Paro Valley
At an altitude of 2,250 meters, Paro in Western Bhutan is a captivating valley that mesmerizes its tourists with its fresh and tranquil atmosphere. The valley generally marks the beginning and end of a trip to Bhutan .
Taksang Monastery
Again in the Western Bhutan lies the ancient Taksang Monastery of the Guru Rinpoche fame. Guru Rinpoche was the father of the Mahayana Buddhism endemic in Bhutan . It is said that he flew to the Paro Valley on the back of a tigeress and meditated in a cave at the location of the monastery for three months together.
The monastery is strategically located to offer a soothing view of the mount of Chomolhari on clear days. A walk up to the monastery from Paro Valley takes about three hours.
Thimpu Valley
Cuddled in the heart of royal Himalayas , Thimpu is the charming little capital of Bhutan . The city is situated in the Thimpu Valley and flourishes under the close monitoring and regulations of the zonal governance. To ensure that the development of the city does not harm the beauty of the valley in any way, the buildings are constructed stringently to a limited height and in strict traditional Bhutanese style only.
The capital city carefully embarks with the developments of the modern world, while retaining the heart and soul of Thimpu culture in tact. Cars are sparsely visible and population of the city is hardly visible.
Punakha Valley
The erstwhile winter capital of Bhutan , Punakha Valley welcomes tourists to a mild climate. The city is still visited by a council of monks during winters to pass cold months here.
Phobjika valley and Gangtey Gompa
Situated at an altitude of 2,900 meters is Gangtey Gompa, an ancient monastery pertaining to the 17 th century, sitting in the Phobjika valley. Used for stay in summer months only, the monastery looks over a wide stretch of meadows in the bottom of the valley, housed by spotted black-necked cranes endemically.
Bumthang Valleys
A famous trekking spot of Bhutan , Bumthang's panoramic vistas are often compared to the Europe 's heavenly Switzerland . The landscape is covered with lush meadows full of forests of Rhododendron that swiftly change to trees of Conifers as trekkers pass through them. The Chumey valley at 2,700 meters comes first in the way of hikers, which pleases the eyes of all with its fertile fields of wheat, barley, potatoes and buckwheat. The valley is also known for its wool weaving, locally termed as "Bumthang Yathra". As trekkers proceed further, they reach the splendid Bumthang valley comprising of three small valleys, namely Choekar (West), Jakar and Tang (East) Valleys. The Jakar is the capital to the Bumthang valley.
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