Bhutan – The Land of Peaceful Dragon

The Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan lies along the lofty ridges of the eastern Himalayas, bordered by China (Tibet) to the north and northwest, and by the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal and Sikkim on the east, south and west respectively.

With an area of 46,500 square km., Bhutan is comparable to Switzerland both in its size and topography.  The mighty Himalayas protected Bhutan from the rest of the world and left it blissfully untouched through the centuries.  The Drukpa Kagyupa school of Mahayana Buddhism provided the essence of a rich culture and a fascinating history.  The Bhutanese people protected this sacred heritage and unique identity for centuries by choosing to remain shrouded in a jealously guarded isolation.

The kingdom is peopled sparsely, with a population approaching 700,000. The written history of the kingdom dates back to the 8th century, with Guru Padmasambhavas legendary flight from Tibet to Bhutan in 747 AD on the back of a tigress.  The Guru, also considered as the second Buddha, arrived in Taktsang (Tigers Nest), on the cliffs above the valley of Paro, and from there began propagation of the Tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism.  In the ensuing centuries many great masters preached the faith, resulting in the full bloom of Buddhism in the country by the middle ages.  Although sectarian at first, the country was eventually unified under the Drukpa Kagyupa sect of Mahayana Buddhism in the early 17th century, by the religious figure, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.  The Shabdrung codified a comprehensive system of laws and built dzongs which guarded each valley during unsettled times, and nowadays serves as the religious and administrative centers of their respective regions.  In the next two centuries, the nation was once again fragmented into regional fiefdoms with intermittent civil wars.

At the end of the 19th century, the Tongsa Penlop, Ugyen Wangchuck, who then controlled the central and eastern regions, overcame all his rivals and united the nation once again.  He was unanimously accepted as the first hereditary monarch of Bhutan in 1907.

Bhutan is the only extant Mahayana Buddhist kingdom in the world of today, and the teachings of this school of Buddhism are a living faith among its people.  The air of spirituality is pervasive even in urban centers where the spinning of prayer wheels, the murmur of mantras and the glow of butter lamps are still commonplace features of everyday life.  Bhutan’s religious sites and institutions are not museums, but the daily refuge of the people.

One of the most striking physical features of Bhutan is its architecture.  The characteristic style and color of every building and house in the kingdom is a distinct source of aesthetic pleasure.  The dzongs - themselves imposing 17th century structures built on a grand scale without the help of any drawings and constructed entirely without nails - are outstanding examples of the best in Bhutanese architecture.  Patterns of rich colors adorn walls, beams, pillars and doors in traditional splendor.

As with its architecture, art and painting are important aspects of Bhutanese culture and they bear testimony to the spiritual depth of Bhutanese life.  Whether it is on a wall, or one of the renowned thangkhas, painters use vegetable dyes to give their work an unparalleled subtle beauty and warmth.  Bhutan also boasts a wealth of cottage industries, and the skills of its wood carvers, gold and silversmiths, and weavers (to name only a few) are all representative of highly developed art forms.

One of the main attractions of the kingdom is its annual religious festivals, the tsechus celebrated to honor Guru Padmasambhava (more commonly referred to as Guru Rinpoche).  For local people, tsechus are an occasion for reverence and blessing, feasting and socializing.  Two of the most popular tsechus are held at Paro and Thimphu, in spring and autumn respectively, but others are held all the year round at temples, dzongs and monasteries throughout Bhutan.  Attendance at one of these religious events provides an opportunity for the outsider to experience the extraordinary.

Nowhere in the Himalayas is the natural heritage more rich and varied than in Bhutan.  In historical records, the kingdom is referred to as the Valley of Medicinal Herbs, a name that still applies to this day.  The countries richly diverse flora and fauna result from its unique geographic location in the eastern Himalayas where the Tibetan plateau meets South Asia, its annual rainfall which is significantly higher than in the central and western Himalayas, and its considerable altitudinal variation, from 200m above sea level in the south to over 7,000m above sea level in the north, and consequent dramatic climatic variations.  Because of the deep traditional reverence, which the Bhutanese have for nature, the kingdom is one of the leading countries in environmental conservation.  Over 70% of Bhutans land area is still under forest cover.  Many parts of the country have been declared wildlife reserves, and are the natural habitats of rare species of both flora and fauna.

Opened for tourism in 1974, after the coronation of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, Bhutan is perhaps the worlds most exclusive tourist destination.  The country still retains all the charm of the old world, and travelers experience the full glory of this ancient land as embodied in the monastic fortresses, ancient temples, monasteries and stupas which dot the countryside, prayer flags fluttering above farmhouses and on the hillsides, lush forests, rushing glacial rivers, and  perhaps most important of all the warm smiles and genuine friendliness of the people.  Each moment is special as one discovers a country, which its people have chosen to preserve in all its magical purity. 

PARO (2,200m/ 7,218ft)

Paro is a valley town in Bhutan, west of the capital, Thimphu. It is the site of the country’s only international airport and is also known for the many sacred sites in the area. North of town, the Taktsang Palphug (Tiger’s Nest) monastery clings to cliffs above the forested Paro Valley. Northwest of here are the remains of a defensive fortress, Drukgyel Dzong, dating from the 17th century.

 Rinpung Dzong :-

Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district.

Ta Dzong (National Muesum) :-

One time watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dzong is serving as the National Museum of the country. It holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps.

Drukgyel Dzong :-

This Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when its was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of Mount. Jhomolhari from the village, below the Dzong.

Kyichu Lhakhang :-

It is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century (the other is Jambey Lhakahng in Bumthang)

Taktshang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest):-

It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’..The site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutaness at least once in their lifetime.

    THIMPHU (2,400/ 7,865 ft)

Thimphu , Bhutan’s capital, occupies a valley in the country’s western interior. In addition to being the government seat, the city is known for its Buddhist sites. The massive Tashichho Dzong is a fortified monastery and government palace with gold-leaf roofs. The Memorial Chorten, a whitewashed structure with a gold spire, is a revered Buddhist shrine dedicated to Bhutan’s third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

Trashichho Dzong :-

Also know as ‘fortress of the glorious religion’, it was initially built in 1641 and later rebuilt in its present form by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1965. The Dzong houses, main secretariat building and it also has the throne room of His Majesty, the king of Bhutan.

 Memorial Chorten:-

  This stupa was built in the memory of Bhutan’s third king, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Bhuddhist philosophy.

 Simtokha Dzong:-

   Five miles from Thimphu stands the 17th century Simtokha Dzong standing on a lofty ridge. Built in 1627, the oldest Dzong in the country, it now houses the School for Buddhist studies.

National Library:-

 The history of Bhutan lies imprinted in archaic texts, which are preserved at the National Library. Besides thousands of manuscripts and ancient texts, the library. Besides thousands of manuscripts and ancient text, the librar4y also has modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags.

 Arts & Crafts School :-

 This school teaches the techniques of traditional thangkha paintings. On a visit, one can see students at work producing intricate design on cloth.

 PUNAKHA (1,300m / 4,265 ft)

Punakha is Punakha dzongkhag’s administrative center. Until 1955, the city served as the capital of the country and seat of government. Punakha can be reached by a 3 hours drive from Thimpu that is 72 km away from the city. Punakha is relatively warmer than Thimpu in winter and is at an elevation of 1,200 meters above sea level. Punakha is also home to the Palace of Great Happiness that was constructed in 1637 and is the most beautiful Dzong in the country.

Punakha Dzong : -

Built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored at present.

 PHUENTSHOLING (300m / 985 ft)

Phuntsholing, also spelled as Phuentsholing is a border town in southern Bhutan and is the administrative seat of Chukha District. The town occupies parts of both Phuentsholing Gewog and Sampheling Gewog

Zangtho Pelri :-

Situated in city center, this small temple represents the heaven of Guru Rinpoche. At ground level there are statues of the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpochen and paintings depicting scenes from the life of Buddha. The floor above contains wall paintings of the eight Bodhisattvas and statues of Avalokiteshvara and Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. On the top floor, the main statue is of Amitabha.

Kharbandi Gomba:-

Founded in 1967 by Royal Grand Mother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedron and situated at the altitude of 400m, this beautiful monastery contains paintings on the life of Buddha, statues of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rinpoche. From the monastery garden there is a fascinating view of Phuentsholing town and surrounding plains.

  TRONGSA (2,300m / 7,545 ft)

Trongsa, previously Tongsa, is a town and capital of Trongsa District in central Bhutan. The name means "new village" in Dzongkha

 Chendbji Chorten:-

Approximate four hour drive from Wangduephodrang is Chendbji Chorten, Pattered on Swayambhunath temple in Kathmandu. It was built in 18th century by Lama Shida, from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot.

Trongsa Dzong:-

Like almost all towns in the kingdom, this Dzong architecture dominates the entire Trongsa horizon dwarfing the surrounding buildings. Built in 1648, it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second King ruled the country from this ancient seat. Protected from invaders by an impenetrable valley, Trongsa Dzong is an impregnable fortress.

Ta Dzong :-

This watchtower, which once guarded Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion, stands impressively and provides visitors and insight into historical significance of Trongsa in Bhutan’s history.

 BUMTHANG (2,600m 4,500m / 8,530-14,765 ft)

Bumthang District is one of the 20 dzongkhag comprising Bhutan. It is the most historic dzongkhag if the number of ancient temples and sacred sites is counted.

 Jambey Lhakhang:-

This monastry was built in the 7th century by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. It is one of the 108 monasteries built by him to subdue evil spirits n the Himalayan region. Its present architectural appearance dates from the early 20th century.

Kurje Lhakhang:-

Situated before Jambay Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang consists of three temples. The one on the right was built in 1652 on the rack face where Guru meditated in the 8th century. Second temple is built on the site of a cave containing a rock with the imprint of Guru’s body and is therefore considered the most holy. The third temple was built in 1990s by Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother. These three Temples are surrounded by a 108-chorten wall.

Tamshing Lhakhang:-

Located opposite Kurje Lhakhang on the other side of the river, this temple was founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa, the reincarnation of Guru Padsambhava. The monastery has very ancient religious paintings like 1,000 Buddhas and 21 Taras (female form of Buddhistava). The temple was restored at the end of the 19th century.

 Jakar Dzong:-

Built in 1549 by the great grandfather of the first Shabdrung, the Dzong was initially built as monastery. It was upgraded in 1646, after the Shabdrung had firmly established his power. Jakar Dzong is now used as the administrative center for Bumthang valley and also houses the regional monk body.