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.
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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.
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