Historical Places in Bhutan

Exploring historical places in Bhutan is like stepping back in time. Ancient monuments, heritage buildings and cultural landmarks reveal the city’s fascinating journey through the centuries. MakeMyTrip offers 137 historical attractions in Bhutan for 2026, perfect for travellers who enjoy history, culture and architecture.

Historical Places in Bhutan: Monasteries, Dzongs, and Temples

Bhutan doesn’t present its history in tidy boxes. You just stumble into it. A curve in the road, mist hanging low, and suddenly a white fortress rises above a river. Or you’re climbing a hillside, lungs burning, when a monastery appears through the trees like it’s been waiting for you. The historical places in Bhutan are part of the landscape, stitched into daily life rather than set aside.

You might step into Punakha Dzong, monks moving slowly in their crimson robes while the sound of water hums below. Or start the long trail to Paro Taktsang, prayer flags brushing your shoulders as clouds drift across the cliff. Each historical place of Bhutan is heavy with faith and resilience.

What stays with you is never just the view. It’s incense smoke curling into your hair, the crunch of gravel as you circle a temple barefoot, or horns echoing so loudly in a valley you feel it in your chest. Visiting the historical places in Bhutan isn’t about counting them off. It’s about letting those moments sink in. Even the smallest activities, like sipping butter tea by a courtyard wall or leaning against a step when you’re too tired to go on, end up carrying more weight than you realise.

Historical Place in Bhutan

Dzongs & Fortresses

Punakha Dzong

You reach Punakha Dzong where two rivers meet, their colours mixing under wooden bridges. It’s a historical place of Bhutan that shows you how tradition and daily life still walk hand in hand. Even simple activities, like standing by the riverbank to watch monks crossing the bridge, leave you quietly moved.

Historical Background: The historical background dates back to the 17th century, when it served as the seat of Bhutan’s government and the winter home of the monastic body.

Key Highlights: The whitewashed walls glow in the sun, golden roofs reflecting on the water below. Out of all the historical places in Bhutan, this one feels alive with weddings, festivals, and rituals that still fill its courtyards.

• Timing: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Ticket and Price: Starts from INR 700.
• Location: Punakha.

Trongsa Dzong

Perched on a ridge, Trongsa Dzong stretches wide, overlooking the valley like a watchful guardian. It’s more than just a historical place of Bhutan; it’s a reminder of power, strategy, and faith bound together. The activities here are simple: wandering, listening to bells, and pausing at balconies that look down into the valley far below.

Historical Background: The historical background links it to the 17th century and Bhutan’s royal family and many kings began their political careers here.

Key Highlights: Walking through its endless corridors, painted walls, and narrow stone stairs, you feel history pressing close. Among the historical places in Bhutan, Trongsa is one that demands time.

• Timing: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Ticket and Price: Starts from INR 500.
• Location: Trongsa.

Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong)

As you approach Paro, the fortress-monastery rises above the town, its massive walls framed by mountains. It’s a historical place of Bhutan where devotion is still practiced as strongly as centuries ago. Even small activities, like watching locals light butter lamps or sitting quietly while the wind stirs the prayer flags, turn into something you carry long after you’ve left.

Historical Background: The historical background begins in the 17th century, when it was built to defend the valley and later became a key religious center.

Key Highlights: Inside, you’ll find vibrant murals, prayer halls, and courtyards that fill with masked dances during festivals. Out of all the historical places in Bhutan, Paro Dzong feels the most connected to the everyday rhythm of the people.

• Timing: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Ticket and Price: Starts from INR 500.
• Location: Paro.

Monasteries & Temples

Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)

You start the climb early, the trail steep, pine trees thick with the smell of resin, prayer flags snapping in the breeze. It’s the most iconic historical place of Bhutan, and the climb itself becomes part of the experience. The activities are simple but unforgettable: hiking, pausing at teahouses on the trail, or sitting quietly inside the monastery with incense curling around you.

Historical Background: The historical background says Guru Rinpoche meditated here in the 8th century, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan.

Key Highlights: When you finally see it, clinging to the cliff more than 3,000 feet above the valley, it almost doesn’t feel real. Out of all the historical places in Bhutan, Tiger’s Nest is the one you never forget.

• Timing: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
• Ticket and Price: Starts from INR 1,000.
• Location: Paro.

Kyichu Lhakhang

You find Kyichu Lhakhang just outside Paro, tucked away behind fields and low houses. It isn’t big, and that’s what makes it hit differently. Out of all the historical places in Bhutan, this one feels stripped down, almost like time hasn’t bothered to move on.

Historical Background: The historical background takes you back to the 7th century, when Songtsen Gampo, the Tibetan king, had it built, one of the oldest temples still standing in Bhutan.

Key Highlights: Walk around it once and you’ll hear the soft creak of prayer wheels, locals moving slowly, whispering mantras under their breath.

• Timing: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Ticket and Price: Starts from INR 300.
• Location: Paro.

Gangtey Monastery

High in the Phobjikha Valley, where black-necked cranes circle in winter, you find Gangtey Monastery. It’s a historical place of Bhutan where festivals, rituals, and nature blend seamlessly. You can watch cranes in the fields, join locals in circumambulation, or just lean against a railing while the valley spreads endlessly below.

Historical Background: The historical background links it to the 17th century, founded by the grandson of Bhutan’s great unifier, Ngawang Namgyal.

Key Highlights: You hear monks chanting as you step inside, deep voices echoing through wooden halls painted with vivid colours. Out of all the historical places in Bhutan, Gangtey feels closest to the land, its presence tied to both religion and the valley’s rhythms.

• Timing: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Ticket and Price: Starts from INR 400.
• Location: Phobjikha Valley.

Royal Palaces & Heritage Sites

Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu)

You see it first from a distance, white walls glowing against the green hillside, golden roofs flashing in the sun. Out of all the historical places in Bhutan, Tashichho Dzong is both political and spiritual. It’s a historical place of Bhutan where you can feel the heartbeat of the nation.

Historical Background: The historical background ties this dzong to the 17th century, rebuilt and expanded through time, now housing Bhutan’s throne room and offices.

Key Highlights: In the evening, the courtyards fill with the sound of horns and chants as monks move through their routines. The activities are simple: stroll through its gardens, watch the changing light, or sit quietly while prayers echo off the walls.

• Timing: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM (open to visitors in evenings).
• Ticket and Price: Starts from INR 300.
• Location: Thimphu.

Simtokha Dzong

A short drive from Thimphu brings you to Simtokha Dzong, smaller than others but heavy with age. It’s a historical place of Bhutan that reminds you not all heritage is grand; sometimes it’s quiet and hidden.

Historical Background: The historical background dates to 1629, making it the oldest surviving dzong in the country, built to guard the valley and spread Buddhist teachings.

Key Highlights: Step inside and you’re surrounded by ancient murals, their colours faded yet alive. Among the historical places in Bhutan, Simtokha feels the most intimate. The activities here aren’t many, just walking slowly, tracing your fingers along painted walls, or sitting in the courtyard as prayer flags flutter above.

• Timing: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Ticket and Price: Starts from INR 200.
• Location: Near Thimphu.

Royal Heritage Museum (Trongsa)

In Trongsa, a 19th-century tower has been turned into a museum, holding treasures of Bhutan’s monarchy. It’s a historical place of Bhutan that lets you step closer to Bhutan’s royal past. The activities are as much about looking as feeling, including standing in front of a crown, hearing stories from guides, or just pausing at windows that frame the valley outside.

Historical Background: The historical background connects it to the Wangchuck dynasty, Bhutan’s royal family, with exhibits that include thrones, relics, and armour.

Key Highlights: You climb up narrow wooden stairs, the smell of polished timber and incense filling the air. Out of all the historical places in Bhutan, this one feels like a bridge between kings and common people.

• Timing: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Ticket and Price: Starts from INR 400.
• Location: Trongsa.

Traveller Tips for Exploring Bhutan’s History

• Mornings are often the best time. The air is clear, and you might find yourself alone in a courtyard, prayer flags moving gently in the breeze.
• Dress modestly when visiting any historical place of Bhutan, with long sleeves and covered shoulders. It’s not just respect; it also helps you blend in.
• Keep cash handy for small entry fees or offerings.
• Don’t rush the trails. Many monasteries sit high on cliffs, and part of the memory comes from catching your breath on the way up.
• Mix in small activities: sip butter tea with locals, watch monks play traditional instruments, or just sit by a river near a dzong.