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Wonders of Bhutan
  Highlights
Bhutan is an exotic country in the Himalayas, with an extremely well-preserved natural heritage and rich, well-maintained local culture.
Nearly every place in Bhutan is beautiful. Here are found countless tall waterfalls, unique ecosystems, and species – most of these are little known. Exciting discoveries are waiting for us! The same can be said about prehistory – here are located thousands of megaliths and nearly none of them have been visited by scientists.
Today the best-known wonders of Bhutan are dzongs – unique buildings which serve as fortresses, Buddhist monasteries, and keepers of local culture and traditions. Most dzongs are well maintained and active up to this day.
Map with the described wonders of Bhutan
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Top 25 wonders of Bhutan
Geological wonders
Namling Falls
Mongar
Possibly – the most impressive waterfall in Bhutan.
Biological wonders
Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary
Trashigang
Gorgeous primeval forest in the Himalayas, mostly – temperate forest and subalpine ecosystems. One of the reasons for the creation of this sanctuary is the protection of migoi – a man-like cryptid, whose existence has not been proven but local people are convinced that it exists.
World’s tallest cypress tree near Bay Langdra Ney
Wangdue Phodrang
The tallest known cypress (Cupressus himalaica or Cupressus corneyana – scientists still argue about the taxonomy). 94.6 m tall, diameter 4.27 m.
Cypress of Kurjey
Bumthang
A legendary cypress, planted upside down in the 8th century AD.
Archaeological wonders
Dorje Dolmen
Bumthang
An enormous stone that is placed over several smaller stones. Nearby are stones with cup marks. This dolmen is just one example of countless megaliths in Bhutan.
Dagana Megaliths
Dagana
Three stone stelae (most likely – natural formations) on the opposite side of the valley from Daga Dzong. The largest stone pillar – Do Namgi Kaw – is some 20 m tall, and it has a footprint on the crown. According to legends, when Dzong was constructed, the stone pillar started to speak (in a telepathic way) asking to build the dzong lower than the summit of the stone pillar. Two other stone pillars are Do Kelpai Genthey and Tha Namkhai Dzong with a cave in it.
Architecture and history wonders
Paro Taktsang Monastery
Paro
This monastery is in a dramatic setting on the side of a cliff, 700 meters above the bottom of the valley. It was built in 1692. Near the monastery is a 60 m high waterfall – Taktsang waterfall.
Punakha Dzong
Punakha
The second oldest, second largest historical fortress and Buddhist monastery in Bhutan. This magnificent building was constructed in 1637 – 1638.
Animo Tsho
Bumthang
A sacred lake where speaking is forbidden.
Tango Monastery
Thimphu
This historical monastery was founded in the 13th century. Current buildings were constructed in the 17th century. Next to the monastery are located the sacred caves where holy saints have meditated since the 12th century.
Kyichu Lhakhang (Kyerchu Temple)
Paro
The oldest Buddhist temple in Bhutan, originally built in the 7th century AD and reconstructed in the 15th – 16th century.
Simtokha Dzong
Thimphu
The oldest historical fortress in Bhutan, built in 1629. This small building is a former Buddhist monastery, now – a language learning institute.
Jakar Dzong
Bumthang
One of the largest historical fortresses in Bhutan with a circumference of more than 1,500 meters. Construction started in the middle of the 16th century.
Lhuentse Dzong
Lhuentse
Large and important monastery – fortress. Established in 1543, built after 1654. Important keeper of local traditions and customs.
Chimi Lhakhang
Punakha
An old Buddhist monastery, built in 1499. In this monastery acted Lama Kunley – the “Mad Saint” who taught Buddhism with humor, outrageous behavior, and bizarre sexual overtones. People who visit this monastery are blessed with a wooden symbol of the phallus.
Wangdue Phodrang fortress
Wangdue Phodrang
An enormous fortress, built on a mountaintop in 1638. Burned down in the summer of 2012, but relics have been preserved.
Gangteng Monastery
Wangdue Phodrang
Nyingmapa Buddhist monastery with a grand view of Phobjika Valley. Founded in 1613 and gradually increased. The monastery acts as a keeper and developer of local traditions and culture.
Changangkha Monastery
Thimphu
One of the oldest monasteries in Thimphu valley, built in the 15th century. Temple has a collection of old scripts.
Yagang Lhakhang
Mongar
This Buddhist temple was built in the 16th century. It contains a rich collection of religious treasures, armor, and weapons.
Trongsa Dzong
Trongsa
One of the largest historical fortresses in Bhutan, constructed in the 17th century and enlarged in later centuries. Located in a beautiful location – in a wild, rocky area above Mangde Chuu valley.
Rinpung Dzong
Paro
Large Buddhist monastery and fortress. The current building was constructed in 1644 – 1646.
Lingzhi YĂĽgyal Dzong
Thimphu
Mountaintop fortress-monastery that is located among dramatic mountain scenery at the height of 4,150 m. Constructed in 1668, one of the most important border fortresses of Bhutan.
Tashichho Dzong
Thimphu
Large, ornate fortress – Buddhist monastery in Thimphu. Constructed in the 17th century and rebuilt in later times, the last time in 1902.
Chagri Monastery
Thimphu
Large, important Buddhist monastery, founded in 1620.
Dechencholing Palace
Thimphu
The official residence of the King, built in traditional style in 1953. Beautiful, traditional furnishings.
Recommended books
A Splendid Isolation: Lessons on Happiness from the Kingdom of Bhutan
What does Bhutan understand about happiness that the rest of the world does not? Award-winning journalist and author Madeline Drexler recently traveled to this Himalayan nation to discover how the audacious policy known as Gross National Happiness plays out in a fast-changing society where Buddhism is deeply rooted–but where the temptations and collateral damage of materialism are rising.
Beyond the Sky and the Earth: A Journey into Bhutan
Jamie Zeppa was 24 when she left a stagnant life at home and signed a contract to teach for two years in the Buddhist hermit kingdom of Bhutan. Much more than just a travel memoir, Beyond the Sky and the Earth is the story of her time in a Himalayan village, immersed in Bhutanese culture and the wonders of new and lasting love.