Cultural Tour

Brief on the above visiting sites

Paro is an aerial gateway to the Kingdom. While in Paro, you will experience Bhutanese’s way of living. The former fortress of watchtower, now the National Museum was built in 1649. The gallery exhibits traditional and modern weapons, collection of Bhutanese stamps, Royal artefacts of Monarchs, the chapel of wealth deity, chapel of tree of merit, etc. Paro Rinpung Dzong, was built in 1646 and currently houses government offices and religious institutions, as do all the Dzongs (forts) currently. Kyichu Temple has its roots dating back to 7th century built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gompo to suppress demoness. Enroute to Thimphu, you will visit Tamchog Lhakhang and iron bridge. The 600-year-old Iron Bridge was restored in 2005 after being washed away during a 1969 flood. The bridge was originally built by the legendary Tibetan architect, physician, and blacksmith Thangtong Gyalpo who is an important figure in Bhutanese and Tibetan history.

Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan. Some of the highlights of Thimphu are Shakyamuni Buddha Statue, Royal Takin Preserve, Simply Bhutan, Zorig Chusum (National Painting School), Centenary Farmers Market, National Memorial Chorten, Tashi Chhodzong, etc. The 51 meters tall gigantic Buddha Shakyamuni Statue is one of the tallest sitting status in the world and houses thousands of Buddhists statues. Tashi Chhodzong was built in 1216 and is a present-day Bhutanese architect marvel and currently houses central monastic body and government offices. Takin is the National animal of Bhutan. Histories have it that takin was created by attaching a goat’s head to an ox’s skeleton by the Divine Madman, Lam Drukpa Kuenley, and can be seen in the Royal Takin Preserve. Simply Bhutan is the living museum that provides overview of Bhutanese traditional life.

Punakha was the former capital of Bhutan until 1955. Some important landmarks in Punakha are Punakha Dzong, a 17th century mighty fortress located at the juncture of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers; Chimmi Lhakhang also known as Fertility Temple; Bhutan’s longest Suspension Bridge with 180 meters span, etc. Newlywed couples and couples without children from around the world visit Chimmi Lhakhang for fertility blessings. There are many stories of couples, both locals and foreigners being blessed with children after visiting the fertility temple. The suspension bridge is a historical masterpiece of Bhutanese architect that connects two villages. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten is on the west bank of the Mo Chhu river. It is about 45 minutes’ walk from the main road. The stupa was built in 1990 by Ashi Tsering Yangdon Wangchuck to drive off evil forces and bring peace to Bhutan and the world. Wangdue Phodrang Dzong was founded in 1638 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the national unifier of Bhutan. The dzong is ideally placed for defense atop a high ridge clearly chosen for its commanding view of the Punakha river valley. The prominent position of the dzong and its imposing demeanor underscored the authority of the Zhabdrung in both civil and religious affairs. Drugyel Dzong in Paro, fortress of victorious, was built in 1646 to commemorate victory over Tibetan invaders. The fortress was rebuilt in recent years as it was destroyed by the fire.

Paro Taktsang, also known as Tiger’s nest stands around 10000 feet above sea level. Legend has it that Guru Rimpochhe, also known as Guru Padmasambhava flew to this on the back of the tigress and meditated there for three years, three months, three weeks, and three days to subdue the evil spirits in the locality. Today, it serves as a place of Buddhist worship and a popular international hiking destination for travelers. The hike takes around two to three hours.