BHUTAN
THE LAST PARADISE
Known to the native as Druk yul (land of the Thunder Dragon), Bhutan is regarded as the last paradise on earth. Its isolation, spectacular mountains, varied flora and fauna, ancient Buddhist monasteries, vibrant culture and mystic aura have made it so.
Through small in size, the kingdom’s is topography is one of dramatic contrasts. From the near tropical southern border with India at an altitude of 300 m, the land rises to culminate in the over 7000-m peaks of the Himalayan in the north which from a natural frontier with the Tibetan region of Bhutan’s northern neighbor, china.
THIMPU
Lying in a valley (elevation 2,350m), Thimpu is unlike any other capital in the world. The traditional architecture of its houses and building s is particularly striking.
The places to visit are the Memorial Chorten, dedicated to the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk; Tashichho Dzong, seat of the government of Bhutan and the summer residence of the central monk body; the Traditional Medicine Hospital where herbal medicines are prepared; the National Library, a treasure trove of ancient texts; the Painting School where children learn the traditional techniques of drawing and painting; Dechenchholing to see traditional gold and silver smiths at work; Changangkha Lakhang which contains ancient scriptures and thanka paintings; and Smitokha Dzong, Bhutan’s oldest fortress which now houses a school for Buddhist studies
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AROUND BHUTAN
Paro is 65 Km (two hours’ drive) to the southwest of Thimpu. The
Taktsang Monastery where Guru Rinpoche meditated to subdue evil spirits; Rinpung Dzong, venue of the Paro tsechu (festival); Ta Dzong which houses the national museum; the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, built to commemorate Bhutan`s victory over Tibetan aggressors; Kyisc Lakhang, one of the oldest and most scared temples in Bhutan; and Dungtse Lakhang with its extraordinary collection of religious paintings, are the places to see in the valley.
Punakha, 77Km (three hours and 15 minutes’ drive) northeast of Thimpu, served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and even today, it is the winter home of the central monk body. The Punakha Dzong houses many scared artifact and temples. The road from Thimpu to Punakha crosses the 3,115-m Dochula pass.
Wangda Phodrang (or Wangdi) is situated 70 Km (three hours’ drive)
Southeast of Thimpu. The Wangdi Phodrang Dzong played a key role during the unification of Bhutan. Enroute from wangdi to Tongsa is the Gangtey Gompa, the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan.
Tours & Treks in Bhutan – THE DRAGON KINGDOM
