Saturday, March 3, 2012

Places you all can visit in Bhutan


Paro
The country’s only international airport is located in the beautiful Paro valley. The Paro valley is one of the kingdom’s most fertile lands, producing Bhutan’s famous red rice from its terraced fields.
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.
Rimpung Dzong            Ringpung Dzong(fortress) and Ta dzong above, which is now National Museum  
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
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.
                                                                           Dungtse Lhakhang       
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.
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.
Institute for Zorig Chusum
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.
Chhimi Lhakhang
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

Wangduephodrang Dzong:
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.
Ta Dzong
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

Mongar town
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
Built in 1659, the dzong serves as the administrative seat for the district as well as the home of the monk body. The dzong commands a remarkable view over the surrounding countryside.
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.




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