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Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
Perched on the west bank of the serene Mo Chhu River, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten is a spiritual marvel that requires a scenic 45-minute uphill walk from the main road after crossing a suspension bridge. This magnificent stupa was built in 1990 by Her Majesty Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, the mother of Bhutan’s fifth King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. It was constructed with the noble intention of warding off evil forces and promoting peace and harmony in Bhutan and across the world.
A true embodiment of Bhutanese art, architecture, and spiritual tradition, it took nine years for skilled Bhutanese artisans—carpenters, painters, and sculptors—to complete this stunning pagoda-style stupa. From its summit, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Punakha Valley and the majestic Punakha Dzong.
Kyichu Lhakhang
Located in Paro, Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest and most sacred monasteries in Bhutan, signifying the introduction of Buddhism to the country. It was originally built in 659 AD by Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo as part of a network of 108 temples constructed to subdue a demoness believed to be blocking the spread of Buddhism across the Himalayas.
In 1971, a Guru Temple was added by Her Majesty Azhi Kesang Choden Wangchuck, the Queen Mother and wife of the Third King of Bhutan. The temple houses many spiritual treasures, including a 7th-century Jowo Sakyamuni statue, comparable in origin to the one in Lhasa's Jokhang Temple, and a statue of Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara) with 11 heads and 1,000 arms. In the courtyard, a magical orange tree is said to bear fruit throughout the year, regardless of the season.
Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)
Arguably the most iconic landmark of Bhutan, Tiger’s Nest Monastery—also known as Taktsang Goemba or Paro Taktsang—clings dramatically to a cliffside 900 meters above the Paro Valley. First constructed in 1692, this sacred site is built around the cave where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) is said to have meditated after flying to the site on the back of a tigress.
Now a revered UNESCO World Heritage Site, the monastery is both a pilgrimage destination for Bhutanese—who aim to visit it at least once in their lives—and a must-see for international travelers. The hike up to the monastery is both physically challenging and spiritually uplifting, offering stunning views and a deep sense of tranquility.
National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong)
Situated above the Rinpung Dzong in Paro, the National Museum of Bhutan, also known as Ta Dzong, stands as the tallest building in the country with a unique cylindrical structure rising 22 meters (72 feet) high over six floors. Originally completed in 1649 as a watchtower to defend the Paro Valley, it was later converted into a museum in 1968.
The museum houses a vast and fascinating collection of Bhutan’s cultural heritage, including ancient pottery, armor, thangkas, ritual masks, stamps, photographs, statues, traditional costumes, relics, stone tools, and religious paintings. It is an essential stop for anyone looking to understand Bhutan’s rich history, spirituality, and artistic tradition.