Paro

The town of Paro (2280m) lies in the centre of the valley on the banks of the Paro Chhu (river) and is a short distance north-west of Paro Dzong. The town centre, built in 1985, is aligned along a wide street about 500m long that parallels the river in a roughly north-west to south-east direction. Situated at an average elevation of 8000 feet high from sea level, home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, Paro valley has managed to keep its bucolic nature in spite of the Bhutan's only airport and many development projects. Depending on season the valley floor is covered with brown or green fields, while small villages and isolated farms dot the landscape. The valley is also known for the produce of Bhutan's Red Rice.

The places to see are Drukgyel Dzong , overlooking the beautiful village with Mount Chomolhari in the background, this ruin Dzong (Fortress) was built in 1646 by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders led by Mongolion warlord, Gushri Khan. Historically and strategically it withstood all its glory and had captured western eyes in 1914 vide National Geography magazine. The Dzong was destroyed by fire in 1951 and is now preserved as heritage site.

Rinpung Dzong meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels", built at the same time of Drukgyel Dzong, it now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro district and residence for the 200 monks of Paro. Walking up through the traditional bridge, and over a stone inlaid path, you enjoy the great view of the superb architecture and the life around the Dzong. It is also the venue for Paro festival, held in the spring. Ta Dzong , Overlooking the Rimpung Dzong was built in 1951 as a watch tower, unlike the rectangular shape of the Dzongs, Ta Dzong is Round, more like parts of an European castle. From 1967 the Dzong was re-established as the National Museum and holds fascinating collection of arts, relics, religious thangkha, and many others. Kyichu Lhakhang , to consecrate the entire region of Himalaya , a Tibetan king known as Songtsen Gompo in the 7th century miraculously built 108 temples. Kyichu is considered to be one of them and is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan .

Phuntsholing

Phuntsholing is a frontier and thriving commercial center on the northern edge of the Indian plains and south of Thimphu , the capital City and Paro International airport, it takes about 6 hours by driving to reach Phuntsholing from Paro and Thimphu . Situated at the foothills of Himalaya , it serves as the main trading zone for Bhutanese with other neighboring countries of South Asia . Visitors can reach Phuntsholing by road from Sikkim, Darjeeling and Bagdogra airport in West Bengal . It takes about 3-5 hours of driving from the places mentioned above.

Places you can see are Kharbandi Gompa , built in 1967 by the Royal Grandmother, the monastery contains paintings on the life of Buddha and statues of Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal and Guru Rinpochey. The view from the monastery garden towards the Phuntsholing and surrounding Indian plains are superb. ZangdoPelri Temple , located in the center of Phuntsholing town, represents the abode of Guru Rinpochey. On the ground level there are statues of Guru and his eight manifestations. And the wall is covered with paintings of Buddha's life. On the second floor it contains of eight Bodhisattavas and statues of Avalokiteshwara and Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal while on the top floor the main statue is of Buddha Amitabha.

Thimphu

Thimphu is at Altitude 7000 ft and a bustling town on the banks of the Thimphu Chhu and set gloriously in the hills of the Thimphu valley. It is home to the Bhutanese Royal Family, the Royal Government and to several foreign missions and development projects. Bhutan's only gold course, a nine-hole circle, is situated next to the management Tashichhoedzong.

Tashichhoedzong :

The Fortress of the glorious religion houses the throne room of His Majesty the King, the main secretariat building and the central monk body. Its courtyard is open to visitors during the Thimphu Tshechu and when the monk moves to its winter residence in Punakha.

The Folk Heritage Museum :

Founded by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck the museum is one of a kind that portrays the lifestyle of a genteel family in the Thimphu valley in the olden days.

The Institude of Traditional medicine:

For the spiritually inclined and those that prefer short treks there are various monasteries and temples in and around Thimphu .

Weekend market:

Every Saturday and Sunday most of the Thimphu population congregate on the banks of the river where the weekend market is held. Here villagers from the valley and other nearly places came to sell their agriculture produce.

Punakha

Punakha is at altitude 4420 feet served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955. It is the winter seat of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the monk body. It has a temperate climate and its rich fertile valley is fed by the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers.

Druk Wangyal Chortens at Dochula :

On the way to Phunakha from Thimphu is the Dochula pass from where a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range can be seen, specially on clear winter days. The beauty of this place is further enchanced by the Druk Wangyal Chorenten's-a 108 stupas built by the eldest Queen, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji wangmo Wangchuck.

Punakha Dzong:

The Punakha Dzong was built by the Zhabdrung in 1637. It stands majestically at the junction of the two rivers- Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers. The Dzong is open for visitors during the Punakha Tshechu and during the summer months when the monk body moves to Thimphu .

Khansum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

Built by the third Queen, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck this Chorten is splendid example of fine Bhutanese architecture and art and is the only one of its kind in the world. It has been built over eight and a half years and its details have been drawn from religious scriptures.