Post Box 346

Thimphu

Bhutan

Tél: (975)-2-322353

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• Chorten Kora: The stupa, similar to Budhnath in Kathmandu, Nepal is one of the most sacred monuments of Bhutan built in 1740.In the second month of the Bhutanese lunar calendar a religious festival which is mainly to circumambulate the stupa is organized. It is time to see the Bhutanese display their spirituality as well as socializes.
• Local Bhutanese Paper Mill: It is also possible to visit local paper mills, mainly owned by individual families in the process of making Bhutanese papers (Desho), using traditional tools and methods.
• Local Wood carving mill: You can also visit wood carving mill which are also owned individually by the families. It is time to see the process of carving wood into beautiful bowls, plates, ladles, spoons, etc. using traditional method and tools.
• Institute of Zorig Chusum: Perched on a ridge above the town lies the Institute of 13 traditional crafts. Here the students are trained to make masks and bowls; paint; stitch; embroidery, etc.
• omphu Kora is a place of pilgrimage. Every year on the 2nd month of the Bhutanese calendar, a festival which involves circumambulation of a large rock under which Padmasambhava meditated and subdued an evil spirit is organized.

• Trashigang Dzong: The dzong serves as the spiritual and temporal seat. In the past, it withstood several Tibetan invasions as well as civil wars. In the courtyard, before entering the Dzong, you can see Iron Chain that was once used for constructing bridge by a Buddhist Saint called Thangthong Gyalpo in the 15th Century.
• Trashigang Town: You can also pay a visit to the town which is enclosed on three sides by mountains. If you are lucky, you would be able to see some Brokpas, an ethnic group from the villages of Merak and Sakteng, north east of Trashigang. Their dress which is different from that of the Ntaionl Dress of Bhutan is a special attraction.
  

• Gomphu Kora: About 30 minutes drive from Trashigang town is Gomphu Kora. It is a place where you see a massive rock under which is also a cave. This is where Padmasambhave meditated to subdue the evil spirit in the locality that caused harm to the inhabitants. Today, there is also a temple nearby. A festival is celebrated every year sometimes in March.
• Rangjung town houses a Tibetan style monastery, a school, a booming town and paddy fields in its environs. It is the gateway to Merak Sakteng villages of north east Trashigang. They are the semi-nomads who wear different costumes that draw the attention of even the Bhutanese.

• Kurje Lhakhang: A temple where Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) left his body impression on the stone while meditating in a cave to subjugate Shelging Karpo. Shelging Karpo was subdued and converted to Guardian of the doctrine and local deity of the Bumthang valley in the 8th century.
• Jambay Lhakhang: It is one of the first temples built in the 7th Century. If you visit sometimes in October/November, you can also witness the Terchham (Naked Dance introduced by Pema Lingpa the great Treasure Discoverer to subdue the evil spirits who obstructed him from discovering treasures which were religious relics, scriptures, statues, etc.)
• Mebartsho: Mebartsho which means the Lke of Burning Fire located in the Tang Valley, about 30 minutes drive from town, is the place from where Pema Lingpa entered the lake with a butter lamp in his hand and returned with it still lighted. This is the lake from where Pema Lingpa first discovered religious treasures.
• Tamshing Lhakhang: Located near the Chamkhar river, this temple is preserves the paintings of the Pema Lingpa, the treasure discoverer. This temple was also the residence of Pema Lingpa.
• Chumey Handloom: In the valley of Chumey, you can also see the ladies at work on the loom weaving the fabric known as Bumthang Yathra. You can buy one as souvenir. The fabric can be used to stitch jackets, bags, table cloths, sofa covers, scarf, etc.
• akar Dzong, the seat of the Governor of Bumthang is an interesting place to viist. Not only does it give a panoramic view of Jakar but also houses the spiritual and temporal seats of Bumthang region.
• The other places to visit in Bumthang are Jampa Lkakhang built in the 7th century by Songtsen Gonpo. It is here that the Treasure Dance is performed during Jampa Drub festival. A little away from Jampa is the Kurjey Lhakhang. It is here that Padmasambhava meditated and left his body impression.
• You can also visit Tamzhing Lhakhang. It is the residence of Terton Pema Lingpa, the great treasure discoverer. Even today, the wall painting executed by Pema lingpa is preserved. Nearby is Koenchosum lhakhang, another temple supposed to have been built in the 7th century.Time permitting, Pesaling Goemba Jakar LhakhangTang Rimoche, Kuenzangdra, Thangbiand Kharchu lhakhang guarantees enjoyable visit.

• Chendbji Chhoeten: Before arriving to Trongsa (if traveling from west to east) you will have opportunity to see the Chendenbji Chhoeten similar to Boudhnath in Kathmandu in Nepal.
• Trongsa Dzong: The Dzong is filled with history as it was the capital from where the eastern part of Bhutan was controlled by the Trongsa Poenlop, Governor of Trongsa. The Dzong had also witnessed many civil wars.
• Trongsa Ta Dzong: The Ta Dzong which is on a hillock overseeing the Trongsa is currently under renovation. Once it served as a watch tower for Trongsa Dzong.
  

  Ta Dzong

• Kuenga Rabten Dzong and Nunnery: Kuenga Rabten Dzong was the winter palace of the Second king of Bhutan. You can also visit the Nunnery. It is approximately one hour drive from Trongsa town.
• Tashiling Lkahkang, the houses a statue of Avalokiteshvara is a place where the Royal family camped in the olden days. It is also few kms before reaching Trongsa town.
• Tsheringma chu is a water that is believed to give long life and voice to anyone who drinks it. It is few kms before reaching Trongsa town.Ta Dzong is now converted in a museum. It houses some of the rare artefacts of the Wangchuck Dynasty of Bhutan. When travelling from Trongsa to Bumthang you can also stop at Dorji Goemba. The cremation Ground here is considered very sacred.

• W. Phodrang Dzong: Perched on a ridge, the Dzong houses the spiritual and the temporal seat of the region. From the Dzong, you can have scenic view of the two rivers flowing on either side of the ridge as well as the bridge and the villages in the vicinity.
• Gangtey Gonpa and Phobjikha: It is a Buddhist that houses an Institute for Buddhist Studies for the monks. From the monastery you can have magnificent views of Phobjikha valley. Phobjikha valley is habitat for Black Necked Crane in winter. It is also the valley where Black Necked Crane festival is celebrated. If you are traveling further east you can request to visit it. Otherwise, plan a day’s trip.

• Outskirts of Punakha Dzong: If the Chief Abbot has moved to the Summer residence in Thimphu, you can enter the courtyard of the Dzong. It was the old capital of Bhutan which had seen many battles with the Tibetans and civil wars.
• Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chhoeten: The details of the stupa had been taken out from religious scriptures. It is the best example of Bhutanese art and architecture.
• Chimmi Lkakhang in between the two Dzongkahgs of Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang is a temple associated with fertility. Drukpa Kuenley, the Buddhist Saint known popularly as Divine Madman subdued a demoness and buried her here. Today, the popularity of this temple is the belief of the people that visiting this temple and receiving blessing from the phallus relic facilitates barren women to give birth.

• Memorial Chhorten (Stupa): Located near the heart of Thimphu city, the stupa was built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan by the Grand Queen Mother Ashi Phuntsho Choden Wangchuck. Unlike many other stupas, you can see many tantric Buddhist statues within. You can even walk around and savor beautiful view of Thimphu City.
• National Library: National Library in the city houses many rare Buddhist texts, manuscripts and also modern academic books. You can have a look at how the Buddhist texts are staked and preserved.
• Painting School: Visit to the school in the city will give you a foretaste of Bhutanese paintings.
• Handicrafts Emporium: It displays wide range of Bhutanese textiles and handicrafts. It is time for you to get hold of some souvenirs to take as a gift for your dear ones back at home.
• Institute of Traditional Medicine: You can witness how traditional medicines are prepared.
• Sangaygang: Drive about 15 minutes from the main city to a hillock where the Bhutan Broad Casting Tower is stationed. From there you can relish the beautiful scene of the whole of Thimphu City. On the way up or down from the hillock, you can also see Takin the national animal of Bhutan. It is a place where many Bhutanese frequent, especially on weekends.
• Docula -the highlight of Docula is Druk Wangyal Chhoeten, which is a group of 108 stupas built on a magnificent hillock while the Druk Wangyal Lkakhang is a temple. Both of them are located at Dochula Pass which also offers view of the snow capped peaks (on clear days). It is about 1 hour drive from Thimphu City. You will have opportunity to see it if you plan you go to Punakha or Wangdue Phodrang or to other places further east. Lam Sonam Zangpo initiated the construction of the old choeten nearby in the 1980s. A few minutes drive from Dochula will take you to the newly created park.
• Folk Heritage Museum: The Museum housed in a traditional Bhutanese House portrays the lifestyle of traditional Bhutan.
• Weekend Market: If you are in Thimphu on a weekend, it is worth visiting the weekend market. You will see a variety of vegetables, fruits, dairy products, handicraft items, etc. Watch the Bhutanese shop.
• Trashichho Dzong : is the summer residence of the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of the Monastic Body. It also houses the Throne Room and office of the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs and the Ministry of Finance. The annual Tshechu was also conducted in the courtyards of the Dzong. However, since 2008 it is organized in the Tendral Thang near the Dzong. It was constructed during the Centenary and Coronation Celebration.
• Changangkha temple :is another place to visit. It is perched on the hill top offering panoramic view of the main Thimphu city. It is one of the mostly visited temples of Thimphu as one of the local deities resides here. Nearby is also located Nado Poezoekhang where Bhutanese incense sticks are made.
• Semtokha Dzong : is located 6 kms south of Thimphu city. It was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1629. It was the first Dzong built by Zhabdrung during the Second Tibetan Invasion. It has been renovated recently and is an interesting place to visit. Jigme Namgyal, the father of the First King of Bhutan lived here for sometime.
• Khandum Sonam Peldon : Residence at Wang Simo is another place to visit. It is here that the consort of Phajo Drugom, the first Buddhist Master to bring Drukpa kagyud school of Buddhism to Bhutan lived. In 2008, a man discovered a relic that was considered as a Dragon’s egg. People visit this place to receive blessings of this relic. It is about 15 minutes drive from Thimphu and a few minutes trek.
• The other places to visit are the Textile Museum in the heart of the city. You can witness some of the elaborately woven fabrics of Bhutan. Bhutanese Paper Mill located near the city is another place where you can see the art of making Bhutanese paper. You can also buy beautiful products made of paper.
• Pangri Zampa : located at about 6 kms north of Thimphu city is the centre of Astrology Studies. Near the temple is a big cypress tree is considered sacred as it is associated with Zhabdrung, the saint who unified Bhutan.
• Tango and Chagri : are two other places of pilgrimage located in the extreme north of Thimphu. It is possible to cover most of the distance by car and walk a short distance only. The monasteries are centres of Buddhist Studies and Meditation centres.
• Dechen Phodrang : Budddhist school is perched on a hill top that gives fascinating viez of Thimphu City. Visiting this school is engaging as you will see many small monks chant prayers and study.
• Nunnery at Zilukha : offers a change from monks to nuns. In this nunnery dwells many nuns, chanting prayers and studying. This nunnery is associated with Thangthong Gyalpo, the saint who built many iron suspension bridges in Bhutan and the Himalayas.
• Buddha Point : at Kuensel Phodrang will also be open to tourists once it is completed. Coming here is being close to the biggest Buddha Statue in the world. The location also offers awe-striking views of Thimphu city.

• Taktshang Monastery: Need a whole day to see the Monastery perched on a steep cliff and return to hotel.
• Drugyal Dzong: The Fortress of the Victorious Drukpas built after victory over Tibetans in the mid 17th century is now in ruins. On a clear day you can view Mount Jhomolhari. About 20 minutes drive from Paro Town.
• Kyichu Lhakhang: One of the first temples built in the 7th century. It houses the Crowned Budddha (Jowo) and Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche). It is about 10 minutes drive from the town.
  

  Paro Kichu Lhakhang

• National Museum: Popularly called as Ta Dzong (watch tower) is the National Museum of Bhutan. In the mid 17th century it served as a watch tower. Below it stands the Rinpung Dzong which is currently the spiritual and temporal seat of Paro Dzongkhag. From Ta Dzong you can have panoramic view of the Airport, Paro town and neighboring villages. It is about ten minutes drive from the town.
• Rinpung Dzong: Rinpung meaning a “heap of jewels,” is the spiritual and the temporal seat of Paro region. It was built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It is the venue for the Tshechu (festival) of Paro.
• Excursions: Kila Goempa nunnery: this gompa is nestled in a craggy patch on the mountain side,below Chelela-pass. It was established in the early 9th century ,as a meditaion site.
• Jele-Dzong: This is a 5 hours trek,through mixed coniferous forest,with a fairly gradual uphill climb. Along the trails,if lucky,you may spot white languars,Himalyan musk deers & monal pheasants.