Changangkha Lhakhang
This popular fortress-like temple perched on a ridge above central Thimphu regularly hums with pilgrim activity. It was established in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo, who came from Ralung in Tibet. Parents traditionally come here to get auspicious na
Changlimithang Stadium & Archery Ground
The national stadium occupies the site of the 1885 battle that helped establish the political supremacy of Ugyen Wangchuck, Bhutans first king. You might catch the occasional football match here, but the next-door archery ground is much more fun. Its worth checking to see if theres
Mongar Dzong
The Mongar Dzong was established in 1930 to replace the original Shongar Dzong, although the original utse (central tower) dates from an earlier age. Its unusual because it has two entrances and because the monk and administrative bodies share the same courtyard, though this will c
Black
Your first stop should be the Royal Society for Protection of Nature’s (RSPN) Black-Necked Crane Information Centre , which has informative displays about the cranes and the valley environment. You can use the centre’s powerful spotting scopes and check what you see against its pa
National Institute for Zorig Chusum
This institute, commonly known as the painting school, operates four- to six-year courses that provide instruction in Bhutans 13 traditional arts. Students specialise in painting (furniture, thangka s – painted religious pictures, usually on canvas), woodcarving (masks, statues, bo
National Textile Museum
Thimphus National Textile Museum is worth a visit to learn about Bhutans living national art of weaving. The ground floor focuses on cham costumes, while the upper floor introduces the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and type of textiles made by women and men. There
National Memorial Chorten
This large Tibetan-style chorten is one of the most visible religious structures in Thimphu, and for many Bhutanese it is the focus of their daily worship. It was built in 1974 as a memorial to the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928–72).The whitewashed chorten, with its sun-ca
Tower of Trongsa Royal Heritage Museum
This watchtower (Ta Dzong) on the hill above the dzong has been converted into an excellent museum by the same Austrian-financed team that renovated the wonderful Patan Museum in Nepal. The five floors of displays focus on Buddhist art and royal memorabilia, including such varied t
Weekend Market
The Weekend Market occupies stalls on both banks of the Wang Chhu, just north of Changlimithang Stadium. Vendors from throughout the region start arriving on Thursday and Friday, and remain until Sunday night.Wander around and youll find a pungent collection of dried fish, strips o
National Museum
At the top of the hill above Paro Dzong is an old watchtower that was renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. The unusual round building is said to be in the shape of a conch shell, with 2.5m-thick walls; it was completed in 1656 and was originally the ta dzong (watchtower)
Jakar Dzong
According to legend, when the lamas assembled in about 1549 to select a site for a monastery, a big white bird rose suddenly in the air and settled on a spur of a hill. This was interpreted as an important omen, and the hill was chosen as the site for a monastery and for Jakar Dzon
Gangte Goemba
Gangte Goemba enjoys the valleys prime chunk of real estate, on a forested hill overlooking the green expanse of the entire Phobjikha valley. The extensive complex consists of the central goemba, monks quarters, a small guesthouse and outlying meditation centres.During a visit to t
Trongsa Dzong
This commanding dzong, high above the roaring Mangde Chhu, is perhaps the most spectacularly sited dzong in Bhutan, with a sheer drop to the south that often just disappears into cloud and mist.Trongsa Dzong has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. The first construction
Paro Dzong
The Paro Dzong is one of Bhutans most impressive and well-known dzongs, and perhaps the finest example of Bhutanese architecture youll see. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley.The dzongs correct name, Rinchen Pung Dzong (usually s
Trashi Chhoe Dzong
This splendid dzong, north of the city on the west bank of the Wang Chhu, seems to fit seamlessly into the valley, lending the city both regal splendour and monastic weight. The dzong was the site of the lavish formal coronation of the fifth king in 2008 and hosts the citys biggest
Punakha Dzong
This dzong was the second dzong to be built in Bhutan and it served as the capital and seat of government until Thimphu was promoted to the top job in the mid-1950s. Its arguably the most beautiful dzong in the country, especially in spring when the lilac-coloured jacaranda trees b
Doing business & staying in touch while in Bhutan
Bhutan: Doing business & staying in touch
Bhutan Weather, Climate and Geography
Bhutan Weather, climate and geography
Bhutan History, Language and Culture
Bhutan History, Language and Culture
Bhutan Travel Guide and Travel Information
Bhutan Travel Guide
