Bhutan Walking Holidays - Beyond the Clouds

National Museum of Bhutan is located inside six floors of circular Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower above Paro Dzong. The original building was constructed in 1656. In 1872, the future first monarch, Ugyen Wangchuk was imprisoned here, while embroiled in the conflict. The building was converted to house, the first museum of Bhutan in 1968. The collection of the museum comprises of textiles, gears, costumes, manuscripts, paintings, appliqué and embroidered Thangkas. There is a gallery of Bhutan’s famous stamp, stuffed animals, insects, bamboo crafts, arms and amours, jewellery, household artifacts. On the top, there is also a chapel in form of a life-sustaining tree, with icons representing various Himalayan Buddhist traditions.

Rinpung Dzong is a large dzong - Buddhist monastery and fortress - of the Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school in Paro District, Bhutan. It houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag. It is listed as a tentative site in Bhutan's Tentative List for UNESCO inclusion

The National Memorial Chorten was built in memory of Third Druk King of Bhutan and is dedicated to World Peace. The chorten is a large white structure crowned with a golden spire. It is located close to the center of Thimphu city and is one of its most iconic monuments. Visitors will find elderly Bhutanese people circumambulating the Chorten throughout the day. Chorten literally means ‘Seat of Faith’ and Buddhists often call such monuments, the ‘Mind of Buddha’. The Chorten is an extraordinary example of Buddhist architecture and artwork with its gorgeous paintings and intricate sculptures.

The date of the foundation of Changangkha Lhakhang is not exactly known but the elder people speak like that: ‘The descendants of Phajo Drugom Shigpo Son’s Nyima, established the monastery in the 15th century and called it “Phagpa Ranjung Tsuglakha”, “ the temple of Avalokitoshvara” statue which has appeared by itself”. In this main statue made of precious materials, they put relics which had appeared after Phajo’s cremation and many items of other kagyul lamas. Changangkha Lhakhang is the most important temple for the Children born in Thimphu, since the protective deity of children resides in this temple. This statue, which still exists, represents Avalokiteshvara with 11 heads. Thanks to the prayers said by the descendants of this lineage, this lineage has given to the monk-body the famous 4th Desi Tenzing Rabgye (1638-1696), other abbots and eminent Lamas for the benefit of Bhutan.

emanation of Thangtong Gyalpo (1361-1485), the Tibetan. It is also know as Thangtong Dewachen nunnery. saint renowned as the great Siddha, the most accomplished Master in the Tibetan Buddhist world, and father of Tibetan Opera and builder of numerous iron chain bridges across the Himalayas. This was established with the aim of promoting Buddhism in general and teachings associated with the Tangtong Gyalpo in particular. Under the Rikey Jadrel Rinpoche, the nunnery is started with forty-five nuns but today it houses the sixty nuns engaged in Buddhist study and practice. The nunnery mainly follows the Jangter lineage and Abham Terchoe of Nyingma School and Shangpa.

National Institute for Zorig Chusum or the School of Arts and Crafts is an Institute where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. “Zorig Chusum” means the Thirteen Arts and Crafts. To preserve the country’s invaluable heritage and promote arts in Bhutan, the government initiated this institute in 1971. Students are taught painting, calligraphy, embroidery, wood carving, and sculpture. They also learn the traditional meaning and spiritual values enshrined in Buddhist art. On a visit one can actually see students at work. The students follow a comprehensive course that starts with drawing and progresses through painting, wood carving, embroidery, and statue- making. This institute not only helps preserve our beautiful heritage but also equips future generations with skills and knowledge to keep our own heritage alive. The 13 arts and crafts comprise of; painting, carpentry, carving, sculpture, casting, blacksmith, bamboo work, gold and silversmith, weaving, embroidery, masonry, leather work, and paper making.

National Library was first established in 1967 with a small collection of precious texts and was initially housed within the central tower of Tashichodzong. Later it moved to a building in the Changgangkha area of Thimphu. To provide a permanent home for the sacred religious books and manuscripts in the growing collection, construction of the present four-storeyed eight-cornered traditional building, which looks like the central tower temple of a Bhutanese Dzong, was initiated and was inaugurated in 1984. The repository rooms of the archives now house many important documents including old records, old letters and around seven thousand important photographs. The archives also hold microfilms of many other important documents. Particularly rare and important books and manuscripts from the National Library collection are also kept in their secure and controlled facilities.

The Jungshi paper factory continues to preserve and promote this age-old Bhutanese tradition. It also produces various other products, such as stationery and greeting cards. It is located approximately 1 km from Thimphu City. The factory uses the bark of two tree species, the Daphne tree and Dhekap tree in the manufacture of traditional paper. Visitors can observe the entire process of producing handmade paper using ancient traditional methods that have been practiced for generations. You can even try your hand at this ancient craft and make some paper of your very own as a souvenir. Deh-sho paper was originally used by monasteries for woodblock and manuscript books and also for writing prayer books.

A short distance up the road to the BBS tower viewpoint is a trail leading to a large fenced enclosure that was originally established as a zoo. Motithang Takin Preserve, located in the Motithang district of Thimphu, Bhutan is a wildlife reserve area for takin (Budorcas taxi color), the national animal of Bhutan. The reason for declaring Takin as the national animal of Bhutan is attributed to a legend of the animal’s creation in Bhutan in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kunley, popularly known as the Divine Mad Man. It's worthwhile taking the time to see these oddball mammals. The best time to see them is early morning, when they gather near the fence to feed.

Tashichho Dzong has been the seat of the government since 1952 and presently houses the throne room and offices of the king, the secretariat and the ministries of home affairs and finance. Other government departments are housed in buildings nearby. It was first constructed in 1216 A.D. by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa where Dechen Phodrang now stands above Thimphu. In 1641, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal acquired it but finding it too small, he built another one, known as the lower Dzong. The original dzong was destroyed by fire in 1771 and everything was moved to the lower dzong. The new building was later expanded several times over the years. It was damaged during an earthquake in 1897 and rebuilt in 1902. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck had it completely renovated and enlarged over five years after he moved the capital to Thimphu in 1952 in traditional style using neither nails nor written plans. The dzong is located close to Thimphu town, next to the banks of the Wang Chhu River. It is an impressively large structure, surrounded by well-kept lawns and beautiful gardens.

The weekend market is in a permanent set of stalls north of Changlimithang Stadium. Vendors from throughout the region arrive on Friday afternoon and remain until Sunday night. It’s an interesting place to visit, where village people jostle with well-heeled Thimphu residents for the best- and cheapest- vegetables and foodstuffs. This is the only time that fresh produce is easily available and the shopping is enhanced by the opportunity to catch up on the week’s gossip. Depending on the season you may find potatoes, onions, numerous varieties of chillies, red and white rice, buckwheat, flour, cauliflowers, cabbages, lettuces, eggplants, asparagus, peas, squash, yams, several kinds of mushrooms and ferns, strange species and herbs. Fruits come from local orchards and from the south of the country. You will find oranges, apples, pineapples, bananas, mangoes, apricots, peaches and plums. If you wander off into one corner of the market, you’ll find an odoriferous collection of dried fish, beef and balls of dates (homemade soft cheese that is used to make sauces). During the winter, you can even pick up a leg of yak (with the hoof still attached). At the northern end of the market is a collection of stalls called “the indigenous goods and handicrafts section”. Here you will find locally produced goods, including religious objects, cloth, baskets and strange hats from various minority groups. They are more than happy to sell these to tourists, but it’s mostly intended for local consumption. If you shop here, you may find a Bhutanese housewife or a monk from a near by monastery to advise you on the quality of your purchase. Bargaining is very much in order here.

Dochula pass is located on the way to Punakha from Thimphu. The pass is a popular location among tourists as it offers a stunning 360 degree panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snow capped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass. Bhutanese families enjoy visiting the pass during holidays and weekends to picnic and simply enjoy the scenery. It is common to see families and groups of friends seated among st the chortens, enjoying a packed lunch and hot tea. For tourists this is an ideal location to capture beautiful pictures of the Himalayan mountain range during clear, warm days.

Punakha Dzongkhag has been inextricably linked with momentous occasions in Bhutanese history. It served as the capital of the country from 1637 to 1907 and the first national assembly was hosted here in 1953. Punakha Dzong is not only the second oldest and second largest dzong but it also has one of the most majestic structures in the country. October 13, 2011 marked an unforgettable wedding of the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to Jetsun Pema which was held at Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong was built at the confluence of two major rivers in Bhutan, the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu, which converge in this valley. It is an especially beautiful sight on sunny days with sunlight reflecting off the water onto its white-washed walls. In addition to its structural beauty, Punakha Dzong is notable for containing the preserved remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan as well as a sacred relic known as the Ranjung Karsapani. This relic is a self-created image of Avalokiteswara that miraculously emerged from the vertebrae of Tsangpa Gyarey, the founder of the Drukpa School when he was cremated. Punakha valley has a pleasant climate with warm winters and hot summers. It is located at an average elevation of 1200 m above sea level. Owing to the favorable climatic conditions, rice has become the main cash crop cultivated in the region.

Also known as the “Fertility Temple,” the single building site was originally built in 1499 on a short hill that had been blessed by rogue Buddhist leader Drukpa Kunley, known as the “Divine Madman.” Drupa Kunley, also known as “The Saint of 5,000 Women” worked overtime to spread enlightenment through an active sex life. He was known to live a truly bacchanal lifestyle full of wine, women, and poetry. He is also credited with bringing Buddhism to Bhutan, hence the common phallic imagery found throughout the country. The phallus became Drupa Kunley’s symbol, signaling both fertility and the power to bring enlightenment to those who… learned from its teachings. Because of this, his penis as a symbol is sometimes known as the “Thunderbolt of Flaming Wisdom.”

The Gangteng Monastery or simply the Gangtey Gonpa monastery is located on a hillock amidst the Gangtey village with a striking view of the Phobjika valley below. This monastery was established by Gyalse Rigdzin Pema Thinley, the grandson and the reincarnation of great Bhutanese treasure finder Pema Lingpa in 1613. It is headed by the ninth Gangtey Trulku and is the largest Nyingmapa monastery in Western Bhutan. The extensive complex comprises the central gonpa, quarters for the monk and meditation centers.

The Phobjikha Valley is a vast U-shaped glacial valley, also known as Gangteng Valley named after the impressive Gangteng Monastery of the Nyingma sect in central Bhutan, where the graceful black-necked cranes in Bhutan from the Tibetan Plateau visit the valley during the winter season to roost.

wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley, has an observation room equipped with high power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes. The center also offers display information that outline the natural and cultural history of the area. There is a small gift shop, which sells handicrafts produced by the local people that local people can benefit from ecotourism. The center is also a place for recreation with crane watching equipment (binoculars, spotting scopes) and reference books. This is further supplemented with coffee shop where visitors can purchase hot and cold beverages (tea, coffee, etc) and snacks. The center has a gift shop where souvenirs that include local handicrafts and post cards representing the culture, tradition and landscapes of Bhutan and Phobjikha are available on sale. Other items in the gift shop include locally manufactured items, books, videos, etc.

This pleasurable walk will give you a nice feel of Phobjikha valley. From the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba, you head downhill through flower meadows to Semchubara village and from here through beautiful forests and into the open valley. The trail ends at the local community school after passing a chorten and Khewa Lhakhang. There are many additional hikes available in this beautiful valley and your guide will advise you the best options.

Standing regally on the hill above the Punakha valley, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten is a classic example of gorgeous traditions and architecture of Asian country. This chorten, however, is unique. It is not designed for community worship or for monastic retreat or education like other Buddhist Institute and Colleges. It is designed as a magical tool. It was built by the Queen Mother for heading off the negative forces and transportation peace and harmony for all the living beings. The thing that sets this Chorten apart is that it was designed on the principals delineate within the Holy Scriptures instead of trendy engineering manuals. The golden spire and labyrinthine wall patterns square measure fine example of art and traditions of Asian country.

An interesting story connects the Dzong to the old cantilever bridge that once used to span the Punatsangchu. The bridge was built after the construction of the Dzong under the direction of a famed Mason called Drakpa fromRinchengang village. As a safeguard against flash floods, a mandala dedicated to Mithugpa (Aksobya) was installed at the base of the bridge’s foundation. During the tenure of the 20th Wngzop Domchung a big flood washed way the entire bridge, but the base where the mandala was installed was left intact. 
Wangdue Dzong has 14 temples, including Kunrey (assembly hall of monks). The Goenkhang has a figure of gonpo (Mahakala) carved on a stone slab. 
 Wangdue Dzong was razed to the ground on 26 June 2012. It is believed that an electrical short circuit causes the fire. Though most of the Dzong expect for one monastery was destroyed, religious and historical relic managed to be rescued by volunteers and care keepers

The Punakha Suspension Bridge is located very much near to the Punakha Dzong and is the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan built above the Po Chu river. The bridge is broad and built in a very nice way and you will be amazed to see that it doesn’t shake so much which can cause a sudden amount of panic among the tourists. The bridge also connects to the nearby villages. There are mountains surrounding the bridge from all the sides which also gives a breathtaking view.

Perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang, gleams the magnificent structures of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang (Temple). The temple complex also houses a permanent higher learning and meditation center for nuns where, apart from religious trainings, it provides life skill training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thangka painting. There is a majestic bronze statue of a height of 14 foot Avalokiteshwara. The statue is also considered as one of the biggest statues in the country made by the unique handwork of many local Bhutanese artisans. Besides, the other statues present here include of Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Namgyel Namsum, Saint Padmasambhava, and the 21 Taras, Tsela Namsum and the Tsepamay (Buddha of Longevity). The silence and serenity bring a deep peace and a sense of sanctity.

s and hygiene among all other villages located in the Punakha valley and is diffused among the hill slopes. It gives splendid views of the neighboring villages. It is situated above an elevation of 2,800 meters. The farm houses of this village have beautiful flowers blooming outside it while the hills are filled with sweet peas and corns. It is clear that the vegetation of Talo is lush and is abundant. The village is one of the attractive villages of Bhutan. The Talo temple, very much nearer to the village, is actually regarded as a summer retreat for one of the great Zhabdrungs who has a lineage of the present royal family of Bhutan. It is also said that the women of Talo are considered to be the most beautiful.

The Buddha Dordenma is located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. The statue fulfils an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century A.D that was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer) and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world. This massive statue of Shakyamuni measures in at a height of 51.5 m, making it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. 125,000 smaller Buddha statues have been placed within the Buddha Dordenma statue; 100,000 statues of which are 8-inches-tall and 25,000 statues of which are 12 inches tall. Each of these thousands of Buddhas have also been cast in bronze and gilded. The throne that the Buddha Dordenma sits upon is a large meditation hall.

This government-run souvenir emporium has fixed prices and takes credit cards. There are a wide range of products under one roof, including traditional boots, bamboo baskets and festival masks.

The Bhutan Postal Museum, Evolution of Communications Systems in Bhutan, was established in November 2015 to celebrate the 60th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The main objective of the museum is to tell the story of Bhutan’s progress and development through the lens of the evolution of communications and postal system in the country. The story is told through anecdotes, artifacts and the rich assortment of stamps the country has produced over the years. The museum is located on the ground floor of Thimphu GPO building, Chang Lam III, Thimphu.

This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country. The juxtaposition of ancient tradition and modernity make Thimphu the ideal location for visitors to break away from their tour itinerary to immerse themselves in the contemporary Bhutanese lifestyle. Thimphu is the most modern city in Bhutan with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centres. However, it still retains its’ cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization. Thimphu is one of the few towns in Bhutan that have been equipped with ATM banking facilities and is a good place to stock up on some currency.

Paro Taktsang Monastery more famous as Tiger's nest Monastery is a Buddhist temple complex which clings to a cliff, 3120 meters above the sea level on the side of the upper Paro valley, Bhutan.It is one of the most famous touristic destinations of the country and the cultural icon of Bhutan. Visiting the Paro Taktsang Monastery is an unforgettable experience thanks to its unique location and the views of surrounding majestic mountains and emerald green valleys. The main peculiarity of the monastery is its isolated location. It is only accessible by mountainous paths. The remote location of the monastery makes it amazingly beautiful and unique, but also creates technical difficulties.

As we walk towards toward the Kyichu Lhakhang, we can see elderly pilgrims constantly walking around the Lhakhang and spinning the prayers wheels. We can see a wall painting onto the right side of the entrance way as we come near the internal courtyard. It is the wall painting of a king called Gesar of Ling who was a popular Tibetan warrior king. His epic poem is believed to be the longest in the world. The Kyichu Lhakhang conceals the statue of Jowo Jamba which is originally from the 7th century. It is considered as the greatest treasure of the valley. Outside the hall of the shrine, has the statue of Chenresig having 11 heads and 1000 arms. The main entrance door is beautifully covered with gold. We can see that in front of the statue are the grooves worn into the wooden floor by the generations of prostration. . Kyichu Lhakhang holds some of the oldest relics and the floor of the main temple which is made of wood is inlaid with turquoise, other precious gems and stones. Next to the main temple is the Guru Lhakhang. The Guru Lhakhang consists of 5 meter high statue of Guru Rinpoche and Kurukulla (Red Tara) which holds a bow and arrow made of flowers. We can see a chorten to the right side of Guru, where it contains the ashes of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. He was an honorable Nyingma Buddhist and the spiritual teacher of the Queen Mother. His former quarters are closed to the visitors which is located at the left side. We can also see a heap of iron links in the corner of the Lhakhang which was faked by the famous bridge builder of Bhutan called Thangtong Gyalpo. Kyichu Lhakhang is a very important place for art connoisseurs, historians, pilgrims and visitors from all around the world because it is a place of culture and art. Outside the temple, we can see water pray wheels, small prayer wheels with Lenza script, Monks house, palace for Naga and Stupa for Naga. It is believed that the two orange trees which are in the courtyard of the Lhakhang bears fruit throughout the year.

One of the distinctive features of Paro town is that it is situated in a flat valley bottom and follows a grid-like pattern. The central plaza is adorned with a large prayer wheel and a small amphitheater where events are held throughout the year.

With a heavy heart, we wave you goodbye and until time we see you again.