Bhutan is a landlocked country in the Eastern Himalayas, officially known as the Kingdom of Bhutan. Bhutan is the world’s only Vajrayana Buddhist country, and the tradition’s profound teachings are carefully preserved and have a tremendous effect on many parts of society.

Some places you must visit if you are visiting Bhutan are –

Buddha Dordenma, Thimphu

Buddha Dordenma is a massive golden Shakyamuni Buddha statue built to honor the fourth monarch of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuk’s, birthday. The monument, which stands atop a golden meditation hall in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, overlooks Thimphu’s southern gate. It stands at 169 feet tall and has 1,25,000 smaller Buddha sculptures. The monument was built in 2015 at a cost of over $100 million. Buddhists regard it to be a holy location. 

Simtokha Dzong, Thimphu

Simtokha Dzong’s historical significance may be understood from the fact that it was the first of its type when it was built in 1629. It is currently a museum as well as a prominent Dzongkha language study facility.

The Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong), Thimphu

The Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong) is a Buddhist monastery and fortress in the city’s northern outskirts, near to the Wang Chu’s western bank. It has been the seat of government since 1952, and it now houses the throne chamber as well as numerous other royal departments such as the ministries of Home Affairs, Finance, and the Secretariat.

Dochula Pass, Thimphu

Dochula Pass, on the route from Thimphu to Punakha, is a mountain pass in the Himalayas. Dochula Pass, at 3100 meters above sea level, is 30 kilometers from the country’s capital. The eldest Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, constructed 108 memorial stupas here.

Philatelic Bureau

The hobby of collecting and analyzing stamps is known as philately. The main post office in Thimphu, Bhutan, serves as a one-of-a-kind philately facility that will wow you with the variety of gifts you may offer yourself for a small fee. All you have to do is bring a photo of yourself or have a portrait taken on the spot. The staff will then turn your photo into a personalized stamp for you, and they will even give you a whole sheet of these stamps.

Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten)

For Bhutanese people, Memorial Chorten is one of the most important religious sites where they pray on a regular basis. As a sacred rite, people walk around the Chorten’s circumference throughout the day. It is an exceptional example of Buddhist culture and architecture, having been built in 1974.

Punakha Suspension Bridge, Punakha

Prior to Thimphu, Punakha was the capital of Bhutan. Punakha Suspension Bridge, which spans the Po Chhu River and is 160 meters long, is one of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridges. Punakha Town and Punakha Dzong are connected by this bridge.

Punakha Dzong, Punakha

Punakha Dzong literally translates to “the palace of great happiness or bliss” and a visit to this dzong will convince you of its significance. It is quite popular with tourists because of its stunning architecture. This dzong is historically significant since it is where all of Bhutan’s monarchs have been crowned. The building of Punakha Dzong, which now serves as the administrative headquarters of Punakha District, began in 1637.

Taktsang Palphug Monastery, Paro

Taktsang Palphung Monastery, often known as “Tiger’s Nest,” is one of Bhutan’s most famous tourist destinations, attracting photographers, explorers, and pilgrims alike. Everything about the monastery is unique, from its location to its architecture. The Taktsang Palphung Monastery is surrounded by hills that are covered with beautiful green vegetation. Though getting to this magnificent monastery might be difficult, it is well worth the effort.

Rinpung Dzong, Paro

Rinpung Dzong, or ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewel,’ is the name of this dzong. The Dzong is home to 14 shrines and chapels, making it one of Bhutan’s most significant religious sites. The majority of the chapels, however, are currently closed to travelers. It is also the seat of the Bhutan Supreme Court, which is located in Paro Town in Western Bhutan.