Bhutan is one of the spiritual destinations in the world, famous for its scenic beauty and serenity. While the common Bhutan travel guides include the popular destinations, Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, or comprehensive guide will unveil the hidden gems of Bhutan. Here we present the off-the-beaten-path that makes Bhutan tours an unforgettable experience for many.
Bhutan has many hidden gems that will let you experience its rich culture and pristine landscapes. Whether you are going with family for summer vacation in Bhutan or a romantic holiday trip in Bhutan, these hidden places are worth a visit. So, let’s explore the untouched valleys and villages in Bhutan.
Bhutan’s Hidden Gems
Situated in the heart of the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan beckons with its pristine landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and renowned temples. It is a tiny kingdom between India and China. People from all over the world visit here to witness its majestic beauty. Discover the Land of the Thunder Dragon with our comprehensive guide that reveals the exotic hidden gems of Bhutan that you must visit during your Bhutan tour.
Phobjikha Valley
Nestled in central Bhutan, Phobjikha Valley is a sanctuary for nature lovers. With its pristine beauty, it enthrals tourists. One of the best parts of visiting Phobjikha Valley is that it is a glacial valley, where the endangered black-necked crane migrates. So, you may get a chance to witness this. Black-necked crane comes from Tibet every winter here. This tranquil valley is surrounded by lush forest and charming villages. While exploring the valley, you will encounter the stunning landscapes and Gangten Monastery perched on a ridge overlooking the valley. Phobjikha is a rich in flora and fauna and a visist to this natural wonder will give you a glimpse of Bhutan’s pristine wilderness.
What to See in Phobjikha Valley
- Gangtey Goemba
- Black Necked Crane Information Centre
- Kuenzang Chholing Shedra
- Kumbhu Lhakhang
- Nyelung Dechenling
- Khewang Lhakhang
Best Time to Visit
The winter season is the best time to visit Phobjikha Valley. It is the time when you get pleasant weather as well as the time when you can see Black Necked Crane.
Bumthang Valley
The next destination in the list of Bhutan’s hidden places is Bumthang Valley. Nestled in the central part of Bhutan, provides unmatched joy to its visitors. It is a heaven for history and spirituality, and is known as the cultural heartland of Bhutan. If seclusion is what you need from your Bhutan trip, then head straight to Bumthang Valley. You will be mesmerized by its pristine beauty. Besides the scenic vistas and tranquil places, Bumthang Valley has numerous temples, sacred sites, and monasteries. This makes it a perfect holiday destination for families in Bhutan. The region allows you to immerse yourself in spirituality and experience Bhutanese culture and religion. Apart from this, the valley is a paradise for nature lovers, best for a leisurely walk or hike amidst lush greenery and picturesque landscapes.
Dotted with many sacred sites like Buddhist monasteries and temples, Bumthang Valley has four major valleys that are worth exploring. This valley is also known as the “Shangri-La of Bhutan” due to its preservation of natural beauty. You will feel cheerful and like time stands still here. You will even feel happy to meet warm-hearted locals, who would make you feel at home when visiting Bumthang in Bhutan.
What to See in Bumthang Valley
- Jakar Dzong
- Jambay Lhakhang
- Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum
- Ngang Lhakhang
- Chakar Lhakhang
Best Time to Visit Bumthang Valley
You can plan your Bumthang trip in Bhutan in the spring season from March to May or in the autumn season from September to November. Both seasons are apt for sightseeing and outdoor activities. It offers pleasant weather, clear views, and vibrant festivals.
Haa Valley
Tourists who love off-the-beaten tracks must explore Haa Valley in Bhutan. This destination is ideal for travelers who like solace. With less population and almost zero tourist crowd, Haa Valley is a heaven for nature lovers. Everything about this valley, from the profusion of flora and fauna to the loving people, makes Haa Valley one of the best places to visit in Bhutan. The valley is surrounded by steep hills covered with lush greenery. It is nestled between Tibet and the Chhukha Dzonghkhag. Tourists on their Bhutan tours must visit this place to explore Bhutan’s pristine beauty and unique cultural experience. To visit this valley, you will have to travel from Paro via Chele La Pass or from Thimphu, passing. The journey itself makes the trip to Haa Valley unforgettable. It is also one of the best destinations in Bhutan for trekking and adventure activities. So, if you are an adventure seeker, Haa Valley is a treasure trove for you.
What to See in Haa Valley
- Lhakhang Karpo
- Lhakhang Nagpo
- Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve
- Haa Gompa
- Haa Wangchuck Lo Dzong
- Juneydrak Hermitage
Best Time to Visit Haa Valley
The Spring (March to May) and Autumn seasons (September to November) are the best times to visit Haa Valley. The pleasant weather makes the place ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities like trekking.
Trongsa
Known as the “Vanguard of the Warriors,” Trongsa is one of the best places to visit in Bhutan. Since it is located on a ridge, the town offers spectacular views of the valley. Though not completely hidden or unexplored by tourists, Trongsa is a less-crowded region compared to other popular tourist destinations in Bhutan. This gives you a more authentic experience of Bhutan tours because of its historical and spiritual significance. Apart from this, Trongsa is famous for the Trongsa Dzong, which is a large fortress-monastery. During your trip to Trongsa, you will marvel at this beautiful architecture that overlooks the simmering Mangde Chhu River. Trongsa is a beautiful town that is famous for its natural beauty and history. While exploring, you will explore the history of Bhutan associated with Bhutan’s unification and the story of the royal family of Bhutan.
What to See in Trongsa
- Chendebji Chorten
- Korphu Village
- Kuenga Rabten Palace
- Mangdue Foot Trail
- Nabji Lhakhang
- Semji Village
Best Time to Visit Trongsa
The weather during the autumn season from September to November is very pleasant and apt for outdoor activities like trekking and sightseeing. Hence, the autumn season is the best time to visit Trongsa.
Merak and Sakteng
Situated at an altitude of 3500 metres, the exotic valley of Merak and Sakteng has been the land of Brokpa for centuries. Here you will experience the unique culture of the locals. Well, Merak and Sakteng are the two remote villages where the Brokpa community resides. They are yak herders and have a very distinctive way of life than the entire Bhutan. Heading to this off-beat destination in Bhutan lets you explore the exotic valley. Interacting with locals and understanding their culture and customs is a unique experience for travelers.
Being a tourist, you get so much to explore here. The diverse rituals and customs of the Brokpa people make it one of the best places to visit in Bhutan. With all the natural beauty and scenic vistas of the valley, tourists can visit the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary. You will be surprised to know that this sanctuary is the only reserve in the world for the abominable snowman. Besides, it has some exotic and rare flora, like blue poppies, Bhutan National flower, Premilus and gentian. Its diverse flora and fauna make the sanctuary a must-visit.
What to See in Merak and Sakteng
- Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary
- Nachungla Pass
- Miksa Teng
- Jomo Kuengkhar
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Merak and Sakteng is either in the Spring season from March to May or in the Autumn season from September to November.
Gasa
One of the most strikingly beautiful hidden places in Bhutan that you must explore is Gasa. People who want to explore an extremely beautiful then add Gasa in their Bhutan tour packages. This beautiful town is located in the northernmost district of Bhutan. It is a less populated town that provides solace to travelers. However, while planning your trip to Gasa in Bhutan, you should consider the weather as the winter season is very long and extreme here. The summer season is quite shorter than the other regions in the country, but exceptionally wonderful to experience.
Gasa with its natural beauty attracts tourists, but its not the only that that makes Gasa a must-visit destination. Its national park is one of the largest in the country, which makes it one of the renowned towns in Bhutan. Most tourists visit here to explore Jigme Dorji National Park, which is on the list of the top things to do in Bhutan.
What to See in Gasa
- Gasa Dzong
- Gasa Tshachu
- Laya Village
- Lunana Village
Best Time to Visit
With pleasant weather and clear skies, March to May and September to November are the best times to visit Gasa, ideal for sightseeing, trekking, and exploring natural beauty.
Hidden Gems of Bhutan: Conclusion
Discover the untouched beauty of Bhutan with our travel guide. We have covered the most unspoilt and untouched destinations that tourists looking for a secluded place must visit. If you want peace, joy, and happiness while exploring the natural beauty of Bhutan, then you must visit these hidden gems on your next Bhutan trip. However, for an exceptional and unforgettable experience, we suggest booking a personalized Bhutan tour package from us. We guarantee an extraordinary journey to explore the off-the-beaten-path of Bhutan, far from the tourist crowds, where nature, culture, and adventure unfold.