Located high in the Himalayas, the country of Bhutan, dedicated to its environmental tourism, offers the natural wonders of its landlocked country to the world. With its major attractions being primarily located in the western and central regions around Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, travelers will find the cultural heart of Bhutan, along with the famous Buddhist sites and incredible Himalayan trek. See for yourself the great destinations in the beautiful country of Bhutan!
Thimphu
Situated in the western part of Central Bhutan, Thimphu is both the kingdom’s capital and largest city located in one of the country’s breathtaking valleys. The city spreads out and lies on the banks of the Wang Chhu River and offers amazing sights to see, which includes the Tashichho Dzong, an ancient fortress-monastery found at the city’s edge and was once the civil leaders’ seat of governance in Bhutan.
The city was given capital status in 1961. It replaced the former ancient capital of Bhutan, Punakha, which was home to the religious leaders of the country before the royal family was crowned.
Paro
The second city of Bhutan, Paro, sits on the Paro Valley, the first place any traveler will see when they enter the country as it is where the only international airport is located. Paro’s main street is overflowing with complex and rich architecture, displaying traditional Bhutanese abodes and shops, lined along with cafes and restaurants. This city is perfect for finding one-of-a-kind antiques, Buddhist souvenirs, and prayer-related artifacts.
Paro lies alongside the Paro River which is significant to the history of Bhutan. From once being the location of a monastery to another since the 10th century, Paro has also been the historic northern stronghold of the country against invasion from Tibet.
Punakha Dzong
This Buddhist dzong was once the administrative seat of government in the country of Bhutan until 1995. Particularly, the Punakha Dzong is the home to some of Bhutan’s most sacred relics of the Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu School of Buddhism, even housing the sacred remains of the first Zhabdrung Rinpoche. The dzong also served as the wedding site of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Jetsun Pema, his bride, in October of the year 2011, becoming the first national TV broadcast to the people of Bhutan.
Punakha Dzong is also known as Pungtang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang, which means “the palace of happiness and bliss.” The Dzong is a 17th-century monastery constructed by the first Bhutanese Zhabdrung Rinpoche and is also the second oldest Buddhist dzong in the kingdom of Bhutan.
Phobjikha Valley
The valley, which looks like a wide U-shaped glacial valley, is located in Central Bhutan and is also known as the Gangteng Valley. What makes this valley stand out is the appearance of the rare black-necked cranes that come along the area during the winter season from their summer nests in Tibet. These cranes circle the Gangteng Monastery roof three times when they arrive in the last week of October, before landing in the wetlands of the valley, and they repeat this process as they depart for Tibet once more in March.
There is no identified reason as to why these cranes do the act and the Buddhists of the area perceive it as a sign or a good omen, which makes the whole area of the valley protected against the harsh weather of the winter season. Tourists often go on a three-day trek through the valley and hundreds of birdwatchers arrive in the area in October and March to take in the spectacle of the cranes.
Chomolhari
Sitting at a height of 7,326 meters, this incredibly huge mountain, which is also called Jhomolhari, sits on the border between Tibet and Bhutan. The mountain is the primary source of the Paro River’s waters which would flow down the mountain’s southern side, along with being the source of the Amo River which flows on the north side. On the south side of the mountain lies the Chomolhari Temple at 4,150 meters, which becomes the home for religious pilgrims who visit the mountain to stay. An hour's walk up the mountain would bring you to one of Bhutan’s highest lakes, the Tseringma Lhatso, also known as the “spirit lake.”
Jigme Dorji National Park
Established in 1974 to protect the indigenous species of endangered animals in the country of Bhutan, the Jigme Dorji National Park covers over 4,300 square kilometers from an altitude of 1,400 meters to over 7,000 meters. The park is home to a variety of rare mammal species, such as the Bengal tiger, snow leopard, clouded leopard, Indian leopard, Himalayan black bear, and well-known Bhutanese Takin. The area is rich in flora and many species of goral, sambar, and deer, with thousands of species of birds that are both indigenous to Bhutan and migratory. Apart from the immersion in nature, the park also provides its visitors with a spiritual experience through the religious and cultural sites within its borders.
Rinpung Dzong
This temple, a large monastery, and fortress of the Kagyu School of Buddhism in Bhutan houses the Monastic Body of Governance for the region and is one of the most famous temples in the country. Given to the Buddhist Lamas in the 15th century, the temple is presently one of Bhutan’s “tentative” sites in the UNESCO inclusion lists for future World Heritage Sites.
In the 17th century, the temple was given to the Zhabdrung Rinpoche who demolished the former structure and built the temple or dzong we see today. In 1646, the dzong was reconsecrated, becoming the monastic and administrative center of West Bhutan and in 1993, the temple also appeared in a film called “Little Buddha.”
Chele La Pass
At around 3,989 meters above sea level, the Chele La Pass is Bhutan’s most popular high point for tourists and is considered to be the highest pass accessible by any vehicle in Bhutan. In just under two hours from Paro, the road to this location is filled with thick forests, rivers, and waterfalls, all being beautiful scenery to take photos of and make memories with.
The pass lies above the virgin forests of the Haa Valley in the district of Paro. Going up the road, hundreds of poles with prayer flags are noticeably placed by locals, which are supposed to scare off evil spirits and demons.
No comments:
Post a Comment