PLACES OF INTEREST IN BHUTAN

GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS

WESTERN BHUTAN

PHUENTSHOLING (Altitude: 300m)

Phuentsholing is situated to the south sharing border with India. It serves as the convenient entry/exit point for Bhutanese and foreigners. This town is thriving commercial centre on the northern edge of Indian plains and fascinating mixture of Indian and Bhutanese cultures.

Places of interest

Kharbandi Goenpa

20^th century scared monastery was founded by the Late Royal Grand Mother, Ashi Phuntsho Choden. From the monastery, there is a fascinating view of Phuntsholing town and the surrounding plains. If you visit by overland this monastery is the best place to start your sightseeing.

Zangto Pelri
A small three storied temple built in the centre of the town represents heaven of Guru Rinpoche. Inside the temple, there are very detail and beautiful paintings. Lot of authentic people comes to offer prayers and butter lamps. 

THIMPHU (Altitude 2,320m)

Thimphu has been the capital of Bhutan since 1955. It is the seat of government, religion and commerce. The harmonious mix of modern development with ancient traditions makes it a unique town. Thimphu a home to the Royal family, civil servants, the monk body and expatriates maintains a strong national character in its architectural style. Once a small rural settlement, it is home now to 98,676 people.

Thimphu is amongst the more developed Dzongkhag in the country. It has total area of 1,792.79 sq.km with altitude ranging from 1,200m to 7,160m. The Dzongkhag has on Dungkhag and nine Gewogs and has a relatively good road network, especially in the lower Gewogs which include Thim Throm, Chang, Dagala, Geney, Kawang and Mewang. These Gewogs fall directly under the Dzongkhag administration. The three Gewogs in the northern part of Dzongkhag which includes Lingzhi, Naro and Soe under Lingzhi Dungkhag have a rugged and mountainous terrain with extreme cold climate. They are connected only by mule tracks making access and delivery of development services difficult and expensive.

Most of the lower Gewogs have easy access to the national referral hospital, national research centers, central ministries, agriculture related corporations and the financial institutions, extension services are available in all the Geowgs as well facilities for primary education and health care.

More than 60 percent of the households have electricity. Rice, which is the staple food, is grown extensively by a majority of the people in the lower Gewogs. People also cultivate wheat as a winter crop. The dry land owned by the people is used for orchard plantation and vegetable cultivation for commercial purpose. The other remote Gewogs in the northern part depend on livestock farming as the main economic activity.

In autumn, Thimphu attracts many international visitors and local families to Thimphu Drubchen (the rite of great accomplishment) and Tshechu which are held each year on the 5^th to 9^th day of the 8^th month and 10^th to 12^th day of the 8^th month respectively.

Places of interest in Thimphu

Tashichhodzong or the ‘Fortress of the Glorious Religion’ was built in 1641. the Dzong was later rebuilt by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1965. Tashichhodzong is Bhutan’s administrative and religious centre and houses the throne room of His Majesty the King, government ministries, the nation’s largest monastery and headquarter of His Holiness the Je Khenpo and the monk body. The National Assembly Hall is located in a new building across the river.

The National Textile Museum showcases a range of beautiful Bhutanese textiles. It was opened in2001, under the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen, Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuk. The museum has exhibits on six major themes: warp pattern weaves, weft pattern weaves, role of textiles in religion, achievements in textile arts, textiles form indigenous fibres and the royal collection. The museum introduces visitors to major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and the variety of textiles. The crowns and attire of textiles. The crowns and attire of Bhutan’s Monarch and other accessories used by members of the Royal Family can be found in the museum.

The Folk Heritage Museum, also known as Phelchey Toenkhim, is a restored three-storeyed traditional building which dates back to mid 19^th century. It was established at the initiative of Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. It provides a fascination insight into the traditional Bhutanese farm house and rural past through exhibits and documentation of rural life. To present a typical Bhutanese rural setting, a traditional watermill (with mill stones that date back more than 150 years), traditional style kitchen garden with vegetables and the famous traditional hot stone bath complement the museum building and the exhibits within.

The National Institute for Zorig Chusum or the School of Arts and Crafts is an Institute where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. The students follow a comprehensive course that starts with drawing and progresses through painting, wood carving, embroidery and statue-making. On a visit one can actually see students at work.

The Institute of Traditional Medicine Services is where Bhutan’s famous traditional medicine are compounded and dispensed, and traditional medical practitioners are trained. It is also a unit where traditional doctors diagnose patients and prescribe medication or treatments. The Institute operates a large laboratory and production facility where pills, tablets, ointments and medicinal teas are manufactured. The small museum within the complex has an interesting variety of medicinal teas are manufactured. The small museum within the complex has an interesting variety of medicinal plants, minerals, animal parts, precious metals and gems.

Takin Preserve houses the rare national animal of Bhutan. The best time to see them is early mornings when they gather around the fence to feed. The Takin is listed by international conservation agencies as a vulnerable species and it is a rare animal found only in Bhutan for its uniqueness and its association with country’s religious history and mythology.

The National Library holds a vast collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion. The library also has modern academic books and the world’s largest published book titled BHUTAN, measuring 5*7feet and weighing nearly 150 pounds. Its illustrated pages are turned on page each month.

The National Memorial Chorten is a sacred shrine built in 1974 in memory of the ‘Father of Modern Bhutan’, third Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuk under the initiative of Royal Grnad Mother Ashi Phuntsho Choden Wangchuck. It is dedicated to the world peace and prosperity. The numerous religious paintings and complex tantric statues housed inside the monument reflect both the peaceful and wrathful aspects of Buddhist deities.

Dechenphodrang is a monastic school with more than 450 monks currently undergoing their studies. On a visit one can see many little monks either at prayers or at play. The temple at the school houses 12^th century paintings which have been restored.

Changangkha Lhakhang is an old fortress-like temple was built in 12^th century by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo’s son Nyima. The central statue hese is Avalokiteshavara in a manifestation with eleven heads. From the temple once can get a fascinating view of the Thimphu Valley.

Zangto Pelri Lhakhag, a private temple built in 1990s by Late Dasho Aku Tongmi, a musician who composed Bhutan’s national anthem, is near the weekend market. It is said to be a replica of Guru Padmasambhava’s celestial abode and houses many large statues of Guru Padmasambhava in different manifestations.

Semtokha Dzong which stands on al lofty ridge five miles stands on Thimphu town was built in 1627 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It is the oldest Dzong in the country and now houses the Institute of Language and Cultural Studies.

Phajoding Goenpa is three hours walk form upper Thimphu. The monastery was built in the 15^th century by Shagcha Rinchen who introduced the Drukpa Kagyu School in Bhutan in the 13^th Century. It was once on of the richest monasteries in the country.

Tango Goenpa is a half hour drive from Thimphu town and one hour walk to the monastery. It was founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa in the 12^th century and the present structure was built in the 15^th century by Lama Drukpa Kunley. The picturesque three-storeyed tower and several surrounding buildings were built in 18^th century by the eighth Desi, Druk Rabgye and Zhabdrung Jigme Chhogyel added the golden roof in the 19^th century.

Cheri Goenpa is a half hour drive from Thimphu town and an hour walk to the monastery. The trail starts from a quaint bridge that spans the Thimphu Chhu, and then climbs steeply to the monastery. It was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1620. a sliver chorten inside the monastery holds the ashes of Zhabdrung’s father.

Local Vegetable Market: Every Saturday and Sunday, most of Thimphu population and many valley dwellers 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 come to sell their products. It provides an interesting opportunity to mix with the local people.

The newly built Druk Wangyel Lhakhang on top of the hillock overlooking the Druk Wangyel Chortens at Dochula is certainly worth the visit. It was built by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk as a tribute to His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo for his selfless sacrifices for the nation. Built with the finest wood and stone carefully hand crafted by the best artisans in the country, it is one of the most sacred man-built monuments ever constructed in recent times.

The main shrine in the Lhakhang is adorned by the statues of Buddha in the centre, Guru Padmasambhava on the left and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal on the right. Two wooden stairways on right and left sides of the statues lead a balcony/gallery which covers the three sides overlooking the main hall of the Lhakhang. The walls of the balcony/gallery are painted with pictorial history of the Wangchuck Dynasty depicting the great achievements of Their Majesties the Kings in the service of the people, protection the sovereignty and development of the country.

In the room adjoining the main hall of the Lhakhang, a powerful telescope is installed. Through this telescope peaks such as Kang Bum, Kangcheda Gang, Gangchen Tag, Masagang, Tsenden Gang, Tari Gang, Jaigangphu Gang, Gangchhen Singye and Gangkar Phuensum from left to right which has now named as Jigme Singye Wangchuk Range in honour of the fourth Druk Gyalpo can be sighted, along with the valleys of Gasa, Punakha and Wangdue. Talo and Nobgang villages the ancestral home of Their Majesties the Queens and Zhabdrung Jigme Dorji can also be seen very prominently form here.

PARO (Altitude 2,280m)

Situated in the north-western part of the country, Paro is a beautiful valley rich in culture, scenic beauty and abounds in myths and legends. The Dzongkhag is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, the country’s only airport and the National Museum. Paro has 176 lhakhangs and 427 choetens, the most famous being Taktshang Monastry (tiger nest) and Kyichu Lhakhang. Most of the trade of Bhutan in olden times was conducted through Paro via Tremo La to Phari Dzong in Tibet.

Paro is one of the most developed Dzongkhags in the country with moderate climatic conditions, fertile land suitable for agriculture and horticulture, good road network and bridges connecting the villages, schools, institutes and organization with the main town, and the existence of a number of important government institutions and the country’s only airport. It has a total area of 1,284.727 sq.km with altitude ranging form 1,960m to 5,680m. The Dzongkhags has 10 Gewogs which includes Dogar, Dopshari, Doteng, Hungrel, Lamgong, Lungnyi, Naja, Shaba, Tsento and Wangchang.

The valley is often known as the ‘rice bowl’ of the kingdom as it produces a bulk of the red rice from its fertile terraced fields. Paro is known form production of Wheat, millet, potatoes, apple and seasonal vegetables, which are mostly grown on a commercial scale.

During spring, Paro attracts many international visitors and thousands of families at Paro Tshechu which held each year form 11^th to 15^th day of 2^nd month of the lunar calendar.

Places of interest in Paro.

Rinpung Dzong, meaning “Fortress on a Heap of Jewels” was built in 1646 AD by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel mainly for defense purpose against frequent incursions. Historically, it was an important administrative centre and the seat of many feudal lords and penlops. Today, it houses the administrative offices which includes the legislative, executive, judicial the legislative, executive, judicial and religious centre for the people of Paro. 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 Dzong.

Ta Dzong built in 1951, was once the watch tower for the defense of Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17^th century. It was re-established as the National Museum in 1967 and has been rated among the best natural history museums in Asia. It holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious Thangkha painting, handicrafts, masks, costumes, armour and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. The museum’s circular shape augments its varied collection displayed over several floors. The visit will provide an insight in the rich and unique cultural heritage and tradition of Bhutan.

Drukgyel Dzong which means ‘Victorious Fortress’ was built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to commemorate his victory over Tibetan invaders, led by the Mongolian warlord. Strategically built over the only passage in Paro valley, the Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17^th century from this location. The glory of Drukgyal Dzong remains even after it was gutted by fire in 1951. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of Mount Jhumolhari from the village below the Dzong.




Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest and most scared temples in the kingdom, dating back to the 7^th century. Composed of twin temples; Buddhist Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo in the 7^th century and the second temple were built in 1968, by Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuk, the Queen Mother of Bhutan.

Kila Goenpa is a serene home for Buddhist nuns who have dedicated their life to spiritual fulfillment and lead undisturbed lives of religious studies, prayer and meditation. The Goenpa is nestled on the mountain side below the Chele La. From Chele La the Goenpa is about one hour walk through magnificent woods.

Druk Ghoeding Lhakhang also known as Tshongdoe Naktsang, is the town temple. It was built in 1525 by Zhabdrung Chhogyel.

Dungtse Lhakhang was built in 1433 by the iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo. It has three floors representing hell, earth and heaven with some remarkable paintings.

Taktshang Monastery, popularly known as the Tiger’s Nest, is Bhutan’s most revered temple. It is perched on the side of a 900m cliff above the Paro valley. According to legend Guru Padmasambava is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuentse, to meditate in a cave where Taktshang now stands. Hence the name ‘Tiger Nest’. It was from there he propagated Vajrayana Buddhism that was prophesized by the Buddha at the time of attaining Nirvana. This site has been recognized as a sacred place and was visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1646. It is believed that a Bhutanese should visit the monastery at least once in their lifetime. In April 1998, a fire destroyed the main structure of the building and its religious contents but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour. The hike to the monastery makes a splendid half-day excursion.

PUNAKHA

Altitude 1,220m

Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955. It continues to be the winter residence of the winter residence of the central monastic body. It has an area of 1,107.77 sq.km with altitude ranging form 1,200m to 5,050m. The Dzongkhag has 11 Gewogs which includes Barp, Chub, Dzomesa, Goenshari, Guma, Kabjisa Lingmukha, Shenga, Bjime, Talo and Toewang. Expect for Talo and Guma Gewogs, most Gewogs are located along the banks of wogs are located along the banks of Pho Chhu (male river) and Mo Chhu (female river).

Blessed with a temperate climate and fed by the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, Punakha is another fertile valley in the country with abundant crops from terraced rice fields, seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Places of interest in Punakha

Punakha Dzong, also known as the ‘Palace of Happiness’, is a massive structure at the junction of the two rivers. Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it is 600 feet long and 240 feet wide, with a sprawling six-storeyed rectangular tower. Punakha Dzong is the most beautiful and well-known fortress connected with Bhutan’s historical traditions. The valley and Dzong of Punakha was the seat of power and politics in medieval Bhutan. It was in Punakha, where the first hereditary monarch, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck, was enthroned. Punakha Dzong houses sacred artifacts and the embalmed body of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Choeten is an invigorating one hour hike form the road head. It was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. One can enjoy breathtaking views of the valley from the choeten which dominates the upper Punakha valley.

Chimi Lhakhang is a half hour walk across a local village and rice fields from the road heat at Sopsokha. The temple was built in 1499 and is located on a hillock in the centre of the valley, it is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, who in the late 15^th century used humor, songs and outrageous behavior to dramatize his teachings and hence is was also known as the ‘Divine Madman”. It is widely believed that childless couples who pray at this temple are usually blessed with children.

WANGDUE PHODRANG

Altitude 1,240m

Wangdue Phodrang is named after the Dzong in Wangdue. The name is said to have been given by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal who was seeking a strategic location for a Dzong to prevent incursions from the south. At the chosen spot, he is said to have encountered a boy named Wangdue playing beside the river Wangdue playing beside the river and thus named the Dzong. Wangdue Phodrang meaning ‘Wangdue’s Palace.’ In the 17^th century, Wangdue Phodrang played a critical role in unifying the western, central and southern Bhutanese Dzongkhangs.

Wangdue Phodrang has a total area of 4,028.68 sq.km with altitude ranging from 440m to 7,200m. it is the second largest Dzongkhag in Bhutan and consist of 15 Gewogs which includes Athang, Gase, TshoGom, Gse Tshoom, Kazhi, Nahi, Nyiso, Phangyul, Phobji, Rubesa, Sephu and Thedtsho. The summer is moderately hot with cool winters. The areas in the north remain under snow during the winter.

Wangdue Phodrang has about 65 percent of its total land under forest cover, consisting of both broadleaf and conifers. Phobjikha Gewog is famed as the winter resting place of the Black-necked Cranes. The Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National park extends into the northern part of the Dzongkhag and covers almost four Gewogs.

The higher altitude Gewogs of Phobji, Gangtey, Sephu and Dangchu provide rich pasture of livestock. Chuzhing (wetland) dominates agricultural land use in the Dzongkhag followed by Kamzhing (dryland), mixed farming and few patches of Tseri (slash and burn cultivation). Paddy is grown extensively, mostly along the Dang Chhu and Tsang Chhu in Nahi, Nyisho, Phangyul, Rubesa and Thedtsho Gewogs. Double croppingof rice is an important agricultural feature. Potato is an important cash crop espically for the Phobji, Gangtey and Sephu Gewogs. The Production of citrusis increasing in Daga, Bjena, Phangyul and Rubesa Gewogs while ginger production is gaining popularity in Daga and Athang Gewogs as an important source of income.

Wangdue Phodrang is famous for its fine bamboo work, slate and stone curvings.

Places of interest in Wangdue Phodrang.

Wangdue Phodrang Dzongs was founded by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1638. It is located on top of a high ridge overlooking a river junction. The Dzong stands majestically on a spur and commands an impressive view over both the north-south and east-west roads.

Phobjikha Valley

A few kilometers past the Gangtey Goenpa, on the valley floor is the village of Phobjikha. This is the winter home of the rare Black-necked Crane, an endangered species that migrates form its northern habitats in Tibet and Siberia, each winter. There are about 450 to 500 cranes residing in Bhutan of which 250 to 300 live in this wide, beautiful alpine wetland valley.

Gangtey Goenpa

To the east of Wangdue Phodrang, Gangtey Goenpa at 3,020m is a major attraction with an old monastery dating back to the 16^th century. Situated on a ridge overlooking the Phobjikha Valley, built by the grandson of Terton Pema Lingpa, Gyalse Pema Thinley in 1613 and later expanded by Tenzin Legpau Dhendup.

HAA

Altitude 2700m

Haa is also known as “the Hidden Land Rice Valley”. Haa’s major feature is its narrow north-south valley. Its new Dzong was built in 1915, near the older one which was destroyed by fire. Haa was the ancient centre of trade with Yatung in Chumbi Valley in Tibet. The valley has been the strong-hold of the Dorji family to which Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck, belongs.

Haa Dzongkhags has a total area of 1,900 sq.km with altitude ranging from 800m to 5,600m. The Dzongkhags has six Gweogs which include Bji, Eusu, Gakiling, Katsho, Samar and Sangbay. Haa is characterized by a rugged and mountainous terrain, which makes access and delivery of development services difficult as well as expensive. It is constrained by short growing seasons and limited arable land as only about two percent of the land is cultivable. Khamzing dominates agricultural activity, constituting an estimated 68 percent of the cultivated land. Most of the Gewogs consist of dry land areas and natural pasture land. The main crops grown in the valley are Wheat, barley, millet and potato although some rice is grown in the lower reaches of the valley. Potatoes, chillies, apples and other cash crops are grown by farmers on the valley floor along terraced hillsides. Almost 78 percent of Haa is covered with forest. And forest products play an important part in local economy. Livestock rearing constitutes an important economic activity in Haa with many of the northern Gewogs depending on livestock as their major source of income. In 2002, the valley was opened to foreign tourism.

Places of interest in Haa

Chhundu Lhakhang is one several shrines dedicated t the valley’s protectin deity, Ap Chundu. The temple houses statues of the blue-faced Chundu and his red faced Cousin Jowya.

Lhakhang Karpo

The monk body in Haa is not housed in its Wangchuk Lo Dzong but in Lhakhang Karpo in Eusu Gewog which functions as the Haa Dratshang (monastic body). The annual Haa Tshechu is held here.

GASA

Altitude 2770m

Gasa lies in the extreme northwest of the country and spans the middle and high Himalayas.

Gasa is known for its tshechus (natural hot springs) found at several places with different medicinal values. The Dzongkhags also has a number of Lhakhangs and choetens. The people of Gasa generally speak Dzongkha with a distinctive accent. Layaps and Lunaps who mostly lead a pastoral life rearing yaks and sheep have their own local dialect besides Dzongkha. Gasa has extremely cold winters with short and pleasant summer. Rainfall is scanty but there is heavy snowfall in the upper regions during winter.

Gasa has a total area of 3,130.53 sq.km with altitude ranging from 1600m to 7000m. The Dzongkhag has four Gewogs which includes Khamae, Khatoe, Laya and Lunana. Of the total area, about 35 percent are under scrub forest, 27 percent under fir forest, 15 percent under mix conifer and four percent under broad leafed. Dryland covers an area of 19 percent under livestock rearing. The soil is sandy and supports dry cultivation.

The high altitude and scanty rainfall makes farming difficult so the people in Gasa earn their main source of cash income by being porters to local residents as well as tourists. Sale and bartering of livestock products is another source of income for Laya and Lunana Gewogs.

Places of interest in Gasa

Gasa Dzong built on the slope facing east is the administrative head quarter of the Gas Dzongkhag. It was built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Gasa Tshachu is most popular among all the hot springs. People from all hot springs during winters, as they claimed to offer many health benefits. There are also other hot springs located in Laya Called Lungo Tshachu and Wachey Tsachu in Lunana.

Jigme Dorji National Park

Gasa has a forest cover of 33 percent and the entire Dzongkhag falls under the Jigme Dorji National Part. Gasa is richin flora and fauna and boasts some rare species of birds an animal like the Takin, Musk Deer, Bleu Sheep, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Tiger, Red Pandas, Raven, Wild Pheasants, Snow Pigeons, the Red Billed Cough, the Alpine Swift, the Snow Partridge, the Black Necked Crane and many others.

Central Bhutan

Central Bhutan is made up of Trongsa at 2000m, Bumthang (Jakar at 2700m; Ura 3120m), Lhuentse at 1460 and Zhamgang at 1900m. Central Bhutan is believed to be the first inhabited part of the country which evidence of prehistoric settlements in the Ura valley of Bumthang and the southern region of Khyeng in Zhemgang.

In addition to the high Himalayas which run east-west, mountain chains also run north-south at a height of 7200m to 400m, traversing the country and forming veritable barriers between different regions. Each of the central valleys is thus a microcosm separated from the next valley by high passes ranging form 3,000m to 3,500m.

TRONGSA

Altitude 2,000m

Trongsa is the central most Dzongkhag of Bhutan. It was from here that the present Royal Family emerged as the most powerful force in the beginning of the last century. Because of its highly strategic position as the only connection route between east and west, the Trongsa Penlop was able to control the entire eastern region effectively from Trongsa.

Trongsa has a total area of 1810.27 sq.km with altitude ranging from 600m to 5040m. The Dzongkhag has five Gewog which includes Drakten, Korphu, Langthil, Nubee and Tangsibjee.

Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park spread over two Gewogs (Langthil and Korphu) under Trongsa Dzongkhag preserves the wild life found within the area which includes the white Languar and Himalayan Bear and a variety of Deer.

People survive of farming. In some areas potato cultivation is the main source of cash income. Because of limited size of land holdings and lack of farm infrastructure, in particular farm roads, farm productivity is low.

Places of interest in Trongsa.

Trongsa Dzong or ‘Fortress on tip of a Conch’ is the longest Dzong built in the country. It is an impregnable fortress built on many levels into the side of a hill. The Dzong was originally built in 1648 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, and was later extended by its powerful Penlops, and the 16^th Desi Sonam Lhundub. The Dzong has 25 lhakhags which houses sacred images and religious treasures.

Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the Royal Family and both the first and second kings of Bhutan ruled the country form this ancient seat. The crown princeof Bhutan has always held the position of the Trongsa Penlop prior to ascending the throne.

Ta Dzong or the watch tower which once guarded Trongsa Dzong form international guarded Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion stands impressively above the Dzong and provides visitors an insight into the historical significance of Trongsa in Bhutan’s history. It has now been renovated and transformed into a museum.

Chendebji Choeten is situated at the confluence of two rivers on the way to Trongsa. This choeten is a replica of the Boudhanath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. It was built in the 18^th century by Lama Sidha from Tibet to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at the spot.

Kuenga Rabten, the winter palace of the second king, His Majesty Jigme Wangchuck, is about an hour drive form Trongsa town. It offers a good insight into the early days of Bhutanese monarchy.

BUMTHANG

Bumthang is one of the most beautiful and sacred areas of Bhutan, the entire valley is spotted with sacred temples and monasteries dating back to the 7th century. Legendary saint Guru Rinpoche (second Buddha) made first footsteps in Bumthang when he was bringing Buddhism to Tibet and Bhutan in the 8th century.

Jambay Lhakhang, one of the most sacred 7th century temples, has the statue of Jampa or Maitreya (the Future Buddha) as the central figure. There are also three stone steps inside the temple believed to represent past, present and future. They are slowly sinking into the ground. The faithful say that when all the steps disappear the future Buddha will arrive and we will all gather in Bumthang valley to receive his teachings.

Places of interest in Bumthang

Jakar Dzong, ‘The Fortress of the White Bird’ was initially built as a monastery in 1549. It was upgraded after the Zhabdrung had firmly established his power in 1646. The Dzong is now used as administrative centre for Bumthang valley and houses the regional monk body.

Jambay Lhakhang is sacred monastery built in 7^th century by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. It is one of the 108 monasteries built by him to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region.

Kurjey Lhakhang is another sacred monastery which comprises three temples. The one on the right was built in 1652 on the rock face where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the 8^th century. The second temple is built on the site of a cave containing a rock with the imprint of the Guru Padmasambhava’s body and is therefore considered the holiest. The third temple was built by the Queen Mother Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuk. These three temples are surrounded by a wall with 108 chortens.

Tamshing Lhakhang is located opposite Kurjey Lhakhang on the other side of the river, was founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa. The Lhakhang has ancient religious paintings such as the 1,000 Buddhas and 21 taras (female form of Bodhisattva). The temple was restored at the end of the 19^th century.

Membar Tsho or the burning lake is one of Bhutan’s sacred pilgrimage sites where sacred scriptures hidden by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8^th century was recovered by Terton Pema Lingpa in the 15^th century. The extensive array of prayer flag and small clay offering called ‘tse tsa’ in rock niches bespeak the importance of this spot.

Tangbi Goenpa is half hour walk north of Kurjey Lhakhang. It was founded in 1470 by Shamar Rinpoche of the Kagyu religious school. The temple has two sanctuaries and a temple of protective deities. The sanctuary on the ground floor contains Buddhas and three clay statues probably dating to the end of 15^th century. The vestibule on the upper floor contains two remarkable paintings of the heavens of Guru Padmasambhava and Buddha Amitabha.

Ngang Lhakhang is few hours’ walk from the Tangbi Goenpa. It is located 100m above the valley floor. It was built in the 15^th century by Lama Namkha Samdrup, a contemporary of Pema Lingpa. A three-day festival with masked dances is held here each winter to honour the founder of the Lhakhang.

Ura Valley is about one and half hour drive form Jakar and is the highest of Bumthang’s valleys. It is believed to be the earliest inhabited place in Bhutan. The road to Ura climbs to an amazingly open countryside, only occasionally running into forest. Large sheep pastures line the road up to 20 km behind the southern tip of the Tang Valley. The route crosses Ura La (3,600m) wit magnificent view of Mount Gangkar Puensum. Villages in Ura villages is a new temple dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava. The last 25 years have seen Ura transform from a marginal community to a prosperous valley.

LHUENTSE

Altitude 1460m

Situated in the northeast of Bhutan, Lhuentse is one of the most isolated Dzongkhag. However, it enjoys historic importance in Bhutan as the Kurtoe region of Lhuentse is the ancestral home of the Wangchuck Dynasty, who descends from the noble family of Dungkhar Choeje. Lhuentse is also known for several renowned pilgrimage sites of Guru Padmasambhava which includes Singye Dzong, Baeyul Khenpajong and Phunying La.

Lhuentse has a total area of 2853.54 sq.km with altitude ranging from 800m to 5,700m. The Dzongkhag mainly depend on agricultural activities for their livelihood, though farming remains largely subsistence since it is hindered by limited agricultural land and other farm infrastructure.

Places of interest in Lhuentse.

Lhuentse Dzong was built in 1654 and has two divisions, the upper Dzong which belongs to the monk body while the lower Dzong houses the Dzongkhags administration.

Kurtoe Dungkhar Dzong is the ancestral home of the Bhutan’s Royal Family where the first Druk Gyalpo was born.

The Khoma village in Lhuentse is notably famed for its weavers and special textiles and fabrics, generally considered to be the best in the country.

ZHEMGANG

Altitude 1,900m

Zhemgang is considered on of the most inaccessible Dzongkhag in the country with most of its Gewogs still situated far from road heads. Based on existing land use patterns, Zhemgang can be divided into three agro-ecological Zones: upper Khyeng which is characterized by high altitudes and infertile soil on steep slopes; Middle Khyeng which is the most accessible part of the Dzongkhag with good irrigation facilities and where people have begun to specialize in farm production aimed at generating cash income and Lower Khyeng which consists of four southern Gewogs and is characterized by relatively fertile soil but has limited irrigation facilities. Its farming system is largely based on shifting or Tseri Cultivation.

Zhemgang has a total area of 2,411 sq.km with altitude ranging from 100m to 4520m. the Dzongkhag has eight Gewogs which includes Bardo, Bjoka, Goshing, Nangkor, Nangla, Phangkhar, Shingkhar and Tong.

Places of interest in Zhemgang.

Zhemgang Dzong was founded by Lama Zhang Dorje Dakpa. In 1963, it was renovated and renamed as Druk Dechen Yangtse Dzong. It is the oldest religious structure in Zhemgang which houses seven Lhakhangs.