The Ultimate Bhutan Travel Guide: Best Places To Eat, Visit, & Stay At

Located in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, which is ideally where most people are headed or definitely make a stop at—Dechencholing Palace is the palace where the royal family, except the king reside. It's nestled in the midst of sprawling lawns, trees, and pretty ponds. Tourists go here to get a taste of all things regal and to get as close to Bhutanese culture and royalty as possible. When there, you can also stop by the Tangu Cherry, which is behind the Dechencholing Palace, it is one of the country’s oldest thakhangs, where visitors can observe monks engaging in the ages-old arts of levitation and meditation.

A popular picnic spot amongst the locals with a breath-taking paranoiac view of the Himalayas, Dochu La Pass is a sight to behold, and hard to miss thanks to the endless prayer flags and a stupa. It's a mere 40 minute drive up Thimphu, so don't think twice.

Situated beside River Wangchu, The Weekend Market houses over a 100 stalls. If you have a shopping bone in you, get ready to fill your backs with local arts, crafts, and food. Pick up everything from prayer wheels, thangkas, yatras, Bhutanese tamps, and even traditional clothing—Kira and Gho. You can also score jewellery made from Dzi beads, Bhutan Mist (traditional liquor) and bamboo baskets. 

LBB-Tip: Don't buy antiques because they are not allowed across the border. 

Also known as one of the highest vantage points in Bhutan, the Cheele La Pass is a short two-hour drive from Paro. So if you're camped in Paro, you know which direction to head to especially if you're a trekker. If not, you can simply drive, reach the very top and take in the view of the mountains, valleys, frozen waterfalls and rivers (if you go in the winter), and yaks grazing. 

Paro Taktsang is a monastery that houses and is run by monks. Also called the Tiger's Nest Monastery, it is located in the mountains of Bhutan at 10,000 feet above sea level. Getting there is a trek that's most suitable for people who have an above average fitness level since it is a moderate to difficult trek to endure, taking anywhere between three to five hours. Other than that, it is spectacular and absolutely worth your while. 

Sitting 400 meters above a valley, Karbandi Monastery is a sight to behold while also being the oldest monasteries in Bhutan. From up there you get to witness four huge statues of Buddha, gorgeous views of the Phuentsholing valley, and a sweet spot to enjoy the stunning sunset.

If you're one for adventure, and less about sight-seeing, then kayaking and rafting in Paro Chu should be on your Bhutan list. 'Chhu' meaning river in Bhutanese, the Paro Chhu starts at the South of the 24,035 ft Mount Jomolhari flowing through mountain meadows and deep gorges before entering the Paro Valley, making its way through the town of Paro. Folks enjoy rafting and kayaking here. You can read about all the details, as well as register by clicking on the register button down below. 

The Mt. Jomolhari is a high altitude guided trek that takes up to 7 days with a difficulty level of medium to hard. The best time to go about this trek is between April and June. The trek is visually stunning passing yak herds, lush meadows, and views that'll gladly live in your mind rent free. The highlight of the trek is of course the view of Mount Jomolhari from Jomolhari basecamp. 

Known for their miraculous healing powers, the Gasa hot springs, or the Gasa Tshachu are super popular. The hot springs are believed to cure skin diseases, arthritis, ulcers, rheumatism, indigestion, tuberculosis, and other ailments. There are four pongs about three feet deep that are meant to cure various ailments. Gasa is about 134 kilometers from Thimpu and 47 kilometers from Punakha witnessing over 7,000 every winter. 

This restaurant in Thimphu has become a must-visit for tourists and locals alike because of how great the food is! What people love the most about this place is that it has been converted into a restaurant keeping intact old structures in place.  The medieval aesthetics of this century-old house is well preserved resembling a heritage museum. The place specialises in Bhutanese food that's served on traditional wooden plates. 

Must-Try: Salted butter tea with roasted rice.

Located next to the Folk Heritage Museum, this place serves super authentic Bhutanese food. They have over 60 vegetarian and around 100 non-vegetarian options to choose from. The authentic Bhutanese food experience includes a four-course meal that begins with a traditional tea and wine offering, concluding with a variety of seasonal fruits gathered from the orchard right in front of your eyes. If you're a BBQ lover, then this too can be enjoyed by the apple orchard. You can also sit on the terrace and take in the beauty while sipping traditional butter tea and ara (home-brewed rice wine). 

Located on the ground floor of the Galingkha hotel, this is a multi-cuisine restaurant that caters to all kinds of palates. As stunning and comfortable the hotel is to stay at, so is the restaurant and the food. They also have a fully functioning bar that caters to everyone. 

Located in the main town—Thimphu, The pun Restaurant is best known for their authentic thalis. A plate of food we insist you try when in Bhutan, they serve authentic Nepalese and Bhutanese food along with an option for buffets as well. 

If you're a momo lover and wish to try the most authentic ones, the head to Momo Corner in Thimphu. It's budgeted. fuss-free and always busy. We suggest trying out the cheese and buff steam momo along with their noodles. 

Zhiwa Ling is Bhutan's first contemporary concept hotel located just outside Thimphu. It is nestled in a park setting with panoramic views. The place is charming and romantic with amenities like house keeping, laundry service, wifi, a lounge area to name is few. Also, it is a mere 0.5 kms away from the main tourist attractions like Clock Tower Square, National Folk Heritage museum and the likes. 

Situated at a walking distance from Thimphu, Namgay Heritage Hotel is one of the few heritage hotels in Bhutan. Close to all the tourist attractions, this one is great for folks who love staying at old-school places. They also have a sauna and a gym that is included in your stay which we think is pretty great! Along with that the hotel features several places throughout that are great photo ops. They have house keeping, internet, and spacious rooms. 

If you're looking to go all out when in Bhutan, then we suggest heading to Terma Linca resort and Spa, in Thimphu.It is an experience that involves breathtaking views by the  Wangchuk river in Thimpu. Guests get to fully enjoy their privacy along with remarkable hospitality. What we love the most about this property is that it is the perfect base to explore the tiny kingdom’s spectacular monasteries, centuries-old street festivals, scenic mountain passes, authentic traditional Bhutanese houses and pristine wilderness, all within easy reach.

If you're staying in Paro, then stay at Tashi Namgay Resort for a relaxed, comfortable time. Located conveniently in the midst of the Paro valley, the resort is away from the main hustle bustle neatly tucked away with five acres of lush foliage and green lawns. They have four kinds of rooms to choose from with wifi, a recreational area, a gym, and even a spa available on the property. 

Located just 20 minutes away from the airport, Dewachen is the place to be if you love to have a view of the valley, the Paro River, and rice fields. It is a 3-star rated hotel that is perfect for tourists, is on a gentle slope, spacious rooms, close to nearby attractions, and with several amenities available. 

Punakha is a three and a half drive from Thimphu that is nestled between mountain slopes. Hotel Vara on the other hand is a mid-range hotel that is simply beautiful. It has garden views where you can sit by a fire in the evenings and chill with the property dogs! The in-house restaurant is great and will go to lengths to accommodate requests. If you love peace and quiet and wish to stay far away from the city's hustle bustle, then go here. 

Como Uma is a luxury stay in Punakha that promises a prime location, wellness, a top dining experience. They also have a second location, which is in Paro. However, Como Uma in Punakha is all about helping you experience soul-stirring views from its eight light-filled rooms. They have two villas—an intimate one-bedroom villa and a family-friendly two-bedroom Villa. What we love the most about them is how they provide luxury in the wilderness, along with top-notch amenities like the Shambhala spa.