| |
| Paro |
| Rinpung Dzong |
 |
Meaning the fortress on a heap of Jewels was build 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. |
| Ta Dzong |
 |
The National Museum is situated just above the Paro Dzong. The museum is housed in Paro Dzongs ancient watchtower, the Ta Dzong. The tower was built in 1651 by the then Paro Penlop, Tenzing Drugda. In 1965, the Third King HM Jigme Dorji Wangchuk restored the dilapidated Ta Dzong and converted it, to be the National Museum. The Museum was inaugurated in 1968.
|
| The National Museum not only contains works of art but also handcrafted objects of daily life, costumes, Armour, stuffed animals etc… The museum is opened from Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 4pm, on Sundays from 11am to 4pm.
|
| Dungtse Lhakhang |
 |
Dungtse Lhakhang was built in 1421 by Thangton Gyelop, also known as Chagzampa (builder of Iron Bridge). Story goes that the Lhakhang was build to subdue the demoness that was terrorizing the Paro valley. In 1841 the 25th Je Khenpo, Sherab Gyeltsen, restored the Lhakhang |
| Kyichu Lhakhang |
 |
Kyichu Lhakhang comprises of two Temples. According to Bhutanese tradition, the first temple was built by the Buddhist Tibten King, Songtsen Gampo, in the seventh century, According to legend, a giant demoness lay across the whole of the Himalayan region and was preventing the spread of Buddhism. To overcome her, king Songtsen Gampo built 108 temples, which was placed on all the points of her body. Kyichu Lhakhang was built on her left foot. Guru Rinpoche also visited this temple. |
| In 1839, the 25th Je Khenpo, Sherab Gyeltsen, restored the temple; he also donated the statue of Avalokiteshvara. HM Ashi Kesang, the queen mother of Bhutan in 1968, build the second temple.
|
| Taktsang Monastry |
 |
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 build 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. |
| Drukgyel Dzong |
 |
Which means victorious fortress was built in 1649 by Shabdrung Ngwang Namgyel to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders, led by Mogolian warlord, Gushri Khan in 1644. Strategically built over the only passage into Paro valley the Dzong helped to repel numerous invasions all through the course of Bhutanese history. It so impressed early visitors that in 1914 the Dzong featured on the cover of the National Geographic magazine. An accidental fire gutted the Dzong in 1950. The ruins, as it stands today still attract tourists. |
| Thimphu
|
| Trashichhodzong - Fortress of the Glorious Religion |
 |
In 1216 the founder of the Lhapa School, Gyalwa Lhanampa built Dho-Ngen Dzong (Blue Stone Fortress) in the Thimphu valley. The Dzong was located on the hill where Dechen Phodrang monastic school now stands. The Dzong was later taken over by Phajo Drukgom Shigpo of the Drukpa Kagyu School. The Dzong became the property of the Zhabdrung towards the end of the 1641, Zhabdrung built a new Dzong in the same place and renamed it Trashichhodzong.
|
|
Due to serious damage the Dzong endured in the 1772 fire, Wangzop Sonam Lhundup the then Desi rebuilt the Dzong in the at the bottom of the valley, in the place where it now stands. The Dzong once again caught on fire in 1869 and was restored in 1870 by Jigme namgyel, the father of the first King of Bhutan. When Thimphu became the capital of Bhutan in 1962, HM King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck completely renovated the Dzong. Other than the Utse, Lhakhang Sarpa and the chapels in the centre the the entire Dzong was rebuilt in traditional style, without nails or written plans. At present the Dzong houses some government offices and is the summer residence of the Dratshang (central monk Body).
|
| 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 Buddhists philosophy.
|
| Changangkha Lhakhang |
 |
Built in the 15 century by lama Phajo Drigom lies on a hilltop commanding the Thimphu valley. The temple has very old scriptures and Thankhas. The main deity of the temple is Avalokiteshvara, God of compassion.
|
| 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 also has modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags.
|
| Indigenous Hospital |
 |
Since Bhutan has its own brand of Himalayan medicine the Government has given equal emphasis to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The rich herbal medicine is prepared here. The old art healing like acupuncture is still practiced.
|
| Simtokha Dzong |
 |
Simtokha Dzong is situated strategically six kilometers south of Thimphu where the roads from Thimphu, Paro/Phuentsholing and Punakha cross. Officially known as Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang (place of the profound Meaning of Secret Mantras), Simtokha Dzong was the first Dzong to be built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. The Dzongs construction started in 1629 and was consecrated in 1631. The third Desi, Manjur Tenpa, restored the Dzong in 1671. Simtokha Dzong is the oldest Dzong that has survived as a complete structure, and is the first Dzong to incorporate both monistic and administrative facilities.It is the home of the Institute of Language and Cultural Studies; the students are both monks and lay people.
|
| Pangri Zampa |
 |
Ngawang Choegyel built Pangri Zampa during the first quarter of the 16th century. The monastery was the residence of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel when he first arrived in Bhutan in 1616.
|
| Tango Goemba |
 |
Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa founded tango goemba in the 12th Century. The present building was built in the 15th century by Lam Drukpa Kunley (divine madman). In 1616 Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel visited Tango and meditated in cave near the goemba. His mediation help insure the defeat of the invading Tibetan army. The head lama, a descendent of lam Drukpa kuenley, presented the goemba to the Shabdrung. The eight Desi, Druk Rabgye, built the three-storey tower and the surrounding buildings in the 18th Century. The Shabdrung Jigme Chhogyel added the golden roof in the 19th Century.
|
| Chari Goemba |
 |
The goemba’s full name is Chari Dorji Dhen. The Shabdrung Ngwang Namgyel built this goemba in 1620 and established the first monk body here. A silver chorten inside the goemba holds the ashes of the Shabdrung’s father.
|
| Yugyel Dzong |
 |
The Dzong is situated on a hill about 200 meters above the Lingzhi village and is quite close to the Tibetan border. Minjur Tenpa, the third Druk Desi, who ruled from 1667 to 1680, build this Dzong. In 1897 the Dzong was destroyed by earthquake, but was rebuilt in the 1950s to serve as administrative headquarters.
|
| Punakha |
| 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.
|
| Chimi Lhakhang |
 |
Chime Lhakhang is located picturesque on a hillock among the rice fields near Lobeysa. Ngawang Choegyel the 14the Drukpa hiearch built the Lhakhang in 1499. The temple is associated with the famous saint Drukpa Kuenley “ The Divine Madman” who build a chorten on this site during the 14th century. Women who are unable to bear children often make a pilgrimage to this holy site
|
| Wangdiphodrang |
| Wangdiphodrang Dzong |
 |
Situated between the rivers Puna Tsang Chhu and Dang Chhu was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1639. It is said to have been constructed in the shape of a sleeping elephant, in two parts. The Dzong has picturesque corners, massive gateways, and the charming effect of its passageway. The Dzong played a critical role in the 17th Century in unifying the main regions of Bhutan. |
| Gangtey Goemba |
 |
Gantey Goemba is perched atop a small hill that rises from the valley floor in the Phobjika valley. Gangtey Gompa is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black mountain range. It is also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. Pema Trinley, the grandson of Pema Lingpa in 1613, founded Gantey Goempa. The monastery was later enhanced and rebuilt in the form of a Dzong by the second Gangtey Tulku, Tenzing Legpe Dondrub.
|
| Trongsa |
| Trongsa Dzong |
 |
Built in 1648 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel is an impregnable fortress. It is a strategic Dzong that guards the path connecting eastern and western Bhutan. It served as a watchtower to safeguard sudden Tibetan inroads into eastern Bhutan. The massive structure is built on many levels into the side of the hill that includes countless courtyards, passageways and corridors in addition to the twenty-three temples inside the Dzong. Due to its highly strategic position as the only connected route between east and west the Trongsa Penlop (Governor) was able to control the whole region effectively for centuries.
|
| Chendebji Chorten |
 |
Situated in the Wangduephodrang Trongsa highway Chendebji Chorten was built during the first half of the 18th century by a lama named Shida. The chorten was built to subdue a demon that was terrorizing the inhabitants of this valley. The Chendebji Chorten is Nepalese in style and is patterned after the Swayambhunath in Kathmandu. In 1982 a Bhutanese style chorten was constructed near the chorten by HM the Queen mother.
|
| Bumthang |
| Jakar Dzong |
 |
Founded 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. |
| Jambay Lhakhang |
 |
Built in the 7th century by a Tibetan king Songtsen Gempo believed to be the reincarnation of the Buddha of compassion. This temple is one of the 108 temples built by him to subdue a large demon, which was stopping the spread of Buddhism.
|
| Kurje Lhakhang |
 |
Located above Jambey Lhakhang consist of three temples. The one on the right was built in 1652 on the rock face where Guru meditated in the 8th century. Second temple is built on the site of a cave where Guru Padmasambhava left his body imprint on the rock. The cave is not visible as a large statue of the Guru Rinpoche conceals it. The present Royal Queen mother recently built the third temple and these three temples are surrounded by 108 stupa wall symbolic of each joint of the Human body.
|
| Trashigang |
| Trashigang Dzong |
 |
Is situated on a high projection overlooking the confluence of the Drangme Chhu and the Gamri Chhu, was built in 1668 by Chhoegyal Minjure Tempa, the third Deb of Bhutan. This Dzong served as the center of governance for the entire eastern region from the late 17th century until the beginning of the 20th century. It also houses the office of the Dzongda (District Commissioner) and home of the monk body. Unlike the other Dzongs, it has only on courtyard.
|
| Trashiyangtse |
| Trashiyangtse Dzong |
 |
Lies at an elevation of about 1800m and was built in 1656 and it was completely renovated in 1976. Like other Dzongs, it is the administrative center.
|
| Chorten Kora |
 |
Chorten Kora is constructed in Nepalese style and the entire chorten is whitewashed. Legend has it that after Guru Rinpoche subdued the demons in Bomdeling valley; he predicted that a great chorten and a temple would be built at this spot. It is said that the model of this chorten was brought from Nepal carved in a radish. It believed that the 13th Je Khenpo, Yonten Thaye, founded the chorten in 1782. The chorten was restored at the time of the second King, HM Jigme Wangchuk.
|
| Gasa |
| Gasa Tashi Thogmen Dzong |
 |
The Trashi Thongmoen Dzong in Gasa lies in the old trade route to Tibet. The Dzong was built in 1646 by the Shabdrung to commemorate his victory over the Tibetans. The Dzong was originally called Drukgyel (Victories) Dzong. The Dzong played an important role in defending the country against the Tibetan invasions in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Dzong lay in ruins after being destroyed by fire, but has now been renovated and serves as the Dzong (district) headquarters.
|
