Located atop a hill, the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong is one of the most iconic structures in Bhutan. The Dzong commands a majestic view of the Punatsangchhu and Dhangchhu rivers.
Located atop a hill, the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong is one of the most iconic structures in Bhutan. The Dzong commands a majestic view of the Punatsangchhu and Dhangchhu rivers.
This pleasurable walk will give you a nice feeling for Phobjikha Valley. From the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba, you head downhill through flower meadows to Simchubara Village and from here through beautiful forest and into the open valley. After passing a Chorten and Khewa Lhakhang, the trail ends at the abiding football ground. If you wish to start your hike from the lodge this involves a thirty minutes walk upto the Gangtey Monastery. The nature trail can be combined with a visit to Gantey Goemba.
Gangtay Nature Trail:
Distance: 2 hour approximately .
Altitudes: 3000 m
Ascent: 200 m
Distance: 4km
These birds are named Thrung Trung Karmo in Bhutan, and are the subject of Bhutanese songs, art, and folklore. They are an endangered species, and migrate from Tibet in late autumn, typically staying in Bhutan until mid-March. About 300-400 cranes reside in the wetland in the center of the valley. The Observation & Education Centre has informative displays about the cranes and the conservation efforts in the valley.
Built in the 17th century by Je Kuenga Gyaltshen, the Gangtey Goemba is located in Phobjikha valley (East of Wangdi). The monastery sits on a hilltop at an altitude of 2800 meters and commands a mesmerizing view of phobjika valley.
Bhutanese farmhouses are colorful, decorative and traditionally built without any nails. Majority of the houses are with three story, first floor is utilized for sheltering cattle, second floor for the family to live in and the top for storing and drying of foods and fodder for animal. Almost all the farmhouses follow the same architectural pattern. A visit to farmhouse is interesting and provides you with an experience to the daily life of average Bhutanese, you can also choose to have a meal with the family
Rows of shops line the main Paro Bazaar built in traditional architecture. This stretch of about 250 meters, houses many different types of shops from handicrafts to restaurant. Of late some coffee houses and local restaurants has also sprung up. Paro Bazaar is a good place to meet locals and chit- chat over a cup of tea.
The Kaja Throm has been built so that vendors can showcase and sell their produce in a vibrant community space. The Farmer’s Market has 147 stalls for vegetables, fruits, meat and other local farm produce, and food and drinks. It is interesting to walk around and checkout the fresh organic veggies and meet local villagers.
Built in mid-17th century, the Rinpung Dzong ( fortress)is a prominent landmark in the Paro and houses many important old paintings and status. The richly carved wood, painted in gold, black, and the towering whitewashed walls reinforce the sense of established power and wealth. Historically the fort has been used on numerous occasions to defend the Paro valley from Tibetan Invaders. Today, it houses the district monastic body and government offices, including the local courts. It is also the venue for Paro festival, usually held on March or April.
The National Museum (Ta Dzong) was built in 1951 as a watch tower for the Rinpung Dzong. In 1967 it was converted to National Museum. It holds fascinating collection of arts, relics, religious thangkha, and many other interesting objects.
The Taksang monastery is one of the most revered places of pilgrimage in Bhutan. Dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, chose a cave on a sheer rock face to meditate and had taken the wrathful form of Guru Dorje Droloe to subdue the evil that were obstructing the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayas
The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. One can stop at the cafeteria for a rest and refreshments and continue the hike for short while until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, the facade of Taktsang monastery.
The Kyichu Monastery is considered to be one of the oldest temples in Bhutan and a popular place of pilgrimage for many Bhutanese. Lore has it that a Tibetan king called Songtsen Gompo built 108 temples in one day and Kyichu Lhakang was one of the them. Is it said that the temple of Jowo Lhakhang has roots as far as the 7th century.