Author: Nature Trail

Sightseeing around Paro Kyichu LhakhangThis temple is said to have been built in 1659 by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. It holds down the left foot of an ogress that is so large that it covers Bhutan and most of eastern Tibet. Rinpung Dzong :Meaning the fortress on a heap of Jewels was built during the time of Shabdrung in 1646. The approach to the dzong is through a traditional covered bridge. A walk to the dzong offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the dzong as well as life around it. The dzong now houses the Paro monastic school and the office of the civil administration. It is also the venue of the great Paro Tshechu (festival) held once a year in spring.Taksang Monastery or Tiger's Nes Drugyel Literally means the Tiger's den. This temple clings precariously to a granite cliff 800m above the Paro valley. Legend has it that the great Guru Padmasambhava flew to this spot on back of a tigress and meditated in a cave during the 8th century. The temple was built around the cave and is a hallowed shrine for Bhutanese pilgrims. A terrible fire in April 1998 destroyed Taktsang's medieval wall paintings and all inner temples. A new construction has already begun by the royal Government. Ta DzongLooking down upon the Rinpung dzong was built in 1651 as a watch tower. The Ta Dzong is round more like parts of a European castle. Since 1967 the dzong was re-established as the national museum and holds a fascinating collection of arts, relics and religious Thanka paintings. Drukgyal DzongWhich means victorious fortress was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders, led by Mongolian warlord, Gushri Khan in 1644. Strategically built over the only passage into

The modern capital of Bhutan lies at an elevation of 2300m in a valley traversed by the Wang chu (river). Trashi Chho Dzong the main Secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty and a summer residence of the central monk body. Although not what one expects from a capital city, Thimpu is a fitting and lively place. Home to civil servants, expatriates and the monk body, Thimpu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style. It is also an ideal spot for day walks. Phajoding monastery is a 4hrs hike from the motithang area; Tango & Cheri monasteries are also another 3/4hrs hike from the capital or all the way to the top of telegraph hill where thousands of prayer flags obscure the view over Thimpu. Sightseeing around Thimpu The Memorial Chorten This stupa was built in 1974 in the memory of the late third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. The paintings and images inside the monument provide a rare sight into Buddhist philosophy. Changlimithang Weekly Market Every Saturday & Sunday most of the Thimpu's population and many valley dwellers congregate on the banks of the river where the weekend market is held. This is the only time in the week when fresh vegetables are available and Saturday mornings are a hive of activity. Trashi Chho DzongTashichho Dzong was initially built in the 17th century, was rebuilt in early 1960s by the third King. Tashichho Dzong houses the main Secretariat building and the central monk body. It is open to visitors during Thimphu festival and when the monk body moves to their winter home in Punakha.School of Arts and Crafts Royal Academy of Performing Arts Where young children learn the ancient art of paintings. One can actually see students at work. Education is free for the students

Punakha Dzong built between two rivers in the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel served as capital of Bhutan until 1955 and is still the winter residence of the central monk body. In spite of four catastrophic fires and an earthquake that destroyed many historic documents, Punakha Dzong houses sacred artifacts and embalmed body of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Punakha's climate and warmer temperatures make its valley one of the most fertile in Bhutan. Chime Lhakhang located on a hillock among the rice fields is picturesque and is a pilgrimage site for childless couples. The temple is associated with the famous saint Drukpa Kuenlay "The Divine Madman" who has built a chorten on the site during the 14th century.

To the south of Punakha lies Wangdiphodrang Dzong at an elevation of 1300m. It is the last town on the highway before entering central Bhutan. This Dzong built during the 17th century played a critical role in unifying the western, central and southern Bhutanese districts. Further up is Gangtey Gompa, an old monastery dating from the 16th century. It is infact the only monastery which follows the Nyingmapa sect of school. This valley of Phobjikha is also a home of the rare Black Necked Crane, an endangered species which migrate from the Tibetan plateau in winter. There are about 450 - 500 cranes residing in Bhutan out of which 250 - 300 live in this beautiful valley.

rongsa at an altitude of 2200m forms the central hub of the nation and is historically the place from where attempts at unifying the country were launched. The Royal family has strong links with Trongsa. Both His Majesty King Ugyen Wangchuck and his successor, King Jigme Wangchuck ruled the country from this Dzong. Sight Seeing around Trongsa Trongsa DzongBuilt in 1648 is an impregnable fortress. The massive structure is built on many levels into the side of the hill that includes countless courtyards, passage ways and corridors in addition to the twenty three temples inside the Dzong. Due to its highly strategic position as the only connecting route between east and west the Trongsa Penlop (Governor) was able to control the whole region effectively for centuries. Above the Dzong a Ta Dzong (watch tower) was built to watch out for invaders and travelers. Now its a temple dedicated to the great hero Ling Gesar.

To the east of Trongsa lies the Bumthang valley at an altitude of 2,600m, has an individuality that charms its visitors and separates it from other regions. Comprised of four smaller valleys, the deeply spiritual region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious legend. Here tales of Guru Padmasambhava and his re-incarnation known as Tertons still linger in most nooks and corners. The town of Jakar is the largest between Thimpu in the west and Trashigang in the east. Jakar is famous for its honey production, cheese, apple juice and apricots. Visitors to Bumthang should plan to spend a few days taking advantage of the valley's relatively gentle slopes to walk nearby medieval temples and glimpse Bhutan's mostly rural population. It is also known for its woollen material (yathra) which can be seen hung outside of houses for sale. Further east there is the Ura valley with the village of Ura in its centre. A small but old dzong and cobblestone paths give the village a medieval feel. Many excursions can be done at this valley like Tharpaling monastery, Kunzangdra, Tang Mebartso and many more... Sightseeing around Bhumthang or Jakar Jakar DzongFounded by the great grandfather of Shabdrung. The dzong was initially built as a monastery in 1549 but was upgraded after the Shabdrung had firmly established his power in 1646. The Dzong is now used as the administration center for Bumthang valley. Wangdichholing PalaceWangdichholing Palace, built in 1857, looks unlike many other palaces in Bhutan, as it was the first palace not constructed as a fortress. The palace itself is as unassuming as anything else in Bhutan, lacking the compound-like atmosphere commonly associates with palaces, especially in the third world. The palace was the principal residence of the first king and was used by the second and third, but it

Mongar is the district headquarters and hardly more than a stopping place surrounding by fields of maize. It is northern portion of the ancient region of Kheng. Mongar is also the first town which builds in a mountain side as an alternative of valley. It is not as architecturally spectacular as others in the region. Arriving in Mongar is a great relief from the turns and heights of the journey over the pass. Shongar Dzong, Mongar's original Dzong, is in ruins and the new dzong in Mongar town is not as architecturally spectacular as others in the region. Dramtse Goemba, in the eastern part of the district, is an important Nyingmapa Monastery, but it is difficult to get there. Sightseeing around Mongar Lhuentse Dramtse Goemba Mongar DzongMongar Dzong is modern compared to others in the Kingdom. It was reconstructed by the order of the Third King. No drawings and nails have been used. A visit to the dzong gives visitors an impression of how traditional Bhutanese architecture has continued to thrive through the centuries. A hydroelectric project is under way and after completion it will have the capacity to output 60 megawatts of hydroelectricity which will change the industrial emphasis of the eastern area. LhuentseLhuentse is 77 kilometers from Mongar and is one of the most isolated districts in Bhutan. The landscape is spectacular with stark cliffs and gorges and dense coniferous forests. The region is notably famed for its weavers and special textiles and fabrics, generally considered to be the best in the country. The Kurtoe region of Lhuentse is also the ancestral home of the Royal dynasty.

Trashigang lies above the Gumri river and is the largest district in Bhutan. It is much busier than other Bhutanese towns due to its proximity to Samdrup Jongkhar in the south has enabled it to grow as a centre of commerce. Trashigang is used as the market place for the hill people from Merak & Sakteng who are known for their exceptional features and for their costume made of Sheep skin and Yak wool. The hat that they wear is unusual but has a significance of its own. It is very different from customary Bhutanese clothing. The 17th century Dzong is built on top of a cliff and serves as an administrative centre. Sightseeing around Trashigang &Tashi Yangtse Zangtho Pelri Kanglung LhakhangKhaling LhakhangRadhi Lhakhang Trashigang DzongTrashigang Dzong sits on a jagged piece of land jutting out from the town and is the first landmark that can be seen from the road winding up to Trashigang. The Dzong was built in 1659 and commands a spectacular view over the valley for which it is the administrative center. The Dzong is significant for the fact that it only has one courtyard. Tashi Yangtse DzongTashi Yangtse formerly a sub-division of Trashigang is one of the new districts. Yangtse Dzong is half an hour walk from the road. A town has developed around Chorten Kora, one of only two chortens built in a Nepalese style and a spot where Guru Padmasambhava is believed to have had a vision that a temple and a chorten would be built. The area is also known for its exceptional woodcraft. Another temple lies on the banks of the Gumri river known as the Gom Kora dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava where he supposed tohave subdued a demon in form of a Garuda. A festival takes place every year at

The road from Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar was completed in the early 1960s. This town is small and bustling and acts as a commercial hub and entry and exit point in the

Trongsa at an altitude of 2200m forms the central hub of the nation and is historically the place from where attempts at unifying the country were launched. The Royal family has strong links with Trongsa. Both His Majesty King Ugyen Wangchuck and his successor, King Jigme Wangchuck ruled the country from this Dzong. Phuntsholing, a border town to the south bordering the Indian state of West Bengal. It is a hub of commercial activity. Jaigaon, a small Indian town is located near Phuntsholing and you can make road connections from Jaigoan or Phuntsholing to the airport in Bagdogra or the railway station in Siliguri, both in the state of West Bengal which is 170 kilometers from Phuntsholing. There are also convenient connections to the Nepal border at Kakarvitta or hill stations of Darjeeling, Sikkim and Kalimpong. Sightseeing around Phuntsholing Kharbandi GompaThis beautiful monastery situated in a garden of tropical plants and flowers at an altitude of 400m / 1300 ft. above the town, was founded in 1967 by the Royal Grandmother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedron. The monastery contains paintings depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha and statues of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rinpoche. From the monastery garden there is a splendid view of Phuentsholing and the plains of West Bengal with their tea gardens beyond.