Bhutan
Thimpu is a capital of Bhutan. Lying in a
valley (elevation 2,350 m), Thimpu is unlike any other capital
in the world. The traditional architecture of its houses and
buildings 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 National
Institute for Zorig Chosum for thanka painting, sculpture,
wood and slate carving, gold works, embroidery and traditional
boot making; Changangkha Lakhang which contains ancient scriptures
and thanka paintings; and Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan's oldest
fortress which now houses a school for Buddhist studies. You
can also visit the smithy on the other side of the Thimpu
River to see traditional gold and silver smiths at work, the
Folk Heritage Museum, which showcases a typical Bhutanese
farmhouse, and the Takin Sanctuary (the taking is the national
animal of Bhutan) above the Motithang area.
AROUND BHUTAN
WESTERN 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; Kyichu Lakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred
temples in Bhutan; and Dungtse Lakhang with its extraordinary
collection of religious paintings, are the places to see in
the valley. Punakha, 77 km (three hours and 15 minutes' drive)
north-east 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 sacred artifacts
and temples. The road from Thimpu to Punakha crosses the 3,115-m
Dochula Pass. Wangdi 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.
En route from Wangdi to Tongsa is the Gangtey Gompa, the biggest
Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan.
CENTRAL BHUTAN
Trongsa is 129 km (four and a half hours' drive) east of Wangdi
and crosses the 3,300 m Pelela Pass. The Trongsa Dzong, the
ancestral home of Bhutan's royal family, houses 23 temples.
The watchtower, Ta Dzong, has a temple dedicated to King Gesar,
the hero of a great epic. Bumthang consists of the valleys
of Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura. It takes two and a half
hours to reach Bumthang, 68 km northeast of Trongsa. Bumthang
is ideal for making excursions to the many monasteries and
shrines — Tharpaling, Choedrak, Tamshing, Kurjey, Jambey,
Kunzangdra among others - as well as to Mebartso, "the
flaming lake".
EASTERN BHUTAN
Mongar is 198 km (seven hours' drive) southeast of Bumthang.
The road to Mongar crosses Thumshingla (3,800 m), the highest
pass in Bhutan. The Mongar Dzong is relatively new compared
with the other dzongs of the kingdom. Lhuntshi is 76 km (three
hours' drive) north of Mongar. The landscape here is spectacular
with stark cliffs and gorges and dense coniferous forests.
This district is famous for its weavers and the fine quality
of fabrics they produce. The 90-km trip from Mongar to Trashigang,
the easternmost district, takes four hours. Some 20 km before
Trashigang is the Dametsi Monastery, the most important monastery
of eastern Bhutan. After Thimpu, Trashigang is the largest
urban center where the Trashigang Dzong stands over the Gamri
River. Tashi Yangtse, north of Trashigang, has a dzong and
the Nepalese style Chorten Kora.
