Places of Interest in Bhutan
PHUENTSHOLING
 Situated at the Himalayan foothills, the town of Phuentsholing is The Gateway to the south and is an important commercial center on the northern edge of the Indian plains. Being situated at the border and also holding the place of a frontier town Phuentsholing serves as the convenient entry / exit point for Bhutan and is also an important link for Bhutan to visit the Indian states of sikkim, assam, and West Bengal. One can witness a perfect mingling of the Indian and Bhutanese people and their culture.
WHAT TO SEE IN PHUENTSHOLING
KHARBANDI GOMPHA
This beautiful monastery was founded by Royal Grandmother, Ashi PhuntsolChoedron. In the year 1967. it is situated at an altitude of 1,3000 feet with topical plants and flowers surrounding it. It is famous for preserving the paintings of of the life of Buddha and statues of Shabdurung ngawang Namgyual and Guru Rimpoche. The garden situated at its premises provides a fascinating view of Phuentsholing town and surrounding plains.
ZANGTHO PELRI
It is a small temple situated at the center of Phuentsholing town which was built to represents the heaven of Guru Rimpoche. The top floor houses the main statues of Amitava, while On the ground level there are paintings of Buddha’s life and statues of the Eight Manifestations of Guru Rimpoche. The Next floor contains eight Bodhisattavas and statues of Avalokiteshwara
 and Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
CROCODILE PARK
Here one can get to see crocodiles, hundreds in number crawling about in the whole park. There are many species of crocodiles found here and and a real feast for the travelers eye. It is situated at a distance of 2 kms from the town.
PARO – (Altitude, 7,000 feet)
 Known the world over for its rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends, Paro has some of the countries most oldest and beautiful monasteries and temples. Paro also has one of the most fertile valleys in Bhutan and is famous for the Red rice it produces. The only airport in the kingdom is in Paro and is also home to the National Museum. It is surrounded by some of the most beautiful snow clad mountains including Mt. Chomolhari(7300 mts).
WHAT TO SEE IN PARO
DRUGGYEL DZONG
This Dzong was built in 14 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders led by Mongolian Warlord, Gushri Khan. Even fire could not fade its glory when it was destroyed by fire in 1951. there is also a small village that dwells just at its foothills. Even the National Geographic magazine appreciated its historical glory. One can get A spectacular view of the Mt Chomolhari from the village as well as the Dzong.
RINPUNG DZONG
2.JPG) This Dzong was built during the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646. it is also known as “fortress of the heap of jewels”. The entry to this Dzong is through a covered bridge called the Nami Zam which depicts the rich tradition it had during that time. The path leading to the Dzong is stone laid which showcases the architectural works of the people depicts the life in and around the Dzong. . the Rinpung Dzong is also the venue of the Paro Tshechu, held once a year in spring.
TA DZONG
On a ridge immediately above the Rinpung Dzong in the Ta Dzong, which was built in 1951 as a watch tower. Unlike the regular rectangular shape of Dzongs. Ta Dzong is round, more like parts of an European castle. Since 1967 the Dzong was re-established as the National Museum and holds a fascinating collection of art, religious thangkha paintings, relice, and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps.
TAKTSANG MONASTERY
It is one of the most famous monasteries ever build in Bhutan. It is Perched on the side of a cliff at a height of 900 m above the Paro Valley and is considered a very sacred place by the people. The saying goes that Guru Rimpoche flew on the back of a tigress and meditated here in the 8th century. It is from here where the Guru began the progatation of the Vajrayana Mahayana Buddhism. On 19th April 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of the building and other religious contents of the place but restoration work of the monastery has already started but the excursion to the café situated opposite the monastery is possible. The hike takes about 5 hours.
KYICHU LHAKHANG
The Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan being built in the seventh century. The Kyichu Lhakhang comprises of two temples built alongside each other. The first temple was built by Buddhist Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. The second temple was built alongside the first one in the same style by the Queen mother of Bhutan, H.M.Ashi Kesang in 1968.
FARM HOUSES
3.jpg) The beauty of the Paro Valley is enhanced by a cluster of quite and beautifully laid out farm houses which in itself are very colourful. The decorations are traditionally done without the use of a single nail. All houses in the place look alike and follow the same architectural pattern. A visit to the farmhouses provided tourists a glimpse into the lives of the farmers and their lifestyle.
THIMPHU (Altitude 2320m)
 It is the capital of the Dragon Kingdom and is the centre of Government, Business and of religion. Thimphu in itself is an unique city where one can get to see the modern and progressive city developing in all spheres of life, as well as keeping their ancient traditions alive. This city has retained its strong national character and glory which is reflected in its architectural style.
WHAT TO SEE IN THIMPU
Memorial Chhorten
This stupa was built in 1974 in the memory of His Late Majesty- Jigme Dorji Wang chuck, the third king of Bhutan. He is also popularly regarded as the Father of Modern Bhutan. The Stupa holds a lot of paintings and statues inside which provide a deep insight into Buddhist Philosophy.
Tashichho Dzong
The Tashichho dzong also known as “fortress of the glorious religion” was built in 1641. His Late Majesty- Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third king of Bhutan, rebuilt it in 1965. Tashichho dzong houses the central monk body and the main secretariat building. It is mostly closed for tourists through out the year expect the cold winter season when the when monk body moves to warmer Punakha, which is its winter retreat.
SIMTOKHA DZONG
Built on a lofty ridge, 5 miles from Thimphu, stands the Simtokha Dzong, built in 1627 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The oldest fortress of the kingdom, it now houses the school for Buddhist studies.
NATIONAL LIBRARY
The National Library is the place where one can find the true History of Bhutan imprinted in archaic texts. It preserves thousands of manuscripts and ancient texts which provides an insight into Bhutan’s rich culture, tradition, and their way of life. Besides these the National Library also has modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags.
TANGO GOEMPA(MONASTERY)
The Tango Goempa was founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa in the 12th century. The three storey tower and many other surrounding buildings were built in 18th century by the 8th Desi Druk Rabgye. Hardly an hour ahead lies the trek trail to Tango Goempa.
CHARI GOEMPA(MONASTERY)
This Goempa was built in 1620 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. To reach the Monastery one has to cross the Bridge over the Thimpu River hiking and then a steep climb leads to the Monastery. Inside the Monastery a Silver Chorten is said to contain the ashes of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal’s father.
PHAJODING MONASTERY
Situated at an altitude of 3,870m the Phajoding Monastery used to be one of the richest Monasteries in the country. It lies perched up the steep slopes with green hillside. It can be noticed as soon as one enters the proper Thimphu town. Here the Rimpoche is shown in his terrifying appearance holding a sword in his right hand and a bowl made of skull in the left hand.
 WEEKEND MARKET
The weekend market is held on every Saturday and Sunday near the river side. This is one place where most of Thimphu’s scant population come to shop. It is an interesting place where one can get to mingle with the local people.
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