Paro is a town lies on Paro Valley in Paro District in Bhutan. Paro is the land of Bhutan’s only international airport ‘Paro Airport. Paro is located between 27°26′ N latitude and 89°25′ E longitude and is placed about 60 km away from national capital Thimpu. Paro is positioned about 2,250 meters from the mean level of sea.

Paro District is surrounded by Tibet Country to the north, Haa Dzongkhag to the west, Chukha Dzongkhag on the south and Thimphu towards east.

Dzongkha is a national language as well as the official and a widely spoken language in Paro. Paro is widely known for its historical temples and tourist destinations like palace and bridge. Also the town houses few educational institutions, hospitals, shopping centres and small scale industries.

Culture and Food of Paro:

Paro has several well constructed worship places and palaces. Taktsang Palphug Monastery is a renowned Himalayan Buddhist worship place edges Paro Valley. It was constructed with beautiful architecture of Bhutan.

Paro Food is similar to Nepal and Tibet regions. Also the town houses several local and international food corners.

Connectivity to Paro:

Paro is well connected with road and air transport facility. There are several tourist vehicles and other private vehicles pass through Paro and its nearby regions to help tourists to reach tourist destinations and airport.

Paro has its own airport and country’s only International Airport. There are air services available to Nepal and India from Paro Airport.

Places to see in and around Paro:

Jigme Dorji National Park:

Jigme Dorji National Park is considered as second biggest national park in Bhutan. It named in the memorial of late Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. This park was established in the year 1974 and the park is spread over an area of 4,316 sq. km. The park lies between latitude 27°45′ in the north and longitude 89° 31’ in the east.

The park houses more than 37 species mammals like snow leopard, clouded leopard, Bengal tiger, bharal, himalayan black bear, red panda, dhole, takin, blue sheep and black musk deer. Also the park houses serow, sambar, barking deer, goral, marmot, pika and Indian leopard. The park is home to more than 300 species of birds.

The rivers like Mo Chhu, Wangdi Chhu and Pa Chhu that flow near the park. Mount Jomolhari and Mount Jitchu Drake are worship places placed in Jigme Dorji National Park.

Torsa Strict Nature Reserve:

Torsa Strict Nature Reserve lies in 27°19′46″ N latitude and 89°3′48″ E longitude and stretches an area of 609.51 sq. km. located in Haa District. It is surrounded by Sikkim and Tibet in the west.

Paro Taktsang:

Paro Taktsang also called as ‘Taktsang Palphug Monastery’ is a Himalayan Buddhist worship place located in Paro. It lies on the top of Paro Valley. There is annual fair ‘Tsechu’ organized in the month of April.

Other tourist places to visit in Paro:

• Rinpung Dzong
• Ta Dzong
• Drukgyel Dzong
• Kyichu Lhakhang
• Farm House
• Druk Choeding
• Dungtse Lhakhang
• Dangsarbu Lhakhang
• Ugyen Pelri Palace
• Haa valley
• Kila Goemba
• Chelela Pass

Best time to visit Paro:

During the months of winter season, especially between September and October is the ideal time to visit Paro.

Accommodation options in Paro:

Hotels located in Paro famous for their hospitality services and the major hotels located in Paro are as follows:

• Zhiwa Ling Hotel
• Silver Pine Hotel
• Gangtey Palace Hotel
• Amankora Paro
• Hotel KK
• Zhiwa Ling Hotel
• Uma Paro
• Nak-Sel Boutique Hotel & Spa
• Khangkhu Resort
• Nivvana Lodge & Homestay
• Metta Resort & Spa

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Thimphu also known as Thimpu is the capital and biggest city of Bhutan. It is placed on the western part of Bhutan and in 1961 Thimphu was declared the capital of Bhutan. Thimphu is located between 27°28′00″ N latitude and 89°38′30″ E longitude. Thimphu is positioned at a height of 7,656 feet from the mean level of sea.

Thimphu is the economical pillar of the country houses major government offices, several medium and large scale industries and educational institutions. National Referral Hospital and Institute of Traditional Medicine are the main health centres as well as the landmarks of the Thimphu city.

History of Thimphu:

Thimphu has strong historical background and witnessed the rule of Bhutan kings. Thimphu was formed as a national capital in the year 1961.

Culture of Thimphu:

Tsechu festival is one of the major festivals organized in Thimphu. It is a 4 day festival arranged during September or October and the popular mask dances ‘Cham dances’ are performed on the stage of the Tashichhoe Dzong. The Royal Academy of performing arts is the major art educational centre of Thimphu.

Thimphu has a greater population of Buddhists along with lower percentage of Hindus. Thimphu’s Paintings, masks, brassware, antique jewellery and painted lama tables are very famous all around the country.

Connectivity to Thimphu:

Thimphu has a wide and well maintained road network. Bhutan Transport Corporation provides bus services to all the main regions of the country and bordering regions of India from Thimphu Bus Stand. The nearest airport to Thimphu is the country’s only international airport Paro Airport located about 44 kms away. From Paro Airport, the air facility is available to India and other nearby countries.  Also there are plenty of taxis available to reach airport from Thimphu city centre.

Tourist places in Thimphu:

Changangkha Temple:

Changangkha Temple is a famous temple and a general school situated at the border of Thimphu. It houses 11-headed Chenresig statue and is also a good view point to watch entire Thimphu City.

Simtokha Dzong:

Simtokha Dzong is monastery constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the year 1627. It houses a language and cultural study centre and the figurines beside the prayer wheel in the corridor is the prime attractions of the monastery.

National Folk Heritage Museum:

National Folk Heritage Museum is the cultural centre situated in the vicinity of National Library. It showcases the culture and tradition of Bhutan. Also several cultural events held in this museum.

The museum is open from Monday to Friday between 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. Saturday open from 10:30 am to 1 pm and Sunday open from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm.  The entrance fee is Rs. 150 per head.

The list of other tourist places in Thimphu is:

• Kuensel Phodrang
• Motithang Takin Preserve
• Changangkha Lhakhang
• Royal Academy of Performing Arts
• National Library
• National Memorial Chorten
• Zangto Pelri Lhakhang
• National Textile Museum
• Changlimithang Stadium & Archery Ground
• Sangaygang Hill
• Trashi Chhoe Dzong

Best time to visit Thimphu:

From the middle of September to the end of October is the best time to trip Thimphu to visit temples and museums.

Accommodation options in Thimphu:

The famous and qualified hotels located in Thimphu city are listed here below:

• Taj Tashi
• Amankora Thimphu
• Peaceful Resort
• Druk Hotel Thimphu
• Yeedzin Guest House
• Hotel Tandin
• Motithang Hotel
• Hotel Kisa
• Jumolhari Hotel
• Hotel Riverview
• Hotel Phuntsho Pelri
• Hotel Taktsang
• Hotel Ghasel
• Kelwang Hotel
• Hotel Dragon Roots

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Bhutan is located at the eastern end of the Himalayan Mountain Ranges bound by China in north, India on east, south and Nepal toward west. The country was formed in the early 17^th century by Wangchuck dynasty and presently ruled by a king and a Prime Minister. Bhutan covers a total area of 38394 sq kms and Thimpu is its capital city. Its coordination lie at 27.25’01” degree North Latitude and 90.26’06” degree East Longitude.

History about Bhutan:

Bhutan history dates back to early 2000 B.C. where evidences were found regarding Stone Age tools, implements, weapons and sculptures. It is said that a tribe by name called Monpa had existed in Bhutan somewhere between 500 A.D. and 600 A.D. Buddhism was first found in Bhutan in 7^th century A.D. by Tibetan king Songstan Gampo who built many Buddhist temples and monasteries to popularize Buddhism in Bhutan. In the year 1772, the British took control of Bhutan and started ruling this place for long time. In the year 2008, the eldest son of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck was crowned the king of Bhutan.

Tourist attractions in and near Bhutan:

Paro Valley:

Paro valley is known for its oldest temples and monasteries surround amidst lush greenery and mountain peaks. Paro valley is famous for cultivation of red rice and vast paddy fields.

Thimpu Valley:

Thimpu Valley is located at 2300 meters above sea level that consists of a secretariat building of the king of Bhutan. Thimpu Valley also serves as summer retreat for many tourists visiting Bhutan.

Wangdiphodrang:

This monastery built in 17^th century A.D. is located at an altitude of 1350 meters above sea level and is situated at intersection of 2 rivers namely Punakhachu and the Tang-chu. It is one of the most popular tourist place in Bhutan.

Tongsa:

Tongsa is known for its spectacular landscape and natural beauty which forms a major tourist attraction in this part of the world.

Bumthang Valley:

Bumthang is located at a height of 2600 meters above sea level and lies to the east of Tongsa. Bumthang is known for its ancient Buddhist monasteries and temples.

Mongar:

Mongar is known for its Dzongs and monasteries that were built in the year 1930. Mongar is one of the popular tourist spots in Bhutan.

Other places of attraction near Bhutan:

• Membar Tsho
• Kurje Monastery
• Jakar Dzong
• Jambay Lhakhang
• Tamshing Lhakhang
• Wangchuck Centennial Park
• Thrumshingla National Park
• Tangbi Goemba
• Ngang Lhakhang
• Konchogsum Lhakhang
• Chankhar Lhakhang
• Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery

How to reach Bhutan?

Buses, cars, jeeps are the most common modes of public transport in Bhutan. Bhutan is about 150 kms from Siliguri. Due to its high terrain Bhutan does not have a rail network. Bhutan is linked by airways as direct flights are available from Bhutan to Delhi, Kolkata and Katmandu on daily basis.

Hotels in Bhutan:

There are many hotels that are situated in Bhutan overlooking the snow clad peaks of the Himalayas. Being one of the top tourist destinations in the world, hotels in Bhutan offer all world class amenities and services to the tourists visiting the country all over the year. The hotels provide unparallel services in hospitality and offer the best of services at all times to the tourists who have come looking for accommodation in Bhutan. The hotels in Bhutan offer internet connection, LCD monitors in rooms, doctors on call, health club, beauty parlors, spa and sauna, swimming pools and host of other facilities and amenities. List of hotels located in Bhutan are:

• Amankora Thimphu
• Taj Tashi
• Peaceful Resort
• Druk Hotel Thimphu
• Hotel Tandin
• Yeedzin Guest House
• Motithang Hotel
• Hotel Kisa
• Jumolhari Hotel
• Hotel Riverview
• Hotel Phuntsho Pelri
• Hotel Taktsang
• Hotel Ghasel
• Hotel Dragon Roots

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Bumthang is one of the 20 districts comprising Bhutan which is known for ancient temples, religious sites and valleys. The word Bumthang in Bhutan means “beautiful field” and the main economy of Bumthang consists of dairy products, honey, apples, rice, woolen products and wheat. Bumthang coordinates with 27.45’ degree North Latitude and 90.40’ degree East Longitude.

Tourist attractions in and near Bumthang:

Membar Tsho:

Membar Tsho also called as Burning lake contains sacred scriptures of Guru Rimpoche of 8^th century and is a popular tourist place in Bumthang.

Kurje Monastery:

Kurje Monastery is located in Bumthang that is known for the final resting place of the 3 kings of Bhutan. The monastery is a Tibetan monastery built as per Dzong architecture and style. The monastery has many Buddhist and Tibetan idols and statues and attracts many tourists not only from Bhutan but also from neighboring countries.

Jakar Dzong:

Jakar Dzong is located in Bumthang district of Bhutan and is situated on a ridge above Jakar town. This monastery was built in the year 1549 and contains many ancient scriptures, manuscripts, sculptures of Buddhist monks. The Jakar Dzong Monastery attract huge visitors all round the year.

Jambay Lhakhang:

This is one of the ancient temples located in Bhutan built around 7^th century A.D. by Songsten Gampo the king of Tibet. The temple draws many tourists from all parts of the world.

Tamshing Lhakhang:

This is one of the prominent Nyingmapa temple in Bhutan that is visited by thousands of people every year.

Wangchuck Centennial Park:

Wangchuck Centennial Park is one of the largest national park spanning a total area of 4914 sq kms and rich in flora and fauna. The National Park has several trees like pine, deciduous, coniferous and oak which are located at an altitude of 8200 feet above sea level. Wangchuck Centennial Park is the home to more than 200 varieties of plants, 23 species of animals and reptiles and 100 species of birds.

Thrumshingla National Park:

Thrumshingla National Park covers an area of 905 sq kms and is located at an altitude of 14400 feet above sea level. The National Park was founded in the year 1998 and contains several dangered species of birds. The Park is bound by dense forests and ridges and is one of the major tourist attractions in this part of the world.

Other Places of attraction near Bumthang:

• Tangbi Goemba
• Ngang Lhakhang
• Konchogsum Lhakhang
• Chankhar Lhakhang
• Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery
• Tangbi Goemba
• Ngang Lhakhang

When to visit Bumthang?

Bumthang can be visited all round the year since many activities and festivals take place in this area all round the year.

Connectivity to Bumthang:

Bumthang is well connected by road and air modes of transport as many tourist buses and private vehicles pass via Bumthang from Bhutan at regular intervals. Bhutan Airport is located about 102 kms away from Bumthang.

Hotels in Bumthang:

Bumthang being a major tourist destination in Bhutan is visited by lakhs of people all round the year due to the presence of several monasteries and wildlife sanctuaries. Hence in order to provide accommodation to the tourists the Department of Tourism of Bhutan has built many hotels, resorts and guest houses to provide good lodging facilities. The hotels have facilities like travel booking, spa and sauna, broadband connection with Wi-Fi , doctors on call, parking facility for 4 wheelers etc. List of hotels located in Bumthang are:

• Amankora Bumthang
• Swiss Guest House
• Jakar Village Lodge
• Kaila Choenzem Guest House
• Yu-gharling Resort
• Wangdicholing Guest House
• Karma Tobden Mountain Lodge
• Udee Guest House
• Gongkhar Guesthouse
• Chumey Nature Resort
• Hotel Peling
• Ogyen Choling Guest House
• Mepham Guest House
• Hotel Kuenzang Norling International
• Hotel Blue Pine
• Samyae Resort

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Punakha is the district headquarters of Punakha Dzongkhag in Bhutan. It is situated about 70 kms from national capital Thimphu. Until 1955, Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan.

Punakha has an agriculture based economy and rice is the highly grown crop in Punakha. Pho Chu and Mo Chu are the prime rivers of Punakha passes through Punakha.

Pungthang Dewachen Gi Phodrang:

Pungthang Dewachen Gi Phodrang is one of the must visit places in Punakha, built in the year 1637 by Tuebi Zaow Balip to fulfill the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It is said that this beautiful fortress was built within two years of time. It serves as a winter house of Central Monastic Body.

Punakha Dzong encloses the main sacred historical objects of the Southern Drukpa Kagyu School ‘Rangjung Kasarpani’ and holy relics of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Terton Padma Lingpa. It served as the seat of the coronation of the first King of Bhutan ‘Ugyen Wangchuck’ in 1907.

Geography and Climate of Punakha:

Punakha is situated between latitude 27°37′ in the north and longitude 89°52′ in the east. It has an average altitude of 1,200 meters. Punakha District is surrounded by Thimphu, Wangdue Phodrang and Gasa District. Punakha enjoys warm weather in winter and hot in summer.

Connectivity to Punakha:

Paro Airport is the only international airport in Bhutan and the nearest airport to Punakha with air services to Delhi, Kolkata, Dhaka, Gaya, Guwahati, Mumbai, Singapore, Bangkok and Katmandu.

Tourists can board Bhutan Transport Corporation buses to reach Paro, Thimphu, Jakar and Phuntsholing at any of the local bus terminals.

There are share taxis accessible at Kuruthang to reach Thimphu and Paro and costs around 150 nu for 2 hour journey. Also taxis are good options to reach airport and tourist spots.

Food and Shopping in Punakha:

Punakha houses few shopping centres and well facilitated restaurants, so visitors can reach Paro or Thimphu city for best shopping experience and hospitality.

Things to do in Punakha:

Tourists can enjoy the trekking experience anywhere and everywhere at Punakha.

Tourist Attractions in Punakha:

Pungthang Dewachen Gi Phodrang:

Pungthang Dewachen Gi Phodrang is an ancient beautiful palace, constructed by Tuebi Zaow Balip to fulfill the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the year 1637. It has a greater collection of holy historical objects of the Southern Drukpa Kagyu School ‘Rangjung Kasarpani’ and sacred remnants of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Terton Padma Lingpa. The literal meaning of Pungthang Dewachen Gi Phodrang is Palace of Great Happiness.

Jigme Dorji National Park:

Jigme Dorji National Park is the 2^nd largest national park in Bhutan. It named in the memorial of Jigme Dorji Wangchuk and covers an area of Gasa District, Paro District, Punakha District, Wangdue Phodrang Districts and Thimphu District.

Jigme Dorji National Park was established in the year 1974 which covers an area of 4316 km². More than 6,500 species live in this park. The park houses several cultural sites include Mount Jomolhari, Mount Jitchu Drake, Lingshi Dzong and Gasa Dzong.

The park is home to more than 37 varieties of mammals includes snow leopard, Himalayan black bear clouded leopard, bharal or Himalayan blue sheep, Bengal tiger, black musk deer and red panda. It is also home to takin, the national animal of Bhutan, blue poppy flower, cypress tree and raven bird.

Changangkha Temple:-

Changangkha Temple is a prominent temple and a general school located on the boundary of Thimphu. It houses 11-headed Chenresig statue and well known for good view point.

Ritsha Village:

Ritsha Village is one of the best rice growing villages in western Bhutan near Punakha. It is also home to several archeological sites.

The list of other tourist attractions in Punakha:

• National Folk Heritage Museum
• Simtokha Dzong
• Royal Academy of Performing Arts
• National Library
• National Memorial Chorten
• Zangto Pelri Lhakhang
• National Textile Museum
• Kuensel Phodrang
• Motithang Takin Preserve
• Changangkha Lhakhang

Ideal time to visit Punakha:-

The best months to visit Punakha will be between February, March and December.

Accommodation Options in Punakha:-

Punakha is home to many budget, mid range and few luxury hotels with cable TV, hot water and Bhutan traditional food. It is recommended for tourists to book the hotels of Thimphu or Paro city for better accommodation. The major hotels in Punakha, Thimphu and Paro are:

• Meri Puensum Punakha
• Zangto Pelr
• Aman Hotel
• Hotel Migmar
• River View Hotel
• Uma Paro
• Namgay Heritage Hotel
• Meri Puensum Resort
• Hotel Druk
• Hotel Ghasel
• Taj Tashi
• Yeedzin Guest House
• Jumolhari Hotel
• Hotel Taktsang
• Kelwang Hotel

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Phuntsholing is the administrative headquarters of Chukha District and the second largest city in Bhutan on the Bhutan-India border. It is located about 15 kms from Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Phuntsholing houses the headquarters of Bank of Bhutan.

Geography of Phuntsholing:

Phuntsholing covers an area of Sampheling Gewog and Phuentsholing Gewog and is located opposite of Jaigaon, the town in West Bengal, India.

Phuntsholing is positioned in 28°18′ N latitude and 74°58′ E longitude and positioned at an altitude of 293 meters.

Connectivity to Phuntsholing:

Phuntsholing is served by the only international airport of Bhutan ‘Paro Airport, located about 140 kms away. This airport is connected with Kathmandu, Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Dhaka, Gaya, Guwahati, Mumbai, Singapore, Jakar and Trashigang served by Buddha Air, Druk Air and Tashi Air.

Phuntsholing has good connectivity with all the major cities of Bhutan including Paro and Thimphu and the bordering regions of India through roadway.

Phuentsholing Bus Station is the most important bus station for Phuntsholing and its neighboring regions.

The railway station at Hasimara is the closest railway station to Phuntsholing. Tourists can hire cars from Kings Travels to travel within the city.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Phuntsholing:

Phuntsholing is one of the developed cities compared to other regions of Bhutan, houses the higher majority of Buddhists and minority of Hindu citizens. Dzongkha Language is the official language and a generally spoken language in Phuntsholing and some natives speak Bengali and other Indian languages.

Phuntsholing is home to different Indian and Bhutan food corners and almost all the shops accept Indian currency. Pastry Shop is a bakery serve customers with variety of cakes and pastries placed in the Tashi Commercial Complex.

Hotel Galing is a prime hotel in Phuntsholing offers diverse Indian vegetarian cuisine with top taste at affordable price.

Phuntsholing houses many supermarkets, electrical showrooms, a fresh vegetable market and computer shops.

Places to see in Phuntsholing:-

Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang:

Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang is a temple represents the paradise of Guru Rinpoche located in the centre of Phuntsholing city. The floors of temple contain the pictures and statues of saints and gods. The ground floor includes the figurines of eight appearances of Guru Rinpoche and Buddha’s life history paintings. Eight Bodhisattavas and figurines of Avalokiteshvara and Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal found in first floor of temple and main statue of Amitabha is in top floor.

Karbandi Monastery:

Karbandi Monastery is very famous monastery near Phuntsholing. It is visited by most numbers of ladies who don’t have children, after Indian women got child after praying at this monastery to conceive. Karbandi Monastery is located few kilometers away from Phuntsholing town.

Bhutan Gate:

Bhutan Gate separates Bhutan from India. Tourists can take the photo of this gate.

Amo Chuu:

Amo Chuu is a Crocodile Breeding Centre at the back of the bus station of Phuntsholing on the river bank.

Gumba:

Gumba is the popular temple of Lord Buddha located in the vicinity of royal family residence.

Simtokha Dzong:-

Simtokha Dzong is monastery built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1627. It includes a language and cultural study centre located in Thimphu.

National Folk Heritage Museum:-

National Folk Heritage Museum is one of the prime museum in Bhutan located in the vicinity of National Library in Thimphu. It displays the culture and tradition of Bhutan.

The list of other tourist attractions in Phuntsholing:-

• Chukha Hydrothermal Project
• Changangkha Temple
• Motithang Takin Preserve
• Changangkha Lhakhang
• Royal Academy of Performing Arts
• National Library, Thimphu

Best time to visit Phuntsholing:-

The months of March, April, May, August and September is the ideal time to visit Phuntsholing.

Accommodation Options near Phuntsholing:-

The budget hotels of Phuntsholing generally charge single deluxe room for 450Nu, Single without TV for 325Nu, Deluxe double for 650Nu and Standard double for 550 Nu. The facilities available in the budget hotels of Phuntsholing include hot water, TV and variety of Bhutanese and Indian dishes.

The luxury hotels offer the facilities of TV, hot water, A/C, a swimming pool, a restaurant and a bar, garden area, tennis court, gym centre, doctor on call, air ticket booking, internet connectivity, 24 hour electricity and the foods from Bhutan, India, China, Thailand and Western countries. The hotels generally charge 2,000 Nu & 2,500 Nu for deluxe rooms and 1,100 Nu & 1,300 Nu for standard rooms.

The best budget and luxury hotels in Phuntsholing are as follows:

Budget Hotels in Phuntsholing:

• Hotel Peljorling
• Hotel Kuenga
• Central Hotel
• Hotel Bhutan

Luxury Hotels in Phuntsholing:

• Midpoint Hotel
• Hotel Druk-Bhutan
• Lhaki Hotel
• Hotel Bhutan Residence
• Hotel Namgay
• Hotel Druk
• Hotel Sinchula
• The orchid hotel

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