillside below the Sangchen Choekor Shedra, the small Kuenga Choeling Goemba is normally closed to tourists. If you can get in, a magnifying glass…
Western Bhutan
The small and inconspicuous Satsam Chorten by the Zhiwa Ling hotel once marked no man's land between two rival penlops (governors; satsam means 'border')…
Western Bhutan
If you take the alternative hiking trail when leaving Taktshang Goemba, you will descend steeply from the back of the Ugyen Tshemo Lhakhang for 15 minutes…
Paro
Outside Paro Dzong, to the northeast of the entrance, is this stone-paved area where masked dancers perform the main dances of the Paro tsechu. A thondrol…
Western Bhutan
This charming centuries-old farmhouse is worth a quick stop. The 19th Druk Desi was born here in 1788, one of three to be born into the family, who have…
Western Bhutan
Haa's small dzong, known formally as Wangchuck Lo Dzong, is one of Bhutan's newest, built in 1915 to replace a smaller structure. It is inside the Indian…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
Western Bhutan
When the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong reopens you might find archery competitions at this practice ground.
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…
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.
