Central Bhutan

Linking Paro and Thimpu with the Bumthang Valley and places further east, there are numerous reasons to stop in the central part of Bhutan en route between the two destinations. Heading over the Dochu La mountain pass (3,100m) from Thimphu, warm and lush Punakha is home to one of the mightiest dzongs in the country. Dating back to the 17th century, it is the second oldest dzong in Bhutan and, until the mid-1950s, served as the seat of the Bhutanese government. It truly is a remarkable sight, both close up and when gazed upon from the other side of the Mo Chhu River. A short distance away, the small town of Wangdue Phodrang also has a majestic dzong that, when viewed from a distance, gives the impression that it is snaking its way along its hilltop location.

Both of these dzongs are must-see places in this part of Bhutan, but for a change of scene, it’s worth making the short detour off the country’s main east-west trunk road to explore the enchanting Phobjikha Valley. Often referred to as Gangtey, after the important gompa of the same name that is positioned on the ridge above the valley, the Phobjikha Valley is one of the most significant wildlife preservation areas in the country because each year, countless numbers of black-necked cranes arrive at the spot and call this glacial valley home for the winter months. There are also some excellent trekking possibilities in the valley, and coupled with some top-class places to stay, Gangtey is one of those places worth staying an extra day.

Reached via the Pele La mountain pass (3,420m), Trongsa is another worthy stop in this region of Bhutan. More or less positioned in the middle of the country, Trongsa’s dzong is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family and its commanding position, high above the actual town, was pivotal in helping to control the kingdom in years gone by. The five-day Trongsa tsechu is held in the courtyard of the dzong in either December or January each year (depending on the Tibetan Lunar Calendar) and is considered one of Bhutan’s greatest festivals.