Kishuthara Trail

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The National Library of Bhutan, established in 1967 under Queen Ashi Phuntsho Choden’s patronage, began with a small collection of sacred texts housed in the central tower of Trashichhodzong. As the collection grew, it was relocated to Thimphu’s Changangkha area. Recognizing the need for a suitable, permanent home, Home Minister Lyonpo Tamzhing Jagar led the construction of the current four-story, eight-sided building, designed in the style of a dzong’s central tower to honor Bhutanese tradition.

Inaugurated and consecrated as a lhakhang (temple) on November 23, 1984, by Lyonpo Sangye Penjor and H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, the building was fully funded by the Royal Government of Bhutan at a cost of Nu.3 million. This traditional structure now serves as the library's permanent home, housing Bhutan’s precious religious and cultural texts in a spiritually appropriate setting.

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.

Kuenga Rabten Palace, built in 1929 as a winter residence for Bhutan's King Jigme Wangchuck, sits at 1,750 meters above the Mangde Chhu River in Trongsa. This three-story palace features a granary on the ground floor, a military garrison on the middle floor, and royal apartments with an audience hall and private chapel on the top floor. Designed in a unique “U” shape, the palace combines strength and openness, with fortified shabkhor walls for added protection.

After Thimphu was established as the year-round capital, the palace was donated in 1969 to the National Library for its eastern branch, symbolizing the King’s vision for broader literary access. Today, Kuenga Rabten Palace houses around fifty monks and remains a cultural site reflecting Bhutan’s royal 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.

Trashigang Dzong, built in 1659 in eastern Bhutan, is a historic fortress situated atop cliffs overlooking the Drangme Chhu and Gamri Chhu rivers. Established by Chhogyal Minjur Tampa under Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal’s orders, it deterred Tibetan invaders, who dubbed it a "Sky Fortress." Expanded by Gyalsey Tenzin Rabgye and named by Dudjom Jigdral Yeshe Dorje, it now serves as both a district headquarters and a monastic center. The dzong is famous for hosting the annual four-day Trashigang Tshechu festival, attracting locals from 15 gewogs.

Trashigang Dzongkhag, one of Bhutan's largest districts, shares borders with Mongar, Samdrup Jongkhar, Pemagatshel, Trashi Yangtse, and India’s Arunachal Pradesh. Covering 3,066 sq. km, it ranges from 600m to 4,500m in elevation, with a temperate climate and 77.87% forest cover. The Dzongkhag has a population of 45,518 and serves as a cultural and administrative hub, showcasing Bhutan's rich heritage against a stunning mountainous landscape.

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.

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.

Jakar Dzong, also known as Jakar Yugyal Dzong, is a historic fortress in Bumthang District, central Bhutan. Overlooking Jakar town in the scenic Chamkhar Valley, this dzong is one of Bhutan’s largest, with a circumference over 1,500 meters. Founded by Yongzin Ngagi Wangchuk in 1549, the dzong’s location was chosen based on a legendary white bird’s auspicious roosting, giving it the name “castle of the white bird.”

Built as a spiritual center and defensive fortress, Jakar Dzong played a significant role in eastern Bhutan’s history. It became the residence of Bhutan’s first king in 1646 and was officially named Yuelay Namgyal Dzong to commemorate a victory over the Tibetan ruler Phuntsho Namgyal. During the 17th century, Tibetan forces twice attempted to conquer the dzong, damaging it, though it was later restored by the Trongsa Penlop. Sanctified by Tenzin Rabgay, Jakar Dzong remains a symbol of Bhutan’s cultural heritage and spiritual resilience. Its first Dzongpon, Longwa, was believed to be the reincarnation of King Sindhu Gyab, fulfilling a prophecy by Guru Rinpoche.