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Drukgyal Dzong

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Drukgyal Dzong

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Drukgyal Dzong

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Now in ruins, Drukgyel Dzong is a fortress which was built in 1649 to mark the victory of Bhutan over Tibet. If you want to see the fascinating stone work of the Dzongs of the past, then this is the place to go to. On climbing to the top of the ruins, an amazing view of the valley greets you, making it worth the effort.

Located in the upper part of Paro district, the fire that broke open in 1951 engulfed the Drukgyel Dzong in flames and left it in the current situation. The efforts have been started by the government to reconstruct it and bring it back to life and glory which it deserves. Despite its ruined state, its grandeur has not diminished even a bit. Perhaps that is why it is a UNESCO structure and attracts thousands of eyeballs from all over the world every year.

Once a fortress and Buddhist Monastery, Drukgyal Dzong is now in ruins and famed as one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in Bhutan. Situated on a ridge in the upper Paro Valley, Drukgyal Dzong was constructed by Tenzin Drukdra at the behest of Ngawang Namgyel in the year 1649 to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan-Mongol forces. Destroyed by fire in the early 1950s, Drukgyal Dzong has today become one of the popular tourist attractions of Paro. The ruins are well preserved making it an impressive and imposing sight. Travellers visiting the site can understand or distinguish the features of the complex without much difficulty. Even though a majority of components of the Dzong are almost totally missing but some of the portions of stone and rammed earth wall structures still stands imposing. These remains let the visitors understand ideas and practices that were used for defence in the past.

Coming to the architecture of the Durkgyal Dzong, it comprises Utse, the central tower building, Shabkhor, rectangular buildings that surround the courtyards. Also, there are secret tunnels with protected passages that allowed to fetch water from the river below and send the troops during the time of war. The Chu-Dzong (waterfront), a cylindrical tower building is yet another (water fort) can be seen that have paths enclosed by defensive giant walls. A visit to Drukgyal Dzong which gives the best travel experience to the travellers, especially the archaeological buffs.

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National Museum of Bhutan

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National Museum of Bhutan

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National Museum of Bhutan

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It is located in the Paro district in western Bhutan. Established in 1968, the museum houses some of the finest specimens of Bhutanese art, including master pieces of bronze statues and paintings. Today, the national museum has in its possession over 3,000 works of Bhutanese art, covering more than 1,500 years of Bhutan’s cultural heritage. Set in Paro Ta Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan is sure to answer the queries of the history buffs. The popular tourist attraction is a cultural museum which was established in the year 1968 to house some finest specimen of Bhutanese art including bronze paintings and statues. Today the museum has more than 3,000 works of Bhutanese artefacts and artworks including traditional weapons, costumes, armour, handcrafted implements and covering more than 1,500 years of Bhutan’s cultural heritage. Tourists visiting the museum will get an opportunity to learn about the unique Bhutanese history with its rich holding of various creative traditions and disciplines. The ambience of the museum represents a remarkable blend of the past with the present which is an experience not to be missed when holidaying in Paro. As the tourists indulge in exploring the museum, they would come across the Natural History Gallery and Ritual Objects that showcases objects like daggers, headdresses, thunderbolts, robes, cymbals, musical instruments appropriate to Buddhist ceremonies. Further ahead, there is the Chapel of Wealth Deity and Thangkas that has a range of paintings of natural mineral pigments. A visit to the museum will bring one close to a collection that can best show the rich cultural traditions of the country.
Coming to the architecture of the museum, the unusual round building is said to resemble a conch shell. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the museum but tourists can make the best use if their photography skills by capturing the ta dzong (watchtower) and the surrounding grounds. In addition to this, once tourists are done with visiting the museum, one can take down a path from the museum to the dzong and back to the town. Indulging in this short hike will give the travellers an opportunity to enjoy good views of the valley and of the Ugyen Pelri Palace.

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Dochula Pass

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Dochula Pass

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Dochula Pass

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The Dochula pass is the most well known pass in Bhutan, located an hour from Thimphu at an altitude of 10,000 feet. It is on the way to Punakha (also a favorite destination among tourists and locals alike). There are 108 stupas overlooking the Himalayas. When the sky is clear, the Mountain View is spectacular. The pass is a popular destination among tourists as it offers a stunning 360 degree panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range. Dochula Pass—a beautiful mountain pass, which is about 20 km from Thimphu is a concentration of 108 memorial stupas known as “Druk Wangyal Chortens.” It’s not just a place of historical and religious importance, but also a popular tourist attraction that any traveler would want to witness on their journey through Bhutan. The best time to visit Dochula Pass, Bhutan is from September to February for picturesque and closer views of the snow-laden Himalayas. 

Dochula Pass altitude: 3,100m
Dochula Pass weather & temperature: Cold winds. Minimum 2°C and maximum 8°C

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The National Memorial Chorten (stupa)

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The National Memorial Chorten (stupa)

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The National Memorial Chorten (stupa)

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Built in the memory of the third Druk Gyalpo (Head of Kingdom) of Bhutan, the National Memorial Chorten is devoted to World Peace. The Chorten started gaining popularity amongst the localities when various major Buddhist religious festivals started taking place at the Chorten and it is one of the best places to see in Thimphu Bhutan. The word “Chorten” literally translates to “Seat of Faith”, and the structure itself has become an important part of the Bhutanese culture. You can spot various Buddhists circumambulating around the Chorten all throughout the day. The Memorial also attracts a lot of tourists from around the world due to its architectural and deep connection with Bhutan’s rich culture.

Situated well within the capital city Thimphu. the Stupa was initially built in the year 1974 and thereafter, witnessed a massive renovation in the year 2008. The Chorten is also famous as the “most visible religious structure of Bhutan.” 

Unlike other traditional Stupas, this monument does not enshrine any of the human remains. It holds only one photo of Druk Gyalpo in traditional Bhutanese dress in the massive hall on the ground floor.

Visitors will find elderly Bhutanese people circumambulating the Chorten throughout the day. Chorten literally means ‘Seat of Faith’ and Buddhists often call such monuments, the ‘Mind of Buddha’.  The chorten is an extraordinary example of Buddhist architecture and artwork with its gorgeous paintings and intricate sculptures.

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