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 Copyright Etho
Metho Design by thinley |
Places of Interest
Please refer to the above road map and the information below to help plan your visit to Bhutan.
PHUNTSHOLING What to see in Phuntsholing
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.
This beautiful valley which encapsulates within itself rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends, 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. What to see in Paro Drukgyel Dzong : This Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot, 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. The capital of Bhutan, and the centre of government, religion and commerce, it is a unique city with an unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Although not what one expects from a capital city, Thimphu is still a fitting and lively place. Home to civil servants, expatriates and the monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style. What to see in Thimphu Memorial Chorten : This stupa was built in 1974 in the memory of Bhutan's third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is popularly regarded as the Father of Modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Tashichhodzong : Also known 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 : Five miles from Thimphu, on a lofty ridge stands Simtokha Dzong, built in 1627 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The oldest fortress of the Kingdom, it now houses 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. On a visit 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 : There are various Handicrafts Emporium in town such as Government owned Emporium and Etho Metho Handicrafts, displaying 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 is an interesting place to visit and provides opportunity to mix up 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.
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. What to see in 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. The last town before 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. Wangdiphodrang Dzong : Sitting on top of the hill at the confluence of Punakha Chu and Tang Chu rivers Wangdiphodrang Dzong is town's most visible features. The Dzong is open for visitors during Wangdiphodrang Tshechu, celebrated in Autumn. Towards the east of Wangdiphodrang, there is an old monastery of Gangtey Gompa dating 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. Tongsa forms the central hub of the nation and is historically the place from where attempts at unifying the country were launched. The landscape around Tongsa is spectacular and for miles on end, the Dzong seems to tease you, wondering if you will ever reach there. What to see in tongsa 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. 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. What to see in 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. 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. What to see in 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. 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. What to see in Tashigang 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. A few 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. 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. 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 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.
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Visiting Bhutan
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