Western Bhutan

Region

Where almost every trip to Bhutan begins and spends most of its time. Paro has the international airport and the Tiger's Nest monastery on its cliff, Thimphu is the small capital, and the road over the Dochula pass leads to Punakha's riverside dzong. The Haa valley is quieter. Spring and autumn are best.

Western Bhutan Snowman TrekChomolhari TrekPunakha DzongRinpung DzongGangkhar PuensumJomolhariJigme Dorji National ParkTongshanjiabuSimtokha DzongKangphu KangLiankang KangriMemorial Chorten, ThimphuDechencholing PalaceThimphuParoPunakhaDagaPhuntsholingMebisaTashichho DzongParo TaktsangWangdue PhodrangSamtseHaLaya

Western Bhutan essentials

Country: Bhutan
Driest months: Nov-Jan
Pay in: Ngultrum (Nu)
Language: Dzongkha
Emergency: 113

Where to Go in Western Bhutan

City Thimphu ThimphuBhutanese capital city City Paro ParoValley town below the Tiger's Nest monastery City Punakha PunakhaFormer capital with Bhutan's finest dzong City Phuntsholing PhuntsholingBorder town in Bhutan City Wangdue Phodrang Wangdue PhodrangCity in Bhutan known for its natural beauty City Mebisa MebisaTown in Chukha District, western Bhutan City Samtse SamtseCity in Samtse District, Bhutan History Dechencholing Palace Dechencholing PalaceRoyal Bhutanese palace and government residence in Thimphu Nature Gangkhar Puensum Gangkhar PuensumHighest unclimbed mountain and Bhutan's tallest peak Nature Jomolhari JomolhariSacred Himalayan peak on the Bhutan–Tibet border Nature Jigme Dorji National Park Jigme Dorji National ParkLarge Bhutan national park protecting glaciers and wildlife Nature Liankang Kangri Liankang KangriMountain peak in Punakha District, Bhutan
Regions & Cities
Thimphu Explore Thimphu Bhutan’s administrative heart mixes prayer flags and traffic - Tashichho Dzong, the National Memorial Chorten, weekend craft markets and nearby trails where ema datshi and dumplings taste plain and honest. Paro Explore Paro Paro valley contains Ta Dzong museum, an active dzong and the cliff-hung Taktsang monastery; hikers, photographers and anyone arriving at Bhutan’s dramatic airport gravitate here. Punakha Explore Punakha Punakha’s rivers and rice terraces frame the 17th-century Punakha Dzong and suspension bridges; visitors raft the confluence of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu and watch archery tournaments. Explore Daga High ridges and terraced fields surround Daga in Dagana District; trekkers and culture hunters pass through for village gompas, simple homestays, mountain walks and hearty Bhutanese food such as ema datshi after long hillside trails. Phuntsholing Explore Phuntsholing On the Indian border, Phuntsholing thrums with cross-border trade, spice-scented street-food stalls and busy customs - it’s the practical entry for travelers heading into southern Bhutan. Mebisa Explore Mebisa A small town in Chukha District, Mebisa offers river valleys, terraced fields and market stalls. Tashichho Dzong Explore Tashichho Dzong In Thimphu, Tashichho Dzong houses monastic bodies and government offices, including the throne room; tourists see its painted woodwork, attend public ceremonies and walk nearby Thimphu markets. Paro Taktsang Explore Paro Taktsang Perched on a cliff above Paro valley, Paro Taktsang monastery requires a steep hike; pilgrims and tourists visit for the cliffside temple complex, Himalayan views and Bhutanese Buddhist rituals.

Western Bhutan at a Glance

Local Time
6:14 AM
GMT+6
Population
452,482

Best Things to Do in Western Bhutan