Bhutan's Attractions with Atisha Tours & Treks

Our lands are filled with wonders some famous, some secret. Here are the jewels we’ll share with you, divided by the experiences they offer.

brown and white concrete building near green trees and lake during daytime
brown and white concrete building near green trees and lake during daytime
white and brown concrete house on rocky mountain during daytime
white and brown concrete house on rocky mountain during daytime

Punakha Dzong

The "Palace of Great Happiness." Arguably Bhutan’s most beautiful dzong (fortress-monastery), it sits majestically at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Its intricate woodwork, serene courtyards, and historic significance as the former capital make it unforgettable. Visit in spring to see the lilac jacaranda trees in bloom.

Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)

The crown jewel of Bhutan. Clinging to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the Paro Valley, this sacred site is where Guru Rinpoche meditated. The hike is a pilgrimage, and the view from the monastery courtyard is a moment you will carry forever. We time our visits to avoid crowds and for the best light.

a large crowd of people in front of a building
a large crowd of people in front of a building
gold buddha statue under blue sky during daytime
gold buddha statue under blue sky during daytime

Gangtey Monastery & Phobjikha Valley

In central Bhutan, this is the heart of conservation and tranquility. The 17th-century Gangtey Monastery is a key spiritual site. The valley itself is a breathtaking glacial bowl, home to the endangered Black-Necked Cranes that migrate here each winter (Nov-Feb). We can arrange visits to the Crane Observation Center.

Buddha Dordenma (Thimphu)

A 51-meter tall bronze statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, overlooking the Thimphu Valley. Inside are over 125,000 smaller bronze statues. The scale inspires awe, and the view of the valley from the base is spectacular, especially at dusk.

Dochula Pass (3,100m)

a building with many umbrellas in the snow
a building with many umbrellas in the snow

On the road from Thimphu to Punakha. On a clear day, you’re rewarded with a 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks. It’s also the site of the 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens, a stunning and serene monument built by the Queen Mother.

green mountains and trees during daytime
green mountains and trees during daytime
white and brown concrete building surrounded by green trees under white clouds during daytime
white and brown concrete building surrounded by green trees under white clouds during daytime

Haa Valley

One of Bhutan’s most pristine and least-visited valleys. Rolling hills, dense forests, and traditional hamlets. It’s a place to feel truly away from it all. The Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple) are ancient and deeply sacred.

Known as Bhutan’s "spiritual heartland." It's a complex of four valleys dotted with ancient temples dating back to the 7th century, like Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang. The landscape is gentle, with blue pine forests and meandering rivers—perfect for contemplative walks.

Bumthang Valley

Natural Wonders & Scenic Valleys

Legendary Treks & Outdoor Adventures

The Snowman Trek

One of the world's most challenging and remote treks. For the ultimate adventurer, this 25+ day journey crosses 11 high-altitude passes over 4,500m. It’s a test of endurance that rewards you with unparalleled views and a profound sense of achievement. We only operate this with experienced, well-acclimatised trekkers.

black blue and yellow textile
black blue and yellow textile
The Druk Path Trek

Our most popular classic trek. A 5-6 day journey between Paro and Thimphu, passing crystal-clear lakes, ancient monasteries, and campsites with breathtaking mountain vistas. It offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural touches without extreme altitude.

Bhutan’s biodiversity crown jewel. In the tropical south, this is a haven for wildlife viewing. Go on safari to spot the Bengal tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, golden langur, and hundreds of bird species. It's a completely different, lush side of Bhutan.

Royal Manas National Park
a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
a man riding a skateboard down a street next to tall buildings
a man riding a skateboard down a street next to tall buildings

Living Culture & Authentic Encounters

black and white house on brown field during daytime
black and white house on brown field during daytime
person in red and gold traditional dress
person in red and gold traditional dress

A Traditional Farmhouse Visit & Hot Stone Bath

We’ll take you to a family home, not just a showpiece. Share a cup of suja (butter tea), try your hand at archery, and learn about daily life. End the day with a restorative hot stone bath, where herbs are steeped in water heated by river rocks.

A Local Festival (Tshechu)

Attending a tsechu is like stepping into a living tapestry. Monks and laymen perform masked dances (Cham) that convey Buddhist teachings. The atmosphere is electric colourful, spiritual, and communal.

Must-sees: Paro Tshechu (spring) or Thimphu Tshechu (autumn). We get you the best viewing spots.

man in red and white stripe shirt painting on wall
man in red and white stripe shirt painting on wall
Busy street with cars and buildings against mountains.
Busy street with cars and buildings against mountains.

The National Institute for Zorig Chusum

The "School of the 13 Traditional Arts." In Thimphu, watch master craftsmen and apprentices practice painting (thangka), sculpture, woodcarving, and weaving. You can see Bhutan’s living artistic heritage being passed down.

The Weekend Market in Thimphu

A bustling, sensory delight. Vendors from across the country sell fresh produce, red rice, dried chilies, cheeses, and handicrafts. It’s the perfect place to observe local life and pick up some authentic souvenirs.

Atisha's Secret Spots (Shhh...)

A hidden cliffside nook with a better view of Tiger’s Nest than the main cafeteria.

A monastic school where we can arrange for you to share a quiet moment with young monks (with utmost respect).

A forest hermitage where a respected lama (teacher) sometimes blesses our small groups.

a mountain with a very tall building on top of it
a mountain with a very tall building on top of it

Our Philosophy on Attractions

We will show you the famous sites, but we will also give them context and quiet moments. More importantly, we’ll guide you to the experiences between the sights the laughter with a farmer, the quiet prayer flag fluttering on a ridge, the taste of a sun-warmed apple from a valley orchard. That is the real attraction of Bhutan.

Ready to explore? Tell us what calls to your spirit the mountains, the monasteries, or the hidden valleys and we will craft your perfect path.

"The destination is not a place on a map, but a new way of seeing. —Your Guides at Atisha