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East India Tourist Destination (Bhutan -The Old Heriatge)
Bhutan -The Old Heriatge
PHUENTSHOLING
The frontier town, it is a thriving commercial centre, situated directly
at the base of Himalayan foothills. It is a fascinating place where different
ethnic groups mingle prominently Indian, Bhutanese and Nepalese. Being the border
town, Phuentsholing 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.
Places of Interest in PHUENTSHOLING
Zangtho Pelri
Situated in city centre, this small temple represents the heaven of Guru Rinpoche.
On ground floor there are statues of eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche and
paintings on Buddha’s life while the next floor contains eight Bodhisattavas
and statues of Avalokiteshvara and Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. On top floor, there
is a main statue of Amitabha.
Kharbandi Goemba Founded in
1967 by Royal Grand Mother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedron and situated at the altitude
of 400m, this beautiful monastery contains paintings on the life of Buddha, statues
of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rinpoche. From the monastery garden there
is a fascinating view of Phuentholing town and surrounding plains.
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PARO The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates within itself a rich
culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of
Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, National Museum and country’s
only airport. Mount. Chomolhari (7,314m) reigns in white glory at the northern
end of the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form Pa
Chhu (Paro river). Paro is also one of the most fertile valley in the Kingdom
producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields.
Places of Interest in PARO
Rinpung Dzong Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal , the first
spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of
Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge)
of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge
called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, 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 the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in the sprng.
Ta Dzong One time watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dozng during
inter-valley wars of the 17th century, since 1967 Ta Dzong is serving as the National
Museum of the country. It holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious
thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. The museum circular
shape augments its varied collection displayed over several floors.
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. Historically and strategically this Dzong withstood all its
glory and was featured in 1914 vide National Geographic magazine. The glory of
Drukgyel Dzong remained even when its 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.
Kila Goemba It is the 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 mountain side below the Chelela pass and perched precariously along the
rock face. From Chelela pass, the lhakhang is about an hour walk amidst magnificent
wooded area.
Taktshang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest) It is
one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a
cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived
here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is
called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most
sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited
by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely
damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored
to its original splendour.
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THIMPHU
The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce,
Thimphu is a unique city with 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 monk
body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style.
Places of Interest in THIMPHU
Trashichhodzong Also know as
‘fortress of the glorious religion’, it was initially built in 1641
and later rebuilt in its present form by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1965. The
Dzong houses, main secretariat building which houses 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. During the warmer summer months,
the monk body headed by His Holiness, the Je Khenpo, makes its home in the Dzong.
Memorial Chorten This stupa was built in 1974 in the memory of
Bhutan ‘s third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is
popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside
the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Simtokha Dzong
Five miles from Thimphu stands the 17th century Simtokha Dzong standing on
a lofty ridge. Built in 1627, the oldest Dzong in the country, 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 thangkha paintings.
On a visit, one can see students at work producing intricate design on cloth.
Traditional Medicine Institute The rich herbal medicines abundant
in Kingdom are prepared here. The Institute also imparts the art of herbal medicines
to would be practitioners.
The Textile and Folk Heritage Museum
Established in 2001, these are fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese living traditions
reflecting Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage.
Handicrafts Emporiums
There are various Handicrafts Emporiums in town displaying a wide assortment of
beautifully hand-woven and crafted products.
Weekend Market
Every Saturday and Sunday most of Thimphu’s scant population and many valley
dwellers congregate on the banks of the river where weekend market is held. It
is an interesting place to visit and provides opportunity to mingle with the local
people.
Changangkha Lhakhang
It is a fortress like temple andmonastic
school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south of Motithang. The temple was established
in 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who came from Tibet.
The central statue here is Chenrezig in a manifestation with 11 heads. From temple
courtyard, there is fascinating view of Thimphu valley.
Excursions
around THIMPHU Tango Goemba
This monastery was founded by Lama gyalwa Lhanangpa in the 12th century and the
present building was built in the 15th century by the ‘Divine Madman’,
Lama Drukpa Kunley. In 1616 Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited Tango and meditated
in a cave near the monastery. His meditation helped ensure the defeat of an invading
Tibetan army. The head Lama, a descendent of Lama Drukpa Kunley presented the
goemba to Shabdrung, who carved a sandalwood statue of Chenrezig which he installed
in the monastery.
The picturesque three-storey tower and several surrounding
buildings were built in the 18th century by the eighth Desi, Druk Rabgye and Shabdrung
Jigme Chhogyel added the golden roof in the 19th century.
Cheri Goemba
This monastery was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1620. A silver chorten
inside the monastery holds the ashes of Shabdrung’s father. The goemba is
situated about half an hour walk from Dodena (alt. 2,600m). The trail commences
by crossing a lovely covered bridge that spans the Thimphu Chhun, then climbs
steeply to the monastery.
Phajoding Goemba It is a 5 km uphill
walk from Motithang. The monastery was built in 15th century by Shagcha Rinchen
who introduced the Drukpa Kagyupa school in Bhutan in the 13th cneutry. It was
one time one of the richest monasteries in the country.
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PUNAKHA Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until and still
it is the winter seat of Je Khnep (the chief abbot). Blessed with temperate climate
and owing to its natural drainage from Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers,
the Punakha valley produces abundant crops and fruits. There are splendid views
of the distant Himalayas at Dochula pas (alt. 3,050m) on Thimphu – Punakha
road.
Places of Interest in PUNAKHA
Punakha Dzong Built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu
and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious
and administrative centre of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important
role in Bhutan’s history. 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.
Excursions around PUNAKHA
Chimi Lhakhang The Chimi 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 behaviour to dramatise his teachings and due
to this also known as ‘Divine Madman’. This temple is also known as
the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children
and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a
child very soon. It is about 30 minute walk across field from the road to the
temple. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning
‘field’. It then follows a tiny stream downhill to Yoaka and across
more fields before making a short climb to Chimi Lhakhang.
Khamsum
Yulley Namgyal Chorten A beautiful hike takes one to the regal Khamsum
Yuelley Namgel Chorten, which was built to remove negative forces and promote
peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. The Chorten dominates the
upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu and up towards the
mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond.
Limbukha Drive to Punakha
Dzong which can be visited from the month of April to November when the Je Khenpo
(chief abbot) moves to Thimphu. Walk across the suspension bridge (about 200m
long) through absolutely fresh breeze and fascinating view of Dzong. Follow the
farm houses gradually climbing towards Dompala hills. The view of Dzong, Pho Chhu,
Mo Chhu rivers and surrounding village is superb amidst chirpine forests. The
climb is another two and a half hours to Limbukha.
Limbukha farmers grow
Bhutan’s famous red rice which is supposed to have medicinal values. This
particular rice needs clean mountain spring so that the taste is good and nutritional
value maintained. Limbukha is also known for its love of peace and tranquility.
Legends says that during medieval wars the ‘limpus’ or the people of
Limbukha always volunteered as peace negotiators. This is also depicted during
yearly festival called ‘Serda’ when the men are found carrying peace
flags instead of swords and fireworks.
Talo The village of
Talo (alt. 2,800m) which is scattered along the hill slopes, known for its cleanliness
and hygiene among Punakha villages. Talo Sangnacholing is built on a plateau and
has majestic view of surrounding villages. The beautiful farm houses of the village
have its own flower gardens and on the hill slope corns and sweet peas are grown
in abundance. The women of Talo are particular known for their beauty.
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WANGDUEPHODRANG Wangduephodrang is
the last town on the central highway before central Bhutan. The town is not more
than an enlarged village with a few well-provided shops. Located in the south
of Punakha, the higher reaches of the Wangduephodrang valley provide rich pastureland
for cattle. This district is also famous for its fine bamboo products, slate and
stone carvings.
Places of Interest in WANGDUEPHODRANG
Wangduephodrang Dzong Sitting on top of the hill at the
confluence of Punakha Chhu and Tang Chhu rivers, Wangduephodrang Dzong is town’s
most visible features. The Dzong is open for visitors during Wangduephodrang Tsechu
celebrated in autumn.
Gangtey & Phobjikha The valley
of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding
such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense
forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, and extremely rare experience
in Bhutan where most of the valley’s are tightly enclosed.
A few
kilometers beyond the Gangtey Monastery , on the valley floor lies the village
of Phobjikha. This place is the winter home of black necked cranes that migrate
from the arid plains in the north to pass winter winter in milder and lower climate.
Phobjikha, at an altitude of 2900 m, falls under the district of Wangduephodrang
and lies on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park. The valley boasts
two beautiful meandering rivers, Nakay Chhu (Chhu Naap-black water) and Gay Chhu
(Chhu Karp-white water). According to a local legend, the two rivers actually
represent a snake and a boar. The two animals once raced each other with an agreement
that if the snake (Nakay Chhu) won, Phobjikha valley would be able to grow rice,
but if the boar won, then rice could never be cultivated in the area. The snake
lost since it had to meander all the way during its journey. Rice cannot be cultivated
in the valley even today.
Gangtey Goempa Perched on a small
hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa
monastery on the western side of the Black Mountain’s and also the biggest
Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. The Monastery is surrounded by a large village
inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of the Monastery.
Gangtey was founded by Pema Trinley, the grand son of Pema Lingpa, the famous
Nyingmapa saint of Bhutan. In 1613, Pema Trinley establish the monastery and became
the first Gangtey Tulku. The religious traditions of Pema Lingpa still taught
there. The second Tulku, Tenzin Legpa Dondrup (1645 to 1726), enhanced the size
of Gangtey while keeping up good relations with Drukpas, and rebuilt the monastery
in the form of a Dzong.
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TRONGSA
Trongsa forms the central hub of the nation and is historically the place from
where attempts at unifying the country were launched. Both His Majesty King Ugyen
Wangchuck, the Penlop of Trongsa, who was elected the country’s first hereditary
monarch and his successor, King Jigme Wangchuck, ruled the country from Trongsa
ancient seat. The Crown Prince of Bhutan normally holds the position of the Trongsa
Penlop prior to ascending the throne including the present King who was appointed
Penlop in 1972, shortly before his succession to the throne. The entire landscape
around Trongsa is spectacular.
Places of
Interest in TRONGSA Chendbji Chorten Approximate
four hours drive from Wangduephodrang is Chendbji Chorten, patterned on Swayambhunath
temple in Kathmandu. It was built in 18th century by Lama Shida, from Tibet, to
cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot.
Trongsa
Dzong Like almost all towns in the Kingdom, this Dzong architecture dominates
the entire Trongsa horizon dwarfing the surrounding buildings. Built in 1648,
it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second
King ruled the country from this ancient seat. Protected from invaders by an impenetrable
valley, 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 side of the hill and can be seen from every approach
to Trongsa heralding its strength as a defensive stronghold.
Ta Dzong
This watch tower which once guarded Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion, stands
impressively and provides visitors an insight into historical significance of
Trongsa in Bhutan’s history.
Excursions
around TRONGSA Kuenga Rabten It is about 23 km,
one hour interesting drive from Trongsa. Kuenga Rabten was the winter palace of
the second King and now looked after by National Commission for Cultural Affairs.
It is pleasant afternoon trip from Trongsa and offers good insight into the early
days of Bhutan monarchy.
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BUMTHANG
Bumthang has an individuality that charms its visitors and separates
it from other regions. Comprising of four smaller valleys, the deeply spiritual
region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious legend. Bumthang is also the traditional
home to the great Buddhist teacher Pema Linga to whose descendants the present
dynasty traces its origin.
Places of Interest
in BUMTHANG Jambey Lhakhang This monastery was
built in the 7th century by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. It is one of the 108
monasteries built by him to subdue evil spirits n the Himalayan region. Its present
architectural appearance dates from the early 20th century.
Kurje
Lhakhang Situated before Jambey Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang consists of three
temples. The one on the right was built in 1652 on the rack 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 temple was built in 1990s by Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother. These
three temples are surrounded by a 108 chorten wall.
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 Padsambhava.
The monastery has very ancient 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 the first 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, and houses the regional monk body.
Excursions
around BUMTHANG Tangbi Goemba A walk of half an
hour north of Kurje Lhahang leads to this monastery, founded in 1470 by Shamar
Rinpoche of the Kagyupa religious school. The temple has two sanctuaries and a
temple of terrifying deities. The sanctuary on the ground floor contains statues
of past, present and future Buddha and three clay statues probably dating end
of the 15th century. On the upper floor, the vestibule contains two remarkable
paintings of Guru Rinpoche’s heaven and the Buddha Amitabh’s heaven.
Ngang Lhakhang A few hours walk from the Tangbi Goemba is the
small region of Ngang Yul (Swan Land) and this temple here is 100 m above the
valley floor. The site was visited by Guru Rinpoche and present temple was built
in the 15th century by Lama Namkha Samdup, a contemporary of Pema Lingpa. A three
days festival is held here each winter with masked dances in honor of the founder
of the temple.
Membetsho This place is about five minutes
walk from Tang valley (in Bumthang). Pema lInga found several of Guru Rinpoche’s
hidden treasures here. A wooden bridge crosses the river and is a good vantage
point to look down into the lake. The importance of this site is indicated by
the extensive array of prayer flags and the small clay offering called ‘tse
tsa’ in rock niches.
Ura Valley Jakar ot Ura is 48 km,
about one and a half hour drive. To reach here, the road climbs to 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 pass (3,600m) with a magnificent view of Mount. Gangkhar Puensum. Villages
in Ura have clustered houses, which is quite unusual in Bhutan. Above Ura village
(3,100m) is a new temple dedicated to Guru Rinpoche. Inaugurated in 1986, it contains
a huge statue of the master and remarkable paintings of the cycle of his teachings.
Since last 25 years Ura has been transformed from a marginal community to prosperous
valley.
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MONGAR The journey
from Bumthang to Mongar is one of the most beautiful in the Himalayas crossing
4,000m high Thrumshingla pass. Gushing waterfalls, steep cliffs with even steeper
drops, blazing flowers and constantly changing vegetation combine to make this
journey as varied as it is beautiful.
Mongar marks the beginning of Eastern
Bhutan. The second largest town in the sub-tropical east, Mongar like Trashigang
further east, is situated on the side of a hill in the contrasts to other towns
of Western Bhutan which was built on the valley floor.
Places
of Interest in MONGAR Mongar Dzong It is site of
one of Bhutan’s newest Dzong 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 gives visitors an impression of how traditional Bhutanese architecture
has continued to thrive through the centuries.
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LHUNTSE Lhuntse is 77 km from Mongar (3 hours drive) and is one
of the most isolated districts in the country. The landscape here is spectacular
with stark cliffs and gorges and dense coniferous forests. The region is notably
famed for its weavers and their special textiles 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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TRASHIGANG
In the far east of Bhutan, on the bank of Gamri Chhu river lies Trashigang, the
country’s largest district. Trashigang, once the centre of a busy trade route
with Tibet, is today the junction of east-west highway with road connecting to
Samdrup Jongkhar and then to the Indian States of Assam. This town is also used
as the market place for the semi nomadic people from Merak and Sakteng whose costumes
are unique in Bhutan.
Places of Interest
in TRASHIGANG 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 tress, 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
who dwelt in a huge black rock.
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TRASHIYANGTSE
Trashiyangtse is a small village with a garden aspect and a lovely place
from where to launch a couples of hours stroll into surrounding countryside. The
Dzong was built in the later 1990s when the new district was created. A very interest
art school is worth the visit. Also Trashiyangtse is famous for its wooden containers
and bowls.
Places of Interest in TRASHIYANGTSE
Chorten Kora Constructed near the river, it is based on
the stupa of Bodhnath in Nepal and was built in 1740 by Lama Ngawang Loday. During
the second month of lunar calendar there is an interesting celebration here, known
as ‘Kora’.
Bomdeling About one hour walk from Chorten
Kora, Bomdeling is the winter resting place of a flock of black-necked cranes.
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SAMDRUP JONGKHAR The road from
Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar was completed in 1960s and it 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 to see in this area but it was being
used mostly as a convenient exit town however due to disturbances in adjoining
Indian territory, the exit route has been closed.
Bhutan
-The Old Heriatge, Reservation Form
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