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Thimphu Valley:
Thimphu, the morden capital of
Bhutan lies at an elevation of 2300 meters in a valley
transversed by the Wang - Chu (Thimphu river). The Tashichho
Dzong the main secretariat building houses the Throne room
of the King and the Summer residence of the central Monk
body. The city of Thimphu is nothing like what a capital
city is imagined to be. Nevertheless, for Bhutan it is a
fitting and lively place. Unlike many modern cities, Thimphu
has kept a strong national character in its architectural
style.
Memorial Chorten :
This chorten was built in 1974 in the memory of the Third
King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who died in 1972. The paintings
and Images inside the monument provide a very rare in -
sight into Buddhist philosophy.
Tashichho Dzong :
The Dzong which was initially built in the 17th century,
was rebuilt in early 1960s by third King, H.M. Jigme Dorji
Wangchuk, as the permanent capital of Bhutan. The dzong
houses as the main secretariat building and summer residence
for the central monk body. The dzong is opened for visitors
during the Thimphu festival and in winter when the Monk body
moves to Punakha.
Simtokha Dzong :
Six kilometers away from Thimphu, on a lofty ridge.
Built in 1627, this oldest Dzong in the country now houses
the school for Buddhist studies.
Indigenous Hospital :
Where traditional medicine which is prepared from herbs
is still practiced here in this Hospital.
National library :
Where thousands of manuscripts and ancient texts are
stored, as well many modern printing blocks.
Painting School :
Located above the library. At this school, children
learn the traditional techniques and painting.
Punakha :
Blessed with a temperate climate and drained by Pho -
chu (Male) and Mo - chu (Female) rivers the fertile valley
of Punakha produces rich crops. Until 1955, Punakha served
as the Capital of Bhutan and even today, it is the winter
seat of the Je khenpo (chief Abbot) and the central Monk
body. The Dzong was built at the junction of the two rivers
in the 17th century by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel. At present
it serves as the winter residence for the central Monk body
and administration center for the valley.
Wangdi Phodrang :
Towards the south of Punakha, located at the altitude of
1,350 meters is Wandgdi Dzong, built again in the 17th
century by Shabdrung. The Dzong stands at the confluence of
Punakha - chu and Tang - chu river. The higher reaches of
the valley provides rich pastureland for cattle. Phubjikha
valley in Wangdi Phodrang is the winter place for the rare
black neck cranes. The district is also known for its fine
bamboo work and its slate carvings.
Tongsa :
The landscape around Tongsa is spectacular, and for
miles on the end of the Dzong seems to tease you, wondering
if you will ever reach there.
Tongsa Dzong :
Built in 1648 is the ancestral home of the Bhutan's
Royal family. Both the first & second kings ruled the
country from this ancient seat. All four kings of Bhutan
held the post of Tongsa penlop (honorary Governor) prior to
being crowned as King. A massive structure with many levels
which slopes down the contour of hill on which it is set.
Because of its highly strategic position on the only
connecting route between eastern & western sectors the
Tongsa penlop was able to control the whole of the eastern
region effectively for centuries.
Phuentsholing:
Phuentsholing is the gateway into Bhutan from the
sweltering plains of Indian West Bengal. The small town is
spread at the foothills of the mountains that lead into the
interiors. Given its border status and linkage to India,
Phuensholing also forms the hub of most industry and
business in Bhutan.
Paro Valley:
This beautiful valley, where nature & man conjured to
create their dearest image, with its rich terraced farmland,
is home to some of Bhutan's oldest Temples & Monasteries as
well as Bhutan's only Airport. To the north of the valley
Mount. Jhomolhari (7300 meters) reigns in white glory and
the glacier water from its peak plunge, through deep gorges
finally forming pa - chu (paro river).
Drukgyal Dzong :
The dzong with a delightful village nestling at its
foot, was built in 1647 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel to
commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders led by
Mongolian warlord, Gushri khan 1644. Historically &
strategically this Dzong withstood all its glory and had
captured western eyes in 1914 vide National geographic
magazine. The glory of Drukgyal Dzong remained even when it
was destroyed by fire in 1951. Since than the dzong has been
in ruins. On a clear day one can see the commanding view of
Mount. Jhomolhari from the village.
Taksang Monastery :
Literally meaning Tiger's nest; built around the cave in
which Guru Padmasambava meditated in the eight century,
clings seemingly impossible to a cliff of rock at 800 meters
above paro valley. It is believed that Guru Rimpoche landed
on this spot in a miraculous manner, flying on the back of a
tigress. For local people it is a place for pilgrimage but
for tourist a hike up to the view point cafe opposite the
monastery is breathtaking, thrilling and mystical.
Ringpung Dzong :
Meaning fortress on the heap of jewel's was built during the
time of Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel in 1646. The approach to
the dzong is through the traditional covered bridge called
Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge to the dzong is very
interesting. The dzong now houses the paro Monastic body and
the office civil administration for paro valley. It is also
the venue of paro tsechu (Festival), held once a year during
spring time.
Ta - Dzong :
Located behind Ringpung Dzong on the hillside, is the castle
shaped Ta - Dzong, one time used as watch tower to defend
the Dzong below was built in 1651. Since 1967 the Dzong was
re - established as the only national Museum and it has
fascinating collections of Art, relics and religious Thankha
painting.
Farm House :
Bhutanese farm houses are very decorative. Built & painted
in traditional style. The house looks very big from outside
but it is quite simple inside. The houses are normally of 3
storey. The ground floor is always used for cattle, top
floor is used for drying hay and in the middle family lives.
The best room in the house is always kept as family shrine.
A visit to a farm house is very interesting to see how
Bhutanese people live.
Punakha:
Punakha valley lies below the 10,500 ft Dochula Pass
where one can get the most spectacular view of the Black
Mountain Range. Punakha Dzong, astride two rivers, is the
winter home to the monk body. Despite ravages by several
fires through the years, the Dzong houses many artifacts and
the embalmed body of Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal. Some distance
from the Dzong on a promontory stand the Chime Lhakhang, of
the temple of fertility.
Wandue Phodrang:
Wangdue Phodrang is the last town of the highway before
entering Central Bhutan. The town is little more than an
enlarged village with a few provided shops and hotels.
Wangdue Phodrang Dzong is the town's most visible feature.
In the 17th century, Wangdue played a critical role in
unifying the western. central and southern Bhutanese
districts.
In this district lies the famed Phobjikha Valley, the winter
roosting ground for the endangered Black Necked Crane. Here
one can also visit the 17th century Gangtey Gompa.
Trongsa
In the center of Bhutan and four hours by road from
Wangdue Phodrang,. Trongsa offers a welcome rest to
travelers. Trongsa is an ancestral home of the present royal
family.
Trongsa Dzong is an impregnable fortress, the Dzong itself
is a labyrinth of temples, corridors and offices holding
court over the local community. It is built on many levels
into the slide of a hill and can be seen from every approach
to Trongsa.
Bumthang:
To the eat of Tongsa lies Bumthang valley at the
altitude of 2,600 meters, where tales of Guru Padmasambava &
his re - incarnations known as Lingpa dominates the holy
places. The valley is home to some of the most sacred and
the oldest Monasteries in the country. Jambey Lhakhang built
by Tibetan King Songten Gembo, incarnation of Buddha of
compassion, in the 7th century, is among 108 monasteries
built by him to subdue the evil spirit in the Himalayan
region.
Kurje Lhakhang :
The Monastery located above Jambey Lhakhang, consists of
three temples. The first one on the right side being the
oldest built in 1652 on the rock face where Furu Rimpoche
meditated in the 8th century. The second Temple is the
holiest because this is the site of a cave containing a rock
with the imprint of Guru Rimpoche's body. The cave is not
visible as it is concealed by a large statue of Guru
Rimpoche. The third temple was built on this holy place by
the present Queen Mother of Bhutan is yet to complete. The
three Temples are surrounded by a 108 chorten (stupa) wall,
which is the symbol to dedicate it to each joint of human
body.
Tamshing Lhakhang :
Located opposite Kurje Lhakhang on other side of the
river was founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa,
reincarnation of Guru Padmasambava. The monastery has very
interesting religious paintings inside such as thousand
Buddhas and twenty one Taras (female form of Buddhisatawa).
This temple was later restored at the end of 19th century.
Jakar Dzong:
Founded by great grand Father of Shabdrung Nawang
Namgyal was initially built as monastery in 1549. The
monastery was later rebuilt as Dzong during the time of
Shabdrung after he had firmly established his power in 1646.
The Dzong is now used as Administration center for Bumthang
valley.
Mongor:
Mongor is the site of one of Bhutan's newest Dzong built in
1930s following the traditional architectural pattern handed
down through times, without any plans on paper or the use of
any nails. A visit to the Dzong gives visitors an impression
of how over the centuries traditional Bhutanese architecture
has continued to exist to this day without any changes.
Tashigang :
In the far east of Bhutan, on the bank of Gamri chu
river, lies Tashigang, the Country's largest district.
Tashigang Dzong stands on the hill slope below the main
street. The Dzong built in the mid 17th century, serves as
the Administrative seat for the district, as well as school
for the monks. Tashigang once the center of a busy trade
with Tibet, is today the junction of the eastwest highway
with road connecting to Samdrup Jongkhar and then to the
Indian state of Assam
Lhutsi
Making up the eastern part of the nation, these four
districts boast the most diverse elevations and climatic
zones. From lush sub-tropical forests to extreme alpines and
mountains that from the natural formidable border, the east
is a mjust visit. Here, rivers teem with Mahseer, tigers
roam the rich forestays and the Black Necked Crane roosts in
higher climes. Trashingang and Lhuntsi have spectacular
Dzongs replete with ancient history. The people of the east
are also distinct in their way of life and culture.
Trashigang/ Trashiyangtsi
Tashigang lies in the far east of Bhutan, and is the
country's largest district. Tashigang town, on the hillside
above the Gamri Chu river, was once the center for a busy
trade with Tibet. Today it is the junction of the east-west
highway.
Places you must see when you are in Tashigang:
• Tashigang Dzong
• Gom Kora
Situated in a small river valley, Tashiyangtse a lovely spot
from which to take walks in the surrounding countryside.
Tashiyangtse is famous for its wooden containers and bowls,
which make inexpensive, attractive and useful mementos of a
visit to this remote region.
Places you must see when you are in Tashiyangtse:
• Chorten Kora
• Bomdeling
• Institute for Zorig Chusum |
