Kyichu Lhakhang
Kyichu Lhakhang, (also known as Kyerchu Temple or Lho Kerchu) is an important Himalayan Buddhist temple situated in Lango Gewog of Paro District in Bhutan. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful temples. The temple is popularly believed to be built in 659 by Songtsen Gampo, the first Buddhist King of TIbet, to pin down the left foot of a giant ogress who was thwarting the establishment of Buddhism in TIbet. Kyichu is said to be one of the main 12 temples of the 108 temples that were built overnight across Tibet and boderlands.
In 1839, the temple was restored on the order of the Twenty Fifth Je Khenpo, Sherab Gyeltsen.
The inner hall of the main Jowo Lhakhang shrine conceals the original 7th century Jowo Jamba Statue. Its central image of Jowo Jampa is flanked by eight standing bhohisattvas and by statue of Zhabdrung and Guru Rinpoche. The outer hall of the Jowo contains the statue of Chenrizig with 11 heads and 1000 arms.
Ashi Kesang Wangchuk, the Queen of Jigme Dorji Wangchuk sponsored the construction of the Guru Lhakhang in 1968. It contains a 5m-high statue of Guru Rinpoche and another of Kurukulla ( Red Tara), holding a bow and arrow made of flowers. To the right of Gurur Rinpoche is a chorten containing ashes of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, the revered Nyingma Buddhist master and spiritual teacher of the Queen Mother, who passed away in 1992 and was cremated nearby. There is a belief that the two oranges trees in the courtyard of Kyichu Lhakhang bear fruit throughout the year.
In 1839, the temple was restored on the order of the Twenty Fifth Je Khenpo, Sherab Gyeltsen.
The inner hall of the main Jowo Lhakhang shrine conceals the original 7th century Jowo Jamba Statue. Its central image of Jowo Jampa is flanked by eight standing bhohisattvas and by statue of Zhabdrung and Guru Rinpoche. The outer hall of the Jowo contains the statue of Chenrizig with 11 heads and 1000 arms.
Ashi Kesang Wangchuk, the Queen of Jigme Dorji Wangchuk sponsored the construction of the Guru Lhakhang in 1968. It contains a 5m-high statue of Guru Rinpoche and another of Kurukulla ( Red Tara), holding a bow and arrow made of flowers. To the right of Gurur Rinpoche is a chorten containing ashes of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, the revered Nyingma Buddhist master and spiritual teacher of the Queen Mother, who passed away in 1992 and was cremated nearby. There is a belief that the two oranges trees in the courtyard of Kyichu Lhakhang bear fruit throughout the year.
Tachog Lhakhang
Tachogang Lhakhang is located along Paro-Thimphu highway, just after Isuna village and before Chhuzom on the base of a mountain across the Pa chu river and one must actually cross one of Drupthob Thangtong Gyalpo's bridges to get to the Dzong. It was built in the early 15th century by the great Buddhist, a master, yogi, physician, blacksmith, architect, and a ioneering civil engineer Thangtong Gyalpo (1385-1464), who also built Dungtse Lhakhang in Paro and many other iron bridges throughout Bhutan and Tibet.
Tachogang means, 'temple of the hill of the excellent horse'. It is said that while Thangtong was meditating here, he had a vision of the spiritual horse Balaha-an emanation of Avalokiteshvara. There upon he decided to build a temple at this spot. After arriving in Bhutan he built 8 iron bridges in different parts of the Country.
In 1969, the iron suspension bridge was destroyed by high water. The chains were partly rescued and kept in the attic of the shed behind the Lhakhang. To ensure the access to the Tachog Lhakhang across the swift moving Paro Chhu, a suspension bridge was built from a cable ropes after 1969. As per the royal wish of His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuk, the Ministry of Work and Human Settlements had in 2005 the cable rope suspension bridge again substituted with an iron chain bridge.
The iron chain bridge might look frightening at first, but once you start crossing it, it becomes fun. While crossing you will notice that it acts a lot like a trampoline, and while jumping is fun, be sure to be careful! When standing on the bridge and looking forward against the current of the river, it feels and looks like you are flying on the bridge. There is a separate bridge next to this one that is specifically for cattle to use, as a crossing over an iron chain bridge is very difficult and dangerous for them.
Tachogang means, 'temple of the hill of the excellent horse'. It is said that while Thangtong was meditating here, he had a vision of the spiritual horse Balaha-an emanation of Avalokiteshvara. There upon he decided to build a temple at this spot. After arriving in Bhutan he built 8 iron bridges in different parts of the Country.
In 1969, the iron suspension bridge was destroyed by high water. The chains were partly rescued and kept in the attic of the shed behind the Lhakhang. To ensure the access to the Tachog Lhakhang across the swift moving Paro Chhu, a suspension bridge was built from a cable ropes after 1969. As per the royal wish of His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuk, the Ministry of Work and Human Settlements had in 2005 the cable rope suspension bridge again substituted with an iron chain bridge.
The iron chain bridge might look frightening at first, but once you start crossing it, it becomes fun. While crossing you will notice that it acts a lot like a trampoline, and while jumping is fun, be sure to be careful! When standing on the bridge and looking forward against the current of the river, it feels and looks like you are flying on the bridge. There is a separate bridge next to this one that is specifically for cattle to use, as a crossing over an iron chain bridge is very difficult and dangerous for them.
Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest Temple)
Paro Taktsang also known as Taktsang Palphug monastery and the Tiger’s nest is the most iconic landmark and prominent Himalayan Buddhist sacred site. The name “Taktsang” literally means Tiger’s Lair. This temple is one of the most holy sites in the kingdom and clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face, 3120 meters above sea level.
According to legend, a former wife of an emperor, known as Yeshe Tsogyal, willingly became a disciple of Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) and transformed herself into a tigress and carried Guru on her back and flew to this place from Tibet. A temple complex was built in 1692, around the Taktsang Senge Samdup cave where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated three years, three mounts, three days and three hours in the 8th century in order to subdue evil demons residing within it.
The Paro Taktsang monastery consists of four main temples and residential shelters. Each building has a balcony, which provides breathtaking view of the scenic Paro valley down below. All buildings are interconnected through rock stairways and steps along with wooden bridges.
Out of eight caves, four of which are comparatively easy to access. The cave where Padmasambhava first entered, on the back of the tiger, is known as “Tholu Phuk” and the original cave where he resided and mediated is known as “Pel Phuk”.
To travel to the temple visitors must trek for 2-3 hours through beautiful and shady blue pine forests and rhododendrons. No trip to Bhutan is completed without a visit to this remarkably beautiful heritage site.
According to legend, a former wife of an emperor, known as Yeshe Tsogyal, willingly became a disciple of Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) and transformed herself into a tigress and carried Guru on her back and flew to this place from Tibet. A temple complex was built in 1692, around the Taktsang Senge Samdup cave where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated three years, three mounts, three days and three hours in the 8th century in order to subdue evil demons residing within it.
The Paro Taktsang monastery consists of four main temples and residential shelters. Each building has a balcony, which provides breathtaking view of the scenic Paro valley down below. All buildings are interconnected through rock stairways and steps along with wooden bridges.
Out of eight caves, four of which are comparatively easy to access. The cave where Padmasambhava first entered, on the back of the tiger, is known as “Tholu Phuk” and the original cave where he resided and mediated is known as “Pel Phuk”.
To travel to the temple visitors must trek for 2-3 hours through beautiful and shady blue pine forests and rhododendrons. No trip to Bhutan is completed without a visit to this remarkably beautiful heritage site.
Rinpung Dzong ( Rinchen Pung Dzong)
Paro Dzong ranks as a high Bhutanese Architecture. the Dzong's correct name , Rinchen Pung Dzong ( usally shortened to Rinpung Dzong), means "Fortress on a Heap of Jewels". The fort was used on numerous occusions to defend the Paro valley from various invensions by Tibet. The Paro Dzong was built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal on the fondation of a monastery built by Guru Rinpoche. Gyelchock founded Paro Dzong.
Rinpung Dzong is a large Buddhist Monastery and it houses the district Monastic Body and government adminstrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag. The British political officer John Claude White reported that in 1905 there were old catapults for throwing great stones stored in the rafters of the Dzong's balcony. The Dzong survived the 1897 earthquakes but was severely damaged by fire in 1907.
A great annual festival (Paro Tsechu) is held at Pinpung Dzong from the eleventh to the fifteenth of the second month of the traditional Bhutanese lunar calendar(usually in March or April of the Gredorian calendar). During this auspicous occusion, holy imags are taken into procession. This is followed by a series of traditional mask dances conveying religious stories.
Before the break of dawn on the morning of the fiffteenth day, a great sacred thongdrel banner thangka depicting the eight manifestations of Padmasambhava is displayed to the public in the morning hours. An interesting side note: scencs from Bernardo Bertolucci's little buddha (1993) were flimed in this Dzong. Gyelchock and his brother, Gyelzom, is the descendant of Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, the founder of the Drukpa Kagyupa School in Bhutan.
Rinpung Dzong is a large Buddhist Monastery and it houses the district Monastic Body and government adminstrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag. The British political officer John Claude White reported that in 1905 there were old catapults for throwing great stones stored in the rafters of the Dzong's balcony. The Dzong survived the 1897 earthquakes but was severely damaged by fire in 1907.
A great annual festival (Paro Tsechu) is held at Pinpung Dzong from the eleventh to the fifteenth of the second month of the traditional Bhutanese lunar calendar(usually in March or April of the Gredorian calendar). During this auspicous occusion, holy imags are taken into procession. This is followed by a series of traditional mask dances conveying religious stories.
Before the break of dawn on the morning of the fiffteenth day, a great sacred thongdrel banner thangka depicting the eight manifestations of Padmasambhava is displayed to the public in the morning hours. An interesting side note: scencs from Bernardo Bertolucci's little buddha (1993) were flimed in this Dzong. Gyelchock and his brother, Gyelzom, is the descendant of Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, the founder of the Drukpa Kagyupa School in Bhutan.
National Museum of Bhutan
Ta Dzong is the National Museum of Bhutan. It is located above the Paro Rinpung Dzong. Ta Dzong stands for watch tower as it used to serve as a watchtower and fortress to protect the Paro Rinpung Dzong. Ta Dzong was built by Tenzin Drugdra, first governor of Paro in the year 1649.
Ta Dzong served as a watchtower and protected the Rinpung Dzong from all the invasions from all directions. The Architecture of the building is unusual in it way and not only it resembles the conch shape with an internal spiral, but the building design also reflects the union of sun (circular shape) and the moon (crescent shape) which can be seen from outside. This union symbolizes fame and victory reflected in all directions.
At times, the dzong was the center of both administration of the state as well as the location of the monastic body.
By the ends of 1950's the tower had reached to a state of near collapse. The Third King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk , proposed that it be renovated and converted into a museum. The museum was opened to the public in 1968.
The National Museum of Bhutan has over 3000 artworks and masterpieces that displays more than 1500 years of cultural heritage of Bhutan. The museum opens from 9 am to 4 pm everyday except Mondays and national holidays. On Sundays, it opens only at 11 am. its collection of fine arts, paintings and bronzes are famous.
There are also textiles, jewelry and handicrafts sections as well as galleries of stuffed animals and butterflies from Bhutan. Cameras are not allowed inside but we can take pictures of Ta Dzong from outside and its surrounding areas.
Ta Dzong served as a watchtower and protected the Rinpung Dzong from all the invasions from all directions. The Architecture of the building is unusual in it way and not only it resembles the conch shape with an internal spiral, but the building design also reflects the union of sun (circular shape) and the moon (crescent shape) which can be seen from outside. This union symbolizes fame and victory reflected in all directions.
At times, the dzong was the center of both administration of the state as well as the location of the monastic body.
By the ends of 1950's the tower had reached to a state of near collapse. The Third King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk , proposed that it be renovated and converted into a museum. The museum was opened to the public in 1968.
The National Museum of Bhutan has over 3000 artworks and masterpieces that displays more than 1500 years of cultural heritage of Bhutan. The museum opens from 9 am to 4 pm everyday except Mondays and national holidays. On Sundays, it opens only at 11 am. its collection of fine arts, paintings and bronzes are famous.
There are also textiles, jewelry and handicrafts sections as well as galleries of stuffed animals and butterflies from Bhutan. Cameras are not allowed inside but we can take pictures of Ta Dzong from outside and its surrounding areas.
Drukgyel Dzong Restoration Site
The ancient ruin of Drukgyel Dzong is located at the end of the paved road, 14kms north of Paro town. Since its construction in 1649, Drukgyel Dzong had been served as an important base of defence in the region untill in 1951 when it was destroyed by fire. It was built to commemorate the Bhutanese victory over Tibetan-Mongol forces. On a bright and sunny day, Mt. Jumolhari, Bhutan's holy peak can be seen against its backdrop.
Probably it was Tenzin Drukdra who built the Dzong at the behest of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Drukgyel means "Fortress of the Victorious Drukpa". In 2016, to celebrate the birth of His Royal Highness The Gyalsey as well as to commemorate two other significant events, namely, the arrival of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to BHutan in 1616 AD and the birth of Guru Rinpoche the Prime Minister Lyonchen Tshering Tobgay announced that the Dzong will be rebuilt and reinsisted to its former glory.
Probably it was Tenzin Drukdra who built the Dzong at the behest of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Drukgyel means "Fortress of the Victorious Drukpa". In 2016, to celebrate the birth of His Royal Highness The Gyalsey as well as to commemorate two other significant events, namely, the arrival of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to BHutan in 1616 AD and the birth of Guru Rinpoche the Prime Minister Lyonchen Tshering Tobgay announced that the Dzong will be rebuilt and reinsisted to its former glory.
The Chele La Pass
The Chele La Pass is one of the highest vantage points in Bhutan, at an elevation of 3180 meters above sea level. Once from here, you can marvel at commanding views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and valleys while the Himalayan yaks grazing in the horizon, dotted with electricity pylons. It is about 2-hour drive from Paro towards Haa.
It is considered as a botanical paradise, where you will be able to spot sacred Mt. Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake from cascades of wild roses, purple and yellow primulas and swathes of deep blue iris on the very ground you stand. It is one of the highest motor-able pass in Bhutan.
It is considered as a botanical paradise, where you will be able to spot sacred Mt. Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake from cascades of wild roses, purple and yellow primulas and swathes of deep blue iris on the very ground you stand. It is one of the highest motor-able pass in Bhutan.
Dzongdrakha Lhakhang
The visually splendid but little-visited cliffside retreat of Dzongdrakha is one of several local sites where Guru Rinpoche suppressed local demons and is well worth the detour off the Paro to Cheli La road. A string of four chapels and a large chorten perch on the cliff face. Budget an hour to see the site.
The first building you come to is the private Jongsarbu Lhakhang, founded in the 18th century by the meditation master Gyam Dorje, and fronted by a lovely suntala (mandarin) tree. The main statue is of Sakyamuni in his princely Jowo form, flanked by the local protector Tsethsho Chen and a tshomen (mermaid spirit).
The Tshering Lhakhang is dedicated to the goddess of longevity. Climb the log ladder here to the cave-like Droley Lhakhang, which houses several papier mâché statues that were once used during local festivals. Parents who have just given birth to a son are supposed to come to this chapel to offer thanks. Nearby is the Guru Lhakhang, where the caretaker will tell you stories about local spirits, flying saints and magical spells, and point out sacred dagger marks in a nearby stone.
Behind the main statue is a hidden chorten that allegedly has to be enclosed to prevent it flying away; the caretaker can open a little door at the back to reveal part of the chorten. The final building is the small Lhamey Lhakhang.
The first building you come to is the private Jongsarbu Lhakhang, founded in the 18th century by the meditation master Gyam Dorje, and fronted by a lovely suntala (mandarin) tree. The main statue is of Sakyamuni in his princely Jowo form, flanked by the local protector Tsethsho Chen and a tshomen (mermaid spirit).
The Tshering Lhakhang is dedicated to the goddess of longevity. Climb the log ladder here to the cave-like Droley Lhakhang, which houses several papier mâché statues that were once used during local festivals. Parents who have just given birth to a son are supposed to come to this chapel to offer thanks. Nearby is the Guru Lhakhang, where the caretaker will tell you stories about local spirits, flying saints and magical spells, and point out sacred dagger marks in a nearby stone.
Behind the main statue is a hidden chorten that allegedly has to be enclosed to prevent it flying away; the caretaker can open a little door at the back to reveal part of the chorten. The final building is the small Lhamey Lhakhang.
Choedu Goemba
After a visit to Drukgyel Dzong, you can take a five-minute stroll from the parking area up to the small Choedu Goemba, which houses a statue of the blue-faced local protector, Gyeb Dole. It's just above the village archery ground. You can witness typical setting of a beautiful Bhutanese village among paddy fields, archery ground, rich forested hills and snow-peaked Himalayas.
Gonsaka Lhakhang
Gonsaka Lhakhang is located on a hilltop overlooking the Ta Dzong, It actually predates Paro Dzong and here we can see the meditation cave of Pha Drun Drung (founder of the Dzong). Zuri Goemba hike concludes in about 2 hours at the National Museum of Bhutan or Ta Dzong.
This charming temple on the hillisde above Paro actually predates Paro Dzong. Don't miss the meditation cave of Pha Drun Drung, the founder of the dzong. The views down over the valley and dzong from here are unmatched.
This charming temple on the hillisde above Paro actually predates Paro Dzong. Don't miss the meditation cave of Pha Drun Drung, the founder of the dzong. The views down over the valley and dzong from here are unmatched.
Jele Dzong
Jele Dzong was built by Ngawang Choegyel, the great grandfather of the Zhabdrung in the 15th century. Under the Tibetan invasion, the Zhabdrung had to escape from Paro across the Jele Pass. It is believed that he was accompanied by Mahakala, the main protective deity of the country, until reaching Jele Dzong where they separated as he was now considered safe on the remainder of his journey to Thimphu, therefore the name je meaning separation.
Jele Dzong is not massive in size like the other Dzongs in the valley. It is a small fortress built strategically on a ridge in the early 16th century to cater to the travelers who journey between Paro and Thimphu. The route remained active until late 1960’s when the vehicle road connected the districts of Thimphu and Paro. Since then, the route is frequented only by nomads who herd Yaks and by visiting tourists. There is a beautiful statue of Buddha inside the temple of the Dzong and is known to be continuously providing blessings to the travelers who go by and the people of Paro valley.
Jele Dzong is not massive in size like the other Dzongs in the valley. It is a small fortress built strategically on a ridge in the early 16th century to cater to the travelers who journey between Paro and Thimphu. The route remained active until late 1960’s when the vehicle road connected the districts of Thimphu and Paro. Since then, the route is frequented only by nomads who herd Yaks and by visiting tourists. There is a beautiful statue of Buddha inside the temple of the Dzong and is known to be continuously providing blessings to the travelers who go by and the people of Paro valley.
Dongkola Lhakhang
One among many stories surrounding the Dongkola lhakhang in Paro is that nothing can be stolen from the monastery. The monastery founded by the speech incarnation of Terton (treasure revealer) Pema Lingpa stands on the highest peak between Paro and Thimphu.
Legend has it that one night, a long time ago, a thief tried to steal a throe (bronze vessel) from the lhakhang. "The thief has picked the vessel at midnight," said the lhakhang caretaker Tenzin. "But he couldn't carry it very far." It is believed that the thief had been circumambulating a chorten below the lhakhang for the whole night but was under the impression that he had got away with the vessel.
"As dawn broke he realised that he was still near the lhakhang and fearing that somebody would notice him he tried to drop the vessel," said caretaker Tenzin. "But his right hand was stuck on the vessel and when he heard the caretaker wake up, he severed his hand."
The vessel was recovered from below the chorten and the severed hand kept in the lhakhang. Today the hand has become a part of the lhakhang's relics. Nobody knows when it happened but village elders believe that the hand must be about 300 years old. It is wrapped in leather and kept in the goenkhang (inner chapel) of the lhakhang.
According to villagers, the lhakhang was under the care of a few choeps (local monks) and was attacked by thieves many times in the past. "The lhakhang is isolated and not many people visit it except during religious functions," said a village elder from Jamdo, a village at the foothill of the lhakhang.
Villagers also say that a Phurb (cup) stolen from the monastery one night had miraculously returned to the lhakhang the next morning. "It is believed that a thief can never be successful in stealing anything from the monastery," said Nima, a village elder from Paro.
Dongkola is about a six-hour walk from the nearest road head from Thimphu and four hours walk from Shaba in Paro. A lam and 12 monks look after the lhakhang.
On 22nd October, 2015, the consecration ceremony of Dongkola Lhakhang located under Shaba Gewog was carried out. The consecration ceremony was presided over by His eminence the Dorji Lopen of the Zhung Dratshang. Her Royal Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck and HRH Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck graced the consecration ceremony. More than hundreds turned up during the event.
The Dongkola Lhakhang consecration is carried out to commemorate the 60th Birth Anniversary Celebration of His Majesty the 4th Druk Gyalpo.
Legend has it that one night, a long time ago, a thief tried to steal a throe (bronze vessel) from the lhakhang. "The thief has picked the vessel at midnight," said the lhakhang caretaker Tenzin. "But he couldn't carry it very far." It is believed that the thief had been circumambulating a chorten below the lhakhang for the whole night but was under the impression that he had got away with the vessel.
"As dawn broke he realised that he was still near the lhakhang and fearing that somebody would notice him he tried to drop the vessel," said caretaker Tenzin. "But his right hand was stuck on the vessel and when he heard the caretaker wake up, he severed his hand."
The vessel was recovered from below the chorten and the severed hand kept in the lhakhang. Today the hand has become a part of the lhakhang's relics. Nobody knows when it happened but village elders believe that the hand must be about 300 years old. It is wrapped in leather and kept in the goenkhang (inner chapel) of the lhakhang.
According to villagers, the lhakhang was under the care of a few choeps (local monks) and was attacked by thieves many times in the past. "The lhakhang is isolated and not many people visit it except during religious functions," said a village elder from Jamdo, a village at the foothill of the lhakhang.
Villagers also say that a Phurb (cup) stolen from the monastery one night had miraculously returned to the lhakhang the next morning. "It is believed that a thief can never be successful in stealing anything from the monastery," said Nima, a village elder from Paro.
Dongkola is about a six-hour walk from the nearest road head from Thimphu and four hours walk from Shaba in Paro. A lam and 12 monks look after the lhakhang.
On 22nd October, 2015, the consecration ceremony of Dongkola Lhakhang located under Shaba Gewog was carried out. The consecration ceremony was presided over by His eminence the Dorji Lopen of the Zhung Dratshang. Her Royal Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck and HRH Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck graced the consecration ceremony. More than hundreds turned up during the event.
The Dongkola Lhakhang consecration is carried out to commemorate the 60th Birth Anniversary Celebration of His Majesty the 4th Druk Gyalpo.
Dungtse Lhakhang
By the road leading to the National Museum is Dumtse Lhakhang, an unusual chorten-like temple that was built in 1433 (some sources say 1421) by the iron-bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo; look for his mural by the entrance. The atmospheric temple was built to subdue a demoness and the pilgrim path winds clockwise up through the temple core, passing some of the finest murals in Bhutan, representing hell, earth and heaven on three floors. It's essential to bring a good torch. It was restored in 1841 by the 25th Head Abbot of Bhutan, Sherab Gyeltshen and the names of the Paro donors can still be seen written on the wooden pillars of the ground floor.
Men of great stature and strength known as the “Nya goe” were employed in the construction to lift the massive pillars used in the temple. It is said that on the day of construction, the founder himself appeared in the form of five vultures, and circled the temple showering his blessings before taking flight to Tibet. One can also see the central tower (utse), the pinnacle of the temple, chained from four directions to the roof of the temple. It is believed that while the consecration was being performed the central tower moved, attempting to fly to Tibet. Thus to stop it from its flight the central tower was chained down.
This temple is unique in Bhutan as its paintings show the progressive stages of Tantric Buddhist philosophy as well as the most important deities and figures of the Drukpa Kagyudpa School.
Men of great stature and strength known as the “Nya goe” were employed in the construction to lift the massive pillars used in the temple. It is said that on the day of construction, the founder himself appeared in the form of five vultures, and circled the temple showering his blessings before taking flight to Tibet. One can also see the central tower (utse), the pinnacle of the temple, chained from four directions to the roof of the temple. It is believed that while the consecration was being performed the central tower moved, attempting to fly to Tibet. Thus to stop it from its flight the central tower was chained down.
This temple is unique in Bhutan as its paintings show the progressive stages of Tantric Buddhist philosophy as well as the most important deities and figures of the Drukpa Kagyudpa School.
Mount Jichu Drake
Jichu Drake is a mountain in the Himalayas, and a companion peak to Mount Jomolhari. Its height is given variously as 6714m, 6789m, 6797m, 6970m or 6989m by various sources. Jitchu Drake has a double summit, with the lower summit to the south.
This mountain creates spectacular views when trekking in Bhutan. Jichu Drake is located directly east of Chomolhari, and has a distinctive pyramid-shaped peak composed of razor-sharp ridges. Jichu Drake is at the edge Bhutan's Jigme Dorje National Park, and divides the border to Tibet. Blue sheep are often encountered in this area.
This peak is said to represent the protective deity of Paro, but has seen little expedition activity. Climbing in Bhutan was allowed for a short period between 1983-1996. As of 1996, no technical climbing is permitted in Bhutan.
This mountain creates spectacular views when trekking in Bhutan. Jichu Drake is located directly east of Chomolhari, and has a distinctive pyramid-shaped peak composed of razor-sharp ridges. Jichu Drake is at the edge Bhutan's Jigme Dorje National Park, and divides the border to Tibet. Blue sheep are often encountered in this area.
This peak is said to represent the protective deity of Paro, but has seen little expedition activity. Climbing in Bhutan was allowed for a short period between 1983-1996. As of 1996, no technical climbing is permitted in Bhutan.