Although the interiors of some temples, monasteries and Dzongs [fortress] are forbidden to foreign travelers at present, the tourists can still get a good insight into the unique cultural heritage of the Kingdom. The closure of religious institutions is to ensure that monastic life can continue unhindered.

Thimpu : Situated on the banks of Wongchu River , the capital town is the political hub of this tiny kingdom. An enjoyable way experiencing Bhutanese life from close quarters is a walk through its streets. It is a joy to watch the hustle and bustle of the streets. With no modern high rises - the government has decreed that all the building in the town be built in the traditional Bhutanese style - the city is like an open museum which provides a window to the craftsmanship of the local artisans. Tashidzong, one of the most impressive landmarks and arguably the most impressive building in the country, houses the Bhutanese throne room and serves as the summer residence of the venerated monastic community. Other interesting sites include the Traditional Painting School where age-old Bhutanese art and craft is kept alive and passed on to the forthcoming generation. The Memorial Chorten, an important monument in Th impu, built in memory of His Majesty, the third king of Bhutan is also worth visiting. A delightful day on the outskirts of Th impu is a visit to the Tango and Cheri Monasteries. Simtokha Dzong, 6 kms from the city limits, is the kingdom's oldest dzong, which now houses the school for Buddhist studies.   

Paro: The gateway to the dragon Kingdom , Paro is one of the most beautiful valleys in the country. The first thing you will notice as you disembark is the transparent purity of air and the absence of noise. Paro valley has kept its bucolic nature in spite of the airport and the existence of development projects. Apart from being the highest agricultural yielding place in the kingdom it is also home to the national museum and one of the oldest and celebrated dzongs in Bhutan . Perched on a hill overlooking the Paro Valley , Rinpung Dzong is not just an architectural marvel but also a religious and secular center. Built in the 15th century it houses ancient Bhutanese artifacts and history. The Taktsang monastery, one of the most venerated religious sites in Bhutan , is a wonder in itself. The Guru Rinpoche, the founding father of the Bhutanese strain of Mahayana Buddhism, is said to have arrived here several millennium ago on the back of a legendary tigress and medicated for three months in a cave where a monastery was later built. Clinging to the sheer face about three hours from Paro, this monastery also known as the tiger's nest can be reached either by pony or on foot. Paro is believed to be one of the first valleys to have received the imprint of Buddhism.


Punakha: The erstwhile capital of the country Punakha lies on a sprawling valley. Spectacular views of the Himalayas can be seen on the road from Thump to Punakha Dzong, where the Rho Chu Rivers converge below this winter home of the central monk body.
The most visible landmark is the Punakha Dzong built by the first Shabdrung of Bhutan in 1637. The old custom of moving from Thimpu to Punakha and back is still followed by the Je Khenpo (Head of Bhutan's religious order) and the monk body. The migration is a culturally enriching experience.


Wangdiphodrang: Below rich cattle pastures at the junction of the Mo cho and Tang Chu rivers, a striking Dzong guards this windy valley.


Trongsa: Four-hours drive from Wangdue Phodrang, Trongsa, the ancestral home of the royal family, is a sleepy village with a leisurely paced life. It is also a welcome rest to travelers. Like everywhere else the most dominating landmark is the dzong that dominates the valley, dwarfing the surrounding buildings. Situated high on a ridgeline
the Trongsa Dzong, is one of the most beautiful sights, of which you will never tire. Built in 1648 the Dzong worked as a defensive fortress with a labyrinth of temples and offces.                

Bumthang: The spiritual capital of Bhutan , Bumthang, is shrouded in religious legends. Th e heart of Bumthang is Jakar with its dzong. A number of smaller monasteries dot the hills surrounding the valley. Tales of Guru Padmasambhava and Guru Rinpoche, whose bodily marks are impressed upon a rock in Kurjey, ring through the air. With religion holding sway in this region the air is replete with the chants of hymns, prayer . ags . uttering in the breeze, monks playing among themselves. It is also the traditional home of the great Buddhist teacher Pema Lingpa to whose descendants the present dynasty traces its ancestry.