PLACES OF INTEREST IN BHUTAN.
PHUENTSHOLING
Phuntsholing is a frontier
and commercial centre on the northern edge of the Indian plains and south of Thimphu. It takes about six hours by drive to
reach Phuntsholing from Paro and Thimphu. Situated at the foothills of Himalayas, it serves as a convenient entry/exit points
and the main trading zone for Bhutanese with other neighboring countries of South Asia. Visitors can reach Phuntsholing by
road from Sikkim, Darjeeling and Bagdora airport in West Bengal.
Places you can see are Kharbandi Goenpa, built in 1967
by the Royal Grandmother. The monastery contains paintings on the life of Buddha and statues of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal
and Guru Rimpoche.
Zangdo Pelri, located in the centre of Phuntsholing town, represents the abode of Guru Rimpoche. On
the ground level there are statues of Guru and his eight manifestations and the wall is covered with paintings of Buddha's
life. On the second floor it contains eight Bodhisattvas and statues of Avalokiteshwara and Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal while
on the top floor the main statue is of Buddha Amitabha.
PARO
For the visitor entering Bhutan via the Himalayas by Druk Air,
this beautiful valley is the port of entry into Bhutan. The Paro valley at an altitude of 2280 metres and 53 km from Thimphu
is enchanting with its scenic beauty, many of Bhutan's oldest temples, the National Museum and the country's only airport.
Places of Interest:
Drugyal Dzong: Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders under
the Mongol chief, Gurshi Khan, in 1644, this Dzong now stands in ruins, destroyed by a fire in 1951. Having first been seen
by western eyes only in 1914 through the eyes of the National Geographic magazine the ruins of this Dzong still stresses its
historical significance and strategic location. A clear day allows one to get a fantastic view of Mt. Jhomolhari (23,997 ft)
from the village below the Dzong.
Rinpung Dzong: This "fortress of a heap of jewels" was also built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646. It presently
serves as the home for the Paro Monastic Body and as the offices for the civil administration of Paro. The Paro Tsechu is
held here in Spring.
Ta Dzong: Just behind the Rinpung Dzong on a hillside stands the castle-like Ta Dzong which once served as a watch
tower of the Dzong. Built in 1657 it now houses the National Museum with an amazing collection of art, antiques and religious
thangkas (paintings).
Farmhouse: A farmhouse visit demonstrates how the Bhutanese people live. Normally highly decorative it is built and
painted in the traditional style. Farmhouses are typically three stories each floor used for different purposes; the top for
drying hay, the middle serves as the family quarters and the bottom as a cattle shed.
Kyichu Lhakhang/Monastery: Consisting of twin temples this is the first one built by the Buddhist Tibetan King, Songsten
Gampo in the 7th Century bringing Paro into prominence in the Buddhist world. In 1968 a second temple was built alongside
the first one in an identical style under the instructions of Her Majesty, Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan. It is
a very holy place for the local people.
Taktsang Hike
Taktsang
(Tiger's Nest): The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish
moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop at the cafeteria for a rest and refreshments and continue
our hike for short while until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, the Taktsang monastery. Dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava,
this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. The history
states that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric master who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, had taken the wrathful form of Guru Dorji
Drolo to subdue the demon that were obstructing the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayas. On the left side of the monastery
is the retreat place where the famous Tibetan Yogi Mache Lhabdenma attained enlightenment.
Jele Dzong:
The ruin is situated at an altitude of 3450m above Paro valley. In the medieval times people often travel from one corner
of Bhutan to another on foot and on horses. The Jele Dzong use to give food and shelter during the night halts made by these
travellers. The hike to Jele Dzong is five hours walk from the Jeshegang village. Most of the walk is through mixed coniferous
forests and often you will see white langurs, Himalayan musk deer and monal peasant. You will also see the magnificent views
of the sun setting over the Himalayan peaks if you reach early.
THIMPHU
At an elevation of 2320 m, in a lovely valley lies Thimphu,
the capital of Bhutan. It is unique with modern developments taking place alongside ancient traditions. With a population
of around fifty thousand this city is the centre of government, religion and commerce.
Places of Interest:
Tashichho Dzong: This "fortress of the glorious religion" contains the main secretariat building, the throne home of
His Majesty the King of Bhutan and is also the summer residence of the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan. It was built
in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and renovated and reconstructed by the Late King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
Semtokha Dzong: This is the oldest Dzong in Bhutan and was constructed in 1629 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It is
now a school for Buddhist studies.
Memorial Chorten: This gold capped stupa was built in 1974 as a memorial to the third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
The Buddhist paintings and images inside are a must for those wishing to glance into Buddhist philosophy.
Traditional Medicines Institute: Also known as the Indigenous Hospital allopathic medicines are administered here.
In Bhutan both modern and traditional treatments are given equal importance with people turning to traditional doctors (Drungtshos)
as often as to modern doctors.
Handicraft Emporiums: Pretty basketwork, silver jewellery, thangkas and exotic weavings of wool, silk and cotton are
available in a number of the emporiums in Thimphu.
Painting School: Traditional paintings are taught here and students can be seen producing intricate and lovely designs
on cloth.
The Weekend Market: Every weekend most of the residents of Thimphu
valley can be seen on the banks of the Thimphu river where farmers from in and around Thimphu come to sell their vegetable
and diary products. An interesting place to visit offering a chance to mingle with the locals.
HIKING PLACE
Phajodhing
Temple: A saint Shacha Rinchen built the temple in 15th century and is located at an altitude of 3,700 metres,
overlooking the Thimphu Valley. Surrounding the temple are many retreat houses for the people who come here and spend about
3 years in retreat. The hike is uphill north of Thimphu through mixed conifer forest with great views of Thimphu valley behind.
You could still hike higher up to the mountain to witness the enchanting Thujedra and Jimilangtso lakes. This is the last
day of the Drukpath Trek in reverse.
Thadra
Goenpa: At an altitude of 3270 metres can be reached after two hours of strenuous uphill hike from the RBA head quarters in
Lungtenphu.
Tango Cheri
Monastery: With about 12 kilometers of drive you arrive at the starting point of Tango hike. It takes about an hour to arrive
at the temple and is about 900 feet climb. Built in 12th century by Gyalwa Lhanampa, it serves as the monastic
school for study of Buddhist Philosophy, metaphysics, mathematics, poets and many other Buddhist studies. On the same day
you can hike to Cheri monastery, return back to the road, your car will drive you to the traditional bridge over the Thimphu
River. From here you hike for about an hour and half. Crossing the lovely traditional bridge you climb steeply to the monastery.
Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal founded the temple in 1620.
PUNAKHA
Seventy-seven kilometres from Thimphu at an altitude of 1350
m lies the fertile valley of Punakha well irrigated by the Pho Chhu and the Mo Chhu (the male and the female rivers). With
a temperate climate to add to that the valley produces crops and fruits in abundance. The old capital of Bhutan till 1955
it is the winter residence for the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan. On the way from the new capital to the old, splendid
views of the Himalayas can be had at the Dochula Pass, which is at 10,500 ft.
Places of Interest:
Punakha Dzong: It was built by Shabdrung in the 17th Century to serve as the religious and administrative centre of
Bhutan. Located strategically between the Pho and Mo Chuu rivers fire however has attacked it four times not to mention an
earthquake, which damaged the Dzong. However the present King has had it restored to its original magnificence and splendour.
In 1993 the largest thongdroel ever created was dedicated to the Dzong and the people of Punakha valley by His majesty the
King and the Je Khenpo at a three-day ceremony for which Bhutan's highest nobility had gathered. Visitors are allowed into
the Dzong during the Punakha festival and during the summer when the monk body moves to Thimphu.
DAY HIKE IN PUNAKHA
Limbhukha:
Drive to the Punakha Dzong and walk across the suspension bridge. Follow the farmhouses gradually climbing towards Dompola
Hills. The view of the Dzong, Phochu, Mochu Rivers and the surrounding village is superb amidst chirpine forest. The climb
is another two and half hours to the Limbhukha. Limbhukha is also known for its love of peace and tranquility. The legend
say that during the medieval wars the “limpus” or the people of Limbhukha always volunteered as peace negotiators.
This is depicted during the yearly festival called “Serda” when the men are found carrying a peace flags instead
of swords and fireworks.
Khamsum
Yulley Chorten/Crown Prince’s Monastery: Drive further north of Punakha towards Saunagatsha where the palaces of the
Royal Family are located. The hike takes about 1 hr to the Monastery that is built for the Crown Prince by his mother for
his long life and well being.
The monastery is a Zangtopelri or Paradise
Monastery that is a 3 tier monastery on top of a hillock. Once on the top the views of Punakha valley is a rewarding view.
WANGDIPHODRANG
Altitude : 1,300 m / 4,430 feet
Located
at same elevation as Punakha, it's about 30 minutes of drive from Punakha. It is the last town of western Bhutan before you
enter into the central part of Bhutan. Known for fine bamboo work and its slate carvings.
Wangdue Dzong, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1638 had built
this massive fortress sitting on a hilltop at the confluence of Punakha Chu and Tang Chu Rivers. Wangdue Festival is celebrated
here in the fall.
Rinchengang Village, a small clustered village facing
the Wangdue Dzong is known for its skill in traditional method of stone masonry. It is about 20 minutes hike uphill with great
view of the Dzong, valley and the river.
Phobjikha Valley, (altitude 9600 feet), takes about two hours of drive from
Wangdue Phodrang, a glacial valley located on the western slopes of the Black Mountain at an altitude of 9840 feet above the
sea level. There is no telephone or electricity and is the winter home to the rare black-necked crane that migrate from high
plateaus of Tibet in late fall to escape harsh winters. There are also muntjak (barking deer), wild boar, sambar, Himalayan
black bear, leopard and red fox. The valley is a designated conservation area and borders Black Mountain National Park.
A place to see is Gangtey Goenpa, the largest Nyingma monastery in Bhutan.
Gyalse Pema Thinlay built a small temple in 1613, which was later built into larger Goenpa by the 2nd reincarnation Tenzin
Legpai Dhendup.
Villages, you can take a day hike around the valley visiting villages and
observing the cranes during November - March. It is very scenic and mind soothing hike that would provide you with rewarding
surprises.
Roosting Ground, it is about 20 minutes walk from the bridge crossing the
swamp on rough wooden slabs. The best time is at dawn and dusk when all the birds in the valley congregate for the night (only
possible during November - March).
Visit to the Crane Observation and Education Centre, activities within the
Centre are; early morning crane observation and counting/ crane study using nature trails. The centre was established by the
Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN), the only NGO in the country.
TRONGSA Altitude: 2,300 m/7,600 feet
It
takes about 4 hours from Phobjikha to reach Trongsa by car. Located at an altitude of 7600 feet above sea level, Trongsa forms
the central hub of the nation and is historically the place from where the nation was unified. The landscape around Trongsa
is spectacular and for miles on end, the Dzong seems to tease you, wondering if you will ever reach there.
Trongsa Dzong, built in 1648, is the ancestral home of the Royal family.
Both the first and second King ruled the country from the ancient seat. All four Kings held the post of Trongsa Penlop (Honorary
Governor) prior to being crowned as the King. The Dzong is massive structure with many levels, which slope down the contours
of a hill on which it perches. Because of its highly strategic position as the only connecting route between east and west,
the Trongsa Penlop was able to control the whole eastern region effectively. It is in this Dzong the annual Trongsa Festival
is performed during December or January.
Ta Dzong, this watchtower, which once guarded Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion, stands impressively and
provides visitors an insight into historical significance of Trongsa in Bhutan's history.
Kungarabten, about 15 miles from
Trongsa was the winter palace of second King Jigme Wangchuk. It is a splendid building with superb woodwork and decorations.
The 1st floor was used as storage for food, 2nd floor as the residence of royal attendance and the army,
3rd floor as the royal residence and king's chapel. Part of this floor is presently used as Library. The top floor
is an alter room with statues of Sakyamuni, the Shabdrung and Guru Rimpoche. Right above the palace is the nunnery; it is
about 40 minutes walk uphill.
Day Hike in Trongsa
Kuenga Rabten: It is about 23
kilometers, one hour pleasant drive from Trongsa. Kinga Rabten was the winter palace of the second King and it offers a good
insight into the early days of the Bhutan’s monarchy. The first floor of the palace was used to store a food, the second
was the residence of the riyal attendants and the army, and the third housed the royal quarters and the king’s private
chapel. Part of the third storey has been converted it into a library and many books from the National Library are stored
here. On the top floor is the Sangye Lhakhang with contains the statues of Sakyamuni, Shabdrung and Guru Rimpoche
BUMTHANG
Altitude
: 2,600 m / 8,530 feet, 500 m/ 13,125 feet)
It is about two and half hours
drive from Trongsa to Bumthang. Located at an altitude of 8530 - 13125 feet above sea level, Bumthang is the general name
given to a complex of four valleys- Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura. Choekhor and Chumey are agricultural valleys while Tang
and Ura depend mostly on the animal husbandry. Bumthang is considered the holiest valley in Bhutan. Many Bhutanese from all
over the country visit here on pilgrim to pay their respect and to be blessed by the many holy sites where various religious
masters have meditated.
Jambay Lhakhang, Tibetan king Songtsen Gempo
miraculously built 108 temples in 7th century in order to consecrate the Himalayan region. Jambay Lhakhang is one
of those temples. This is the venue for Jambay Lhakhang Festival during October or November.
Kurjey Lhakhang, it takes about 30 minutes of
hike north to reach Kurjey Lhakhang. It was during 8th century a king from Bumthang, known as Sendhu Raja had invited
Guru Rimpoche (Precious Master), who brought Buddhism into Bhutan, to cure him from a dreadful disease. Guru meditated at
Kurjey for three months, left his body print on the rock and subdued the local deities including powerful Shelging Karpo,
who had stolen the king's life force and was the cause of King's disease. Kurjey is complex of three temples, on the right
beneath a giant cypress tree, the main temple built in 1652 by Minjur Tempa, Trongsa Penlop. This temple houses the cave where
Guru Rimpoche had meditated and left his body imprint. The middle temple was built by the First King of Bhutan during his
tenure as Trongsa Penlop in 1900. The third temple is recently constructed under patronage of Her Majesty queen mother Ashi
Kesang Wangmo Wangchuk.
Thangbi Temple, founded by Shamar Rimpoche in
1470, is located in the midst of buckwheat field. After a dispute the temple was taken over by Pema Lingpa from Shamar Rimpoche.
It is 17 Kilometers drive north of Kurjey Temple on an unpaved road to Toktu Zampa. You start your walk from here by crossing
a small suspension bride and walk 20 minutes past fields of buckwheat to the Thangbi Temple. This is the venue of Thangbi
Festival.
Bhutan’s religious treasure discoverer,
Terton Pema Lingpa in 1501, founded Tamshing Monastery, located opposite Kurjey Lhakhang. Believed to be the reincarnation
of Guru Rimpoche, he discovered many religious treasures around the country. The mural paintings inside the temple are known
to be unrecorded ancient painting. The best way to enjoy the serene and the beauty of valley is to hike fro about one hour
from Kurjey over Chamkhar River to arrive at Tamshing.
Konchogsum Temple, ten minutes
walk south will bring you to Konchogsum temple. The temple was restored in 1995 and looks new, but it actually dates back
to 2nd century.
Mebertsho (Burning Lake), it is about 20 minutes
drive from the hotel where you stay and then about 10 minutes of walk. Pema Lingpa in the early 16th century discovered
many religious items from a pond here.
Jakar Dzong: The great grand father of Shabdrung
Ngawang Namgyal founded this monastery in 1549. After Shabdrung had firmly established his power in 1646 he rebuilt the Dzong.
At present the Jakar Dzong is used as an administrative centre for Bumthang valley.
Ura Village, it is about 50 kilometers from
Choekhor valley and takes about one and half hour. Located in a broad valley, Ura village is a clustered of traditional houses
fenced by cobblestone streets that give the village a mediaeval atmosphere. The women in Ura village cover their head with
white cloth piece to protect from the harsh cold wind and carries sheepskin (behind their back) used as cushion and as well
as to protect their cloth from the loads they carry. This is the venue for Ura Yakchoe Festival.
Day Hike in Bumthang
Petseling/Bathela: From Chamkhar hike for about
three and half hours to reach Petseling Goenpa. Hike little above the Goenpa to reach at Bathela mountaintop, from where you
can have the panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.
Kunzang Drak: It is two hours walk above Chel
Tang Valley. It is one of the most important sites related to Pemalingpa the great treasure discoverer in Bhutan, who
also constructed the Goenpa in 1488. Most of his sacred relics
are kept here including the gilded stone bearing his footprint.
Wangthang Goenpa: Drive to Ura, which is 48
kilometers from Chamkhar town. Explore the Ura village en route to Wangthang Goenpa. The villages in Ura have clustered houses,
which is quite unusual in Bhutan. Since last 25 years Ura has been transformed from a marginal community to a prosperous valley.
From Ura hike to Wangthankha Goenpa which is situated above 3420 m.
Ngang Lhakhang: Three hours
walk from Thangbi Goenpa is a small region of Ngang Yul “Swan Land” and this temple is 100m above the valley floor.
Guru Rimpoche visited the site and Lama Namkha Samdrup, contemporary of Pemalingpa, built present temple in 15th
century. Three-day festival is held here each winter with mask dances in honour of the founder of the temple.
MONGAR
Altitude: 1,600 m / 6000 feet
The
drive from Bumthang to Mongar will surely enchant you as it offers one of the most spectacular views of the country. Evergreen
junipers and colourful Rhododendrons cover the hillsides, as fresh new scenery unfolds with every twist and turn of the winding
road. Sound of the rushing streams and cascading waterfalls greets you as you look down at the valley looming in the distance
below the precipitous rock face.
Hike in Mongar
Aja/Yadi: Drive to Shershong
via Yadhi from Mongar and start hiking for three hours to reach Aja, which is one of the most sacred places of Guru Rimpoche
in Bhutan.
TRASHIGANG
Altitude: 1,100 m/ 3,775 feet
In
the far east of Bhutan, on high above the bank of Gamri River, lies the second largest district in Bhutan. It has once served
as the center of a busy trade with Tibet prior to Chinese occupation, now serves as the junction for east - west highway.
It is also the market place for all the 6 districts of eastern Bhutan. Trashigang is also the market place for people from
Merak & Sakten who stroll the town with their unique little yak hair hats and different costumes than the mass Bhutanese.
Place you can visit is Trashigang Dzong, a 17th century fortress standing at the extreme end of the spur,
overhanging the Gamri River. If you are interested in rural life and textiles, there are several villages where you can make
day excursions.
TASHI YANGTSE
Altitude
: 1,700 m/6,000 feet
Driving from Mongar to Trashigang you take the
left road to Tashiyangtse before crossing Chazam (Bailey bridge) to Trashigang. The road traverses north and takes about 2
hours to reach at Tashiyangtse. Tashiyangtse Dzong is half-hour walk from the main road. Established in 1656, the Dzong was
completely renovated in 1976.Tashiyangtse is a small village with a garden aspect and a lovely place from where to launch
a couple of hour's stroll into surrounding countryside. This region is known for its specialty in making of various kinds
of wooden utensils.
Chorten Kora, a large stupa designed similar to Nepal's Boudhanath stupa,
was constructed in 1740 by Lama Ngawang Lodey. During the second month of lunar calendar (March or April) the people in Tashiyangtse
celebrate a festival known as Chorten Kora.
Bomdelling, winter home to the black-necked crane, it is about one hour
scenic hike from Tashiyangtse. The broad valley of Bomdelling is another bird sanctuary preserved as habitat for migrant birds
specially the endangered black-necked crane.
Gom Kora, 15 miles from Trashigang before arriving Tashiyangtse is a popular
pilgrim site where Guru Rimpoche had meditated and subdued the demon that dwelt in the vicinity. This is also the venue for
Gom Kora Festival held in early spring.
SAMDRUP JONGKHAR
The road from Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar was completed in the early 1960s and enables
the eastern parts of the kingdom to access and benefit from trade with the south as well as across the border into India.
It is possible to drive from Samdrup Jongkhar to Phuentsholing, the eastern border town, via Assam and West Bengal of India.
From Trashigang the road descends through thick jungle before
arriving at the border town of Samdrup Jongkhar. The town is no more than a frontier post with a couple of hotels and restaurants. Visitors
can exit Bhutan from Samdrup Jongkhar, instead to driving back all the way back to Paro or Phuentsholing. Guwahati airport
in India is located about 100 km from the border and from there are daily flights to Calcutta and Delhi and 02 flights a week
to Bangkok.
