Treks
Treks - Festivals
Festivals
Pilgrimage-Meditation
Special Interests
Places of Interests
Places of Interest in Bhutan
THIMPHU
Altitude: 7,600 feet.
Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan, and the centre of government, religion
and commerce. The harmonious mix of modern development with ancient
traditions make it a unique town. Thimphu is a lively place offering
homes to government civil servants, expatriates and the monk body. It
also maintains a strong national character in its architectural style.
Around Thimphu
Memorial Chorten: This is the stupa built in 1974 in the memory
of Bhutan's third King, Late His Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck,
regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues
inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Tashichhodzong: Known by another name as " fortress of the
glorious religion", the Dzong was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt
by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in 1965. Tashichhodzong houses the main
secretariat building and the central monk body. It is open to visitors
during Thimphu Tshechu and when the monk body moves to warmer Punakha in
the winter months.
Semtokha Dzong: Located at five miles from Thimphu, on a lofty
ridge stands Simtokha Dzong, built in 1627 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
It is the oldest fortress of the kingdom, now housing the School for
Buddhist studies.
National Library: The history of Bhutan lies imprinted in archaic
texts which are preserved at the National Library. Besides thousands of
manuscripts and ancient texts, the library also has modern academic
books and printing blocks for prayer flags.
Painting School: This School teaches the techniques of
traditional paintings. One can actually see students at work producing
intricate design on cloth.
Traditional Medicine Institute: In Bhutan, equal emphasis is
given to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The rich herbal
medicines abundant in Kingdom is prepared here. The Institute also
imparts the art of herbal medicines to would be practitioners.
Handicrafts Emporium: The several Handicrafts Emporiums in town
provide the perfect places to buy souvenirs. They have wide assortment
of beautifully hand-woven and crafted products.
Weekend Market: Every Saturday and Sunday most of the Thimphu's
scant population and many valley duelers congregate on the banks of the
river where the weekend market is held. It provides an insight into the
village economy where farmers from nearby areas converge to sell their
products. It makes an interesting for an opportunity to mix with the
local people.
Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang: This chapel was built in 1990s by Dasho
Aku Tongmi, a musician who composed Bhutan's national anthem. The
country's tallest lhakhang, it is replica of Guru Rimpoche's celestial
abode.
PHUENSTHOLING
Phuntsholing, the gateway to the south, is a thriving commercial centre
on the northern edge of the Indian plains. Situated directly at the base
of the Himalayan foothills and sharing the border with India,
Phuntsholing blends in the fascinating mixture of Indian and Bhutanese.
Being the frontier town Phuntsholing serves as the convenient entry/exit
point for Bhutan and also the important link to visit the Indian state
of West Bengal, Sikkim and Assam.
Around Phuntsholing
Kharbandi Gompa: This beautiful monastery situated at an altitude
of 1,300 feet, in garden of tropical plants and flowers was founded in
1967 by Royal Grandmother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedron. The monastery
contains paintings on the life of Buddha and statues of Shabdrung
Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rimpoche. From the monastery garden there is a
fascinating view of Phuntsholing town and surrounding plains.
Zangtho Pelri: A small temple built in the centre of Phuntsholing
town, represents the heaven of Guru Rimpoche. On ground level there are
statues of the eight manifestations of Guru Rimpoche and paintings on
Buddha s life. Next floor contains eight Bodhisttavas and statues of
Avalokiteshwara and Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal while on top floor, the
main statues is of Amitabha.
PARO
Altitude: 7000 feet.
Paro is a beautiful valley which encapsulates within itself rich
culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to
many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, the country's only
airport and the National Museum. Mount. Chomolhari (7,300 meters )
reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial
waters plunge through deep gorges to form the Pa Chu (Paro river). Paro
is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom, producing a bulk
of the famous red rice from its terraced fields.
Around Paro
Drukgyel Dzong: With a delightful village nestling at its foot,
this Dzong was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate
his victory over the Tibetan invaders led by Mongolian Warlord, Gushri
Khan. Historically and strategically this Dzong withstood all its glory
and had captured western eyes in 1914 vide National Geographic magazine.
The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when it was destroyed by fire
in 1951. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of Mount.
Chomolhari from the village, below the Dzong.
Rinpung Dzong: Also known as " fortress of the heap of jewels ",
it was built during the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646. The
approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called the
Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge to the Dzong, over a stone inlaid
path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as
well as life around it. It is also venue of the Paro Tshechu, held once
a year inspiring.
Ta Dzong: On a ridge immediately above the Rinpung Dzong is the
Ta Dzong, built in 1951 as a watch tower. Unlike the rectangular shape
of the Dzongs, Ta Dzong is round, more like parts of an European castle.
Since 1967 the Dzong was re-established as the National Museum and holds
a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings
and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps.
Kyichu Lhakhang: The origin of Kyichu Lhakhang dates back to the
seventh century, it is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of
Bhutan ( the other is Jambey Lhakhang in Bumthang ). Kyichu Lhakhang is
composed of twin temples, the first temple was built by Buddhist Tibetan
King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kessang,
the Queen Mother of Bhutan, arranged for a second temple to be built
alongside the first one, in same style.
Farm House: The beauty of Paro valley is embellished by cluster
of quaint Farm Houses. Bhutanese Farm Houses are very colorful,
decorative and traditionally built without the use of single nail. All
houses follow the same architectural pattern. A visit to Farm House is
very interesting and offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a
farmer.
Kila Goemba: It is serene home of Buddhist nuns who have
dedicated their life for spiritual fulfillment and leading undisturbed
life of religious studies, prayer and meditation. The Goemba is nestled
in a craggy patch on the mountain side below the Chele la pass and
perched precariously along the rock face. From Chele la pass, the
Lhakhang is about an hour walk amidst magnificent wooded area.
Druk Choeding: Built in 1525, this town temple was built by
Ngawang Chhogyel, one of the prince-abbots of Ralung in Tibet and an
ancestor of the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
PUNAKHA
Altitude: 4430 feet.
Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still it is the
winter seat of Je Khenpo ( Chief Abbot ). Blessed with temperate climate
and fed by Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female) rivers, Punakha is the
most fertile valley in the country. There are splendid view of the
distant Himalayas at Dochula pass ( alt. 3,100 m ) on Thimphu - Punakha
road.
Around Punakha
Punakha Dzong: Built strategically at the Junction of Pho Chu and
Mo Chu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the
religious and administrative centre of the region. Damaged by four
catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored
by the present King. The Dzong is open for visitors during Punakha
festival and in summer months when the monk body moves to Thimphu.
WANGDIPHODRANG
Altitude: 4430 feet.
The last western town before heading towards central Bhutan,
Wangdiphodrang is like an enlarged village with a few well provided
shops. Located towards the south of Punakha, the higher reaches of the
Wangdiphodrang valley provides rich pastureland for cattle. This
district is also famous for its fine bamboo work and its slate, stone
carvings.
Around
Wangiphodrang
Wangdiphodrang Dzong: Sitting on top of the hill at the
confluence of Punakha Chu and Tang Chu rivers, it is town's most visible
attraction. The Dzong is open for visitors during Wangdiphodrang Tshechu,
celebrated in Autumn.
GANGTEY GOMPA/PHOBJIKHA
Altitude: 9840 feet
Further going towards the east of Wangdiphodrang, Gangtey Gompa provides
one of the most attractions in Bhutan. It dates back to the 17th
century. A few kilometers past the Gompa, on the valley floor is the
village of Phobjikha. This is the winter home of black necked cranes
that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass winter in milder
and lower climate.
TRONGSA
Altitude: 7600 feet.
Tongsa is the central hub of the nation and is historically the place
from where attempts at unifying the country were launched. The landscape
around Trongsa is spectacular and for miles on end, the Dzong seems to
tease you, wondering if you will ever reach there.
Around Trongsa
Tongsa Dzong: Built in 1648, it is the ancestral home of the
Royal family. Both the first and second King ruled the country from this
ancient seat. All four Kings held the post of Tongsa Penlop (honorary
governor) prior to being crowned as King. The Dzong is a massive
structure with many levels which slope down the contours of a hill on
which it perches. Because of its highly strategic position as the only
connecting route between east and west, the Tongsa Penlop was able to
control the whole of the eastern region effectively.
Ta Dzong: This watch tower which once guarded Tongsa Dzong from
internal rebellion, stands impressively and provides visitors an insight
into historical significance of Tongsa in Bhutan's history.
Chendebji Chorten: Enroute to Tongsa is Chendbji Chorten,
patterned on Swayambhunath temple in Kathmandu. It was built in 19th
century by Lama Shida, from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil
spirit that was killed at this spot.
BHUMTHANG
Altitude: 8530 - 13125 feet.
This fascinating valley is religious heartland of the nation and home to
some of the oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. Here tales of Guru
Padsambhava and his re-incarnates, known as Lingpas, still linger in
most nook and corners, that have become now sacred ground.
Around Bumthang
Jambey Lhakhang: This monastery was built in 7th century by
Tibetan King, Songtsen Gembo, believed to be the reincarnation of the
Buddha of compassion. It is one of the 108 monasteries built by him to
subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region.
Kurje Lhakhang: Located above Jambey Lhakhang, the Kurje Lhakhang
consists of three temples. The one on the right was built in 1652 on the
rock face where Guru meditated in the 8th century. Second temple is
built on the site of a cave containing a rock with the imprint of Guru's
body and is therefore considered the most holy. The third temples was
recently built by the present Royal Queen Mother. These three temples
are surrounded by 108 chorten wall, symbolic of each joint of the human
body.
Tamshing Lhakhang: Located opposite Kurje Lhakhang on the other
side of the river, this temple was founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa,
the re-incarnation of Guru Padmasambhava. The monastery has very
interesting religious paintings like 1,000 Buddhas and 21 Taras (female
form of Buddhistava ). The temple was restored at the end of the 19th
century.
Jakar Dzong: Founded by great grand father of Shabdrung, the
Dzong was initially built as a monastery in 1549. It was upgraded after
the Shabdrung had firmly established his power in 1646. The Dzong is now
used as administrative centre for Bumthang valley.
Membertsho: It is one of the great pilgrimage site of Bhutan
where Pema Lingpa found the treasures hidden by Guru Rimpoche and thus
became a terton, a 'discoverer of religious treasures'. The importance
of site is indicated by extensive array of prayer flags and the small
clay offerings.
MONGAR
Altitude: 5575 feet.
The journey from Bumthang to Mongar is one of the most beautiful in the
Himalayas crossing 3,800 m high Thrunsingla pass. Mongar marks the
beginning of eastern Bhutan. The second largest town in the subtropical
east, Mongar, like Tashigang further east, is situated on the side of a
hill in contrasts to other towns of western Bhutan which are built on
the valley floor.
Around Mongar
Mongar Dzong: It is the site of one of Bhutan's newest Dzongs,
built in 1930s. Yet the Dzong is built in the same method and traditions
of all the other Dzongs, no drawings and nails have been used. A visit
to the Dzong gives visitors an impression of how traditional Bhutanese
architecture has continued to thrive through the centuries.
TRASHIGANG
Altitude: 3775 feet.
In the far east of Bhutan, on the bank of Gamri Chu river, lies
Tashigang, the country's largest district. Tashigang , once the centre
of a busy trade with Tibet, is today the junction of east west highway
with road connecting to Samdrup Jongkhar and then to the Indian state of
Assam. This town is also used as the market place for the hill people
from Merak and Sakteng who are remarkable for their exceptional features
and costumes.
Around Trashigang
Tashigang 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 remarkable view over the surrounding
countryside.
Gom Kora: It is about 24 km from Tashigang although its in
Tashiyangtse district. The temple of Gom Kora is set on a small alluvial
plateau overlooking the river. It is one of the famous places where Guru
Rimpoche meditated in order to subdue a demon who dwelt in big rock.
Behind the temple is an huge black rock surrounded by rice fields and
clumps of banana trees which looks like an oasis in an arid landscape.
TRASHIYANGTSE
Altitude: 6000 feet.
Located several kilometers north of Tashigang, Tashiyangtse Dzong is
half-hour walk from the main road. Established in 1656, the Dzong was
completely renovated in 1976.Tashiyangtse is a small village with a
garden aspect and a lovely place from where to launch a couple of hour's
stroll into surrounding countryside. Nearby, Chorten Kora is one of only
two temples in Bhutan, built in Nepalese style and is host to a great
festival celebrated every year.
Around
Trashiyangtse
Chorten Kora: It is based on stupa of Boudhanath in Nepal, and
constructed in 1740 by Lama Ngwang Loday. During the second month of
lunar calendar there is interesting clebration here, known as 'Kora".
Bomdelling: About one hour walk from Chorten Kora, Bomdeling is
the roosting place of a flock of black-necked cranes.
SAMDRUP JONGKHAR
The road from Tashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar was completed in 1960s and
enables the eastern half of the country to access and benefit from trade
with the south as well as across the Indian border. There is little for
travelers to see in this area but it is used as more convenient exit
town.
LHUNTSE
Lhuntse is 77 km from Mongar and is one of the most isolated districts
in Bhutan. The landscape is spectacular with stark cliffs and gorges and
dense coniferous forests. The region is notably famed for its weavers
and special textiles and fabrics, generally considered to be the best in
the country The Kurtoe region of Lhuntse is also the ancestral home of
Royal dynasty. n keeping with the government's cautious and balance approach to all
aspects of developments and modernization, the tourism industry in
Bhutan runs in the principle of sustainability. This means that tourism
must not only be economically viable but also sensitive to the local
culture and environment. There is no restriction imposed on the number
of tourists to Bhutan. However, the policy of low volume high quality
tourists ensures that Bhutanese tradition and culture can be preserved
and numbered without exploitation.