Bhutan

Jigme Dorji National Park is the second-largest national park in the country. Apart from covering multiple districts, it also pans over all three climatic zones of Bhutan. You can experience everything from frozen glaciers to dense jungles, rivers and historic sites without having to leave the park. It is home to important cultural sites like the fortresses of Lingshi Dzong and Gasa Dzong and sacred mountains like  Mount Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake. The diverse animal cover in the area includes Bengal Tigers, bharals, black musk deer, Indian leopards and over 300 species of birds. If you decide to make it a place to visit in Bhutan in December, you can also witness the glaciers Lunana and Laya Gewogs in their full glory. Location: BhutanTiming: Daily, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMPrice: Free

Tashichho Dzong is a gorgeous Buddhist monastery and fortress on the bank of the Wang Chu river in the northern edge of Thimphu city in Bhutan. In Bhutanese language the Dzong refers to a“Fortress” and every district in the country is blessed with this unique architecture. Tashichho Dzong is decorated with an illustrious history, glorifying architecture, and peaceful atmosphere. Tashichho Dzong is one of the prime places to visit in the capital city of Bhutan. The  Tashichho Dzong is one of the most beautiful dzongs to have graced Bhutan.  Also famous by the moniker “Thimphu Dzong”, this elaborate structure takes you back in time. Located beside the Wangchu River, it looks like an attractive painting out of a textbook. The impressive structure is in its full glory all throughout the spring season, when all the blossoms decorate the entire place. This serene palace also houses a monastery and temple. Currently, it also acts as the chief administrative building, housing the Bhutanese government. Offices of other departments are set across the building. The Dzong also serves as the summer residence of His Holiness who also is the Chief Abbot of the Religious Body. With so much to uncover within its perimeter we are sure that a visit to this place will be a rewarding experience, that you will treasure forever.

Rinpung Dzong holds an important place as a major religious and political centre of Bhutan. This large monastery and fortress belongs to the Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school and is also home to the district Monastic Body. When here, you can visit the fourteen distinct shrines and chapels housed inside the Dzong and admire the rich Bhutanese architecture of the place. The original building has been a part of the landscape since the 15th century and has been capturing the imagination of people worldwide, especially after its appearance in the 1993 movie Little Buddha. The place also hosts colourful festivals during the Spring months where traditional mask dances are organised for several days.Location: Paro, BhutanTiming: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PMPrice: Free

Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, which is situated in the mountain ranges of Bhutan. It was constructed to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the fourth King of Bhutan. This architectural marvel houses over a hundred thousand smaller statues of Buddha inside of it. Both the bigger statue and the ones inside have been built using bronze gilded in Gold. This 169-metre tall statue stands amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of the thirteenth Desi Druk. If you are looking for places to visit in Bhutan in December, this beautiful gold and bronze structure sitting amidst a 943.4 acres wide conserve forest must be on your list!Location: Kuensel Phodrang, Thimphu, BhutanTiming: Daily, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMPrice: Free

Punakha Suspension Bridge is one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan and stretches up to a length of approximately 520 feet! You can enjoy spectacular views of the river flowing underneath the bridge or the valleys rolling in every direction. Made with solid planks of wood and cables anchored to massive cement block,  the bridge is surprisingly stable for its length and is covered in colourful religious flags at all points. It also acts as a starting point for several multi-day trekking trips in the region. You can also stopover at the bridge if you are visiting the famous Punakha Dzong as it lies only half a mile away from the religious centre. You simply have to head north from the dzong, walk past the cremation grounds and follow the river to reach the bridge. Location: Punakha, BhutanTiming: Open all-dayPrice: Free

Simtokha Dzong also known as the Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang or the ‘Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras’ is a relatively small dzong and the first of its kind in the country. It was built in the year 1629 and today houses one of the premier Dzongkha language learning institutes. While here, you can spend your time admiring the architecture of the place with traditional Buddhist aspects like prayer wheels or around 300 carvings of saints and philosophers made in slate. This dzong is one of the most popular Bhutan places to visit in December and welcomes people from around the world. Location: Simtokha, BhutanTiming: Daily, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMPrice: Free

Ta Dzong is a landmark building of Bhutan. It is most prominent known for the Ta Dzong museum which is also known as the National Museum of Bhutan. Highlights: The Ta Dzong museum is a cultural museum that is situated in the Paro town in western Bhutan. Established in the year 1968, the refurbished Ta-dzong building lies right above the Rinpung Dzongunder. It has some of the finest specimens of Bhutanese art which includes some masterpieces paintings and fine examples of the Bhutanese art including bronze paintings and statues. The place is a must visit for art lovers. Location: It is located in Paro in Bhutan. Timings: The museum in the building stays open from 9 in the morning to 5 in the evening. Pricing: Local Nu. 10 SAARC Country Citizens Nu. 25 Non-SAARC Country Citizens Nu. 150 Bhutanese Students Nu. 5 Monks, Nuns, and Children under 10 yrs. Free

The National Memorial Chorten is a Memorial Stupa of Thimphu which is also known as the Thimphu Chorten. It is a stupa located on the Doeboom Lam in the southern-central end of the city. Highlights: The National Memorial Chorten is a stupa that was built in the year 1974 to honor the third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It is one of the quintessential landmarks of the city given its golden bells and spires. Regarded as the most visible religious landmark in Bhutan, it is a must visit for all. Highlights: Location: The National Memorial Chorten is located in Chhoten Lam in Thimphu, Bhutan. Timings: You can visit the place from dawn to dusk everyday. Pricing: Entry to the National Memorial Chorten is free.