1. Thimphu – ~149,000
The capital and only official city, political and cultural hub nestled in the Himalayan Wang Chhu valley.
2. Punakha – ~21,500
Ancient winter capital known for its majestic Punakha Dzong and fertile valley.
3. Tsirang (Damphu) – ~18,600
Administrative town in central Bhutan’s Tsirang District, noted for agriculture and mild climate.
4. Phuntsholing (Phuentsholing) – ~17,000
Commercial gateway on the Indian border, major trade hub and industrial town.
5. Pemagatshel – ~13,900
District capital in southeastern Bhutan, known for rural markets and mountain terrain.
6. Paro – ~11,450
Historic valley town housing Bhutan’s only international airport and Tiger’s Nest monastery.
7. Sarpang (Gelephu area) – ~10,400
Border town and emerging regional center near India on the Sarpang plain.
8. Gelephu – ~9,900
Sub-municipality of Sarpang, key trade entry point and developing urban zone.
9. Samdrup Jongkhar – ~9,300
Eastern border town, main crossing to Assam, India, with growing trade and markets.
10. Wangdue Phodrang – ~9,000
Historic Dzongkhag capital with scenic Punatsangchhu River valley and traditional crafts.
The above is subject to change.
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