Exploring Bhutan – Places of Interest
Western Bhutan: Paro, Punakha, Thimphu, Haa, Wangdue Phodrang
Eastern Bhutan : Tashigang, Tashiyangtse, Lhuntse, Mongar
Central Bhutan: Bumthang, Trongsa
Northern Bhutan: Gasa, Lunana, Laya
Paro
Your first glimpse of this land of the Thunder Dragon will be Paro , its beautifully terraced rice fields , clusters of prayer flags blowing in the distance, and the picturesque village farm houses. Some of the country’s oldest temples and monasteries are here. Druk Air has its airport here (the only airport in the Kingdom) most of the trips to Bhutan begin from Paro. The ruins of the Drugyel Dzong, ( Bhutan Victory Fort ) which was built in 1646 to commemorate victory over the Tibetan invaders, lies at one end of the valley, a magnificent place to view the towering peak of Mount Jhomolhari ( 7329 meters ) on a clear day.
One of the main attractions of Paro is the country’s most sacred pilgrimage site, Taktsang Lhakhang, or the “ Tiger’s Nest” which clings to the sheer cliffs high above the valley. The uphill trek of 3-4 hours is exhilarating and the views are breathtaking at the top.
The National Museum, is also a place of interest. It is a converted 17th century watchtower situated on a ridge at the eastern end of Paro Valley, and it has an extensive collection of Bhutanese artifacts. Situated below it is the imposing Paro Dzong, also known as the heap of jewels, an architectural wonder with an ancient cantilever bridge leading to it.
a short distance off the road is Kyichu Lhakhang, a monastery built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. It is the oldest monastery in the country.
Paro has many interesting sites and an assortment of shops and handicraft stores and requires a few days to be properly explored.
Punakha
Punakha is 77 km (48 miles ) east of Thimphu. A three hour drive from Thimphu, will pass over the Docula Pass (10,500 ft ) where on a clear day, a spectacular view of the mountains peaks like Mt.Gangkar Phinsum(7554 meters), Masagang (6800 meters), the Table Mountain (7300 meters) can be seen.
The road winds through waterfalls, prayerflags and small villages before you reach Punakha. Just before you arrive at Punakha, you can stop for a 20 minute walk through rice fields to visit the Chimi Lhakhang, the 13th century temple of the Divine Mad Man, where it is believed you may receive a special blessing of fertility.
The Punakha Dzong was built in 1637 and it is strategically placed at the confluence of the Pho Chu ( male river ) and the Mo Chu ( female river) . The full name of the Dzong is Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang , or the “palace of great happiness” . It is also one of the most beautiful dzongs of Bhutan and built by the first Shabdrung . The annual Punakha Dromchoe ( festival) is dedicated to the legendary figures of Yeshe Gonpo and Palden Lhamo(Gaudian deities of the kingdom).
Further up from Punakha, you can walk through the village of Yebesa and a short hike up the hill will lead you to the modern temple , Khamsum Yuellay Namgyal Chorten, built by one of the four Queens of Bhutan in 1998 . From here you can have a panaromic view of the surrounding villages .
You can also visit many farm houses and see the village activities like rice harvesting and threshing and other indigenous activities during the harvesting seasons.
Thimphu
Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan. Unlike many capital cities, Thimphu has no traffic jams , no street lights and no air pollution. One of the most enjoyable things to do while in Thimphu is to stroll along the lively, colorful streets of town, absorb the culture and see the way of Bhutanese life. There are many interesting attractions in Thimphu. The Textile Museum has a beautiful array of handwoven Bhutanese garments of various designs ranging from the 1600s up the modern ones on display. The National Library has some of the country’s oldest historic and religious records housed in a traditional four-story building . The National School of the 13 Arts and Crafts( Zorig Chosum) , referred to as the Painting school, established in 1971, was established to preserve and promote Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage. The Folk Heritage Museum shows how a traditional Bhutanese home looks like and all the household items are on display.
The Tashichhodzong on the banks of the river is the most impressive structure in Thimphu. Its hundred-plus rooms house the seat of the government and the center for all religious affairs in the kingdom, besides being the throne room of the King.
The Memorial Chorten, a beautiful big white stupa, is built in memory of the third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.
You can also see a mini Zoo at Motithang which is on the outskirts of town. The national animal of Bhutan, a rare bovid mammal, called the takin is found there. Many years ago, the King decided that it is against the moral principles of Bhutan to keep animals in captivity, and the zoo animals were released. However, the tame takins , kept finding their way back and wandered the streets of Thimphu. Thus , they were kept back in the zoo.
The colorful weekend market is a must see if you want to photograph or buy from the stalls of handcrafted items. It is fun to wonder through the aisles and see the different products on sale, people from all the remote parts of Bhutan travel to sell their products. Piles of fiery chilli, red and white rice, buckwheat, mushrooms and bamboo shoots and different fruits are sold. Pungent odors of dried fish and dried cheese , along with incense and the vendors calling out selling momos ( meat dumplings) greet you as you mix with the local people.
Besides you can see a few handicraft stores, the artshop gallery for some fine art work by local artists, and if you have the time, an evening cultural program at RAPA ( Royal Academy of Performing Arts) is a must.
Short trips and walks around Thimphu valley are the day hike to Tango and Chari monasteries, Phajoding Monastery, Wangditse and Chokortse and DechenPhodrang temples, The Royal Botanical Gardens, and Simtokha Dzong.
Haa
You can drive over the Chilela Pass (3810 meters) from Paro. The road leads through a forest ofblue pine, fir and oak and rhododendrons and magnolia.In spring, there are a variety of wild flowers blooming there, including the Blue Poppy, the national flower of Bhutan. A stunning view of Paro and Haa valleys can be seen from the top.
Wangchulo Dzong in Haa was built in 1915. Chhundu Lhakhang, is a temple dedicated to the protective deity of Haa, Ap Chhundu. There is not much to see in Haa, but it is an ideal place for biking and hiking and fly fishing and camping.
Wangduephodrang
Wangduephodrang is the last western town on the highway before you reach central Bhutan. It is a small , clean town with tiny shops. The Wangdue Phodrang Dzong is a colossal structure, built high on a ridge, at the confluence of the Mochu and the Dang chu Rivers.
About 80 km( 50 miles) south-east of WangduePhodrang, is Gangtay Gompa, a 17th century monastery. The beautiful valley of Gangtay is the winter habitat of the black necked cranes, an endangered species.There are no telephones and no electricity in this village because the poles disturb the birds and it is an important wildlife sanctuary in Bhutan. The Crane festival also takes place in Phobjika, Gangtay on November 11, to coincide with the birthday of the King.
Trongsa
It is about 4 hours drive from Wangduphodrang. The Trongsa Dzong sits imperiously above the valley and from a vantage point on the opposite side of the valley, across the river, there is a great view of the entire dzong. Its interior is multilevel and has numerous corridors and temples. It was built in 1647.
Trongsa is also known for its handmade bamboo baskets, wooden bowls , bamboo hats and hand woven traditional textiles from hand-dyed wool.
Bumthang
The Yutongla Pass (11500 ft) separate the valley of Trongsa from the wide valley of Bumthang. This region is home to Bhutan’s founding and reigning dynasty as well as saints and teachers and is truly the spiritual heartland of the country. A bumpa ( oblong –shaped vessel containing holy water) and thang( means meadows or plain field) – thus Bumthang means “the meadow shaped like a bumpa”.
The Jakar Dzong is palatial and also known as “Castle of the White Bird”. It is situated on a crest of a hill. Legend says that a white bird chose the site of the Dzong , hence the name.
The many monasteries in Bumthang are the Tangbi Monastery, the Tharpaling Monastery, Kurjey Lhakhang(temple) and Jampay Lhakhang( built in the 7th century and the oldest in the region).
You can also visit the Wangduchoeling Palace built in 1856 by the Trongsa Penlop, Jigme Namgyal , the great-great grandfather of the present king. Other sights include the Udee Woodcarving factory in Jakar and the Mebar Tsho ( Burning Lake) , the Traditional Gift shop, Vegetable Dye Project where you can see all the dyes and samples of the plants from which dyes are obtained for weaving and you can also view the finished dyed fabrics, a few of which are for sale. Besides these, there is the Dewang paper, a traditional hand made paper producing unit and you can buy woven textiles (yatra) with many exotic designs and swiss cheese and bottled honey and applejuice produced in Bumthang.
The forth easternmost valley before the Thrumsing La Pass is the Ura valley. On a clear day, you can get a good view of Gangkar Puensum, (the three sibling mountain) the highest peak in Bhutan(7554m).Tight clusters of shingle-roof houses, divided by cobblestone paths, give the village of Ura a medieval flair. Most residents here are yak and sheep herders.
Thrumsing La Pass (3,802 m) is the highest motorable pass in the Kingdom. The exhilarating drive in the eastern Himalayas, lead you through a series of bends, dark pine forests, green pastures , sheer cliffs and gushing waterfalls. The eastern region is rugged and sparsely populated and the quality of food and hotels are not as high as in the other regions.
Mongar
After a long journey filled with hairpin twists and turns, you will reach Mongar. The town is built on a ridge. The Mongar Dzong was built in the early 19th century.
Lhuntse
A short distance from Mongar. The Lhuentse Dzong is perched on a rocky outrip above the river. Lhuentse is known for its weavers who produce the finest textiles and fabrics in the country. Lhuentse is the ancestral home of the Royal family.
Tashigang
A three hour drive from Mongar is Tashigang, which is the largest town in eastern Bhutan. The Tashigang Dzong stands at the far end of the mountainous ridge, overlooking the Gamri river. It was built in 1659, by Minjur Tempa, the Penlop of Tongsa and named Tashigang Dzong , the “Dzong of the Auspicious Mount”.
Tashigang also has a festival in November , celebrated with sacred dances. You can also visit the Blind School, the Sherubtse College, which is the first college in Bhutan and weaving centers.
An interesting sight is the Chazam ( Iron Bridge), a 73 m long suspension bridge , said to have been built by a Tibetan bridge builder called Thangtong Galpo.
15 miles ( 25 km) from Tashigang is the temple of Gom Kora. It is another famous meditation site of Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Bhutan.Further along the road, north of Tashigang is the small village of Yangtse, and which developed around Chorten Kora, one of two chortens built in Nepalese style within the Kingdom. Every year , a two day festival is held here. People from Arunachal Pradesh in India , on the other side of the hill also come for the festival.
An hour’s walk from Chorten Kora is a village called Bomdeling,which is another Black-necked crane sanctuary.
Gasa
Gasa is the village north of Punakha and the only way to get there is by foot. The Laya-Gasa and Gasa Hot spring treks pass through this region. The Trashi Thongmoen Dzong in Gasa lies on the old trade route to Tibet and was built in 1646.
Laya
Laya is an isolated district in the far north-western region of Gasa. The people are called Layaps and have their own distinctive dress and language. They breed yaks and live in black yak hair tents.
Lhingshi
Lingshi can be visited on either the Jhomolhari or Laya-Gasa trek. It is known for a wide variety of herbs, which are used in traditional medicine and dying projects. The Yugyel Dzong , is on a hill about 200 m above the Lingshi valley.
Festivals in Bhutan
Many visitors travel to Bhutan to enjoy the religious festivals. These festivals are held annually at Dzongs. They usually fall on the 10th day of a month that is believed to be the day when Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Bhutan, performed many great deeds. Therefore these festivals are also known as “Tsechu” or 10th day of a month, and are in honour of the Guru. The monks or laymen dressed in bright brocade costumes and wearing different types of masks dance in the big courtyards of Dzongs. Each dance has its own significance and spiritual importance and most date back to the Middle Ages. Certain festivals end with the unfurling of a huge appliqué “thanka” or “thongdrel”. Many people come from far and wide to witness the tsechus and to get blessed by seeing the thongdrel.
Atsaras are clowns wearing funny masks / costumes and are a part of every festival in Bhutan. They are believed to represent the Acharyas, religious masters of India. They make salacious jokes, and entertain the crowds when dancers are busy changing costumes. Some tsechus also have a “wang”, or collective verbal blessing given by the lamas. Colored threads known as “sungkis” are given to people and tied around their necks to ward off evil spirits.
Festivals are held in Paro in spring and in Thimphu and Bumthang in the fall. They give an opportunity to see the people of Bhutan in a joyous atmosphere dressed in colorful costumes made of the finest woven textiles. Women wear their most beautiful jewelry and families enjoying their picnic lunches on the green lawns of the Dzong. Visitors get a enriched sense of the Bhutanese culture. Festivals fall during the peak seasons and many tourists come to observe and enjoy this unique tradition. Please book your trip well in advance to ensure a seat on the Druk Air and in hotels if you are planning to visit during the festivals.
Festivals are set by the Bhutanese lunar calendar so their dates do change. Below are the festivals in various parts of Bhutan with tentative dates that are likely to change from year to year (they roughly fall around the same dates).