A breathtaking scene awaits you as Druk Air lands in Paro at 7,000 ft, which is home to the only international airport of Bhutan. The lush green paddy fields along one side of the airstrip and fresh water river flowing on the other side add to the scenic beauty. Rinpung Dzong looking impressive commands prominence overlooking the valley. Atop the hill is Ta Dzong, the watch tower that since 1965 is the national museum of Bhutan. Paro is also the destination of religious pilgrims because of Kyichu Lhakhang, which was built in the 7th century and the fascinating Taksang monastery, known as Tiger’s nest. 15 kms away from Paro town, a pleasant drive takes you to the end of the valley, where the ruin of the famous Drukgyel Dzong is located. On a clear sunny day, you can view mount Jumolhari, which is snow bound all year round and rises more than 7,000 m. Your trip can be memorable with a visit to a farm house and a taste of butter tea.

The road to central and eastern Bhutan takes you over Dochula Pass, at a height of 10,500 ft. It is an hour’s drive from Thimphu and the sight of greenery, prayer flags and the 108 chortens with many snow capped peaks in the background on a sunny day is a photographer’s dream. Rhododendron and white magnolia bloom in spring and the area is a site for bird watching tours. In winter nomads from higher altitudes bring their yaks to settlements in the vicinity of Dochula to graze till the beginning of spring.

Punakha the capital of Bhutan till 1955 is a warm place suited for cultivation of rice, tropical fruits and vegetables. It is still called the winter capital because the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) of Bhutan resides in Punakha in winter when it becomes cold in Thimphu, returning only in spring when the climate in Thimphu is warmer.
Punakha dzong was built in 1636, strategically at the confluence of 2 rivers “pho chu” and “mochu chu” and presents a picturesque view from the entrance gate of Punkha High School. Although gutted by fire in the early 1990’s, the dzong has been restored to its past magnificence, but the most sacred of all its treasure is the mortal remains of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founding father of Bhutan’s unification in the 17th century.
In addition to the dzong, Chimi Lhakhang and Khamsum Yuli Lhakhang are the other prominent places of visit in Punakha, the former being the dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, whose identity is linked with many hilarious legends and myths. Chimi Lhakhang is built on a windy hillock 20 minutes walk from the road, the path taking you through a typical Bhutanese village. Khamsum Yuli Lhakhang is dedicated to the well being of His Highness the Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk.

A 30 minute drive along the merged “Po Chu” and “Mo Chu” rivers takes you to Wangdue Phodrang, the dzong sitting atop a hill in a formidable position looking like a sleeping bull. Wangdue Phodrang dzong played critical roles in the unification of western, southern and central Bhutan in the 17th century mainly because of it being in between the central government in Trongsa and the dzongkhags in the west ruled by powerful governors. Continuing the journey beyond Wangdue takes you to Trongsa in central Bhutan over the Pelela Pass. A bypass from the main road leads to Gangtey Gonpa, an old monastery dating back to the 17th century. Phobjikha, few kilometers away is a beautiful valley and the abundance of dwarf bamboos in the valley makes it home to the rare Black Necked Cranes.

The majesty of Trongsa dzong at 7,600 ft can be best viewed from a vantage point across a deep ravine, 14 kms from Trongsa. In ancient times the road from east to west Bhutan passed through Trongsa, so one can only imagine the pivotal role Trongsa played in shaping the history of Bhutan. Sir Ugyen Wangchuck was elected the first king of Bhutan after having served as the Trongsa Penlop. The tradition still exists and the title of Trongsa Penlop is conferred to the crown prince of Bhutan. The present king received the title in 1972 and HRH Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck was conferred the title in 2005.
Trongsa Penlop was a formidable ally or foe during the Desi era, which was the system of governance before establishment of monarchy in Bhutan mainly because of the advantage of its central location. In an era when civil strife and struggle for power was rampant and modern communication was non-existent, patronage of the Trongsa Penlop was crucial in making alliances and strategizing military operations. Therefore, the Trongsa Penlop was a key player in keeping the country united.

Bumthang valley is one of the most beautiful places in Bhutan. Shrouded in religious legends of Guru Padmasambhava and Terton Pema Lingpa, Bumthang has a unique charm that is different from other regions. The tranquil environment, as one approaches the valley is soothing to physical and mental fatigue, after a long journey along winding roads.
Apart from the Dzong, Kurje and Jampa lhakhangs, dedicated to Guru Rimpoche are the religious monuments places to visit. Bumthang has a cheese factory, bee keeping farm and several small industries producing wine, fruit juices and brandies. A charming facet that one should not miss in Bumthang is staying in a hotel owned and run by members of the same family. Most of the hotels are built in modest style but offer comfortable rooms and tasty cuisine.