 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Popular Tourist Destinations
In Bhutan |
|
Thimpu |
The capital city of Thimphu
lies in the broad fertile valley of the Wang Chu
river at an altitude of 7,500 ft. Once a rustic
village, Thimphu today has a population of over
34,000 people. At the entrance to the valley,
seven kilometers from the capital, on a breezy
hill top rises Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan's most
ancient fortress. Built by Shabdrung Ngawang
Namgyal in 1627, it was the country's first
official centre of social and religious
education. A striking example of the
preservation of ancient skill in Bhutan is
Tashichho Dzong (" Fortress of the Glorious
Religion"), standing in the valley alongsile the
river bank, surrounded by groves of fresh young
willows and poplars and an ornamental garden of
roses.
Another landmark that rises above the shingles
and more recently constructed green-weathered
roofs of Thimphu, is the gold topped Stupa built
in memory of the Late King, Jigme Dorji
Wangchuck, popularly known as the Father of
modern Bhutan.
|
|
|
|
Punakha |
The road from Simtokha winds
into pine forests and through small villages for
20 kilometers and then opens miraculously onto
the northern ridge of the mountains of the
mountains. Dochula Pass at 10,500 feet gives one
of the most spectacular views of the Himalayas.
Punakha Dzong is home to the Central Monk Body
and the Je Khenpo (the spiritual leader) during
the winter months. Punakha's climate and warm
temperature makes the 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 who has built a chorten on the
site.
Punakha served as a capital of Bhutan till 1955.
In spite of four catastrophic fires and an
earthquake that destroyed many historical
documents, Punakha Dzong houses sacred artifacts
and the embalmed body of Shabdrung Ngawang
Namgyel. The Dzong is one of the most
spectacular dzongs in the country situated at
the confluence of two rivers.
|
|
|
|
Paro |
Paro Airport, the only airport
in Bhutan is located in Paro. This valley is one
of the most populated areas in the country. The
valley contains a wealth of attractions and
requires a few days to be properly explored. The
elegant and perfectly symmetrical Rinpung Dzong
looks after the religious and secular activities
in the valley. Behind Rinpung Dzong, on a high
hillside is the castle shaped Ta Dzong - a watch
tower built in 1651 to defend Bhutan from
Tibetan invasions. This Dzong houses the
National Museum since 1967.
Eighteen kilometers from the town is the burnt
ruins of Drugyel Dzong (victorious fortress)
from where Tibetan invasions were repelled. On a
clear day one can get a view of Mount
Chhomolhari - the Mountain of Goddess (Alt
24,000ft). Paro is also a paradise for
pilgrimages as it is the first stop of Guru
Padma Sambhava also known as Guru Rimpoche on
his crusade from Tibet to Bhutan in the 8th
century. He is believed to have arrived on a
back of a tigress and mediated at the Taktsang
Monastery, now a hallowed shrine for Bhutanese
pilgrims. A terrible fire in 1998 destroyed the
medieval wall paintings and all the inner
temples. The temple is now under reconstruction.
|
|
|
|
Bumthang |
The valleys of Trongsa and
Bumthang are separated by Yutola Pass (Alt
11,500ft) . Bumthang has an individuality that
separates it from all other regions. Composed of
four smaller valleys, the deeply spiritual
region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious
legend.
Apart from the Dzong at Jakar smaller
monasteries are situated all over the valley.
Tales of Guru Padma Sambhava dominate these holy
shrines. The valley is home to the sacred Jampa
and Kurjey monasteries. Bumthang is also the
traditional home to the great Buddhist teacher
Pema Lingpa to
whom, the present monarchy traces it ancestral
lineage. The town of Jakar is the largest
between Thimphu in the west and Trashigang in
the east. Jakar is famous for its honey, cheese,
apples and apricots. Bumthang is also famous for
yathra which is a unique material woven from
coarse sheep wool, intricately designed and
colored to form breathtaking patterns. Bumthang
Tsechu (festival) along with the Paro and
Thimphu Tsechu are the most popular festivals in
Bhutan
|
|
|
|
Wangdue Phodrang |
This is the last town on the
highway before entering Central Bhutan. Sitting
on the top of a hill the formidable Dzong is the
town's most visible features. In the 17th
century Wangdue played a critical role in
unifying western, central and southern Bhutan.
The town itself is little more than an enlarged
village with well-provided shops and hotels.
The road from Wangdue to Trongsa is one of the
prettiest in Bhutan passing streams, forests and
villages before climbing the Pelela Pass on the
Black Mountain ranges in to the Trongsa valley.
South of the highway is the Gangtey Gompa an old
monastery dating from the 17th century. A few
kilometers past the Gompa is the village of
Phobjikha - one of the winter homes of the Black
Necked Cranes who migrate to Bhutan from Central
Asia to pass the winters in lower climes. |
|
|
|
|
|
