Bhutan - Western Bhutan (PDF Chapter)

This is the Western Bhutan chapter from Lonely Planet’s Bhutan guidebook.

Whether you arrive by air at the dramatic, mountain-bound Paro valley or by road at steamy Phuentsholing, it soon becomes clear that you have arrived at an otherworldly destination. Prayer flags flutter from nearly every rooftop and fortress-like monasteries command mountaintops.

• explore Bhutan’s most picturesque fortress, Punakha Dzong – the capital of Bhutan from the 17th to the 19th centuries
• maps
• hike to Bhutan’s most famous sight, Taktshang Goemba – the Tiger’s Nest Monastery – hanging miraculously from the cliff face
• transport
• visit the courtyards of hulking Paro Dzong, home to the valley’s main tsechu festival
• restaurants & accommodation

Coverage includes: Paro Dzongkhag, Paro & Around, Upper Paro Valley, Bondey & Around, Haa Dzongkhag, Cheli La, Haa & Around, Chhuzom, Punakha Dzongkhag, Punakha & Around, Khuruthang, Upper Punakha Valley, Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag, Wangdue Phodrang & Around, Pele La, Phobjikha Valley, Chhukha Dzongkhag, Phuentsholing & Around.