Paro
Tourist attractions
Drukgyel Dzong
You can see the ruins
of the dzong which is located in the upper north valley of Paro. This dzong was
built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646, to commemorate his victory over the
Tibetan invaders. The dzong was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day,
there is a splendid view of Mt. Jomolhari from the approach road to Drukgyel
Dzong.
Built in 1646 by
Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the “fortress of the heap of jewels” stands on a
hill above Paro town. The Dzong is accessible through a traditional covered
bridge (called the Nemi Zam) and then up a paved stone path. The Paro Tsechu
(annual spring festival), takes place in the courtyard of the dzong.
Ta Dzong is situated
immediately above Rimpung Dzong. It was built as a watchtower to protect
Rimpung Dzong. (“Ta” means “to see” in Dzongkha, so the watchtower of a dzong
is always called a “Ta dzong”). In 1968 Paro Ta Dzong was inaugurated as the
National Museum, and now holds a large collection of art, relics, religious
Thangkha paintings, Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps, coins and handicrafts
Kyichu Lhakhang
It was built in the
7th century and it is one of the two oldest and sacred shrines in Bhutan (the
other being Jambey Lhakhang in Bumthang). Kyichu Lhakhang is composed of twin
temples. The first temple was built by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo in the
7th century. In 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, arranged
for a second temple to be built alongside the first one, in same style.
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The lhakhang was built
in 1421 by the famous Tibetan lama, Thongten Gyelpo, who was also known as
Changzampa or the builder of iron bridges. It is believed that a demonist who
was terrorizing the Paro valley on the hill where the temple is built on turned
out to be the demonist’s head. So the chorten shaped temple was built over the
demonist’s head or the hills to overpower her, as chortens most of the time
play the part of a nail that immobilizes a demon.
Taktshang Monastery
“Tiger’s Nest”
monastery, most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, is spectacularly located on the
side of a cliff 900m above the valley floor. In the 8th century Guru Rinpoche
flew on the back of a tiger from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in
a cave here for 3 months. There have been shrines at this sacred place for many
centuries. The principal Lhakhang of the present monastic complex dates from
1692. The main structure was severely damaged by fire in 1998, but after many
years of painstaking restoration work, the complex has now been fully restored
to its former glory. Taktshang is a place of pilgrimage which Bhutanese try to
visit at least once in a lifetime.
An excursion to
Taktshang involves a steep climb up through pine forest and takes about five
hours round trip. Though the climb up through the pine forest is steep, the
journey is most worthwhile on account of the superb views en route and
especially from the cafeteria viewpoint itself.
Thimphu
The capital town of
Bhutan and the center of government, religion and commerce
Tourist attractions
National Memorial Chorten
This place serves as a gathering place for the young and old.
The Stupa was built in 1974 by Ashi Phuntsho Choden Wangchuck in the memory of
her son, Bhutan’s late third King.
The courtyard is open 7 days a week for all the visitors.
The courtyard is open 7 days a week for all the visitors.
Tashichhodzong
Also known as the
‘Fortress of the Glorious Religion’, it was initially built in 1641 and later
rebuilt in its present form by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in 1965. The Dzong
houses the main secretariat building with the Throne Room of His Majesty the
King of Bhutan. The National Assembly Hall is housed in a modern building on
the other side of the river from the Dzong. It also serves as the summer
residence for the central monastic body during summer months headed by His Holiness
the Je Khenpo, the spiritual head.
Semtokha Dzong
This dzong, built in
1627 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, stands on a low ridge 8 km. down the valley
from Thimphu. The Institute for Language and Cultural Studies is located here.
The most noteworthy artistic feature of this dzong is the series of over 300
finely worked slate carvings behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard.
National Library
Bhutan’s National
Library located in Thimphu is a spiritual repository with a number of important
functions dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the rich cultural and
religious heritage in the country. The National Library was established in 1967
with the primary objective of collecting and preserving mainly ancient
Bhutanese written and printed resources.
Commonly known as the
Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional
arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit one can see students learning the various
skills taught at the school.
National Institute of Traditional Medicine
In Bhutan, equal
emphasis is given to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The rich herbal
medicines made up from medicinal plants abundant in the kingdom are prepared
and dispensed here. The Institute is also a training school for traditional
medicine practitioners.
Folk Heritage
The Folk Heritage
Museum, also known as Phelchey Toenkhyim, is dedicated to connecting people to
the Bhutanese rural past through exhibits, demonstration, educational programs
and documentation of rural life. The principle exhibit in the museum is a
restored 3 storey traditional building rammed with mud and timber, which dates
back to mid 19th century.
National Textile
With the opening of
Textile Museum, under the patronage of the Queen Ashi Sangay Chodden Wangchuck,
Bhutanese textiles have reached new heights as one of the most visible
traditional crafts and as a distinctly Bhutanese art form. The textile museum
has opened its exhibition on six themes: warp pattern weaves, weft pattern
weaves, role of textiles in religion, achievements in textile arts, textiles
from indigenous fibers and the royal collection.
Handicrafts shops
A wide assortment of
colorful, hand woven textiles and other craft products is available for
purchase at the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and many smaller crafts
shops around the town.
Weekend Market
Every Friday,
Saturday and Sunday many farmers and small business vendors gather on the bank
of the river Wang chu where the weekend market is held. The place is popularly
known as Sabji-Bazaar. It is an interesting place to visit and provides
opportunity to mix with the local people. Walk over the bridge to the other
side of the river to buy souvenirs from the vendors.
Tango Gompa
This monastery was
founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa in the 12th century. The present building was
erected in the 15th century by the “Divine Madman”, Lama Drukpa Kuenley. In
1616 Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited Tango and meditated in a cave near the
monastery. The picturesque three-storied tower and several surrounding
buildings were built in the 18th century by the eighth temporal ruler of
Bhutan, Druk Rabgye. The hike up the trail to Tango Gompa takes about an hour.
Cheri Gompa
This monastery was
built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1620. Silver Chorten inside the monastery
holds the ashes of the Shabdrung’s father Yab Tempa Nima. This trek trail
starts by crossing a lovely bridge that spans the Thimphu River, and then
climbs steeply to the monastery. The journey takes about an hour.
Phajoding Monastery
The complex is
situated high on the hills overlooking Thimphu valley. It was founded by Phajo
Drugom Shigpo, who introduced the Drukpa Kagyupa school of Buddhism in Bhutan
in the 13th century. Phajoding was in former times one of the richest monasteries
in the country. It is a wonderful hike of about 4 hours from Thimphu to the
monastery.
Punakha
Punakha served as the
capital of Bhutan until 1955 and remains the winter seat of the Je Khenpo
(Chief Abbot). There are splendid views of the snow covered mountains from
Dochu-la pass (10,130ft) on the Thimphu – Punakha road.
Tourist attractions
Punakha Dzong
Placed strategically
at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the dzong was built in 1637
by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative
center of the region.
Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten
This three storey
Chorten was built by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon for the
protection of the country. It has an impressive view of Punakha dzong
especially when driving back to Punakha. The deities represented here belong to
a teaching cycle of Dudjom Rinpoche, a great Nyingmapa master (1904-87). The
functions of the deities are to subjugate enemies and harmful influences and
also to spread peace and harmony. The Chorten is a half hour walk from the main
road.
situated on a hillock
in the centre of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the
late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behavior to dramatize his
teachings and due to this is also known as ‘The Divine Madman’. This temple is
also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that when couples
who do not have children pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a
child very soon. It is about 30 minute walk across fields from the main road to
the temple.
Limbukha
Drive to Punakha
Dzong, which can be visited from April to November while the Je Khenpo (Chief
Abbot) and the central monk body are at their summer quarters in Thimphu.
Stroll across the narrow suspension bridge (about 200m long) above the river
and enjoy fresh breezes and a splendid view of this massive dzong. Follow the
farmhouses gradually climbing towards the Dompala hills. Enjoy superb views of
Punakha Dzong and surrounding villages as you climb upwards through the pine
forests, to Limbukha, a journey of about two and a half hours.
Limbukha farmers grow
Bhutan’s famous red rice, which is well known for its health-giving properties.
This particular rice needs clean mountain spring water so that the taste is
good and nutritional value maintained. Limbukha is also known for its love of
peace and tranquility. According to legend, during medieval wars the “Limpus”
(people of Limbukha) always volunteered their services as negotiators for
peace. Their traditional role is honored on the last day of Punakha’s annual
religious festival, when Limbukha men taking part in the concluding procession
out from the dzong carry flags of peace, rather than weapons of war.
Wandiphodrang
Located south of
Punakha and the last town before central Bhutan. This district is famous for
its fine bamboo work, stone carvings, and slate which are mined up a valley a
few kilometers from the town.
Tourist attractions
Stretched along the
hilltop above the confluence of the Punakha Chu and Tang Chu rivers, the
imposing Wangduephodrang Dzong is the town’s most visible feature. The dzong is
open for visitors during Wangduephodrang Tsechu, celebrated in autumn.
Gangtey Gompa / Phobjikha (9,845ft)
In the mountains east
of Wangduephodrang lies the beautiful Phobjikha valley, on the slopes of which
is situated the great monastery of Gangtey, established in the 17th century.
The village of Phobjikha lies a few kilometers down from the monastery, on the
valley floor. This quiet, remote valley is the winter home of black-necked
cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet in the north, to pass the
winter months in a milder climate.
Trongsa
This town perched on
steep slopes above a river gorge. The landscape around Trongsa is spectacular
and its impressive dzong, stretched along a ridge above a ravine, first comes
into view about an hour before the winding, mountain road leads you into the town
itself.
Tourist Attractions
Chendebji Chorten
En route to Trongsa
is Chendebji Chorten, patterned on Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa, with eyes
painted at the four cardinal points. It was built in the 18th century by Lama
Shida from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at
this spot.
Trongsa Dzong
Built in 1648, it was
the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second
kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat. All five kings were
invested as Trongsa Penlop (“governor”) prior to ascending the throne. The
dzong is a massive structure with many levels, sloping down the contours of the
ridge on which it is built. Because of the dzong’s highly strategic position,
on the only connecting route between east and west, the Trongsa Penlop was able
to control effectively the whole of the central and eastern regions of the
country from here.
This watchtower,
which once guarded Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion, stands on a steep
slope above the town. Climb up the path to visit Ta Dzong which now houses a
shrine dedicated to the epic hero, King Gesar of Ling. A visit to this former
watchtower provides visitors with an insight into the significance of Trongsa
in Bhutan’s history.
Viewpoint – Trongsa Dzong Walk
This walk follows a
route used in the old days to get to Trongsa dzong. The route was not used for
a very long time until recently when it was restored for visitors. Start at the
viewpoint site across the mountain from Trongsa dzong and gradually descend
down to the newly rebuilt bridge over Mangde Chhu. Then the path climbs up to
Trongsa dzong. The walk takes about two hours.
Kuenga Rabten Palace
The 23 km. drive from
Trongsa to Kuenga Rabten takes about an hour and passes through open
countryside high above a river gorge. The land slopes quite gently in this
region, and farming is well developed, so there is much of interest to observe
in the fields and in the villages as one speed along. As one approaches Kuenga
Rabten, the Palace is clearly visible just below the road on the right. It was
the winter palace of the second king and is now looked after by the National
Commission for Cultural Affairs. This pleasant afternoon excursion from Trongsa
offers further insights into the early days of Bhutan’s monarchy.
Mongar
The journey from
Bumthang to Mongar, crossing over the 4,000m high Thrumsing-la pass, is
scenically spectacular. Mongar marks the beginning of eastern Bhutan. The
second largest town in the subtropical east, Mongar is built high on a gently
sloping hillside.
Tourist Attractions
Arriving at MONGAR
marks the beginning of your Eastern Bhutan experience. The towns in Eastern
Bhutan are built on the sides of the hills, which contrast, to the West where
they are concentrated mainly in valleys.
Mongar Dzong
Although built in the
1930s and one of Bhutan’s newest dzongs, it is constructed in the same way as
all earlier dzongs, without plans or nails. A visit to Mongar Dzong shows one
how traditional Bhutanese architecture has continued to thrive through the
centuries.
Trashigang
Trashigang lies in
the far east of Bhutan, and is the country’s largest district.This town is also
the principle market place for the semi-nomadic people of Merak and Sakteng,
whose way of dress is unique in Bhutan.
Tourists Attractions
Trashigang Dzong
Gom Kora
24 km. from
Trashigang, the temple of Gom Kora is set on a small alluvial plateau
overlooking the river. Surrounded by rice fields and clumps of banana trees, it
looks like an oasis in an arid landscape. It is one of the famous places where
Guru Rinpoche meditated in order to subdue a demon which dwelt in a huge black
rock.
Trashiyangtse
Trashiyangtse is a
rapidly growing town and the administrative center for this district. Situated
in a small river valley, it is a lovely spot from which to take walks in the
surrounding countryside. Trashiyangtse is famous for its wooden containers and
bowls, which make inexpensive, attractive and useful mementos of a visit to
this remote region. The Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students study the 13
traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan, is also worth a visit.
Tourist Attractions
Trashiyangtse Dzong
It lies at an elevation of about 1800m and was built in 1656 and
it was completely renovated in 1976. Like other Dzongs, it is the
administrative centre.
Chorten Kora: Constructed in 1740 by Lama Ngawang Loday, it is built in the same style as Bodnath Stupa in Nepal, with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. During the second month of the lunar calendar the Kora festival is celebrated annually.
Chorten Kora: Constructed in 1740 by Lama Ngawang Loday, it is built in the same style as Bodnath Stupa in Nepal, with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. During the second month of the lunar calendar the Kora festival is celebrated annually.
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