Jambay Lhakhang Drup

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.

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.

Changangkha Lhakhang, a compact and historic temple complex, sits on a ridge extending toward central Thimphu from the eastern hills. Founded in the 13th or 14th century by Nyima, son of Phajo Drugom Zhigpo—who introduced the Drukpa Kagyu Buddhist tradition to Bhutan—it is likely the oldest temple in Thimphu, predating Bhutan’s unification in the 17th century.

Parents often visit the temple to seek blessings for young children from the deity Genyen Domtsangpa, protector of children born in Thimphu’s national hospital. The temple’s main object of reverence is a large bronze statue of Avalokiteśvara in Mahakarunika form, believed by some to be "self-arisen," while others attribute its creation to a Newa artisan.

The complex is arranged along the ridge, with the main temple facing a courtyard with a protective deity’s shrine, known as the Gönkhang, which houses images of Genyen Domtsangpa and other protector deities. The surrounding walls enclose a circumambulatory path featuring prayer wheels and slate carvings of Kagyu lineage Buddhas and lamas.

The main temple's interior is divided, with one section open to public viewing and the other reserved for sacred images and relics. Only Bhutanese men may enter the Gönkhang, as it contains Bhutan’s oldest surviving murals. Behind the temple, paths lead to terraces with stupas, offering panoramic views over Thimphu in three directions.

Tango Monastery, located 14 kilometers north of Thimphu near Cheri Mountain, was founded in the 13th century by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo and rebuilt in 1688 by Tenzin Rabgye. The monastery, named for the “horse head” deity Hayagriva, whom it enshrines, is a key site in the Drukpa Kagyu Buddhist tradition. Known for its distinctive 12-sided design, the complex includes meditation caves, sacred statues, and six main temples housing deities like the large Buddha crafted by Panchen Deva and relics of Bhutanese saints.

Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal meditated at Tango, securing it as a spiritual refuge in the 17th century. Today, the monastery is a monastic school and a revered pilgrimage site, with panoramic terraces and historic murals, serving as the residence of Bhutan’s 7th Tri Rinpoche.

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.

Chendebji Chorten, an 18th-century stupa located 41 km west of Trongsa at 2,430 meters altitude, is a revered site in Bhutan. Built by Lam Oensey Tshering Wangchuk in the Nepalese style of the Boudhanath stupa, it was constructed to subdue the demon Ngala, believed to be entombed beneath it. This chorten is part of the Chorten Lam, a sacred path connecting Bhutan’s chortens, and includes a prayer wall, or mani stone, adding to its spiritual ambiance.

Every year, from the 21st to the 25th day of the ninth lunar month, a festival is held here, attracting pilgrims and visitors to celebrate its historical and religious significance.

Trongsa Dzong, Bhutan’s largest fortress, dominates a ridge over the Mangdi Chuu River and historically served as the seat of power for central and eastern Bhutan. Strategically located, it controlled the only route between east and west, establishing the authority of the Trongsa Penlop (Governor), a role all Bhutanese kings assume before ascending to the throne. This imposing structure, visible from afar, is a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, with multi-level buildings cascading down the hillside.

Trongsa Dzong is also the site of the vibrant annual Trongsa Festival, held in December or January. Now the administrative center of Trongsa District, the Dzong remains a central symbol of Bhutan’s history and heritage.

The Tower of Trongsa (Ta Dzong) is a historic watchtower-turned-museum that overlooks Trongsa Dzong and showcases Bhutan’s rich monarchical and cultural history. The museum’s five floors display treasured artifacts, including Ngagi Wangchuk’s 500-year-old jacket, a replica of the Raven Crown, the second king's saddle, and a radio gifted by American Burt Todd, Bhutan’s first foreign visitor in the 1950s.

Notable exhibits include a copy of the *Padma Kathang*, Guru Rinpoche’s biography, and a 1926 document pledging loyalty to the monarchy. The top-floor Gesar Lhakhang honors Jigme Namgyal, the 19th-century Trongsa penlop. Visitors can enjoy sweeping views from the rooftop, a ground-floor cafe, and a souvenir shop.

Note: Photos are not allowed in the museum; lockers are available at the entrance.

Kurjey Lhakhang, a sacred temple complex in Bumthang Valley, is named for the "kurjey" or body imprint of Guru Rinpoche, preserved in a cave within its oldest temple. Just 2.5 km from Chakhar Lhakhang, Kurjey comprises three significant temples, each rich with spiritual and cultural history.

The first temple, Guru Lhakhang, was built in 1652 and features symbols of Guru Rinpoche’s legendary battle with the demon Shelging Kharpo, including a hidden statue and a sacred crawl-through passage for purification. The upper floor houses 1,000 statues and the meditation cave where the Guru left his imprint.

The second temple, Sampa Lhundrup Lhakhang, was added in 1900 by Bhutan’s first king, Ugyen Wangchuck, and displays a towering 10-meter statue of Guru Rinpoche along with murals of guardian deities. The third temple, built by Queen Ashi Kesang Wangchuck in 1984, is surrounded by 108 chortens and showcases vibrant murals.

Nearby, Zangto Pelri Lhakhang offers a 3D depiction of Guru Rinpoche’s paradise. Each June, the Kurjey tsechu festival celebrates the Guru's victory over evil with colorful masked dances and the display of the Guru Tshengye Thondrol thangka, drawing pilgrims and visitors to this sacred site.

Jampa Temple, also known as Jampé Lhakhang or the Temple of Maitreya, is an ancient and revered temple in Bumthang, Bhutan. Built in 659 CE, it is one of 108 temples constructed by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in a single day to subdue a demoness believed to be obstructing the spread of Buddhism. These temples, spread across Tibet, Bhutan, and nearby regions, were placed on various points of the demoness's body.

Among the most significant of these temples are Jokhang in Lhasa, Kichu in Paro, and Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang. Other temples in Bhutan, such as Könchogsum in Bumthang, Khaine in Lhuntse, and two in Haa District, are thought to be part of this original group, though many have been lost over time.

Jambay Lhakhang holds particular historical and spiritual importance, having been visited by Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) and later restored by King Sindhu Raja. It has undergone various repairs and reconstructions over centuries, preserving its legacy as one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred sites.

Jampa Temple, also known as Jampé Lhakhang or the Temple of Maitreya, is an ancient and revered temple in Bumthang, Bhutan. Built in 659 CE, it is one of 108 temples constructed by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in a single day to subdue a demoness believed to be obstructing the spread of Buddhism. These temples, spread across Tibet, Bhutan, and nearby regions, were placed on various points of the demoness's body.

Among the most significant of these temples are Jokhang in Lhasa, Kichu in Paro, and Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang. Other temples in Bhutan, such as Könchogsum in Bumthang, Khaine in Lhuntse, and two in Haa District, are thought to be part of this original group, though many have been lost over time.

Jambay Lhakhang holds particular historical and spiritual importance, having been visited by Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) and later restored by King Sindhu Raja. It has undergone various repairs and reconstructions over centuries, preserving its legacy as one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred sites.

Gangteng Monastery, also known as Gangtey Gonpa, is a revered Nyingmapa Buddhist monastery in Bhutan’s Phobjikha Valley, Wangdue Phodrang District, established in 1613 by Gyalse Pema Thinley, a descendant of Terton Pema Lingpa. Known for its unique location on a ridge above the Phobjikha Valley, the monastery is surrounded by the Black Mountains and welcomes the migratory black-necked cranes each winter, adding to its spiritual allure.

The monastery underwent a major restoration from 2000 to 2008, preserving its historic architecture and cultural significance. Today, it serves as a vibrant center with temples, monk quarters, a monastic college, and hosts the annual Tsechu festival, renowned for traditional mask dances. Gangteng Monastery remains a key spiritual and cultural site, attracting pilgrims and visitors from Bhutan and beyond.

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.

Kyichu Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, is among the oldest and most beautiful temples in Bhutan. Located a few kilometers from Paro town, it was established in 659 AD to pin down the left foot of a giant ogress believed to be obstructing the spread of Buddhism in the region.

Originally, Kyichu Lhakhang consisted only of the main shrine, the Jowo Lhakhang, which houses one of the valley’s most revered artifacts—a 7th-century statue of Jowo Sakyamuni. In 1839, additional structures and a golden roof were added by the Paro Penlop and the 25th Je Khenpo.

According to legend, Guru Padmasambhava visited the temple in the 8th century and hid numerous spiritual treasures there, further enhancing its sacred significance.

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.

If hiking to Tiger’s Nest is challenging, consider visiting Dzongdrakha, a visually stunning monastery perched on the edge of a mountain, offering a similar allure. Known as a place where Guru Rinpoche subdued local demons, Dzongdrakha has a mystical aura and houses four shrines dedicated to Tara, Tsheringma (Goddess of Longevity), Guru Rinpoche, and Maitreya (the Buddha of the Future).

Located about a 20-minute drive from Bondey on the Paro-Haa highway, visitors park and then walk for around 15 minutes past traditional houses. The site provides a lovely view of the Paro Bondey Valley.

The monastery’s treasures include a crystal stupa (chorten) called Chorten Karmogyel, famed for its arrow-length size and egg-shaped relics of Sangay Youelsum (Karshapa). Legend says the relic would shake on auspicious days, which inspired its name. Dzongdrakha also holds an immovable statue of Buddha Sakyamuni.

Don’t miss the meditation cave of Drubthog Gyonpo Dorji, the monastery’s founder, known for its spiritually calming atmosphere. Being less frequented by tourists, Dzongdrakha is ideal for those seeking peace and solitude in a serene setting.

Chele La, or Chele Pass, is Bhutan’s highest motorable pass, reaching an elevation of 3,988 meters (13,083 feet) above sea level. Situated on the Bondey-Haa Highway, it connects the Paro and Haa valleys, located 35 km from Paro and 26 km from Haa. Constructed in the 1990s, the narrow and winding road features sharp turns and steep drops, making winter travel risky due to snow, ice, and avalanche potential.

Just below the pass, an area once used by the Bhutan Logging Corporation served as the film location for *Travellers & Magicians* by Khyentse Norbu, where the crew fortified the buildings with steel sheets for filming. Chele La is part of the scenic Himalayan range, offering expansive views over Bhutan’s rugged landscape.

Drametse Lhakhang, a renowned 16th-century Nyingmapa monastery in eastern Bhutan, was founded by Ani Cheten Zangmo, granddaughter of Terton Pema Lingpa. It’s a spiritual hub, especially popular during its annual festival, drawing devotees from Dramedtse and nearby districts. The monastery is the birthplace of Bhutan’s iconic *Drametse Ngacham* or "Dance of the Drums of Drametse," created by Kunga Gyeltshen after a vision of Guru Rinpoche’s paradise. This dance, performed by masked dancers symbolizing Guru Rinpoche’s entourage, brings “liberation to those who see it” and celebrates the victory of religion.

Comprising a peaceful segment followed by an energetic sequence, *Drametse Ngacham* is a central feature of Bhutan’s Tshechu festivals and a symbol of Bhutanese identity. UNESCO designated it a “Masterpiece of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity” in 2005. Located 1.5 hours from the Mongar-Trashigang highway, the journey offers stunning views of Udzorong village, valleys, and mountains.

Drukgyal Dzong, also known as Drukgyel, is a historic fortress and Buddhist monastery located in the upper Paro District of Bhutan. Built in 1649 by Tenzin Drukdra at the request of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it commemorates Bhutan’s victory over a Tibetan invasion. Named "The fortress of the victorious Drukpas," Drukgyal Dzong symbolized the Bhutanese identity, as "Drukpa" refers to the people of Bhutan. Nearby lies a local temple with a central image of Tara, worshipped by the people of Phangdo.

In the early 1950s, a fire severely damaged Drukgyal Dzong, reducing it to ruins, but much of the stone and rammed-earth walls remain, showcasing its historical defensive function. In 2016, to celebrate the birth of Bhutan’s Gyalsey (Crown Prince) and commemorate the arrival of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1616 and Guru Rinpoche's birth year, Prime Minister Lyonchen Tshering Tobgay announced plans to restore the dzong.

Though missing many wooden elements, the remaining structure clearly reflects its original design, allowing visitors to appreciate its medieval fortress architecture. Drukgyal Dzong is also on Bhutan’s tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage inclusion.

Kila Goenpa Nunnery, also called Chele La Goenpa, is located along the scenic route between Paro and Haa, close to Bhutan’s Chele La Pass and approximately 27 km from Paro’s Bondey area. The word "Kila" means "spiritual dagger" in Sanskrit, representing a tool to dispel negativity. A short 2.5 km detour off the main road near the pass leads to the nunnery, accessible by car or on foot.

The nunnery, perched on a tranquil mountaintop at an altitude of 3,500 meters, offers the resident nuns a peaceful life closely connected to nature and away from urban bustle. The complex includes seven small temples and numerous retreat huts. Visitors can reach the site via a one-hour hike through pine forests or take an alternative trail from Chele La Pass, which leads down to the nunnery in about 1-2 hours.

The nunnery has roots in the 16th century when Tibetan figures Chhogyel Norbu and Tenpa began its construction under the name Kila Dechen Yangtse. They invited their uncle, Pow Dorji, who meditated in a cave still visible today. Together, they helped spread Buddhism across Bhutan. Later, Je Jampel Sherub Gyeltshen added a temple within the nunnery to further educate the Paro Valley community in Buddhist teachings. In the 19th century, the reincarnation of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Ngawang Jigme Norbu, served as the monastery’s head and led a renovation that helped preserve its rich historical architecture.