Destinations
Western Bhutan
The capital Thimphu, the international gateway of Paro, the sacred Punakha valley and the peaceful highlands of Haa.
Western Bhutan
Discover Western Bhutan
Western Bhutan brings together six districts: Thimphu, Paro, Haa, Chukha, Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang.
Here you will find Bhutan’s capital and contemporary cultural centre, the Paro valley with the country’s international airport and the iconic Tiger’s Nest, the historic Punakha Dzong between the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers, the quiet alpine valley of Haa, the southern gateway of Chukha, and Wangdue Phodrang with the Phobjikha Valley, winter home of the black-necked cranes.
Dzongkhags
Districts of Western Bhutan
Every district page lists its major attractions and experiences.
Culture, urban tourism, heritage and hikingThimphuThimphu is Bhutan's political, administrative, educational and contemporary cultural centre. It combines modern urban life with monasteries, traditional architecture, museums and government institutions.Explore the district
Culture, pilgrimage and hikingParoParo is one of Bhutan's most important cultural and historical tourism destinations. It is also the location of Bhutan's international airport.Explore the district
Rural, cultural and scenicHaaHaa is a peaceful western valley known for its mountains, traditional villages and relatively low tourist density.Explore the district
Gateway, nature and commerceChukhaChukha is an important gateway between Bhutan and India and has a warmer, subtropical landscape.Explore the district
Heritage, rivers, agriculture and pilgrimagePunakhaPunakha is one of Bhutan's most historically important valleys and is famous for its fertile agricultural landscape.Explore the district
Nature, culture and wildlifeWangdue PhodrangWangdue is geographically diverse, stretching from warm valleys to high mountain landscapes.Explore the district
Places to visit
Highlights of Western Bhutan
Thimphu
Culture, urban tourism, heritage and hiking
- Tashichho Dzong
- Buddha Dordenma Statue
- National Memorial Chorten
- National Textile Museum
Paro
Culture, pilgrimage and hiking
- Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)
- Rinpung Dzong
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Drukgyel Dzong
Chukha
Gateway, nature and commerce
- Chukha Dzong
- Phuentsholing
- Karbandi Monastery
- Chukha Hydropower area
Punakha
Heritage, rivers, agriculture and pilgrimage
- Punakha Dzong
- Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers
- Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
- Chimi Lhakhang
Wangdue Phodrang
Nature, culture and wildlife
- Wangdue Phodrang Dzong
- Gangtey Monastery
- Phobjikha Valley
- Black-necked Crane Centre
Festival experiences
Festivals in Western Bhutan
Festival dates change each year. Please confirm current dates with our team.
Paro · SpringParo TshechuSacred Dance in a Historic Dzong.Discover the festival
Thimphu · AutumnThimphu TshechuWhen Bhutan's Capital Comes Alive.Discover the festival
Punakha · Winter / SpringPunakha Dromchoe & TshechuHistory, Faith and Architecture.Discover the festival
Haa Valley · SummerHaa Summer FestivalDiscover Bhutan's Hidden Alpine Valley.Discover the festival
Phobjikha · NovemberBlack-Necked Crane FestivalWelcome the Birds of Heaven.Discover the festival
Keep exploring
Other regions
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Plan your journey through Western Bhutan
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