Rinpung Dzong (Paro Chu River, Paro) — this is a large dzong (Buddhist monastery and fortress) of the Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school in Paro District. The dzong’s full name – Rinche Pung Dzong is literally translated as “Fortress on a Heap of Jewels”. It gets such a name because of its large collection […]
National Textile Museum (Norzin Lam, near the National Library of Bhutan, Thimphu) — this museum offers an in-depth look into the Bhutanese art form of weaving. You can see examples of weaving techniques from different areas of Bhutan, as well as styles of local dress and textiles made by local people. A small group of […]
National Museum of Bhutan (Taa Dzong, Paro) – established in 1968 by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, this is a seven-level cultural museum housed in the renovated ancient Ta-dzong building, above Rinpung Dzong. It displays hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artwork including traditional costumes, armor, weaponry and handcrafted implements for daily life. The collection at […]
National Library of Bhutan (Pedzoe Lam, Thimphu) – this library, located amongst lush green hills and blue skies, ranks it as the most picturesque in the world. To many, the best way to learn about a country, especially one rich in culture and art like Bhutan, is by reading. The National Library has a collection […]
Memorial Chorten (Chhoten Lam, Thimphu) – this is one of the most iconic landmarks of the country and is a magnificent sight. This is a monument dedicated to world peace and a visit to this place is amongst the “must things to do” in Bhutan’s capital. The monument is painted in stark white and golden […]
Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang (Paro) – this is a Buddhist temple that was built during the 15th century. It is located on the edge of a hill between the Paro valley and the Dopchari valley, across the bridge from Paro. According to a local legend, the Lhakhang was built by the saint Thangtong Gyalpo to subdue […]
Folk Heritage Museum (Kawajangsa, above National Library of Bhutan, Thimphu) – this is a three-story timber building that looks like a traditional farmhouse and seems like it has been furnished about a century ago. It provides the tourists, an insight into the Bhutanese lifestyle and material culture. For the ones who are keen to have […]
Drukgyel Dzong (Paro) – this is the remains of a defensive fortress, dating from the 17th century. This dzong was likely built by Tenzin Drukdra in 1649 at the behest of Ngawang Namgyal, Zhabdrung Rinpoche, to commemorate a victory over an invasion from nearby Tibet (“the Battle of the Five Lamas”).
Changangkha Lhakhang (Changangkha Lhakhang Footpath, near Thegchhen Lam, Thimphu) – built in the 12th century, this fortress-like monastery is a favored sightseeing spot in the capital. Perched on a ridge beside Motithang Takin Preserve Changangkha Lhakhang, this monastery is divided into three parts. The first part is dedicated to those who have devoted their lives […]
Buddha Dordenma Statue (Kuenselphodrand National Park, Thimphu) — this statue is famous for more reasons than one! It is not only the tallest sitting statue of Buddha in the world at 5.15 meters in height, but is actually a collection of 125,000 images of Buddha on the statue. The massive statue is bronze and golden […]