Thimphu, Bhutan’s largest and capital city, is also known as Thimphu. The surrounding valley is home to one of Bhutan’s Dzongkhags: the Thimphu District. In 1955, Punakha, the ancient capital city, was succeeded by Thimphu as the capital. The 3rd Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck declared Thimphu the capital of Bhutan in 1961.

Paro, a town in the Paro Valley, Bhutan, is the seat of the Paro District. It is a historical city with numerous sacred sites and structures scattered throughout the region. Paro Airport is Bhutan’s only international airport.

Near the bridge are the Ugyen Perli Palace and the Dungtse Lhakhang. The Rinpung Dzong and an old bridge are also nearby. The Olathang Hotel, built with an ornate design, is one of the most notable hotels.

Punakha, one of the 20 districts in Bhutan, is the administrative center of Punakha dzongkhag. Punakha was once the capital of Bhutan and was also the seat of government from 1955 until Thimphu was established.

It is approximately 72km from Thimphu and takes 3 hours to get there by car. It is much warmer than Thimphu in the winter and hot in the summer, unlike Thimphu. It is situated at 1,200m above sea level. Rice is the principal crop grown along the valleys of the two main rivers of Bhutan, Mo Chu, and Pho Chu. Dzongkha is widely used in this area.

Phuntsholing (also spelled Phuentsholing) is a border settlement in southern Bhutan. It is located in both Phuentsholing Gewog as well as Sampheling Gewog. It is also the administrative seat for Chukha District.

Phuentsholing was home to 27,658 people in 2017. The Indian town of Jaigaon is adjacent to Phuentsholing, so cross-border trade has helped create a vibrant local economy. The Bank of Bhutan had its headquarters in the city before it moved to Thimphu.

Jakar is located in central-eastern Bhutan. It is the capital of the Bumthang District and the site of Jakar Dzong (the regional dzong fortress). Jakar, meaning “white bird,” refers to the foundation myth that a white bird roosting in a location indicated it was the right and most auspicious place to build a monastery. This happened around 1549.