THINGS TO DO
Things to do
Apart from visiting various places in main tourists towns, there are fascinating
excursions offering good insight into Bhutanese culture which remained intact
over the centuries.
TANGO GOEMBA (THIMPHU)
This Goemba was founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa in the 12th century
and the present building was built in 15" century by'Divine Madman'. Lama
Drukpa Kunley. In 1616 Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited Tango and
meditated in a cave near the Goemba. The picturesque three storey tower
and several surrounding buildings were built in 18th century by eight Desi,
Druk Rabgye. The trek trail to Tango goemba takes about and hour to climb
up.
CHARI GOEMBA (THIMPHU)
This Goemba was built by Shabdrung Ngwang Ndamgyal in 1620. A silver
chorten inside the goemba holds the ashes of Shabdrung's father. This trek
trail starts by crossing a lovely bridge that spans the Thimphu Chhu, then
climbs steeply to the monastery.
PHAJODING MONASTERY (THIMPHU)
It is situated on a commanding height overlooking Thimphu valley. At one time
it used to be one of the richest monasteries in the country. Here Guru
Padmasambhava is shown in his terrijfying appearance holding sword in his
right hand and a bowl made of a skull in left hand. The yogic path that turns
from India to the mountains of Tibet and Bhutan is set here in symbols with
utmost consistency.
From Thimphu it is about 4 hours hike to the monastery.
KILA GOEMBA (PARO)
This Goemba is nestled in acraggy jpatch on the mountain side below the
Chele la pass, and surrounded by numerous huts, perched precariously
along the rock face. Kila Goemba is serene home for 32 anims (buddhist
nuns) who lead an undisturbed life of religious studies, prayer and meditation.
The Anim Dratshang is one of the oldest of seven nuneries in the Kingdom
along with the Jachung Karmo Nunnery in Punakha. It was initially established
in the early ninth century by Dupthob Chhoeje Norbu and Dupthob Temba as
a meditation site. After being destroyed by fire, the lhakhang was
reconstructed by the 25th Je Khenpo, Sherab Gyeltshen. In 1986, Kila
Goemba was officially established by the Government as an Anim Dratshang.
This Goemba is historically significant as a sacred meditation site for
renowned saints including Dupthob Chilkarwa, a student of Pelden Drukpa of
Kagyupa sect.
JILI DZONG(PARO)
Towards the dawning of 20th century, Bhutan's elected head of the
Government known as Debraja weakened and there were clashes among
regional Governers. This strife was ended by 'The Black Regent' father of first
King, popularly seen in his black Gho. He infact conceived the idea of
hereditary monarchy in Bhutan.
In order to get rid of medieval civil wars, the Black Regent traveled all over the
country and led his army at the southern border when troops from British India
threatened Bhutan. The Black Regent had a glorious victory and the battle
head gear, he wore there become, The Raven Crown, a crown used by the
King of Bhutan.
During such time people travelled one corner of Bhutan to another on foot
and on horses and there were several famous night halt places. One such
place was Jeli Dzong.
In medieval times, the caretaker of Jeli Dzong use to give shelter and food,
both to horses andthe riders. The trek to Jeli Dzong is five hour gradual uphill
through the village of Jeshigang. Most of the walk is through mixed coniferous
forests and often you will see white langurs, Himalayan musk deer and Monal
Pheasant. The camp site is wide grassy round of about 200sq.m. It is
advisable to arrive here before sun set for a magnificent view of sun setting
over the mountain peaks.
TAKTSHANG MONASTERY (PARO)
It is most famous of Bhutan's monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m
above the Paro valley floor. It is said the Guru Rimpoche arrived here on the
back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is also called
'Tiger's Nest'. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and
visited by Shabdrung Ngwang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all
Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April' 1998, a fire severely
damaged the main structure of building and other religious contents. Although
at present restoration work of the monastery is in progress but still the
excursion up to cafeteria, situated opposite to monastery is possible which
takes about 5 hours.
Limbukha (PUNAKHA)
Drive to Punakha Dzong which can be vijsited from the month of April to
November when the Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot resides for the summer in
Thimphu. Walk across the suspension bridge ( about 200m long) through
absolutely fresh breeze and fascinating view of Dzong. Follow the farm
houses gradually climbing towards Dompala hills. The view of Dzong, Pho
Chhu, Mo Chhu rivers and the surrounding village is superb amidst chir pine
forests. The climb is another two and a half hours to Limbukha.
Limbukha farmers grow Bhutan's famous red rice which is suppose to have
medicinal values. This particular rice needs clean mountain spring so that the
taste is good and nutritional value maintained. Limbukha is also known for its
love of peace and tranquility. Legends says that during medeival wars the
"Limpus" or the people of Limbukha always volunteered as peace
negotiators. This is also depicted during yearly festival called "Serda" when
the men are found carrying peace flags instead of swords and fireworks.
TALO (PUNAKHA)
The village of Talo (altitude 2,800 m) which is scattered along the hill slopes,
known for its cleanliness and hygiene among Punakha villages. Talo
Sangnacholing is built on a plateau and has majestic view of surrounding
villages. The beautiful farm houses of the village have its own flower gardens
and on the hill slope corns and sweet peas are grown in abundance. The
people of Talo produce maximum corn, which is harvested in the month of July
and August. The women here are particularly known for their beauty and
often the matter of village jokes - that women of Talo will go to hell because
they always break the celibacy of monks.
KUENGA RABTEN (TONGSA)
It is about 23 km, one hour interesting drive from Tongsa. Kuenga Rabten
was the winter palace of the second King and now looked after by Special
Commission for Cultural Affairs. It is pleasant afternoon trip from Tongsa and
offers good insight into early days of Bhutan's monarchy.
THANGBI GOEMBA (BUMTHANG)
A walk of one and a half hour north of Kurje Lhakhang leads to this
monastery, founded in 1470 by Shamar Rimpoche of Karma religious school,
in the middle of a wide fertile plateau overlooking the river. The temple has
two sanctuaries and a temple of terrijfying deities. The sanctuary on the
ground floor contains statues of the past, present and future Buddha and
three clay status probably dating end of the 15th century. On the upper floor,
the vestibule contains two remarkable paintings of Guru Rimpoche's heaven.
NGANG LHAKHANG (BUMTHANG)
A few hours walk from the Thankabi goemba is the small region of Ngang Yul
(Swan Land) and this Lhakhang is 100m above the valley floor. The site was
visited by Guru Rimpoche and present temple was built in 15th century by
Lama Namkha Samdup, a contemporary of Pema Lingpa. A three day festival,
the Ngangbu Tshechu, is held here each December with masked dances in
honour of founder of Goemba.
THE URA VALLEY (BUMTHANG)
Jakar to Ura is 48 km, about one and a half hours drive. To reach here, the
road climbs to amazingly open countryside, only occasionally running into
forest. Large sheep pastures line the road upto 20 km beyond the southern
tip of the Tang valley. Enroute cross Ura la pass (3,600 m) with a magnificent
view of Mount. Gangkar Puensum. Villages in Ura chracter-stically have very
closely clustered houses which is quite unusual in Bhutan. Above Ura village
(3,100m), a new Lhakhang dedicated to Guru Rimpoche inaugurated in 1986
which contains remarkable paintings of the cycle of his teachings. Since last
25 years Ura has transformed from a marginal community to a prosperous
valley.
Apart from visiting various places in main tourists towns, there are fascinating
excursions offering good insight into Bhutanese culture which remained intact
over the centuries.
TANGO GOEMBA (THIMPHU)
This Goemba was founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa in the 12th century
and the present building was built in 15" century by'Divine Madman'. Lama
Drukpa Kunley. In 1616 Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited Tango and
meditated in a cave near the Goemba. The picturesque three storey tower
and several surrounding buildings were built in 18th century by eight Desi,
Druk Rabgye. The trek trail to Tango goemba takes about and hour to climb
up.
CHARI GOEMBA (THIMPHU)
This Goemba was built by Shabdrung Ngwang Ndamgyal in 1620. A silver
chorten inside the goemba holds the ashes of Shabdrung's father. This trek
trail starts by crossing a lovely bridge that spans the Thimphu Chhu, then
climbs steeply to the monastery.
PHAJODING MONASTERY (THIMPHU)
It is situated on a commanding height overlooking Thimphu valley. At one time
it used to be one of the richest monasteries in the country. Here Guru
Padmasambhava is shown in his terrijfying appearance holding sword in his
right hand and a bowl made of a skull in left hand. The yogic path that turns
from India to the mountains of Tibet and Bhutan is set here in symbols with
utmost consistency.
From Thimphu it is about 4 hours hike to the monastery.
KILA GOEMBA (PARO)
This Goemba is nestled in acraggy jpatch on the mountain side below the
Chele la pass, and surrounded by numerous huts, perched precariously
along the rock face. Kila Goemba is serene home for 32 anims (buddhist
nuns) who lead an undisturbed life of religious studies, prayer and meditation.
The Anim Dratshang is one of the oldest of seven nuneries in the Kingdom
along with the Jachung Karmo Nunnery in Punakha. It was initially established
in the early ninth century by Dupthob Chhoeje Norbu and Dupthob Temba as
a meditation site. After being destroyed by fire, the lhakhang was
reconstructed by the 25th Je Khenpo, Sherab Gyeltshen. In 1986, Kila
Goemba was officially established by the Government as an Anim Dratshang.
This Goemba is historically significant as a sacred meditation site for
renowned saints including Dupthob Chilkarwa, a student of Pelden Drukpa of
Kagyupa sect.
JILI DZONG(PARO)
Towards the dawning of 20th century, Bhutan's elected head of the
Government known as Debraja weakened and there were clashes among
regional Governers. This strife was ended by 'The Black Regent' father of first
King, popularly seen in his black Gho. He infact conceived the idea of
hereditary monarchy in Bhutan.
In order to get rid of medieval civil wars, the Black Regent traveled all over the
country and led his army at the southern border when troops from British India
threatened Bhutan. The Black Regent had a glorious victory and the battle
head gear, he wore there become, The Raven Crown, a crown used by the
King of Bhutan.
During such time people travelled one corner of Bhutan to another on foot
and on horses and there were several famous night halt places. One such
place was Jeli Dzong.
In medieval times, the caretaker of Jeli Dzong use to give shelter and food,
both to horses andthe riders. The trek to Jeli Dzong is five hour gradual uphill
through the village of Jeshigang. Most of the walk is through mixed coniferous
forests and often you will see white langurs, Himalayan musk deer and Monal
Pheasant. The camp site is wide grassy round of about 200sq.m. It is
advisable to arrive here before sun set for a magnificent view of sun setting
over the mountain peaks.
TAKTSHANG MONASTERY (PARO)
It is most famous of Bhutan's monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m
above the Paro valley floor. It is said the Guru Rimpoche arrived here on the
back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is also called
'Tiger's Nest'. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and
visited by Shabdrung Ngwang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all
Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April' 1998, a fire severely
damaged the main structure of building and other religious contents. Although
at present restoration work of the monastery is in progress but still the
excursion up to cafeteria, situated opposite to monastery is possible which
takes about 5 hours.
Limbukha (PUNAKHA)
Drive to Punakha Dzong which can be vijsited from the month of April to
November when the Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot resides for the summer in
Thimphu. Walk across the suspension bridge ( about 200m long) through
absolutely fresh breeze and fascinating view of Dzong. Follow the farm
houses gradually climbing towards Dompala hills. The view of Dzong, Pho
Chhu, Mo Chhu rivers and the surrounding village is superb amidst chir pine
forests. The climb is another two and a half hours to Limbukha.
Limbukha farmers grow Bhutan's famous red rice which is suppose to have
medicinal values. This particular rice needs clean mountain spring so that the
taste is good and nutritional value maintained. Limbukha is also known for its
love of peace and tranquility. Legends says that during medeival wars the
"Limpus" or the people of Limbukha always volunteered as peace
negotiators. This is also depicted during yearly festival called "Serda" when
the men are found carrying peace flags instead of swords and fireworks.
TALO (PUNAKHA)
The village of Talo (altitude 2,800 m) which is scattered along the hill slopes,
known for its cleanliness and hygiene among Punakha villages. Talo
Sangnacholing is built on a plateau and has majestic view of surrounding
villages. The beautiful farm houses of the village have its own flower gardens
and on the hill slope corns and sweet peas are grown in abundance. The
people of Talo produce maximum corn, which is harvested in the month of July
and August. The women here are particularly known for their beauty and
often the matter of village jokes - that women of Talo will go to hell because
they always break the celibacy of monks.
KUENGA RABTEN (TONGSA)
It is about 23 km, one hour interesting drive from Tongsa. Kuenga Rabten
was the winter palace of the second King and now looked after by Special
Commission for Cultural Affairs. It is pleasant afternoon trip from Tongsa and
offers good insight into early days of Bhutan's monarchy.
THANGBI GOEMBA (BUMTHANG)
A walk of one and a half hour north of Kurje Lhakhang leads to this
monastery, founded in 1470 by Shamar Rimpoche of Karma religious school,
in the middle of a wide fertile plateau overlooking the river. The temple has
two sanctuaries and a temple of terrijfying deities. The sanctuary on the
ground floor contains statues of the past, present and future Buddha and
three clay status probably dating end of the 15th century. On the upper floor,
the vestibule contains two remarkable paintings of Guru Rimpoche's heaven.
NGANG LHAKHANG (BUMTHANG)
A few hours walk from the Thankabi goemba is the small region of Ngang Yul
(Swan Land) and this Lhakhang is 100m above the valley floor. The site was
visited by Guru Rimpoche and present temple was built in 15th century by
Lama Namkha Samdup, a contemporary of Pema Lingpa. A three day festival,
the Ngangbu Tshechu, is held here each December with masked dances in
honour of founder of Goemba.
THE URA VALLEY (BUMTHANG)
Jakar to Ura is 48 km, about one and a half hours drive. To reach here, the
road climbs to amazingly open countryside, only occasionally running into
forest. Large sheep pastures line the road upto 20 km beyond the southern
tip of the Tang valley. Enroute cross Ura la pass (3,600 m) with a magnificent
view of Mount. Gangkar Puensum. Villages in Ura chracter-stically have very
closely clustered houses which is quite unusual in Bhutan. Above Ura village
(3,100m), a new Lhakhang dedicated to Guru Rimpoche inaugurated in 1986
which contains remarkable paintings of the cycle of his teachings. Since last
25 years Ura has transformed from a marginal community to a prosperous
valley.
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Meditation Books on Bhutan Lonely Planet Local Writers Local songs
Pen pal Hotels in Bhutan Local Film Industry Business in Bhutan Manufacturing Industries
Tallest Statue of Buddha Nepal Tour Tibet Tour India Tour Bhutanese cuisines