Discover Bhutan’s Natural Wonders: Monasteries, Valleys & Rare Wildlife

Bhutan is the perfect destination for spiritual seekers and nature lovers alike, as it offers a unique blend of nature, architecture, culture, and sustainability. One will definitely get lost in the beauty of Bhutan, which offers stunning landscapes from cliffside monasteries to alpine valleys. Along with that, one might also spot some rare species in the parks and reserves here.

Let’s look at some of the must-visit places in Bhutan:

This place is also known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. This is a sacred Himalayan Buddhist site located in the cliffside of Paro Valley in Bhutan. This site was built around a cave where Guru Padmasambhava meditated here and also taught Vajrayana. The Taktsang Palphug Monastery is one of the most famous touristic destinations of the country and the cultural icon of Bhutan. The location of this monastery is perfect with some breathtaking views of the majestic mountains and the green valleys.

The Punakha Dzong is the second oldest and second-largest dzong in Bhutan and is also one of the most majestic structures. This dzong is located between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in the Punakha Valley. Punakha Dzong was the administrative center and the seat of the Government of Bhutan until 1955, when the capital was moved to Thimphu. Here, one can stroll through the beautiful courtyards edged by jacaranda trees, which bloom in the spring, visit the inner temples, and also visit nearby locations like Punakha Suspension Bridge, Chimi Lhakhang, and Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten.

This valley is a vast U-shaped valley in central Bhutan. One can visit the impressive ancient Buddhist monasteries located in the valley, such as the Gangteng Monastery of the Nyingma sect in central Bhutan. The valley is rich in faunal biodiversity and has the globally threatened black-necked cranes here, which visit during the winter, and 13 other globally threatened species. One can also walk on the gentle nature trails through wetlands and farms here, visit traditional villages, and enjoy uninterrupted views of the valley.

This national park is the second-largest national park of Bhutan and also provides sanctuary to 37 known species of mammals such as the Bhutan takin, snow leopard, clouded leopard, Bengal tiger, bharal or Himalayan blue sheep, black musk deer, Himalayan black bear, red panda, and many more. This place also has sites of cultural and economic significance such as Mount Jomolhari and Mount Jitchu Drake, which are worshipped as homes of the local deity.

This is one of the most beautiful and sacred valleys in Bhutan. The main town in the valley is Jakar, where the Jampa Lhakhang temple is located. This is one of two such temples that survived in Bhutan. The Bumthang Valley ushers peace, serenity, and unmatched joy in the visitors’ minds. Bumthang is known for its ancient temples, historical sites, and its connection to Guru Padmasambhava and the Lingpas.

This is a gigantic Buddha statue in the mountains of Bhutan. This statue houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddhist statues, each of which is made of bronze and in gold. This statue is sited in the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of Sherab Wangchuk, the thirteenth Druk Desi, overlooking the southern approach to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. This statue is considered a symbol of peace, compassion, and enlightenment.