Simtokha Dzong
Simtokha Dzong also known as Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang (Bhutanese Language meaning : 'Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secrets Mantras'. It is the first of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal's Dzong or fortress built in 1629. It is often said to be the first Dzong built in Bhutan. In fact, there were Dzongs in Bhutan as early as 1153, but this is the first Dzong built by the Zhabdrung, is the oldest that has survived as a complete structure, and is the first administrative facilities.
It is smaller compared to most other Dzongs in Bhutan. Strategically built on a projecting ridge with deep gullies, the Simtokha Dzong overlooks and commands the entire Thimphu Valley.
About 5km south of Thimphu, atmospheric Simtokha Dzong is located at. In the valley below the road are the plant-and-soil-protection project, the National Mushroom Centre and the large-red-roofed Royal Institute of Management. The present place where the Dzong stands is the boundary between common to three western regions: Sha (Wangduephodrang) Wang (Thimphu) and Pa (Paro). The intersections was marked with three stones that belong to the people of Punakha, Thimphu and Paro.
Check out the tigers' tails and guns hanging from the pillars in the eastern goenkhang. The protector chapel is dedicated to the protectors of Bhutan, Yeshe Goenpo (Mahakala) and Pelden Lhamo.
It is smaller compared to most other Dzongs in Bhutan. Strategically built on a projecting ridge with deep gullies, the Simtokha Dzong overlooks and commands the entire Thimphu Valley.
About 5km south of Thimphu, atmospheric Simtokha Dzong is located at. In the valley below the road are the plant-and-soil-protection project, the National Mushroom Centre and the large-red-roofed Royal Institute of Management. The present place where the Dzong stands is the boundary between common to three western regions: Sha (Wangduephodrang) Wang (Thimphu) and Pa (Paro). The intersections was marked with three stones that belong to the people of Punakha, Thimphu and Paro.
Check out the tigers' tails and guns hanging from the pillars in the eastern goenkhang. The protector chapel is dedicated to the protectors of Bhutan, Yeshe Goenpo (Mahakala) and Pelden Lhamo.
Buddha Dordenma
Great Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue in the mountains of Bhutan celebrating the 60th anniversary of fourth king Jigme Singye Wangchuk. The statue houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues, each of which, like the Great Buddha Dordenma itself, is made pf bronze and gilded in gold. The Great Buddha Dordenma is sited amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of Sherab Wangchuk, the thirteenth Druk Desi (regent), overlooking the southern approach to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Construction began in 2006 and was planned to finish in October 2010, however it was completed only by 25th September 2015.
This massive statue of Shakyamuni measures a height of 169 feet (51.5 meters), making it one of the largest Buddha statue in the world. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. One hundred twenty five thousand smaller Buddha statues have been placed within the Buddha Dordenma statue, one hundred thousand 8-inch-tall and twenty five thousand 12-inch-tall respectively. Each of these thousands of Buddhas have also been cast in bronze and then gilded.
The throne that the Buddha Dordenma sits upon is a large meditation hall.
The statue was constructed at a cost of US$47 million , Aerosun Corporation of Nanjing, China, while the total cost of the entire project is well over US$100 million. The interior will accommodate respectively. Names of sponsors are displaced in the meditation hall forms the throne of the Great Buddha Dordenma. The paved road to the site, also known as 'Buddha Point', passes a new Hindu temple and is a popular biking route.
A 3.5km mountain-bike trail branches off from just below the Bhuddha site to Depsi, near Babesa. Under the eyes of the Buddha statue, the Kuensel Phodrang nature park formally opened as a recreational park in 2011. The park conserves 943.4 acres of forest area that surrounds the Buddha Dordenma statue and has several enjoyable walking trails that range from leisurely to moderate, and houses two public outdoor gymnasiums which opened in 2015.
This massive statue of Shakyamuni measures a height of 169 feet (51.5 meters), making it one of the largest Buddha statue in the world. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. One hundred twenty five thousand smaller Buddha statues have been placed within the Buddha Dordenma statue, one hundred thousand 8-inch-tall and twenty five thousand 12-inch-tall respectively. Each of these thousands of Buddhas have also been cast in bronze and then gilded.
The throne that the Buddha Dordenma sits upon is a large meditation hall.
The statue was constructed at a cost of US$47 million , Aerosun Corporation of Nanjing, China, while the total cost of the entire project is well over US$100 million. The interior will accommodate respectively. Names of sponsors are displaced in the meditation hall forms the throne of the Great Buddha Dordenma. The paved road to the site, also known as 'Buddha Point', passes a new Hindu temple and is a popular biking route.
A 3.5km mountain-bike trail branches off from just below the Bhuddha site to Depsi, near Babesa. Under the eyes of the Buddha statue, the Kuensel Phodrang nature park formally opened as a recreational park in 2011. The park conserves 943.4 acres of forest area that surrounds the Buddha Dordenma statue and has several enjoyable walking trails that range from leisurely to moderate, and houses two public outdoor gymnasiums which opened in 2015.
Dochu La Pass
Dochula pass is located on the way to Punakha from Thimphu (22km). The pass is a popular location among tourists as it offers a stunning 360 degree panoramic view of Himalayan mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass.
Known as the Druk Wangyal Chortens- the construction of these108 chortens was commissioned by the eldest Queen Mother, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. The pass is also popular spiritual destination for both locals and tourists because an important temple is located on the crest of Dochula pass.
The Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple) was built in honor of His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The past and future appears to merge in the details of the lhakhang (temple) and its structure tells the story of a supreme warrior figure, whose vision pierces the distant future in a fine blend of history and mythology.
Bhutanese families enjoy visiting the pass during holidays and weekends to picnic and simply enjoy the scenery. It is common to see families and groups of friends seated amongst the chortens, enjoying a packed lunch and hot tea. For tourists this is ideal location to capture beautiful pictures of Himalayan mountain range during clear, warm days.
The Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival was established in 2011 in commemoration of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and the Armed Forces’ victory over Indian insurgent forces residing in southern Bhutan in 2003.
Druk Wangyel Festival is an annual festival held on December 13th at the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang Festival Ground located at Dochula Pass around 22km from the capital city Thimphu. Dochula Pass is one of the most scenic locations in the entire kingdom, offering a stunning panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range. Set amidst this breathtaking backdrop, the Dochula Druk Wangyal Tsehchu is an experience unlike any other and truely exemplifies Bhutanese cultural traditions.
The Druk Wangyal Lhakhang was built over a period of four years (2004-2008) under the vision and patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo. The Lhakhang honors the courageous service of the Fourth King, who personally led the troops against the insurgents, as well as the regular Armed Forces of the country.
Known as the Druk Wangyal Chortens- the construction of these108 chortens was commissioned by the eldest Queen Mother, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. The pass is also popular spiritual destination for both locals and tourists because an important temple is located on the crest of Dochula pass.
The Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple) was built in honor of His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The past and future appears to merge in the details of the lhakhang (temple) and its structure tells the story of a supreme warrior figure, whose vision pierces the distant future in a fine blend of history and mythology.
Bhutanese families enjoy visiting the pass during holidays and weekends to picnic and simply enjoy the scenery. It is common to see families and groups of friends seated amongst the chortens, enjoying a packed lunch and hot tea. For tourists this is ideal location to capture beautiful pictures of Himalayan mountain range during clear, warm days.
The Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival was established in 2011 in commemoration of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and the Armed Forces’ victory over Indian insurgent forces residing in southern Bhutan in 2003.
Druk Wangyel Festival is an annual festival held on December 13th at the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang Festival Ground located at Dochula Pass around 22km from the capital city Thimphu. Dochula Pass is one of the most scenic locations in the entire kingdom, offering a stunning panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range. Set amidst this breathtaking backdrop, the Dochula Druk Wangyal Tsehchu is an experience unlike any other and truely exemplifies Bhutanese cultural traditions.
The Druk Wangyal Lhakhang was built over a period of four years (2004-2008) under the vision and patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo. The Lhakhang honors the courageous service of the Fourth King, who personally led the troops against the insurgents, as well as the regular Armed Forces of the country.
Tango Monastery
The Tango Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located 14 kilometres to the north of the capital city of Thimphu in Bhutan, near Cheri mountain.
According to a local legend Phajo Drugom Zhigpo propounder of the teachings of Dodeyna who was on a visit to this place during his teaching mission heard the neighing of a horse coming from the direction of the Tango. Concurrently, he witnessed the cliff in the form of god Tandin (horse head or Hayagriva) engulfed in flames.
Top storey of the central tower is the statue of Dharmakaya Amitayu. To the right, inside the personal chamber of Gyalsay Tenzin Rabgay, the sacred objects include the statues of the great Kagyu masters, statues of successive Je Khenpos and the wall paintings. On the left side is the holy embalmed body of the 65th Jekhenpo, His late Holiness Yeshey Singay and the statue of Je Jampel Gyatsho.
In the middle storey is the four handed statue of Sambhogakaya Avalokistesvara and the statues of Arya Manjushri and Saraswati.
The right side is the Guru Lhakhang with a speaking clay statue of Guru Rinpoche as the main sacred object and the wonderful wall painting of Guru Rinpoche in various forms, based on a supplication titled, “Spontaneously Accomplishing Wishes”.
On the left is the Palace of Kubera with the god of wealth as the main sacred object. The statue of Guru with the power to prevent armed conflicts; the statue of glorious Tachog Rolpa; the holy wall painting depicting the deities reflected in the confessional prayer and the twenty one Taras can be seen.
On the ground floor is the paradise of Nirmanakaya, the main sacred objects are the statues of Buddha of the past, present and future. on the left and the right are the statues of the eight close disciples of Buddha Ugyen Rinpoche, footprints of Jetsuen Tenzinma, Jetsuenma's steed and that of her cow and the calf.
Sacred hidden treasure in the form of a tiger headed treasure in the form of a tiger headed key extracted from Phajoding Thukjaydrak, stone foxglove flower, holy vase made of gold/copper alloy and the statue of one thousand and two Buddhas can be seen.
To the left is the holy chamber housing the protecting deity etc, which are very inspiring and grand. Main sacred object include Mahakala, Mahakali and Karma Mahakala and many other wish fulfilling sacred objects. It is considered most sacred among the chamber housing tutelary protecting deity.
The Yarney ('Yar' means “Summer” and 'Ney' means “To stay”) represents monks' summer retreat time and is an important annual festival that is held in this monastery. Initiated since 1967, the festival starts from the 15th day of the 6th month of the Bhutanese calendar and concludes on the 30th day of the 7th month,
According to a local legend Phajo Drugom Zhigpo propounder of the teachings of Dodeyna who was on a visit to this place during his teaching mission heard the neighing of a horse coming from the direction of the Tango. Concurrently, he witnessed the cliff in the form of god Tandin (horse head or Hayagriva) engulfed in flames.
Top storey of the central tower is the statue of Dharmakaya Amitayu. To the right, inside the personal chamber of Gyalsay Tenzin Rabgay, the sacred objects include the statues of the great Kagyu masters, statues of successive Je Khenpos and the wall paintings. On the left side is the holy embalmed body of the 65th Jekhenpo, His late Holiness Yeshey Singay and the statue of Je Jampel Gyatsho.
In the middle storey is the four handed statue of Sambhogakaya Avalokistesvara and the statues of Arya Manjushri and Saraswati.
The right side is the Guru Lhakhang with a speaking clay statue of Guru Rinpoche as the main sacred object and the wonderful wall painting of Guru Rinpoche in various forms, based on a supplication titled, “Spontaneously Accomplishing Wishes”.
On the left is the Palace of Kubera with the god of wealth as the main sacred object. The statue of Guru with the power to prevent armed conflicts; the statue of glorious Tachog Rolpa; the holy wall painting depicting the deities reflected in the confessional prayer and the twenty one Taras can be seen.
On the ground floor is the paradise of Nirmanakaya, the main sacred objects are the statues of Buddha of the past, present and future. on the left and the right are the statues of the eight close disciples of Buddha Ugyen Rinpoche, footprints of Jetsuen Tenzinma, Jetsuenma's steed and that of her cow and the calf.
Sacred hidden treasure in the form of a tiger headed treasure in the form of a tiger headed key extracted from Phajoding Thukjaydrak, stone foxglove flower, holy vase made of gold/copper alloy and the statue of one thousand and two Buddhas can be seen.
To the left is the holy chamber housing the protecting deity etc, which are very inspiring and grand. Main sacred object include Mahakala, Mahakali and Karma Mahakala and many other wish fulfilling sacred objects. It is considered most sacred among the chamber housing tutelary protecting deity.
The Yarney ('Yar' means “Summer” and 'Ney' means “To stay”) represents monks' summer retreat time and is an important annual festival that is held in this monastery. Initiated since 1967, the festival starts from the 15th day of the 6th month of the Bhutanese calendar and concludes on the 30th day of the 7th month,
National Institute For Zorig Chusum
This institute, commonly known as 'the painting school', operates four- to six-year courses that provide instruction in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts. Students specialise in painting (furniture, thangkas – painted religious pictures, usually on canvas), woodcarving (masks, statues, bowls), embroidery (hangings, boots, clothes) or statue-making (clay). The craft demonstrations are a photographers' dream and it's hard not to be impressed with the skill and discipline of the young students. The showroom sells good-value pieces made by students.
It preserves and practices an essential part of Bhutan's cultural heritage that have been practiced from time immemorial. It is a dream come true where the students demonstrate various skills such as woodcarving, statue making and painting to be captured by your camera.
It preserves and practices an essential part of Bhutan's cultural heritage that have been practiced from time immemorial. It is a dream come true where the students demonstrate various skills such as woodcarving, statue making and painting to be captured by your camera.
Cheri Monastery
An uphill hike of 45 minutes leads to Cheri Goemba, Bhutan's first monastery. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal established the monastery in 1620 with the first monk body. His father's ashes were interred in a richly decorated silver chorten inside the upper goemba after the body was smuggled here from Tibet. Cheri is still an important place for meditation retreats, with 30 or so monks here for the standard three years, three months and three days, so don't disturb anyone.
The goenkhang (chapel dedicated to protective deities) features the two protector deities of Cheri and Tango. From here it's a steep climb (pilgrims aim to do it without pausing) to the Demon-Subjugating Monastery, built into the cliff where the Zhabdrung overcame the local demons. Look for tame brown goral (mountain goats) grazing the monastery grounds.
The goenkhang (chapel dedicated to protective deities) features the two protector deities of Cheri and Tango. From here it's a steep climb (pilgrims aim to do it without pausing) to the Demon-Subjugating Monastery, built into the cliff where the Zhabdrung overcame the local demons. Look for tame brown goral (mountain goats) grazing the monastery grounds.
Trashichho` 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 city's biggest annual bash, the colourful tsechu festivities.
The building you see is actually not the original Thimphu dzong. In 1216 Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa built Dho-Ngen Dzong (Blue Stone Dzong) on the hill above Thimphu where Dechen Phodrang now stands. A few years later Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo, who brought the Drukpa Kagyu lineage to Bhutan, took over the dzong. In 1641 the Zhabdrung acquired the dzong from the descendants of Lama Phajo and renamed it Trashi Chhoe Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion). He arranged to house both monks and civil officials in the dzong, but it was too small, so he built another dzong lower down in the valley for the civil officials. The 13th Druk Desi, Chhogyel Sherab Wangchuck (1744–63), later enlarged Trashi Chhoe Dzong so that it could again accommodate both civil officials and monks.
The original upper dzong was destroyed by fire in 1771 and was abandoned in favour of the lower dzong, which was expanded. That dzong itself suffered a fire in 1866, and twice more since then. The five-storey utse (central tower) was damaged in the 1897 earthquake and rebuilt in 1902.
When he moved the capital to Thimphu in 1962, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck began a five-year project to renovate and enlarge the dzong. The royal architect performed the repairs without touching the utse, Lhakhang Sarpa (New Temple) or any other of its chapels at the centre. Other than these structures, the entire dzong was rebuilt in traditional fashion, without nails or architectural plans. The dzong once housed the National Assembly and now houses the secretariat, the throne room, and offices of the king and the ministries of home affairs and finance.
The dzong's whitewashed two-storey outer structure has three-storey towers at the four corners projecting out over the walls and is capped by red-and-gold, triple-tiered roofs. There are two main entrances on its eastern side. The southern entrance leads to the administrative section (off-limits to visitors), while the northern entrance leads to the monastic quarter, the summer residence of the dratshang (central monk body).
Entering the dzong from the northeast entrance you are greeted by the four guardian kings, while the steps are flanked by images of Drukpa Kunley, Thangtong Gyelpo and Togden Pajo (the founder of nearby Phajoding Monastery).
Upon entering the dochey (courtyard), it's hard not to be impressed by the splendid proportions of the architecture, the enclosed silence broken only by the flight of pigeons, the shuffle of feet and the whirr of prayer wheels. A large utse separates the northern monastic courtyard and its Lhakhang Sarpa from the southern administrative courtyard. The northern assembly hall houses a large statue of Sakyamuni (the historical Buddha) and the thrones of the current king, past king and Je Khenpo. Look to the ceiling for fine painted mandala.
It is sometimes possible to enter the utse. If you're allowed in, look for the 3rd-floor funeral chorten of the 69th Je Khenpo, where pilgrims receive the blessing of betel nut from his nut container. If this intrigues you, head next door to visit the toilet of the Zhabdrung in his former living room.
Northeast of the dzong is an excellent example of a traditional cantilever bridge. To the southeast is the unassuming residence of the current king, while across the river you can see the impressive SAARC building, which houses the National Assembly. The small Neykhang Lhakhang, west of the dzong, houses the local protective deities Gyenyen Jagpa Melen and Dorji Daktshen, and is off-limits to visitors. The large open-air courtyard on the north side of the dzong hosts the dances of the annual tsechu festival in September. The dzong's huge Sangay Tsokhorsum Thondrol (a painted/embroidered religious picture) is unfurled here at the climax of the tsechu.
The building you see is actually not the original Thimphu dzong. In 1216 Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa built Dho-Ngen Dzong (Blue Stone Dzong) on the hill above Thimphu where Dechen Phodrang now stands. A few years later Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo, who brought the Drukpa Kagyu lineage to Bhutan, took over the dzong. In 1641 the Zhabdrung acquired the dzong from the descendants of Lama Phajo and renamed it Trashi Chhoe Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion). He arranged to house both monks and civil officials in the dzong, but it was too small, so he built another dzong lower down in the valley for the civil officials. The 13th Druk Desi, Chhogyel Sherab Wangchuck (1744–63), later enlarged Trashi Chhoe Dzong so that it could again accommodate both civil officials and monks.
The original upper dzong was destroyed by fire in 1771 and was abandoned in favour of the lower dzong, which was expanded. That dzong itself suffered a fire in 1866, and twice more since then. The five-storey utse (central tower) was damaged in the 1897 earthquake and rebuilt in 1902.
When he moved the capital to Thimphu in 1962, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck began a five-year project to renovate and enlarge the dzong. The royal architect performed the repairs without touching the utse, Lhakhang Sarpa (New Temple) or any other of its chapels at the centre. Other than these structures, the entire dzong was rebuilt in traditional fashion, without nails or architectural plans. The dzong once housed the National Assembly and now houses the secretariat, the throne room, and offices of the king and the ministries of home affairs and finance.
The dzong's whitewashed two-storey outer structure has three-storey towers at the four corners projecting out over the walls and is capped by red-and-gold, triple-tiered roofs. There are two main entrances on its eastern side. The southern entrance leads to the administrative section (off-limits to visitors), while the northern entrance leads to the monastic quarter, the summer residence of the dratshang (central monk body).
Entering the dzong from the northeast entrance you are greeted by the four guardian kings, while the steps are flanked by images of Drukpa Kunley, Thangtong Gyelpo and Togden Pajo (the founder of nearby Phajoding Monastery).
Upon entering the dochey (courtyard), it's hard not to be impressed by the splendid proportions of the architecture, the enclosed silence broken only by the flight of pigeons, the shuffle of feet and the whirr of prayer wheels. A large utse separates the northern monastic courtyard and its Lhakhang Sarpa from the southern administrative courtyard. The northern assembly hall houses a large statue of Sakyamuni (the historical Buddha) and the thrones of the current king, past king and Je Khenpo. Look to the ceiling for fine painted mandala.
It is sometimes possible to enter the utse. If you're allowed in, look for the 3rd-floor funeral chorten of the 69th Je Khenpo, where pilgrims receive the blessing of betel nut from his nut container. If this intrigues you, head next door to visit the toilet of the Zhabdrung in his former living room.
Northeast of the dzong is an excellent example of a traditional cantilever bridge. To the southeast is the unassuming residence of the current king, while across the river you can see the impressive SAARC building, which houses the National Assembly. The small Neykhang Lhakhang, west of the dzong, houses the local protective deities Gyenyen Jagpa Melen and Dorji Daktshen, and is off-limits to visitors. The large open-air courtyard on the north side of the dzong hosts the dances of the annual tsechu festival in September. The dzong's huge Sangay Tsokhorsum Thondrol (a painted/embroidered religious picture) is unfurled here at the climax of the tsechu.
Royal Textile Academy Of Bhutan
It was founded to preserve and promote the living art of weaving which is an important part of the culture and tradition of Bhutan. Under the patronage of Her Majesty Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck, it is a non-government, non-profit organization established as an educational center for the training of individuals in traditional Bhutanese weaving.
Weaving is an integral component of the culture and tradition of Bhutan. With the aim to preserve and promote this living art, the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan was instituted in May 2005 under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck.
The RTA is managed by a Board of Trustees under the leadership of Her Majesty Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck as the Chairperson. The other Board Members include Dr. Frederik Paulsen, Chairman, Ferring Pharmaceuticals; Dasho Penden Wangchuk, Former Cabinet Secretary, Royal Government of Bhutan; and Mrs. Krista Amason, President, Friends of the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan, Washington DC. The Executive Director of the RTA serves as the ex-officio member secretary to the Board.
The Mission of the RTA is dedicated to educate, promote and preserve Bhutanese Textiles. It aims to create International Awareness and encourage international collaboration to promote mutually beneficial exhibits and educational programs.
The Objectives of the Royal Textile Academy are to:
Weaving is an integral component of the culture and tradition of Bhutan. With the aim to preserve and promote this living art, the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan was instituted in May 2005 under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck.
The RTA is managed by a Board of Trustees under the leadership of Her Majesty Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck as the Chairperson. The other Board Members include Dr. Frederik Paulsen, Chairman, Ferring Pharmaceuticals; Dasho Penden Wangchuk, Former Cabinet Secretary, Royal Government of Bhutan; and Mrs. Krista Amason, President, Friends of the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan, Washington DC. The Executive Director of the RTA serves as the ex-officio member secretary to the Board.
The Mission of the RTA is dedicated to educate, promote and preserve Bhutanese Textiles. It aims to create International Awareness and encourage international collaboration to promote mutually beneficial exhibits and educational programs.
The Objectives of the Royal Textile Academy are to:
- Provide a National Centre for professional training in weaving, design and production of Bhutanese textiles;
- Develop scholarship programs for staff training and internships in conservation and museum studies;
- Collect and document important textiles that are part of Bhutan’s textile heritage;
- Develop exhibitions for local and international venues;
- Develop a conservation centre devoted to preservation and restoration of Bhutanese Textiles;
- Administer ongoing cultural and educational programs, workshops, study groups and lectures on Bhutanese textile arts.
National Memorial Chorten Of Bhutan
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). Early morning is especially tranquil as elderly people shuffle in, and spruced-up kids on their way to school whiz in and out to pay homage.
The whitewashed chorten, with its sun-catching golden finial, is decorated with richly painted annexes facing the cardinal directions, and features elaborate mandalas, statues and a shrine dedicated to the popular king. Throughout the day people circumambulate the chorten, whirl the large red prayer wheels and pray at a small shrine inside the gate. Particularly charming is the dedicated group of old timers hauling away at room-size giant prayer wheels beside the main entrance.
The whitewashed chorten, with its sun-catching golden finial, is decorated with richly painted annexes facing the cardinal directions, and features elaborate mandalas, statues and a shrine dedicated to the popular king. Throughout the day people circumambulate the chorten, whirl the large red prayer wheels and pray at a small shrine inside the gate. Particularly charming is the dedicated group of old timers hauling away at room-size giant prayer wheels beside the main entrance.
Motithang Takin Preserve
A short distance up the road to the BBS tower viewpoint is a trail leading to a large fenced enclosure that was originally established as a zoo. It's worthwhile taking the time to see these oddball mammals. The best time to see them is early morning, when they gather near the fence to feed.
Some years ago the fourth king decided that a zoo was not in keeping with Bhutan's environmental and religious convictions, and it was disbanded. The animals were released into the wild, but the takins, Bhutan's national animal, were so tame that they wandered around the streets of Thimphu looking for food, and the only solution was to put them back into captivity.
Some years ago the fourth king decided that a zoo was not in keeping with Bhutan's environmental and religious convictions, and it was disbanded. The animals were released into the wild, but the takins, Bhutan's national animal, were so tame that they wandered around the streets of Thimphu looking for food, and the only solution was to put them back into captivity.
Phajoding Monasteries
Phajoding Monastery, which is a 3 hour hike from the nearest road, is located above Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu. Phajoding takes its name from the saint Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, who meditated there in the 13th century and is considered to be one of the most sacred meditational sites in Bhutan.
The monastery itself is an open complex that comprises many holy buildings and relics and a State monastic school that currently houses just over 80 monks.
The monastery itself is an open complex that comprises many holy buildings and relics and a State monastic school that currently houses just over 80 monks.
Changangkha Lhakhang
This popular temple, perched like a fortress on a ridge above central Thimphu, 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 names for their newborns or blessings for their young children from the protector deity Tamdrin (to the left in the grilled inner sanctum). Children are blessed by a phurba (ritual dagger) and given a sacred thread.
The interior murals are particularly fine. Give the resident astrologer your birth date and he will consult divination charts to decide which kind of protective prayer flags will benefit you (Nu 150 for the flags). Don't leave without checking out the shrine to the tshomen(mermaid) in the central courtyard and then taking in the excellent view from the back kora (pilgrim path), with its lovely black-and-gold prayer wheels.
The interior murals are particularly fine. Give the resident astrologer your birth date and he will consult divination charts to decide which kind of protective prayer flags will benefit you (Nu 150 for the flags). Don't leave without checking out the shrine to the tshomen(mermaid) in the central courtyard and then taking in the excellent view from the back kora (pilgrim path), with its lovely black-and-gold prayer wheels.
Thangtong Dewachen Drubthob Nunnery
Just above Gadem Lam in the north of Thimphu is this modern nunnery, which is also called Drubthob Goemba. The site has links to Thangtong Gyelpo, and there's an interesting enclosed chorten in the main courtyard. It's best visited after the BBS tower, by taking Gaden Lam for great views of Thimphu and Trashi Chhoe Dzong.
Royal Botanical Garden
About 11km below the Dochu La pass at Lamperi is the entrance to this park, where between April and June you can view 38 out of Bhutan's 46 species of rhododendron or spot some of the 220 species of birds. Lamperi was declared as Royal Botanical Park in 2008 to commemorate 100 years of Monarchy under Wangchuck dynasty. Royal Botanical Park is a nature recreation and Eco-tourism site. The park is looked after by Department of Forest and Park Services.
Royal Botanical Park lies at the altitude of 2100 meters to 3800 meters above sea level and covers an are of 125 acres. Some of the attractions of the park are the lake where you can make rounds on a boat, trekking, camp site and watershed area. The park also hosts festival and screens documentary to the public. The most awaited festival is the Annual Rhododendron Festival which happens in April.
Royal Botanical Park lies at the altitude of 2100 meters to 3800 meters above sea level and covers an are of 125 acres. Some of the attractions of the park are the lake where you can make rounds on a boat, trekking, camp site and watershed area. The park also hosts festival and screens documentary to the public. The most awaited festival is the Annual Rhododendron Festival which happens in April.
Mount Jumolhari
Jumolhari also known as "the bride of Kangchenjunga”, is a mountain in the Himalayas, straddling the border between Yadong County of Tibet, China and the Thimphu district of Bhutan. The north face rises over 2,700 metres (8,900 ft) above the barren plains. The mountain is the source of the Paro Chu (Paro river) which flows from the south side and the Amo Chu which flows from the north side.
The festival celebrates the culture of the communities living in close proximity to endangered snow leopards.
“A community based initiative for the conservation of snow leopards”
Jomolhari Mountain Festival is an exquisitely themed two-day event celebrated at the base of Mt. Jomolhari, by communities located along one of the most scenic trekking routes in Bhutan.
The festival celebrates the culture of the communities living together with the natural wonders that surround them: one in particular, the elusive, yet elegant, snow leopard! This endangered cat thrives in the region; several camera trap photos and definite signs have established the region as one of the best snow leopard habitats in Bhutan.
The communities of Soe Yaksa and Soe Yutoed, located along the Jomolhari trek, in collaboration with Jigme Dorji National Park (JDNP) and the Nature Recreation and Ecotourism Division (NRED) - with support from the Snow Leopard Conservancy (SLC) and Bhutan Foundation - bring together this festival as a community based initiative towards the conservation of snow leopard; to create awareness on the importance of conservation; engage and build on the perception and attitude to create harmony between this endangered cat and the people; provide a platform to bring in opportunities for sustainable livelihood, and promote their culture.
The festival includes snow leopard themed folk songs and dances performed by the local people, JDNP staff and the school children, traditional sports such as Khuru (darts), shot put, horse and yak riding, sampling of local delicacies and boutique handicrafts, and various picturesque guided hikes in and around Jomolhari. It also showcases various stalls set up by both local and international agencies to educate and promote conservation among those participating at the festival.
The festival was initiated in 2013 and endorsed by the government as an annual event. The Nature and Recreation and Eco-Tourism Division (NRED), Department of Forest and Park Services is organizing Jumolhari Mountain Festival on 23rd and 24th October, 2013 involving the two communities of Soe Yutey(Thimphu) and Soe Yaksa(Paro) through the financial assistance from Bhutan Foundation.
The festival celebrates the culture of the communities living in close proximity to endangered snow leopards.
“A community based initiative for the conservation of snow leopards”
Jomolhari Mountain Festival is an exquisitely themed two-day event celebrated at the base of Mt. Jomolhari, by communities located along one of the most scenic trekking routes in Bhutan.
The festival celebrates the culture of the communities living together with the natural wonders that surround them: one in particular, the elusive, yet elegant, snow leopard! This endangered cat thrives in the region; several camera trap photos and definite signs have established the region as one of the best snow leopard habitats in Bhutan.
The communities of Soe Yaksa and Soe Yutoed, located along the Jomolhari trek, in collaboration with Jigme Dorji National Park (JDNP) and the Nature Recreation and Ecotourism Division (NRED) - with support from the Snow Leopard Conservancy (SLC) and Bhutan Foundation - bring together this festival as a community based initiative towards the conservation of snow leopard; to create awareness on the importance of conservation; engage and build on the perception and attitude to create harmony between this endangered cat and the people; provide a platform to bring in opportunities for sustainable livelihood, and promote their culture.
The festival includes snow leopard themed folk songs and dances performed by the local people, JDNP staff and the school children, traditional sports such as Khuru (darts), shot put, horse and yak riding, sampling of local delicacies and boutique handicrafts, and various picturesque guided hikes in and around Jomolhari. It also showcases various stalls set up by both local and international agencies to educate and promote conservation among those participating at the festival.
The festival was initiated in 2013 and endorsed by the government as an annual event. The Nature and Recreation and Eco-Tourism Division (NRED), Department of Forest and Park Services is organizing Jumolhari Mountain Festival on 23rd and 24th October, 2013 involving the two communities of Soe Yutey(Thimphu) and Soe Yaksa(Paro) through the financial assistance from Bhutan Foundation.