Bhutan

Some places in Bhutan :

PARO (Altitude : 2270m)

This beautiful valley, which encapsulates within itself rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends, is home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, the country's only airport and the National Museum. Mount. Jhomolhari (7300m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial waters plunge through deep gorges to form the Pa Chu (Paro river). Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom, producing a bulk of the famous red rice from its terraced fields. Drukyel Dzong or the ruined fort, Rinpung Dzong, Tiger's Nest hike, Satsam Chorten, Kyichu Lhakang, Vegetable Market, National Museum, Farm House etc.

THIMPHU (Altitude : 2300m)

The capital of Bhutan, and the center of government, religion and commerce, it is a unique city with an unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Although not what one expects from a capital city, Thimphu is still a fitting and lively place. Home to civil servants, expatriates and the monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style. Tashichodzong, Zilukha Nunnery, Changangkha Lhakang, Painting School, National Library, Handicrafts Emporium, Vegetable Market, Simkokha Dzong, Folk Heritage, Textile Museum, Phajoding Monastery hike, Tango and Chari hike.

PHUNTSHOLING(Altitude: 820m)

It is the gateway to the south, is a thriving commercial center on the northern edge of the Indian plains. Situated directly at the base of the Himalayan foothills, Phuntsholing is a fascinating mixture of Indian and Bhutanese, a perfect example of mingling of people and their culture. Being the frontier town Phuntsholing serves as the convenient entry/exit point for Bhutan and also the important link to visit the Indian state of West Bengal, Sikkim and Assam. Kharbandi Monastery, Zangtopelri Lakang, Chuka Power plant enroute.

PUNAKHA (Altitude: 1350m )

Punakha served, as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still it is the winter seat of Je Khenpo (chief Abbot). Blessed with temperate climate and fed by Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female) rivers, Punakha is the most fertile valley in the country. There are splendid views of the distant Himalayas at Dochula pass (alt. 3,100 m) on Thimphu - Punakha road. Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lakang, Talo Gompa

WANGDIPHODRANG (Altitude: 1360m)

The last town before central Bhutan, Wangdiphodrang is like an enlarged village with a few well provided shops. Located towards the south of Punakha, the higher reaches of the Wangdiphodrang valley provide rich pastureland for cattle. This district is also famous for its fine bamboo work and its slate, stone carvings. Rinchengang Village, Local Market, Wangdi Dzong

TRONGSA (Altitude : 2310m)

Trongsa forms the central hub of the nation and is historically the place from where attempts at unifying the country were launched. The landscape around Trongsa is spectacular and for miles on end, the Dzong seems to tease you, wondering if you will ever reach there. Kungarapten Dzong, Trongsa Dzong, Taa Dzong, View point and the ancient trail.

BUMTHANG (Altitude : 2600m )

This fascinating valley is religious heartland of the nation and home to some of the oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. Here tales of Guru Padsambhava and his re-incarnates, known as Lingpas, still linger in most nook and corners that have become now sacred ground. Jambay Lakang, Kurje Lakang, Jakar Dzong, Swiss farm and cheese, Tang Valley, Burning lake or Member tsho, Ura Valley and many other day hikes to hermitages etc.

MONGAR (Altitude : 1600m)

The journey from Bumthang to Mongar is one of the most beautiful in the Himalayas crossing 3,800 m high Thrunsingla pass. Mongar marks the beginning of eastern Bhutan. The second largest town in the subtropical east, Mongar, like Tashigang further east, is situated on the side of a hill in contrasts to other towns of western Bhutan which are built on the valley floor.

MONGAR Dzong:

It is the site of one of Bhutan's newest Dzongs, built in 1930s. Yet the Dzong is built in the same method and traditions of all the other Dzongs, no drawings and nails have been used. A visit to the Dzong gives visitors an impression of how traditional Bhutanese architecture has continued to thrive through the centuries. Mongar Dzong.

TRASHIGANG (Altitude : 1130m)

In the far east of Bhutan, on the bank of Gamri Chu River, lies Trashigang, the country's largest district. Trashigang, once the center of a busy trade with Tibet, is today the junction of east west highway with road connecting to Samdrup Jongkhar and then to the Indian state of Assam. This town is also used as the market place for the hill people from Merak and Sakteng who are remarkable for their exceptional features and costumes Trashigang Dzong, Khaling Blind School, Weaving centres.