Valleys and Passes of Bhutan

With 98.8% of its surface area covered in mountains, Bhutan is the world’s most mountainous country. The runners-up are not even close; Tajikistan is second with 91.9% followed by Kyrgyzstan and Lesotho at 90.7% and 90.5%, respectively. The picture above was taken at the Dochu La pass in late March, 2023. Bhutan’s abundance of mountains makes for truly stunning landscapes. The Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, and Phobjikha valleys offer no shortage of variety and great beauty. Here are some highlights:

The Dochu La Pass in newly fallen snow (2):

The farms, terraces, and rivers of the Punakha Valley (6):

The steep mountain sides on the approach to the Lawla Pass (1):

The broad and gentle Phobjikha Valley, winter home of Black-necked Cranes (3):

The Tiger’s Nest above the Paro Valley (3):