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 PARO 
Paro valley is a living cultural centre. In spring Paro celebrates the Tsechu, a five day religious festival of mask dances and folk entertainment. The Paro Dzong controls the secular and religious activities in the valley. Above the Paro Dzong, on the hillside, is Ta Dzong (Bhutan’s National Musuem since 1968). The ruins ofr Drukgyal Dzong, at the northern end of the valley, offer a view of the Chomolhari peak.
Places to visit in Paro are
Kyichu Lhakhang [Lhakhang means Temple]
Taksang Monastery (Tiger's Nest)
Drugyel Dzong [Dzong means Fortress]
Dungtse Lhakhang
Ta Dzong [National Museum]
Paro Dzong
THIMPHU
Perhaps the most unusual capital in the World. Thimphu has been the capital of Bhutan since 1955 and lies at an altitude of 7,600 feet. It is home to about 50,000 people. Bhutan’s administrative and religious centre Tashichho Dzong, houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Government Ministries, the nation’s largest headquarters of His Holiness the Je Khenpo (Head of the Monastic Body) and the monk body. Next to the Dzong is Bhutan’s only golf course. The National Assembly Hall is in a new building across the river.
Places to visit in Thimphu are
The Memorial Chorten [Chorten means Stupa]
Changlimithang [Battle Ground]
Weekly Market [Saturdays and Sundays]
Tashichoe Dzong [The biggest fortress in Bhutan]
National Library
School of Arts and Crafts
Royal Academy of Performing Arts
National Institute of Traditional Medicine
Zangto Pelri Lhakhang
Zoo
Changangkha Lhakhang
Drubthob Goemba [Nunnery]
Dechencholing Palace
Pangri Zampa Temple
Tango Goemba
Chari Goemba
Simthoka Dzong
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PUNAKHA
Punakha is a two and half hours drive from Thimphu and the drive over the Dochula Pass (10,500 feet) is spectacular with view of the Eastern Himalayas. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan till 1955, abundant with crops and vast terraces of rice fields. Chime Lhakhang located on a hillock among the rice fields is a pilgrimage site for childless couples. Punakha is the home to the central monk body and His Holiness Je Khenpo during the winter months.
Places to visit in Punakha are
Punakha Dzong
Khasum Yulley namgyal Chhorten
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WANGDUE
Wangdue Phodrang is the last town on the highway before entering Central region of Bhutan. The Wangdue Phodrang Dzong is perched on a spur at the confluence of two rivers. In the 17th century, Wangdue Phodrang played a critical role in unifying the Western, Central and Southern Bhutanese districts.
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TRONGSA
Trongsa is in the centre of Bhutan and five hours drive by road from Wangdue Phodrang. The Trongsa Dzong is a labyrinth of temples, corridors and the district office. Perched on the rim of the valley, it can be seen from every approach.
It is also the Royal family’s ancestral home. Both the first and the second King, ruled the country from Trongsa’a ancient Dzong. The Crown Prince of Bhutan has always held the position of the Trongsa Penlop prior to ascending the Throne.
Places to visit in Trongsa are
Trongsa Dzong
Chendebji Chorten [Stupa]
Ta Dzong
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GANGTEY/PHOBJIKHA
A broad glacial valley situated between Wangduephodrang and Trongsa. This is one of the winter homes to the rare black necked cranes (Grus Nigricollis). These birds migrate from remote parts of the Tibetan plateau to winter in this valley. This valley is an ornithologist’s paradise. Gangtey is the Gompa, a 17th century monastery. Gangtey also has a very interesting Nyingmapa monastery called Gangtey Gompa.
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BUMTHANG
Bumthang is the general name given to the complex of four valleys – Chumey, Choekor, Tang and Ura – with altitudes varying from 2,600 metres to 4,000 metres. Today, it is a district with its administrative headquarters at Jakar which is known for its honey production, cheese, appleas and apricots. Bumthang is also the traditional home to the greatest Buddhist teacher Pema Lingpa to whose descendents the present monarchy traces its ancestry. The Jakar Dzong and other holy shrines like Kurjey Lhakhang, Jamba Lhakhang, Tamshing monastery are major tourist attractions.
Places to visit in Bumthang are
Jakar Dzong [Castle of the White Bird]
Kurje Lhakhang [Ku means "body", Je means"imprint"]
Lamey Goemba
Wangdichholing Palace
Tamshing Lhakhang [Temple of Good Message]
Member Tsho
Kencho Sum Lhakhang [known for its broken bell]
Peling Sermon Chorten [Stupa]
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MONGAR
Mongar is the second largest town in the subtropical region of east, built on hillside instead of next to the river on the valley floor like other Bhutanese towns. It is about eight to nine hours drive from Bumthang, crossing over the 4,000 metres high Thrumsengla Pass.
Places to visit in Mongar are
Dramtse Goemba
Mongar Dzong
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TRASHIGANG
Trashigang is the biggest urban centre in eastern Bhutan. In winter, the semi-nomadic people from the north eastern glacial valleys of Merak and Sakten, dressed in their characteristic burgundy jackets, come here to sell their cheese, butter and yak wool. The 17th century Trashigang dzong built on top of a spur, overlooks the Gamri river.
Places to visit in Trashigang are
Trashigang Dzong
Zangtho Pelri Kanglung Lhakhang
Radhi Lhakhang
Khaling Lhakhang
Tashiyangtse Dzong
Gom Kora
Chorten Kora
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