Bhutan is a
small country in the Himalayas between the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and
India. Besides the stunning natural scenery, the enduring image of the country
for most visitors is the strong sense of culture and tradition that binds the
kingdom and clearly distinguishes it from its larger neighbors. Bhutan is the
only Vajrayana Buddhist nation in the world, and the profound teachings of this
tradition remain well preserved and exert a strong influence in all aspects of
life. Due to its pristine environment and harmonious society, the tiny Kingdom
of Bhutan has been called "The Last Shangrila."
Known as the
last ‘Shangri-La’ on earth, the land of the thunder dragon, of ancient temples
and fortresses, Bhutan is a country of breathtaking natural beauty and manmade
cultural treasures.
Places to
Visit
Punakha Dzong
Join
hundreds of pilgrims from all over Bhutan and enjoy the most colourful and
vibrant festival. Watch re-enactments of the Bhutanese victory over invading
Tibet. Firecrackers explode as battle scenes are acted out, culminating in the
colourful Serda (procession) to the river. Punakha Dzong (fortress) is the
magnificent backdrop, probably the most beautiful building in Bhutan.
Thimphu
In Thimphu,
the capital of Bhutan, visit its colourful weekend market and quirky shops,
museums and landmarks like the National Memorial Chorten, built by the third
king His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. This small city was established as the
capital in 1961 and is famous for being the only capital in the world without
traffic lights!
Dochu La Pass
Dochu La
pass with its fluttering prayer flags and views over the majestic Himalayas,
takes your breath away on a clear day. Visit the highly ornate Drukwangyal
Lhakhang (temple) and the 108 chortens, built by the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji
Wangmo Wangchuck to honour the Bhutanese
soldiers who were killed when fighting the Indian rebels in 2003.
Taktsang Monastery
High above
the Paro valley, this monastery – known as the Tiger’s Nest – perches on a
rocky mountainside at 3,000m. It was built in the 8th century, when legend has
it the 2nd Buddha, Guru Rimpoche, meditated here, having flown from Kurtoe
valley on the back of one of his consorts who had taken the form of flying
tigress. To Bhuddhist pilgrims this is one of the most sacred sites in the
Himalayas, to anyone it has to be one of the most spectacular.
Gangtey Village
This
beautiful glacial valley lies at 2900m. After climbing up through dense forests
dripping with lychen, the wide, open expanse of dwarf bamboo can come as a
surprise. The valley boasts two beautiful meandering rivers, Nakay Chhu and Gay
Chhu. Perched overlooking this beautiful, almost flat valley is the village and
monastery of Gangtey. As well as the
black-necked cranes that roost here in the winter, there are also barking deer,
wild boar, red fox, leopard and Himalayan black bear.
Tashichho Dzong
Known as the
‘fortress of glorious religion’, the Tashichho Dzhong was originally built in
1641. It was rebuilt in 1952 by the third king and is now used as the seat of
the Royal Bhutanese Government. Situated in beautiful gardens, it is also the summer residence of the
central monastic body.
Kurje Monastery
Located in
the sacred Bumthang valley, Kurje Lhakhang is a monastery of particular
significance as Buddhists believe that Guru Rinpoche meditated here and left
the imprint of his body on a rock. It
is also the final resting place of Bhutan’s first three kings. There are many
religious and historical legends connected with this place which consists of
three large temples and many smaller structures, rich with impressive
adornments.
Chime Monastery
This small
16th century temple of fertility is dedicated to the Lama Drukpa Kunley, the
‘Divine Madman’, decorated with colourful phalluses and visited by childless
couples seeking a special blessing to beget children. This is one of the most revered temples in
all of Bhutan.
Trongsa
The Dzong
dominates the town of Trongsa. Perched above the Dzong, the actual town is
little more than one street. Many of the town’s inhabitants are of Tibetan
origin and so you may have the chance try some Tibetan specialities here. The
new museum situated in the 300 year old Ta Dzong, watch tower, provides an
insight into the religious history of Bhutan, the significance of Trongsa in
the history of the Kings of the Wangchuck dynasty.
Rukha Village
A remote
village in the Jigme Dorje Wangchuk National Park, Rukha is a hidden jewel.
Accessible only by a precarious rope bridge, this collection of 20 houses
dotted around the hillside are built in the traditional style with steep steps
leading up to the first floor with the kitchen on the outside. Experience the
other face of Bhutan close up with a homestay in this hospitable rural
community.
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About PRABISH BISHUNGKHE
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