Cities in Bhutan
The most important cities in Bhutan at a glance – from the bustling metropolis to the charming small town. Each city links to a detailed page with map, attractions and travel tips.
Merak
Merak is a high-altitude semi-nomadic village in eastern Bhutan, home to the Brokpa people.
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Nganglam
Nganglam is a rapidly growing commercial town on the southern border of Bhutan, driven by the cement industry and new transport links.
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Gasa
Gasa is the northernmost and highest district capital in Bhutan, famous for its healing hot springs and harsh high-mountain climate.
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Thimphu
Thimphu is the capital and largest city of Bhutan, known for its blend of traditional culture and modernity without traffic lights.
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Kanglung
Kanglung is a significant educational town in Trashigang district, home to the renowned Sherubtse College, the first of its kind in Bhutan.
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Gelephu
Gelephu is a rapidly growing town in southern Bhutan on the Indian border, known for its hot springs and tropical agriculture.
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Trashigang
Trashigang is a bustling town in the east that was traditionally the center of trade with Tibet, perched above the Drangme Chhu river.
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Gyalpozhing
Gyalpozhing is a warm town in eastern Bhutan that developed rapidly due to the construction of the massive Kurichhu hydroelectric plant.
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Daga
Daga, also known as Dagana, is a historic fortress town founded in the 17th century to defend against hostile forces.
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Zhemgang
Zhemgang is a remote town in central Bhutan, renowned for its immense biodiversity and deep-rooted animist traditions.
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Pemagatshel
Pemagatshel, known for its religious significance and artisans, is a small town located on a steep mountain ridge in eastern Bhutan.
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Laya
An isolated high-altitude village at 3800 meters, home to the semi-nomadic Layap people known for their unique conical bamboo hats.
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Tsimasham
Tsimasham is the headquarters of Chukha district, strategically located along the main highway between Thimphu and the Indian border.
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Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake)
A sacred gorge in the Tang Valley where the 15th-century saint Pema Lingpa is said to have discovered hidden religious treasures.
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Khuruthang
Khuruthang is a planned new town serving as the commercial hub for the Punakha district, just south of the historic dzong.
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Phobjikha Valley
A U-shaped glacial valley at an altitude of 3000 meters, widely known as the winter habitat for the endangered black-necked cranes.
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Samdrup Jongkhar
Samdrup Jongkhar is the principal town in southeastern Bhutan, serving as a crucial trading point with the Indian state of Assam.
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Wangdue Phodrang
Wangdue Phodrang is a picturesque town built around its large historic dzong, which controls an important trade route.
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Lhamoizingkha
Lhamoizingkha is a subtropical border town in Bhutan, situated on the banks of the Sunkosh River in an area with lush vegetation.
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Wamrong
Wamrong is a picturesque ridge-top settlement serving as an important rest stop on the long journey through eastern Bhutan.
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Lhuntse
Lhuntse is a remote settlement in northeastern Bhutan, widely recognized for its exquisite and complex weaving arts.
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Punakha
Punakha was the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and is famous for its majestic dzong situated at the confluence of two major rivers.
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Sarpang
Sarpang is the administrative center of the Sarpang district, situated at the edge of the Indian plains and surrounded by dense jungle.
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Rangjung
Rangjung is a lively town in the Radhi Valley, known for its spectacular monastery and as a center of weaving craftsmanship.
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Deothang
Deothang is a scenic town in southeastern Bhutan noted for a strong military presence and educational institutions.
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Paro
Paro is a historic town in the Paro Valley, home to the sole international airport of Bhutan and numerous sacred sites.
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Jakar
Jakar, known as the center of the Bumthang region, is considered the spiritual heartland of Bhutan with many ancient monasteries.
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Damphu
Damphu is the administrative center of Tsirang district, famous for its mild climate and rich agricultural yields.
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Samtse
Samtse is a border industrial town in southwestern Bhutan with a diverse population and rich mineral deposits.
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Phuntsholing
Phuntsholing is a border town in southern Bhutan, serving as the primary commercial hub and gateway to India.
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Trashi Yangtse
Trashi Yangtse is a small traditional town in northeastern Bhutan, famous for its woodwork and paper making.
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Trongsa
Trongsa is located geographically in the center of Bhutan and was historically crucial for controlling the kingdom.
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Mongar
Mongar is a major town in eastern Bhutan, spectacularly situated on the side of a hill rather than in a valley.
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Haa
Haa is a small, secluded town in western Bhutan, nestled in a deep valley near the border with Tibet.
Learn more →Frequently asked questions
What are the largest cities in Bhutan?
This page lists the most important cities by population – each with its own detail page, map and attractions.
How do I find attractions per city?
Click a city – the detail page lists the top attractions, a map and travel tips.