Thimphu

capital of Bhutan

25km

Punakha

city in Bhutan

52km

Phuentsholing

city of Royal Bhutan

56km

Sikkim

Sikkim, Nepali: सिक्किम Sikkimese: སུ་ཁྱིམ་, is a state in East India in the Himalayan foot hills also bordering China (Tibet), Nepal and Bhutan. The name has been coined from the words su him, which mean "beautiful home", reflecting the beauty of its snow-covered mountains and lush green valleys.

106km

Kalimpong

Kalimpong is in Kalimpong district in the northern part of West Bengal, India.

111km

Siliguri

Siliguri is a city in Darjeeling district in the northern part of West Bengal, India.

131km

Kurseong

Kurseong is a town in Darjeeling district in the northern part of West Bengal, India.

137km

Mirik

Mirik is a hill station in Darjeeling district in the northern part of West Bengal, India.

147km

Rangpur (Bangladesh)

Important city in the north-west, with agriculture and trade.

167km

Paro, Bhutan

city

4m

Rinpung Dzong

Constructed in 1646.

983m

Paro Taktsang

Precariously perched on the edge of a 1,200 meter cliff, this monastery creates an impressive sight, and is the unofficial symbol of Bhutan. It is about a 2-to-3-hour, totally uphill hike from the parking lot to the monastery, though there is a cafe on ridge across from the Taktsang (about 90 minutes into the walk) that provides a welcome opportunity to take a rest and purchase refreshments and snacks. Taktsang was established as a sacred place for meditation by Guru Rinpoche who visited the site on his second visit to Bhutan in 747 CE, though the first monastery was not constructed until 1694. In 1998, a tragic fire destroyed most of the original buildings, but these have since been painstakingly restored to their former glory. An entry fee of Nu500 is levied on regional tourists (those who do not pay the US$ 250 day tariff). The ticket office is in the parking lot at the foot of the mountain - entry will be denied if a ticket from this office is not produced at the monastery gate. Entry is free for tourists who pay the daily tariff.

8.3km

Drukgyal Dzong

This dzong (fortress) was built in the 16th century to commemorate a victory over the invading Tibetan forces. The fortress today lies in ruins, the elements and a fire in the 1950s having taken a toll on the site. Drukyel dzong is about 15 km from Paro.

12km

Trongsa Dzong

121km

Kurjey Lhakhang

143km

Jakar Dzong

place in Bumthang District, Bhutan

147km