Places in Bhutan:
Thimphu At 2,350 m in the fertile valley of the Wang river, Thimphu is not all what one would expect of a capital city. Like the country which it commands, Thimphu is a town of dramatic contrasts and spectacular beauty.

Clean and broad roads lined with willows and cypresses, gracious traffic meticulously abiding by the rules without the cacophony of horns so common throughout Asia. A unique law, retains the forms and motifs of Bhutan's traditional architecture even in new building constructed with modern materials, this gives Thimphu a delightful structural harmony. The capital's most striking landmark is the magnificent Tashicho Dzong, which is the seat of the Royal Government and Central Monastic Body and the largest dzong in all of Bhutan.

Paro At 2,250 m , Paro is the site of Bhutan's only airport and the other major mountain town in western Bhutan after Thimphu. Other than the spectacular spring "tsechu", Paro has a number of sights and monument to enthrall and delight the visitor. The pastoral beauty of Paro valley, magnificent views of Mount Jumolhari, the incredible monastery of "Taktsang" which clings to a sheer rock cliff plunging 900 m, the dramatic ruins of Drukgyel Dzong (fortress of the victorious Drukpa) and the National Museum - housed in an ancient watchtower - are few of the attractions that make Paro one of the high-points of any holiday in Bhutan.

Punakha At 1,300 m, Punakha is Bhutan's ancient capital and winter seat of the Central Monastic Body. It is blessed with a temperate climate and has an abundance of fruit and flowering trees. The Punakha Dechen Phodrang Dzong, built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, is remarkably situated on a triangular spit of land between the waters of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (female and male, chu meaning river), which unite with each other right in front of the dzong.

Wangdue At 1,300 m, Wangdue is distinguished primarily by its dzong, built in 1638, which completely covers the spur of a hill and commands impressive views of both the east-west and north -south routes. Wangdue, as it is more usually called, is also known for its "tsechu" and strong winds. A tourist rest house makes wangdue a convenient way stop on the road from Thimphu to central and eastern Bhutan.

Gangtey/Phobjikha A high glacial valley (3,000 m) on the flanks of the Black Mountains, Phobjikha is wide and long, with gently sloping hillsides enclosing a space of astonishing beauty. Rare Siberian black-necked cranes migrate to this valley of Gangtey in winter which has a very interesting Nyingmapa monastery. In the surrounding forest, monkeys have made their home and the flowering rhododendron add a dramatic dash of colour in spring.

Trongsa Ancestral home of Bhutan's ruling dynasty, Trongsa (2,200 m) commanded the ancient east-west route (and still does) making control of Trongsa vital to control of the country. The Trongsa dzong, built in 1543, is Bhutan's most impressive fortress, built on many different levels into the spur of a hill and commanding excellent views of the Mangde river valley.

Bumthang The valleys of Bumthang (2,600 m) are known for their beauty in a country known as the most beautiful in the Himalayas. For the visitor, the spectacular scenery is supplemented by such a concentration of sacred sites that Bumthang is regarded to be the cradle of Bhutan¹s Buddhist civilization and is actually referred to as "the heart of Bhutan". Bumthang also offers some of the best treks in Bhutan.

MongarAt 1,700 m, Mongar is the headquarters of the district of the same name and is little more than a stopping place between Bumthang and Trashigang. A tourist guest house offers basic amenities, a good view encompassing a large area and a lovely garden. Monger is also the first town in the mountains that is situated on a hillside rather than a valley.

Trashigang At 1,150 m, Trashigang is the biggest urban center in the mountains, after Thimphu. The administrative and economic hub of Bhutan's most populous region, Trashigang is known for its woodwork and weaving. Trashigang also has an impressive dzong, from which the town takes its name. Built on spur in 1656 - 1659, overlooking the Gamri river, 400 m below, its name aptly translates as "fortress of the auspicious mountain".

Laya and LingshiIn the far north of western Bhutan, this is a region of high pastures (4,000 m), semi-nomadic yak herders and their herds, hot springs, colorful people in conical bamboo hats and, towering above them all, the massive peaks of the world¹s highest range. This region is also camping country; the trekking trails take you through a variety of terrain and landscapes, with quaint mountain villages and fabulous views. You may also, if you're lucky, see the elusive snow leopard and rare blue sheep.

SaktengAt 3,000 m in Bhutan's eastern extremity, Sakteng is an astonishing high altitude valley peopled by a semi-nomadic tribe who are totally different in dress, language and way of life from other Bhutanese.

ManasAt 150 m, the Manas Game Sanctuary comprises 288 sq. km. of unspoilt wilderness. Located at Bhutan's southeastern corner and neighboring the Indian state of Assam, Manas is an ecological marvel that preserves the habitat of many exotic animals; among them the rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tigers, elephants, many species of snakes and the Golden Langur Monkey which is found nowhere else in the world.

PhuentsholingSituated at the very point where mountains meet the plains, Phuenstholing is a market town and the overland gateway to the Thunder Dragon Kingdom.