North East India Tourist Destination
  
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.
=============================
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.
=============================
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.
=============================
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.
=============================
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.
=============================
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.
=============================
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.
=============================
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.
=============================
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.
=============================
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.
=============================
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.
=============================
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.
|
