Understand the country
Places to visit in Bhutan
Start with the western valleys, then travel farther when your time and interests justify the additional road journey.
Western Bhutan
Begin with the classic valleys
Paro, Thimphu and Punakha work well together, but each should feel distinct rather than becoming a checklist.
- Paro: arrival, heritage and high-valley walks
- Thimphu: contemporary Bhutan and institutions
- Punakha: rivers, dzong and warmer valley life
- Haa: quieter western landscapes
Beyond the west
Travel deeper when time allows
Phobjikha, Bumthang, the east and the south reward additional nights and realistic road planning.
- Phobjikha and Gangtey
- Bumthang cultural valleys
- Eastern Bhutan communities and landscapes
- Southern nature and subtropical regions