Fishing in Bhutan

The Great Buddha Dordenma is a monumental statue of Shakyamuni Buddha located in the mountains overlooking Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Built to celebrate the 60th birthday of the Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the statue also honors Bhutan’s monarchical centennial. Constructed at a height of 177 feet (54 meters), it is one of the world’s largest Buddha statues, containing over 125,000 smaller gilded Buddha statues inside—100,000 measuring 8 inches and 25,000 measuring 12 inches—all made of bronze and gilded in gold.

Situated on the historic site of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of the 13th Druk Desi, Sherab Wangchuk, the statue overlooks the southern approach to Thimphu. Construction began in 2006 and concluded in September 2015, costing over $47 million, funded largely by Singaporean businessman Rinchen Peter Teo. In total, the project exceeded $100 million.

The Great Buddha Dordenma fulfills two ancient prophecies. In the 20th century, yogi Sonam Zangpo predicted that a large statue would be built in this area to bring blessings and peace to the world, while Guru Rinpoche's ancient terma also referenced such a statue in the region.

Surrounding the statue is the Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park, opened in 2011, which preserves 943 acres of forest and includes outdoor gymnasiums introduced in 2015, offering a tranquil setting for both reflection and recreation.

This prominent white Thimphu Chorten, a major landmark in Thimphu, holds deep significance for Bhutanese, serving as a focal point of daily worship. Built in 1974 as a memorial to the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928–72), the Tibetan-style stupa is best visited early in the morning, when elderly devotees quietly circumambulate, families light butter lamps, and schoolchildren in traditional ghos and kiras perform a quick kora (ritual walk around the chorten).

The chorten, with its golden finial catching the sunlight, has richly painted annexes facing each cardinal direction, adorned with elaborate mandalas, statues, and a shrine honoring the beloved king. Activities continue from dawn until after dark, though tourists are advised not to visit at night to allow for uninterrupted local worship. Near the main entrance, dedicated elderly devotees are often seen turning giant prayer wheels, adding to the chorten's vibrant atmosphere.

Tashichho Dzong, known as the "Fortress of the Glorious Religion" or Thimphu Dzong, is an imposing structure that serves as the seat of Bhutan’s government, housing the king’s throne room, the secretariat, and ministries of home affairs and finance. Located near Thimphu town on the banks of the Wang Chhu River, it is surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens and lawns, with thirty temples, chapels, and shrines within its walls.

Originally built in 1216 by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa as Dho-Ngon (Blue Stone) Dzong, the fortress was later expanded and renamed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1641, establishing it as Tashichho Dzong. Following multiple fires, it was extensively rebuilt by the sixteenth desi, Sonam Lhurup, in 1771 and later renovated by Bhutan’s third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, in 1962, when Thimphu became the capital. This reconstruction was completed in traditional Bhutanese architectural style, without nails, and was led by Zopen Parpa Yodsel.

Nearby, the Ney Khang Lhakhang tower to the west holds a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha and protective deities. Since 1953, the royal family has resided in Dechencholing Palace, located north of the dzong.

Punakha Dzong, often hailed as Bhutan's most beautiful fortress, is especially enchanting in spring when the blooming lilac jacaranda trees enhance its whitewashed walls. Built in 1637, it served as Bhutan's capital until the 1950s and remains the winter residence of the monastic body. Known for its historical and religious significance, this dzong is where Bhutan’s kings are crowned.

Legend says Guru Rinpoche predicted the dzong’s location at the “trunk” of an elephant-shaped hill at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers. Initially, a smaller structure, Dzong Chung, housed a Buddha statue here in 1326. Expanded in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Punakha Dzong is named Pungthang Dechen Phodrang, meaning Palace of Great Happiness.

The dzong spans 180 meters in length and 72 meters in width, featuring a six-story central tower (utse) crowned by a gold dome. With three courtyards, it is unique among Bhutan’s dzongs, containing sacred relics, including the Rangjung Kharsapani, a revered image of Chenresig central to the annual dromchoe festival.

Visitors enter via the Bazam bridge, rebuilt in 2008. Defensive features include steep wooden stairs designed to retract and a massive wooden door closed each night. Noteworthy areas include the kunrey (assembly hall) with exquisite murals and gold statues of Buddha, Guru Rinpoche, and the Zhabdrung. To the north, Dzong Chung offers blessings from a Sakyamuni statue, while nearby lie a royal palace and a cremation ground. Punakha Dzong remains a vibrant symbol of Bhutan's spiritual and cultural heritage.

Perched majestically above the Punakha valley, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten stands as a stunning example of Bhutanese art and architecture. Built by Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, this chorten serves not as a place for communal worship or education, but as a spiritual tool to ward off negative forces and promote peace for all living beings.

The chorten's intricate golden spire and elaborate wall patterns reflect Bhutan’s rich artistic traditions. From its top, visitors can enjoy serene views of a Bodhi tree, lush gardens, prayer wheels, and a small temple housing a peaceful Sakyamuni Buddha.

Inside, visitors encounter a grand 15- to 20-foot sculpture of Vajrakilaya, Bhutan’s most powerful protective deity, with 103 vivid 3D forms emerging from his main figure. This multi-layered deity exemplifies the complex, balanced beauty of Bhutanese spiritual art. Further shrines display other wrathful deities, their intense energies transformed by their consorts, illustrating the harmony between wrath and acceptance.

A final staircase leads to the roof, where a golden Sakyamuni Buddha greets visitors, providing a moment of peace and breathtaking views—a perfect photography spot. Reaching the chorten requires a scenic one-hour hike through rice paddies, pine forests, and over an ancient-style suspension bridge. This path, lined with traditional irrigation channels and prayer wheels, offers panoramic views of Punakha valley, making the journey as memorable as the destination.

Tali Dratshang, located just a 10-minute drive from Gelephu Town in Bhutan, was founded by Lam Therchung in 1971. This revered temple houses statues of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Buddha, and Guru Rinpoche, making it an important spiritual site. Tali Dratshang serves as both a place of worship for the local community and the winter residence for the monastic body of Sarpang Dzong.

Each year, Tali Dratshang hosts a vibrant festival featuring traditional masked dances and cultural performances, attracting thousands of locals who gather with family and friends to celebrate. This annual event strengthens cultural ties and is a highlight for the community.

Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan’s oldest national park, is celebrated as the "conservation showpiece of the Kingdom." Covering 1,057 square kilometers, it spans eastern Sarpang, western Zhemgang, and parts of Pemagatshel District, connecting to other Bhutanese parks and abutting India’s Manas National Park, a World Heritage Site.

Established as a focal point for Bhutan's early conservation efforts, Royal Manas received vital infrastructure and management planning in the 1990s, setting standards for Bhutan’s park systems. Its habitats range from tropical forests to permanent ice fields and include key ecoregions such as Eastern Himalayan broadleaf and subtropical pine forests.

Home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, Royal Manas shelters Bengal tigers, elephants, the rare golden langur, one-horned rhinoceroses, wild water buffalo, and many endangered species. The park is also rich in birdlife, hosting hundreds of bird species, including four hornbill species. In addition, the Manas River supports three rare mahseer fish species, including the golden mahseer. With around 5,000 residents in remote villages, the park is also vital for local communities, providing plants for food, medicine, and traditional practices.

Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan’s oldest national park, is celebrated as the "conservation showpiece of the Kingdom." Covering 1,057 square kilometers, it spans eastern Sarpang, western Zhemgang, and parts of Pemagatshel District, connecting to other Bhutanese parks and abutting India’s Manas National Park, a World Heritage Site.

Established as a focal point for Bhutan's early conservation efforts, Royal Manas received vital infrastructure and management planning in the 1990s, setting standards for Bhutan’s park systems. Its habitats range from tropical forests to permanent ice fields and include key ecoregions such as Eastern Himalayan broadleaf and subtropical pine forests.

Home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, Royal Manas shelters Bengal tigers, elephants, the rare golden langur, one-horned rhinoceroses, wild water buffalo, and many endangered species. The park is also rich in birdlife, hosting hundreds of bird species, including four hornbill species. In addition, the Manas River supports three rare mahseer fish species, including the golden mahseer. With around 5,000 residents in remote villages, the park is also vital for local communities, providing plants for food, medicine, and traditional practices.

Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan’s oldest national park, is celebrated as the "conservation showpiece of the Kingdom." Covering 1,057 square kilometers, it spans eastern Sarpang, western Zhemgang, and parts of Pemagatshel District, connecting to other Bhutanese parks and abutting India’s Manas National Park, a World Heritage Site.

Established as a focal point for Bhutan's early conservation efforts, Royal Manas received vital infrastructure and management planning in the 1990s, setting standards for Bhutan’s park systems. Its habitats range from tropical forests to permanent ice fields and include key ecoregions such as Eastern Himalayan broadleaf and subtropical pine forests.

Home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, Royal Manas shelters Bengal tigers, elephants, the rare golden langur, one-horned rhinoceroses, wild water buffalo, and many endangered species. The park is also rich in birdlife, hosting hundreds of bird species, including four hornbill species. In addition, the Manas River supports three rare mahseer fish species, including the golden mahseer. With around 5,000 residents in remote villages, the park is also vital for local communities, providing plants for food, medicine, and traditional practices.

Simtokha Dzong, located about 5 km south of Thimphu on the old road to Paro and Phuentsholing, was built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Known as Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang (Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras), its name, Simtokha, is derived from the legend of a demoness vanishing into a stone (simmo for demoness and do for stone). The site was strategically significant, guarding the Thimphu Valley and routes to Dochu La and eastern Bhutan.

Often cited as the first dzong built by the Zhabdrung, Simtokha Dzong uniquely combines both monastic and administrative functions and is the oldest surviving dzong in Bhutan. The fortress endured attacks during its construction from Tibetan forces and rival Bhutanese lamas opposed to the Zhabdrung, with later control regained by the Zhabdrung after a fire tragically defeated the invaders.

Restored and expanded by the third desi, Mingyur Tenpa, in the 1670s, Simtokha Dzong has been updated multiple times. Its fortress-like design includes murals of the four guardian kings near the entrance and a three-storey utse (central tower). The courtyard’s prayer wheels are surrounded by over 300 slate carvings of saints. The main chapel, adorned with ancient murals, houses a central Sakyamuni statue, eight bodhisattvas, and vibrant dhvaja (victory banners).

In the western chapel, visitors can see statues of Chenresig, green and white Taras, and a rare painting of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. In the eastern goenkhang (protector chapel), artifacts like tiger tails and guns honor the guardians Mahakala and Pelden Lhamo.

This prominent white Thimphu Chorten, a major landmark in Thimphu, holds deep significance for Bhutanese, serving as a focal point of daily worship. Built in 1974 as a memorial to the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928–72), the Tibetan-style stupa is best visited early in the morning, when elderly devotees quietly circumambulate, families light butter lamps, and schoolchildren in traditional ghos and kiras perform a quick kora (ritual walk around the chorten).

The chorten, with its golden finial catching the sunlight, has richly painted annexes facing each cardinal direction, adorned with elaborate mandalas, statues, and a shrine honoring the beloved king. Activities continue from dawn until after dark, though tourists are advised not to visit at night to allow for uninterrupted local worship. Near the main entrance, dedicated elderly devotees are often seen turning giant prayer wheels, adding to the chorten's vibrant atmosphere.

Paro Taktsang Goemba, or the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, is perhaps Bhutan’s most famous monastery, dramatically perched on a cliffside, 3,000 feet above Paro Valley. Nestled among a forest of blue pine and rhododendrons, the monastery is steeped in legend. It is said that Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambhava) arrived here on the back of a tigress, a manifestation of his consort Yeshe Tsogyal, to subdue the demon Singye Samdrup. Following this, he meditated in a cave at the site for three years.

Guru Padmasambhava, revered as the figure who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan, is considered the country’s spiritual protector. Paro Taktsang is the most famous of the thirteen “tiger lair” caves where he meditated. Each year, a festival called Tsechu, held in March or April, celebrates Padmasambhava’s life and legacy in Paro Valley.

The main temple, or Lhakhang, was constructed in 1692 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye, the Governor (Penlop) of Paro, around the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated.

Rinpung Dzong, meaning "fortress on the heap of jewels," was constructed in 1644 under the directive of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Renowned as one of Bhutan’s most impressive dzongs, it exemplifies traditional Bhutanese architecture. Its inward-sloping walls create a formidable structure that stands high over the town, visible from vantage points throughout the valley as a striking white monolith.

Built in 1646, Rinpung Dzong has long been one of Bhutan's strongest and most significant fortresses, often used to protect the Paro Valley from Tibetan invasions. It withstood the 1897 earthquake, but after catching fire in 1907, it was rebuilt in 1908. Historically, it served as the National Assembly's first meeting hall, and today it houses a monastic school and government administrative offices.

Just west of the dzong, down the hill, is the Nyamai Zam, a traditional cantilever timber bridge crossing the Pachu River. An earlier version of the bridge was once dismantled to safeguard the dzong. Visitors can cross this bridge to reach the parking area near Ugyen Pelri Palace, with access to the main Paro market. The Paro Tshechu festival, highly popular with tourists, is also celebrated here.

The Ta Dzong, now the National Museum of Bhutan, is a unique cylindrical structure shaped like a conch shell. Built in 1649 by Langonpa Tendzin Drugpa, the first Governor of Paro and half-brother of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it served originally as a watchtower to guard Paro Rinpung Dzong against invasions. Its strategic location right above the fortress provided an ideal vantage point.

In the past, the dzong served as the center of both state administration and spiritual life in the Paro Valley. The watchtower's design includes six spiral floors descending from the top, with stone walls two and a half meters thick. During its time as a watchtower, it not only accommodated soldiers but also held prisoners of war.

In the 1950s, the Bhutanese government undertook a complete renovation of the building to adapt it as a museum for the national collections. It opened to the public in 1968.

Today, the museum includes the main Ta Dzong building with six floors of exhibits and a secondary exhibition space in a modern structure located uphill. The ground floor offers a flexible gallery space for temporary and rotating exhibits.