Paro Valley: Generally visitors enter the kingdom at Paro by the National Airline, Druk Air. The beautifull valley, if ever a place exists, here nature and man consulted to create their dearest image, it must be the valley of Paro. Mt. Chomolhari 7320m reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glcial waters plunge through deep gorges to form the Pa-Chu (Paro River). Paro is one of the most fertile valleys in the kingdom producing a bulk of the famous red rice from its terraced fields home to some of Bhutan's oldest temples & monasteries.

Drugyal Dxong: Which means victorious fortress was built in 1647 by shbdrung Ngawang Namgyel to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders, led by Mongolian warlord, Gushri khan in 1644. Strategically built over the only passage into Paro valley, the dzong helped to repel numerous invasions all through the course of Bhutanese history. It so impressed early visitors that in 1914 the dzong featured on the cover of the National Geographic magazine. The dzong was gutted by an accidental fire in 1951. The ruins, as it stands today still attract tourists.

Taktsang Monastery : Literally means the Tiber's den. This temple clings precariously to a granite cliff 800m above the Paro valley. Legend has it that the great Guru Padmasambhava flew to this spot on back of a tigress and meditated in a cave during the 8th century. The temple was built around the cave and is a hallowed shrine for Bhutanse pilgrims. A terrible fire in April 1998 destroyed Taktsans's medieval wall paintings and all inner temples. A new construction has already begun by the royal Government.

Rinpung Dzong :-Meaning the fortress on a heap of Jewls was built during the time of Shabdrung in 1646. The approach to the dzong is through a traditional covered bridge. A walk to the dzong offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the dzong as well as life around it. The dzong now houses the Paro monastic school and the office of the civil administration. It is also the vinue of the great Paro Tshechu (Festival) held once a year in spring.

Thimpu:- The modern capital of Bhutan, lies at en elevation of 2300m in a valley traversed by the Wang Chu (river). Tashichho dzong the main Secretariat building which house the throne room of His Majesty and a summer residence of the central monk body. Although not what one expects from a capital city. Thimphu is a fitting and lively place. Home to civil servants, expatriates and the monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style. It is also an ideal spet for day walks. Phajoding monastery is a 4 hrs hike from the motithang area, tango & Cheri monasteries are also another ¾ hrs hike from the capital or all the way to the top of telegraph hill where thousands of prayer flags obscure the view over Thimphu.

Memorial Chorten :-This stupa was built in 1974 in the memory of the late third king Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. The paintings and images inside the monument provide a rere sight into Buddhist philosophy.

Changangkha Temple :- built in the 15 century by lama Phajo Drigom lies on a hill top commanding the Thimphu valley. The temple has very old scriptures and Thankhas. The main deity of the temple is avalokiteshvara, God of compassion.

National Libray :- the history of Bhutan lies imprinted in archaic texts which are preserved at the National library. Besides thousands of manuscripts and ancient texts the library also has modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags.

Punakha:- Punakha Dzong build between two rivers in the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgel served as capital of Bhutan until 1955 and is still the winter residence of the central monk body. In spite of four eatstophic firs and an earthquake that destroyed many historic documents, Punakha Dzong house sacred artifacts and embalmed body of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Punakha's climate and warmer temperatures make its valley one of the most fertile in Bhutan. Chime Lhakhang located on a hillock among the rice fields is picturesque ad is a pilgrimage site for childless couples. The temple is associated with the famous saint Drukpa Kuenlay " The Divine Madman" who has built a chorten on the site during the 14th century.

Wangdiphodrang :- In the south of Punakha lies Wangdiphokang dzong at an elevation of 1300m. It is the last town on the highway before entering central Bhutan. This Dzong built during the 17th centry played a critical role in unifying the western, central and southern Bhutanese districts. Further up is Gangtey gompa, an old monastery dating from the 16th century. It is in fact the only monastery which follws the Pelling Nyingmapa sect of school. This valley of Phobjikha is also home of the rere black Necked Crane, an endangered species which migrate from the Tibetan plateauin winter, There are about 450-500 cranes residing in Bhutan out of which 250-300 live in this beautiful valley.

Trongsa:- Trongsa at an altitude of 2200 m. formas the central hub of the nation and is historically the place from where attempts at unifying the country were lunched. The Royal family has strong linkswith Trongsa. Both His Majesty king Ugyen Wangchuk and his successor , king Jigme Wanchuk ruled the country from this Dzong.

Bumthang or Jakar :- To the east of Trongsa lies the Bumthang valley at an altitude of 2,600m. has an individuality that charms its visitors and separates it from other regions. Comprised of four smaller valleys, the deeply spiritual region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious legend. Here tales of Guru Padmasambhava and his reincarnation knows as tertours still linger in most nooks and corners. The town of Jakar is the largest between Thimphu in the west and Trashignang in the east. Jakar is famous for its honey production, cheese, apple juice and apricots. Visitors to Bumthang should plan to spend a few days taking advantage of the valley's relatively gentle slopes to walk nearby medieval temples and glimpse Bhutan's mostly rural population. It is also known for its woolen material (yathra) which can be seen hung outside of houses for sales. Further east there is the Ura valley with village f Ura in its center. A small but old dzong and cobblestone paths give the village a medieval feel. Many excursions can be done at this valley like Tharpaling monastery, kunzangdra, Tang Mebartso .

Mongar & Lhuentse :- Arriving in Mongar is a great reliel from the turns and heights of the jopurney over the pass, The town is small with a sprinkling of shops. Mongar Dzong is modern compared to others in the kingdom. It was reconstructed by the order of the Third king. No drawings and nails have been used. A visit to the dzong gives visitors an impression of how traditional Bhutanese architecture has continued to thrive through the

centuries. A hydroclectric projuct is under way and after completion it will have the capacity to output 60 megawatts of hydel electricity which will chage the industrial emphasis of the eastern area.

Lhuentse :- Lhuentse is 77 kilometers from Mongar and is one of the most isolated districts in Bhutan. The landscape is spectacular with stark cliffs and gorges and dense coniferous forests. The region is notably famed for its weavers and special textiles and fabrics, generally considered to be the best in the country. The Kuroe region of lhuentse is also the ancestral home of the Royal dynasty.