Round Glide Into Happiness emblem with a white dragon, a Bhutanese dzong, trekkers, and a raft on a rainbow riverGlide Into Happiness
Two clay tea cups on a weathered timber railing above the terraced fields of a Bhutanese valley

Bhutan Regional Field Notes

Seven Valleys Across Western, Central & Southern Bhutan

Altitudes shape every day in Bhutan: you sleep at 2,900 metres in frosty Phobjikha one night and drop to 1,250 metres among Punakha pomelo trees the next afternoon.

Scenic, wide-angle view of the golden rice fields and winding river of the Paro Valley in Bhutan.

Paro Dzongkhag · 2,250 m

Paro Valley

Broad terraced rice fields, seventh-century Kyichu Lhakhang, and the pine climb up to cliffside Paro Taktsang.

Best months: March to May, September to NovemberRead valley guide
Panoramic high-angle view of Thimphu Valley in Bhutan, showcasing a sprawling mountain city nestled between steep green ridges under a partly cloudy sky.

Thimphu Dzongkhag · 2,320 m

Thimphu Valley

A mountain capital without traffic lights where elders circle Memorial Chorten and oak trails climb to Cheri Goemba.

Best months: March to May, September to DecemberRead valley guide
Punakha Dzong standing between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in afternoon light

Punakha Dzongkhag · 1,250 m

Punakha & Lobesa

Subtropical valley of poinsettias, suspension bridges, and Punakha Dzong standing where two glacial rivers meet.

Best months: October to April, especially crisp winter morningsRead valley guide
The open Phobjikha valley floor with potato fields, pine woods and a lone walker

Wangdue Phodrang · 2,900 m

Phobjikha & Gangtey

Wide U-shaped glacial marshland below Gangtey Monastery where black-necked cranes spend every winter.

Best months: October to April (Black-Necked Cranes roost Nov to Feb)Read valley guide
Jambay Lhakhang with its three white towers and golden roofs in the Bumthang valley

Bumthang Dzongkhag · 2,580 m

Bumthang Valleys

Four interconnected central valleys of buckwheat fields, seventh-century Jambay Lhakhang, and Tang family manors.

Best months: March to May, September to NovemberRead valley guide
Traditional Haa valley houses below forested ridges with the dzong on the hillside

Haa Dzongkhag · 2,670 m

Haa Valley

Quiet western border valley reached across high prayer-flag ridges at Chele La, famous for hoentay dumplings.

Best months: April to NovemberRead valley guide
The Manas river curving between forested hills inside Royal Manas National Park

Zhemgang & Chukha Foothills · 300 m

Zhemgang & Royal Manas Foothills

Southern border gateway linking Bagdogra and Dooars plains with misty Himalayan cloud forests and western valleys.

Best months: October to AprilRead valley guide
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