Paro
In one of the most beautiful valleys in the west, Paro is situated at 7,382 ft Paro. Besides the colourful spring Paro Tsechu, it has a number of sights and monuments to enthral the visitor. The pastoral beauty of Paro valley, magnificent views of Mount lhomolhari, the incredible monastery of Taktsang which clings to a sheer rock cliff, the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong (fortress of the victorious Drupas) and the National Museum, housed in an ancient watchtower, are a few of the attractions that make Paro one of the high-points of any holiday in Bhutan.

Punakha
With an altitude of 4,300 ft Punakha with its sub-tropical climate is Bhutan's ancient capital and winter seat of the Central Monastic Body. The unique Pungthang Dechen Phodrang Dzong, built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, is situated on a triangular spit of land at the confluence of the Mo chu and Pho chu river. Punakha has its own festive, the Punakha Dromchoe that concludes with the Serda, a colourful re-enactment of an episode of the war against the invading Tibetans in the 17th century. The body of the Shabdrung, who died in 1651 while in meditation at Punakha, is preserved at the dzong.

Wangdue Phodrang
At 4,300 ft Wangduephodrang is distinguished primarily by its dzong, which completely covers the spur of a hill and commands excellent views of both the east-west and north-south routes.
Gantey/Phobjikha:
A broad glacial valley (10,000 ft) on the flanks of the Black Mountains, Phobjikha with gently sloping hillsides encloses a space of astonishing beauty described as "the most beautiful valley in the most beautiful country in the Himalayas". Every winter, the rare and beautiful black-necked cranes return from Tibet to the Gantey valley where they are protected. Gantey also has a very interesting Nyingmapa monastery, the only one of its kind west of the Black Mountain range.

Bumthang
The undulating and verdant valleys of Bumthang are known for their beauty, temples and palaces of historical significance. Bumthang offers some of the best treks in Bhutan, ranging from easy walks in the idyllic countryside to extended treks to explore hidden alpine valleys, where the warm, unquestioning hospitality of the people and the pristine beauty of the land belong to another age.

Trashigang
The eastert-most district of Bhutan, Trashigang rises as high as only  3,773 ft. It is the biggest urban centre in eastern Bhutan known for its woodwork and fine weaving. Trashigang dzong, built on a spur, overlooks the Gong Ri river, 1,300 ft below. In winter, handsome semi-nomadic people from the northeastern glacial valleys of Merak and Sakteng, dressed in their characteristic burgundy jackets, come here to sell their cheese, butter and yak wool.

Trongsa
Ancestral home of Bhutan's ruling dynasty and site of Bhutan's most impressive fortress, Trongsa is a strategically located town on the east-west route. The sprawling dzong is built on a spur and the view of the Mangde river valley extends for many kilometres.

Laya & Lingshi
A popular place for trekking, iIn the far north of western Bhutan, lies this region of high pastures (up to 16,000 ft), glaciated valleys, colourful semi-nomadic yak herders in their conical bamboo hats, hot springs, and snow covered Himalayan peaks, This region is also camping country - the trekking trial takes you through alpine meadows and picturesque mountain hamlets. You may also, if you're lucky, see the elusive snow leopard and the rare blue sheep.

Phuentsholing
Phuentsholing is a bustling trading town and the overland western gateway to the Thunder Dragon Kingdom. It is also more popularly known as the gateway of Bhutan since the town shares the border with the Indian town of Jaigon.