At the end of Gaden Lam is the Dechen Phodrang, the site of Thimphu’s original dzong. Since 1971 it has been the state monastic school, where an eight-year course to almost 500 monk students is provided. The 12 century paintings in the monastery’s Guru Lhakhang have been restored and the upper floor features a large...Read More
The fertility temple is visited by couples who have problem conceiving and they have been blessed miraculously with children. Couples are blessed by a replication of the iron bow and arrow of Drukpa Kuenley, his scriptures and the phallus. Some couples stay overnight at the monastery. Chhimi Lhakhang is located on a small hillock and...Read More
The monastery located in Gangtey gewog was established in the 17th century. The monastery complex consists of the main monastery, monk’s quarter, meditation centers and a small guest house.Read More
Marked by an array of prayer flags & 108 chortens, “The Dochula pass” is at an altitude of 3,050 meters above sea-level and it is the first high pass in the western region which is 23 kilometers from Thimphu on the way to Punakha. On a clear day a panoramic view of the Bhutanese Himalayas can be...Read More
Also known as the painting school, the institute has students learning the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. The institute offers an eight-year course in the techniques of traditional art in 13 traditional arts such as painting, woodcarving, clay sculpture, mask making and so on. The institute also teaches traditional thangkha painting and a...Read More
Situated on a small hill overlooking the Thimphu valley the monastery was built in the 13th century by Lam Phajo Dugom Zhigpo. Children born in Thimphu are taken to this temple because it is considered the spiritual home of the children born in Chang valley. Names such as Tandin and Sonam are given from this...Read More
The impressive Wangdiphodrang Dzong perched on a ridge overlooking the Punatsangchu and Dangchu Rivers was built in 1639. The dzong held a powerful position during the pre-monarchy days and presently it is the town’s visible feature. The dzong was founded by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Today it is used as the centre of administration and the...Read More
Before reaching Chhuzom, after crossing Isuna village, Tachog Lhakhang also known as Tachogang becomes visible. It is is located on the base of a mountain along the Paro-Thimphu highway. To visit the temple one has to cross the Pachhu (Paro river) using a bridge built with iron chains. The temple houses some unique statues. Tachogang...Read More
Just a short drive from Paro lies one of Bhutan’s oldest lhakhangs (temple), Kyichu. The temple is believed to have been built by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet to pin the left foot of a giant demoness who was thwarting the establishment of Buddhism in Tibet and the Himalayas. Kyichu is one of the 108...Read More
Eighteen kilometres from the town stands the burnt ruins of Drugyel Dzong. The dzong was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to control the route to Tibet. It is said that the dzong had a false entrance which was deliberately designed to lure invaders into an enclosed courtyard. Drugyel dzong meaning ‘victorious fortress’ was...Read More
