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The land that has been
hidden for centuries has preserved a wealth of sights for visitors. Today,
paved roads reach most of the towns of cultural significance. This network
of roads has progressed from west to east, so tourist facilities are most
extensive in the western region. Here is a brief description of the main
towns included on many cultural tours.
|
FROM
|
TO
|
DISTANCE
(Kms)
|
Approximate
Driving Time
|
|
Paro
|
Thimphu
|
65
|
1
hr 30 minutes
|
|
Thimphu
|
Wangdue
|
70
|
2
hr 30 minutes
|
|
Thimphu
|
Punakha
|
77
|
2
hr 45 minutes
|
|
Punakha
|
Wangdue
|
21
|
30
minutes
|
|
Wangdue
|
Trongsa
|
129
|
4
hours
|
| Wangdue |
Gangtay |
60 |
2
hours 30 minutes |
|
Trongsa
|
Bumthang
|
68
|
2
hr 30 minutes
|
|
Paro.
The
only Airport in Bhutan is located here in Paro. It is the Air Gate way to
Bhutan.
Thimphu.
The
capital city of Bhutan. Unlike other capital city in the world, it is covered
with paddy fields and trees.
Wangdue.
Wangdue
is the last town In the West before arriving at the Central region of Bhutan, Wangdue
is a typical small Bhutanese town.
Punakha.
Before
Thimphu was made capital of Bhutan, Punakha held the title as Winter capital
because of its more temperate climate. Thimphu's monk body and the Je Khenpo
(leader of Bhutan's religious order) still come to Punakha to pass the Winter.
Trongsa.
Trongsa
Dzong was built in 1648 and has been the traditional home of all four kings of
Bhutan prior to their ascending the throne.
Gangtay.
Spotting
black-necked cranes in the meadows next to Gangtay Gompa is an ornithologist's
delight.
Bumthang.
The
Bumthang valley is a mine of cultural wealth and Jakar is as charismatic as any
of Bhutan's towns.
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Bhutanese
Cities, are not exactly a city. These are small towns, with population
less than 40,000 in each town. Except for the capital city Thimphu, has
an estimated population of 70,000 people.
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