Bhutan is a democratic constitutional monarchy and the world's only confirmed carbon-negative country until recently, when Suriname joined the ranks. This last Buddhist Himalayan kingdom spans 38,394 km² with a population of around 796,682, divided into 20 Dzongkhags or districts. Guided by Gross National Happiness (GNH), Bhutan prioritises well-being over material growth. Tourism started in 1974 during the Fourth King's Coronation, but the country truly emrged from self imposed isolationism only at the turn of the millenium with the coming of the television and internet.
Explore the 20 Dzongkhags and learn about the attractions and activities each offer in the interactive map below.
Bumthang
Bumthang, also referred to as Little Switzerland, is a district in central Bhutan at an average elevation of 3,677 meters, and is the spiritual heart of the country. With a population of around 16,000, it is renowned for its ancient temples, monasteries, and ties to Guru Rinpoche and Pema Lingpa. The district’s four valleys—Choekhor, Tang, Chumey, and Ura—offer stunning landscapes, apple orchards, and vibrant local crafts. Visitors can explore sacred sites like Jampa Lhakhang and Mebartsho (the “Flaming Lake”), enjoy scenic hikes, and experience colorful festivals like Ura Tsechu. Bumthang’s blend of culture, history, and natural beauty makes it an unforgettable destination. Explore:
Jambay Lhakhang ▼
Kurje Lhakhang ▼
Mebartsho (Burning Lake) ▼
Jakar Dzong ▼
Ogyen Choling Palace Museum ▼
Tamshing Lhakhang ▼
Ura Valley ▼
Jambay Lhakhang Drup ▼
Ura Tsechu ▼
Bumthang Nomad Festival ▼
Paro
Paro is home to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang), Paro Dzong, and Bhutan’s only international airport. Explore:
Taktsang Monastery ▼
Rinpung Dzong ▼
Ta Dzong National Museum ▼
Chele La Pass ▼
Zuri Dzong Fort ▼
Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang ▼
Tamchoe Monastery ▼
Kyichu Lhakhang ▼
Paro Tshechu ▼
Thimphu
Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, is the political and economic centre, home to the Tashichho Dzong and the Buddha Dordenma statue. Explore:
Buddha Dordenma ▼
Tashichho Dzong ▼
National Memorial Chorten ▼
Changangkha Lhakhang ▼
Motithang Takin Preserve ▼
Dochula Pass ▼
Simply Bhutan ▼
Folk Heritage Museum ▼
Thimphu Tshechu ▼
Punakha
Punakha, the former capital, is famous for Punakha Dzong, the ‘Palace of Great Happiness,’ and the confluence of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Explore:
Punakha Dzong ▼
Suspension Bridge ▼
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten ▼
Chimi Lhakhang ▼
Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang ▼
Jigme Dorji National Park ▼
Punakha Dromche ▼
Haa
The smallest district in Bhutan, Haa is known for its scenic beauty, the annual Haa Summer Festival, and sacred sites like Lhakhang Karpo and Nagpo. Explore:
Lhakhang Karpo ▼
Lhakhang Nagpo ▼
Juneydrak Hermitage ▼
Haa Valley View Trail ▼
Haa Summer Festival ▼
Wangdue Phodrang
Wangdue Phodrang is famous for its majestic dzong, the Black-Necked Crane Festival, and the Phobjikha Valley. Explore:
Wangdue Phodrang Dzong ▼
Gangtey Gompa ▼
Phobjikha Valley ▼
Gangtey Nature Trail ▼
Black-Necked Crane Information Centre ▼
Pele La Pass ▼
Wangdue Phodrang Tsechu ▼
Black-Necked Crane Festival ▼
Sarpang
Sarpang is home to Gelephu, a major border town, and the proposed Gelephu Mindfulness City. Explore:
Gelephu Mindfulness City ▼
Sarpang Dzong ▼
Gelephu Hot Springs ▼
Royal Manas National Park ▼
Zangdopelri Lhakhang ▼
Chhudzom Cardamom Farm ▼
Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary ▼
Kuenga Rabten Nunnery ▼
Chuzangang Tshechu ▼
Samdrup Jongkhar
Samdrup Jongkhar is Bhutan’s gateway to India in the southeast and an important trade centre. Explore:
Dewathang ▼
Mithun Breeding Farm ▼
Zangto Pelri Lhakhang ▼
Samdrup Jongkhar Dzong ▼
Bhairav Kunda Shiva Mandir ▼
Chökyi Gyatso Institute ▼
Local Markets ▼
Hot Springs of Samdrup Jongkhar ▼
Samdrup Jongkhar Tshechu ▼
Trashigang
Trashigang is Bhutan’s largest district, famous for its bustling town, Radhi village’s weaving, and Sherubtse College. Explore:
Trashigang Dzong ▼
Radhi Village ▼
Merak Village ▼
Sakteng Village ▼
Trashigang Local Market ▼
Trashigang Tshechu ▼
Trashi Yangtse
Trashi Yangtse is known for the Chorten Kora stupa and its traditional wooden bowl (Dapa) craftsmanship. Explore:
Chorten Kora ▼
Dapa Craft Village ▼
Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary ▼
Gom Kora ▼
National Institute for Zorig Chusum ▼
Dakpa Kora Festival ▼
Mongar
Mongar is one of Bhutan’s fastest-growing towns and home to Mongar Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. Explore:
Mongar Dzong ▼
Drametse Monastery ▼
Yagang Lhakhang ▼
Ruins of Zhongar Dzong ▼
Aja Ney ▼
Jarung Khashor Chorten ▼
Thrumshingla National Park ▼
Integrated Horticulture Farm ▼
Mongar Tshechu ▼
Lhuentse
Lhuentse is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family and famous for its intricate Kishuthara weaving. Explore:
Lhuentse Dzong ▼
Khoma Village ▼
Dungkar Nagtshang ▼
Gangzur Village ▼
Takila Guru Statue ▼
Singye Dzong ▼
Lhuentse Tshechu ▼
Zhemgang
Zhemgang is rich in wildlife, home to the Royal Manas National Park and the rare Golden Langur monkey. Explore:
Trong Heritage Village ▼
Zhemgang Dzong ▼
Royal Manas National Park ▼
Buli Lake ▼
Zhemgang Tshechu ▼
Dagana
Dagana is famous for its rich biodiversity and the picturesque Dagana Dzong. Explore:
Dagana Dzong ▼
Do Namkhai Kaw ▼
Do Kepai Goenthoe ▼
Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary ▼
Dagana Tshechu ▼
Tsirang
Tsirang is an agricultural hub, known for its mild climate and vast orange orchards. Explore:
Tsirang Orange Orchards ▼
Tsirang Dzong ▼
Pemachoeling Heritage Forest ▼
Rigsum Pemai Dumra ▼
Buddhist Hindu Temple ▼
Lung Si Gang Viewpoint ▼
Tsirang Tshechu ▼
Samtse
Samtse is a culturally diverse district, known for Dhamdum Industrial Park and its lush tea gardens. Explore:
Samtse Tea Gardens ▼
Samtse Dzong ▼
Dudjom Lingpa Lhakhang ▼
Samtse Local Market ▼
Samtse Eco-Park ▼
Samtse Tshechu ▼
Gasa
Gasa is the least populated dzongkhag, known for its hot springs and as the gateway to the Snowman Trek. Explore:
Gasa Dzong ▼
Gasa Hot Springs ▼
Laya Village ▼
Lunana Village ▼
Royal Highlander Festival ▼
Takin Habitat ▼
Snowman Trek ▼
Gasa Tshechu ▼
Pema Gatshel
Pema Gatshel is known for its Buddhist festivals and the production of traditional Bhutanese paper (Desho). Explore:
Pemagatshel Dzong ▼
Chimoong Lhakhang ▼
Desho Paper Factory ▼
Zobel Monastery ▼
Yongla Goemba ▼
Trumpet Making Center ▼
Lotus Eco-Campsite ▼
Pemagatshel Tshechu ▼
Chukha
Chukha is a key economic hub of Bhutan, known for the Chhukha Hydropower Project and proximity to Phuentsholing. Explore:
Chhukha Dzong ▼
Chhukha Hydropower Plant ▼
Phuentsholing Town ▼
Kharbandi Monastery ▼
Chhukha Tshechu ▼
Trongsa
Trongsa is historically significant as the ancestral home of Bhutan’s monarchy and houses the massive Trongsa Dzong. Explore:
Trongsa Dzong ▼
Ta Dzong (Museum) ▼
Kuenga Rabten Palace ▼
Yotong La Pass ▼
Chendebji Chorten ▼
Mangdue Foot Trail ▼
Semji Village ▼
Trongsa Tshechu ▼
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Visa & Entry Requirements
All international tourists (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian citizens) require a visa before arrival.
Visa Fee: $40 USD (non-refundable)
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): $100 per person per night. Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian travelers must pay Rs.1,200.
Processing Time: 5 to 10 business days
Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian travelers require an entry permit instead of a visa and must carry a valid passport or Voter ID. Aadhar cards are not accepted.
ALL visitors must have a licensed guide.
Best Time to Visit Bhutan
Spring (March - May): Peak Season. Ideal for trekking and festivals