1. TAKTSHANG – the Tiger’s Nest: Perched high on a ledge some 650m/2,000ft above the Paro valley floor, this temple complex is perhaps Bhutan’s most recognized landmark and has become an icon of the country. Beyond its extraordinary location, the legend of a flying tigress carrying Guru Rimpoche to this spot adds to the allure of the temples known as Taktsang – the Tiger’s Nest (“tak” meaning tiger and “tshang” meaning nest).
The legend dates back to the 8th century, when the flying tigress carried Guru Rimpoche to the ledge for meditation. However, the temples themselves were only built in 1692. It is believed that Guru Rimpoche, a tantric saint often referred to as the “Second Buddha” or “Tantric Buddha,” meditated here for months. Since then, people from around the world have come to immerse themselves in his presence and receive blessings.
This sacred site is not easy to reach. It requires about five hours of walking – three hours uphill and two hours to descend. While the scenery along the trail is beautiful, the three-hour climb is truly unforgettable!
2. BIG BUDDHA This is an open air statue of Buddha – considered the largest seated Buddha in the world standing 60 metres (198 feet) tall. It is situated atop a hill known as Kuenselphodrang, overlooking Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu. The drive to the site is scenic, with several viewpoints offering spectacular vistas of the valley and the city below.
Known as the Buddha Dordenma, the statue houses three levels of temples within its throne and contains thousands of smaller Buddha statues within its structure. The expansive tiled plaza surrounding the monument serves as an important venue for religious gatherings and public teachings. Renowned spiritual masters, including His Holiness the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan, frequently deliver teachings and blessings here, drawing devotees and visitors alike.
3. PUNAKHA DZONG: Built in 1640 during the formative years of Bhutan’s nationhood, Punakha Dzong stands as one of the kingdom’s most magnificent and historically significant landmarks. Constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel—the unifier of Bhutan and founder of the Bhutanese state—the fortress-monastery played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s political and spiritual identity.
Officially known as Pungthang Dechen Phodrang, meaning “The Palace of Great Bliss”, the dzong occupies a spectacular setting at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Father River) and Mo Chhu (Mother River). Protected on three sides by the rivers and backed by a hill, its location combines natural beauty with strategic strength.
Often regarded as Bhutan’s ancient capital, Punakha Dzong has been the setting for many of the nation’s most important historical events, including the coronation ceremonies of Bhutan’s kings. Visitors can explore its grand courtyards, majestic assembly halls, sacred temples, and exquisite murals that vividly portray Bhutan’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. With so much to discover, it is easy to spend half a day immersed in the beauty and history of this extraordinary monument.
4. DOCHULA DRUK WANGYAL MONUMENTS, including Temple and Stupas: The ornament of the great mountain pass of Dochula (3,050m/over 10,000ft), connecting Thimphu and the Punakha Valley, is the Druk Wangyal Monuments. The monuments include 108 Bhutanese-style stupas (known as chortens in Bhutan) and a temple, built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck against a backdrop of Bhutan’s high Himalayan peaks, including Gangkar Puensum, the highest unclimbed mountain.
The monuments were built to commemorate the victory of His Majesty the Fourth King when he led operations against militants who had crossed the southern border. They were dissidents against India but had established camps inside Bhutan. The monuments are not only a manifestation of the Queen Mother’s respect and love for His Majesty the Great Fourth King, but also a recognition of the guardian deities and their protection.
The temple, also called Druk Wangyal, or the Temple of the Victorious Drukpas (Bhutanese), contains some of the finest displays of artistic tradition in Bhutan. There are remarkable works of both contemporary and traditional art, not only in technique but also in subject matter. Besides traditional depictions of deities and events from the Buddha’s life, the monarchs and their forefathers are portrayed. It is difficult to fully encompass the legacy of the Kings and the royal family, but the murals capture their essence and commemorate them.
5. BIG GURU RIMPOCHE/ RINPOCHE: Officially called Guru Zilloen, the Big Guru is also known as the “Takila Guru,” perched on Takila Hill overlooking the deep, steep valleys of Lhuentse and the Kuri Chu river. Built by the late Venerable Khenpo Karpo, this open-air statue of Guru Rimpoche, standing 173ft high, is considered the largest Guru statue in the world. Inside, multiple levels of temples house statues and murals, mostly related to the Nyingma tradition.
The statue is surrounded by several large prayer wheels, butter lamp offering sites, a guest house for visiting pilgrims, and narrow terraced rice fields.
6. TRONGSA DZONG: Among the many dzongs in Bhutan, none is as large as Trongsa Dzong, which highlights the fortress’s strong defensive character. Commanding the only historic route between eastern and western Bhutan, it was once the seat of power. It was from here that the first King rose to prominence. Tradition holds that the Crown Prince of Bhutan serves as governor of Trongsa, or “Trongsa Penlop,” before ascending the throne.
The Wheel of Life painting outside the south assembly hall is considered one of the finest in the country.
7. KURJEY LHAKHANGS: “Kurjey” means “body print,” and it is believed that Guru Rimpoche miraculously left his body imprint on the rocks while meditating here in the 8th century. Around these sacred rocks and caves, where he is said to have meditated, the first Kurjey Temple was built in the 17th century. A second temple was added in the early 1900s, followed by a third in 1958, built by the Royal Grandmother Kesang Choden Wangchuck. All the temples are three-storied and celebrate the life of Guru Rimpoche.
8. KYICHU TEMPLES: There are two temples here. The older Kyichu temple predates the state of Bhutan, built in the 7th century, about 900 years before its formation. It marks the early arrival of Buddhism in Bhutan and is considered one of 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo at the request of his consort Wencheng, a Chinese princess. One of the other 108 temples attributed to him is Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang. Both temples enshrine the future Buddha as the central figure.
Next to the ancient Kyichu temple is a newer one dedicated to Guru Rimpoche. It is regarded as one of the finest representations of him in statue form. The temples are surrounded by cherry trees, a few hybrid maples, and a large cypress.
9. DUNGKAR NAGTSHANG – THE HERITAGE HOUSE: This is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal lineage, located in the eastern district of Lhuentse, a further half-day journey from the district center. The name “Dungkar” means conch shell, inspired by the shape of the surrounding landscape, which resembles a conch—an auspicious symbol in Bhutanese belief. Tracing its origins to a 15th-century saint, it is said that the father of the first King, Jigme Namgyel, set out from this house to Trongsa, where he rose to become governor, paving the way for his son Ugyen Wangchuck to expand influence and ultimately be crowned the first King of Bhutan. The drive, though rough, passes through beautiful landscapes leading to the village.
10. CHORTEN KORA: This is a stupa best understood together with the nearby town of Trashiyangtse that surrounds it. Built in Nepalese style, legend holds that it represents the ultimate act of faith, as a maiden princess was entombed here and attained enlightenment. The annual festival, marked by circumambulation of the stupa, commemorates her. It is also believed to have subdued harmful demonic forces since its construction in the 18th century. From the stupa, it is a pleasant walk to Trashiyangtse town, where one can explore local shops, especially those known for wooden bowls and other traditional woodwork the district is famous for.