7 Best Cities to Visit in Bhutan For Your 2025 Bhutan Tours

Bhutan is an exotic and mysterious kingdom nestled in the Himalayas. Despite its small size, Bhutan is packed with a wide diversity of amazing places to explore.

To help you plan your journey, here are the seven best cities to visit in Bhutan. Discover the top things to do in each city and choose your favorites for your 2025 journey to Bhutan.

Paro: The Getaway City with All Flights to Bhutan

Paro is the gateway city for all travelers flying to Bhutan, as the Paro International Airport is the only airport that arranges international flights to Bhutan.

As the major city in western Bhutan, Paro welcomes visitors with amazing scenery of lush green mountains and a peaceful river valley.

It is suggested to plan a Paro Bhutan tour in at least 2 days a great introduction to Bhutanese culture. The city has ancient monasteries, museums, and great local cuisine.

What to See in Paro

Tiger’s Nest Monastery is the most iconic site in Bhutan. The ancient site is perched on a cliff 3,120 meters above sea level. It takes 3-4 hours to hike up to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, and you can enjoy stunning views of the valley from scenic viewpoints along the way.

Paro Dzong is a stunning fortress monastery that serves as a monastic institution and administrative center for the Paro District. Built in 1644 and perched above the Paro River, it is a testament to Bhutanese architecture.

The National Museum of Bhutan is located in the old watchtower above Paro Dzong. Its collection showcases Bhutanese heritage. You can learn about the kingdom’s rich traditions by seeing over 3,000 works of art, including ancient weapons, thangka paintings, textiles, ritual objects, traditional masks, and natural history specimens.

The Paro Tshechu Festival is held in spring and is one of the most important religious festivals in Bhutan. It lasts five days and takes place in the courtyard of Paro Dzong. In addition to authentic food and folk performances, the highlight of the festival is the cham masked dances that retell religious stories.

Thimphu: The Capital City of Bhutan

Thimphu is the capital and largest city of Bhutan. Its bustling city culture is a blend of tradition and modernity and the economic and cultural hub of the country. If you’re traveling from Paro, it takes 1.5 hours to drive the 55km between the cities. It’s worth spending 2-3 days exploring the sites of Thimphu and experiencing the vibrant city culture.

What to See in Thimphu

Tashichho Dzong is the majestic fortress monastery located on the city's western edge. Sitting on the banks of the Wang Chhu River, it’s a vital structure for religious and administrative life. Built in 1641, it’s a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture with massive whitewashed walls and intricate decorations. Today, it houses the offices of the King, Prime Minister, and key government ministries.

Buddha Dordenma is a colossal statue of Shakyamuni Buddha that majestically overlooks the southern entrance of Thimphu Valley. It is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, standing at a height of 54 meters. Built of bronze and gilded in gold, inside the Buddha Dordenma are 125,000 smaller Buddha statues.

The National Memorial Chorten is one of Thimphu's most prominent religious landmarks. It is a beautiful whitewashed structure, crowned with a golden spire and surrounded by prayer wheels. Inside, it contains a rich collection of Buddhist statues, paintings, and mandalas that represent one of the main schools of Bhutanese Buddhism.

The Thimphu Tshechu is one of the largest religious festivals in the country. Held in the autumn to commemorate the life and teachings of Guru Rinpoche over three days of celebrations and entertainment. The heart of the festival is the cham dances, and its main highlight is the unveiling of a sacred Thongdrel. Just seeing the giant embroidered thangka is believed to cleanse the viewer of sins.

Punakha: The Ancient Capital of Bhutan with the Most Beautiful Dzong

Punakha is the ancient capital of Bhutan, located three hours away from Thimphu. It remains one of the most scenic and spiritually important cities in the country. Most tourists will visit Punakha on their first-time Bhutan tour. You can spend one day enjoying Punakha’s mild climate and relaxed pace while enjoying the natural scenery of fertile valleys and pristine rivers.

What to See in Punakha

Punakha Dzong is considered to be the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan. It’s known as the Palace of Great Happiness and stands as the second oldest and largest in the country. Built on the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, it has seen many historic events over its 400-year history.

Chimi Lhakhang is a small and revered Buddhist monastery originally built in 1499. It’s often called the Fertile Temple and dedicated to one of Bhutan’s most beloved saints. It’s visited by couples who come to pray for children. Inside, you can see statues of Lama Drukpa Kunley and other sacred artifacts and be blessed by a caretaker monk.

Dochula Pass is a scenic and spiritual mountain pass located 3,100 above sea level along the route between Thimphu and Punakha. You can see breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of the eastern Himalayas and visit the 108 memorial chortens.

The Punakha Tshechu Festival is held in February or March to commemorate the life and teachings of Guru Rinpoche. Its most anticipated event is the unfurling of the Thongdrel that brings blessing to viewers. You can also enjoy great food and the masked cham dances iconic in Bhutan culture.

Wangdue Phodrang: Home to the Scenic Phobjikha Valley

Wangdue Phodrang is adjacent to Punakha and about two hours away from the scenic Phobjikha Valley. It is a picturesque district and gateway to one of the best places to see Bhutan’s vibrant ecology.

Generally, a trip to Wangdue Phodrang takes 1-2 days, during which you can take in the sights and immerse yourself in the natural wonders.

What to see in Wangdue Phodrang

The Phobjikha Valley is nestled on the western slopes of the Black, at an altitude of about 3,000 meters. The wide valley is famed for its natural beauty, spiritual atmosphere, and ecological richness, including the famous black-necked cranes.

Gangtey Monastery is revered not only for its spiritual significance but also for its picturesque setting. Located on a forested ridge overlooking the Phobjikha Valley, stands at an altitude of about 3,000 meters and offers panoramic views of the natural surroundings.

The black-necked cranes return to the Phobjikha Valley every winter, migrating from the Tibetan Plateau to escape the harsh weather. To celebrate their return, the local community holds the Black-Necked Crane festival every year on November 11th at Gangtey Monastery. During this time, you can see the graceful birds at home in their natural setting.

The area is also an ideal spot for treks in Bhutan. Routes like the 5km Gangtey Nature Trail take you through stunning views of the valley and its glacial wetlands. Follow paths through rural villages where you can see authentic views of traditional culture or hike up gentle hills for panoramas of the natural surroundings.

Bumthang: The Spiritual Heartland in Central Bhutan

Bumthang is the central area of Bhutan that includes four valleys. The Chokor, Tang, Ura, and Chhume Valleys are around a 10-hour drive from Thimphu. The area includes some of the oldest monasteries and temples in the country and is a pilgrimage sight for Bhutanese people.

The west to central Bhutan tour usually takes 8 days or more, with 2 to 3 days in Bumthang to explore the large area and see some of the roots of Bhutanese culture.

What to See in Bumthang

Jambay Lhakhang is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Bhutan. It’s believed to have been founded in the 7th century and is deeply connected to Bhutanese mythology. The stunning structure houses sacred statues and ancient murals and carvings.

Kurjey Lhakhang is a temple complex and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country. The central temple houses a body print believed to have been left by Guru Rinpoche on a rock in the cave. It’s surrounded by expansive gardens set against panoramic views of the valley.

Tamshing Lhakhang is another ancient monastery that has been a key center for the preservation and transmission of Nyingma Buddhist teachings. It’s famous for its colorful murals that depict scenes from the life of Pema Pingpa. You will find the serene environment makes a profound impression.

Trongsa: The Central Hub of Bhutan

Trongsa is the central hub of Bhutan and an important site in the history of Bhutan’s unification. Every Bhutanese king served as governor of Trongsa before ascending to the throne, giving the area political and strategic importance. It’s located between Bumthang and Punakha and is worth at least one full day to explore.

What to See in Trongsa

Trongsa Dzong is equally known for its historical significance and striking appearance. It’s perched on a cliffside overlooking the Mangde River, and the structure is a labyrinth of whitewashed walls, intricate woodwork, and richly adorned temples.

The Tower of Trongsa Museum stands just above Trongsa Dzong and houses a rich collection of Bhutanese royal artifacts, sacred relics, thangkas, and weapons. It is well-curated to tell the story of Bhutan’s unification and the rise of the current royal dynasty.

The Trongsa Tshechu Festival is held in the courtyard of Trongsa Dzong every year in December or January. The three-day festival has all the hallmarks of Bhutanese religious celebrations, including cham dances and the unveiling of the giant thongdrel. It is a great chance to experience the sense of community these events foster.

Phuentsholing: The Southern Gateway Popular for Indian to Bhutan Overland Tour

Phuentsholing is the gateway for overland tours of Bhutan starting from India. It is a vibrant commercial hub located on the Bhutan-India border next to Jaigaon, West Bengal. After spending a day exploring the city sights, you can continue your tour, following the overland route to Thimphu, Punakha, and then Paro. The stretch of road to Bhutan’s capital takes around 4 hours to drive and passes through the beautiful scenery of the country.

What to see in Phuentsholing

Kharbandi Monastery is a serene Buddhist monastery located just a few kilometers outside the city. From its hilltop vantage point, you can see views of the surrounding valley and all the way to the distant plains of India. The monastery houses several sacred statues and gets its peaceful atmosphere from the lush greenery and flowering gardens.

Phuentsholing Market is the thriving commercial heart of Bhutan’s southern border with India. It is a gateway for trade between the two countries and a melting pot of diverse goods, cultures, and cuisines. You can find a mix of local handicrafts, traditional Bhutanese textiles, spices, artifacts, and goods imported from India.

Conclusion

The top 7 destinations in Bhutan, from the international gateway of Paro to the scenic central area, will ensure you see the best highlights of the country. From iconic sites like Tiger’s Nest Monastery to vibrant festivals and stunning natural beauty, you’ll experience the rich culture and pristine environment that makes Bhutan so unique.

Feel free to share your Bhutan travel ideas with us. Our deep local knowledge and experienced travel professionals are here to help you create the best experience in this remote Buddhist kingdom.