Dagophu Monastery

Dagophu Monastery

Dagophu Monastery is about 5 km drive from the Lango town located to the North of the town and Temple itself is Kudung of Late Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche was flown to Paro from Yonphula. The Kudung remained in Trashigang for 10 days. Dungse Garab Rinpoche presided over a prayer ceremony at Yonphula Ugyen Dho-nga Choekhorling Lhakhang for the Kudung. After the prayers, the Kudung was escorted in a traditional chipdrel procession from the Lhakhang to the Yonphula airport. And thousands of people from Samdrup Jongkhar, Pemagatshel and nearby areas came there to pay their last respects.

Food in Bhutan

Food

Bhutanese cuisine is influenced by Chinese, Tibetan and Indian culture. The main dish, which generally includes white or red rice, seasonal vegetables, and meat are often cooked. Famous Bhutanese dish is chilly mixed with cheese which is common Bhutanese dish, it is hot and spices. Another dish which is common as well potato mixed with cheese. 

Chador Lakhang

Chador Lakhang

Bartsham Drubdra, Bhutan

The Chador Lhakhang/Sangdha Gyepay Ling, in Bartsham, originally built in the 12th century, is one of the oldest and most sacred monasteries in eastern Bhutan. Located a top a ridge that commands a spectacular view of villages in north Trashigang, the monastery is a revered place of worship for the 700-household Bartsham Community and devotees across the country. Also called ÅgGonpa-RingbooÅh in the local dialect, the monastery is the custodian of one of Bhutan’s most highly regarded religious treasures, a thumb-size replica of Chana Dorji that, legend has it, reached Bartsham through a sacred divination. The origin of the replica, fondly called Meme Chador by the local people, goes back to the Sangdha Tumpo (the secret Treasure Teachings) revealed by the great treasure revealer Terton Pema Lingpa. The foundation for the present-day Chador Lhakhang was laid in the early 1940s by Lama Pema Wangchen (also known as Lama Nagpo) to transmit the Dudjom Tersar tradition of his master Dudjom Jigdroel Yeshey Dorje (Dudjom Rinpoche). After Lama Nagpo passed away, his disciple Lam Kunzang Wangdi (Lam Nyingku) took over the monastery

For Khentse Rinpoche’s website

Thrumshingla National Park

Thrumshingla National Park

The newest national park of Bhutan, ThrumshingLa National Park gained this status in July 1998. Sprawling across 768 sq km, it is situated in central Bhutan. Like all protected areas of Bhutan, it presents diverse climatic conditions, habitats and altitudes that range from less than 1000 m to more than 4000 m. This unique protected area presents vast biodiversity that includes alpine forests, subtropical broadleaf forests and even rare plants. You may spot snow leopards, red pandas and tigers prowling around in this National Park. It was in this Park that an image of a tiger was captured at 3000 m by a WWF-supported survey team in 2000. This photograph was the first evidence proving that tigers do exist at such high altitudes too.

Birdwatchers and ornithologists will find a lot of bird species to catch their attention and interest. There are about 341 species of birds here including the endangered rufous-necked hornbill, beautiful nuthatch, ward's trogon, white-naped yuhina and brown wood owl. Birdlife International has recognized Thrumshingla National Park as an important Bird Area in the Sino-Himalayan mountain forests. WWF supports the upkeep of the park to ensure that it has an effective management plan and dedicated Park staff that can keep the pristine ecosystem here intact for generations to come. The park has over 622 species thriving here quite well. Out of it, 21 species are endemic to this National park and region.

Over 68 species of mammals have been recorded in this wildlife sanctuary including Bengal tiger, leopard, leopard cat, rare clouded leopard, Himalayan black bear, red panda, musk deer, capped langur and Malayan giant squirrel. Tourists and trekkers are attracted to Thrumshingla National Park for trekking, chiefly because of its picture perfect scenery and it being one of the few natural habitats of the world. Communities living within the confines of this Park earn their livelihood from the tourism here. It is estimated that there are about 2000 people living within the park while 11000 people are estimated to live in its buffer zone. Overgrazing and human interference have evolved as a serious threat to the forests of the Park in the present scenario.

Manas National Park

ROYAL MANAS NATIONAL PARK

Bhutan’s Crown Jewel, the Manas National Park represents the largest example of tropical and sub-tropical ecosystems in Bhutan. This park has only recently been opened to the public and offers  thousands of animal and plant species, many of which are globally endangered, it is not only the most diverse protected area in the Kingdom but also noted as one of the world’s biologically outstanding parks. Lying in south central Bhutan, Manas is connected at the southern border with India’s Manas Tiger Reserve, a World Heritage Site. To the north it borders the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. Royal Manas was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1966 making it Bhutan’s oldest protected area. The area was upgraded to a National Park in 1993. There are wide climate variations in Royal Manas. The May-September monsoons bring up to 5,000mm of rain. Rainfall is negligible in winter and the climate is extremely pleasant from November till March. Manas is also extremely rich in wildlife species, including the highly endangered Royal Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, greater one-horned rhinoceros, clouded leopard, Himalayan black bear, gangetic dolphin and pangolin. Found virtually nowhere else in the world is the especially rare golden langur, a primate of extraordinary grace and beauty with its long, silky blond fur.

More than 365 species of birds have been officially recorded in Royal Manas National Park with an additional 200 believed to be in residence. Species found here include the globally threatened rufous-necked hornbill, Pallas fishing eagle, great white-bellied heron, spotted wren-babbler, blue-headed rock thrush and emerald cuckoo. Many of the park’s more than 900 types of plants have commercial, medicinal, traditional and religious significance.

Chokyi Gatsho Monastery

Chökyi Gyatso Institute for the Study of Buddhist Philosophy

Chökyi Gyatso Institute in Dewathang is one of Nyingma Monastery that practices the tradition of Khyentse Wangpo and Longchen Nyingtik. The Institute offers a traditional monastic curriculum for about 100 monks, equally emphasizing ritual and philosophy. Four years of monastic ritual training are followed by nine years of philosophical studies. To incorporate practice with the studies, the institute annually holds six drupchens (extended group practices): Khandro Sangdü, Gyalwa Gyamtso, Pema Tseyi Nyingtik, Vima Ladrup, Miniling Dorsem, and Pama Nyingthik, along with other practices.

Tiger Nest Monastery

Taktsang Monastery at Paro: Bhutan 

The Fire at Taktsang Monastery

The Dubkhang, the most sacred sanctum of the Taktsang Monastery in Paro, has been found to be safe and a number of the most precious relics and treasures have been retrieved from the ruins of the main monastery, which was severely damaged by fire on Sunday, April 19, 1998.

The Tshennyi Lopon (Master of Dialectical Studies) of the Dratshang (Central Monk Body) explained that the sacred essence of Taktshang was the Dubkhang (also called the Pelphug), the holy cave in which Guru Rimpoche meditated in the 8^th century (as did many other renowned saints), and the Kudung (relics) of his disciple, Langchen Pelkyi Singye, which had been placed deep in the rocks under the site of Kudung Chorten.

The sanctity of Taktshang cannot be destroyed by the natural elements, be it fire or water; the Tshennyi Lopon told Kuensel. On April 23, His Majesty the king visited Taktshang and saw the Dubkhang and the religious artifacts that had been recovered. His Majesty commanded the Dratshang, Rabdeys, Shedras and Drubdas, Gomdeys, and all the other religious institutions in the country to offer the Guru Soendoep Dungjor (the offering of 100 million prayers to Guru Rimpoche).

The Chairman of the Special Commission for the Cultural Affairs, Lyonpo Dago Tshering said that, as commanded by His Majesty the King, the government would reconstruct the monastery with its original aura, authenticity and architectural splendor.

The sacred essence of Taktshang, one of the most revered Buddhist nyes (sacred sites) in the world, was established in 8^th Century by Guru Rinpoche. The Guru, in the wrathful from the Guru Dorji Drollo, subdues the evil spirits and then meditated in the Pelphug in Taktsang.

Other saints who mediated in the cave include the Milerapa, Phadampa Sangye, Machi Labdoenma, Thangtong Gyalpo  and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel.

The main Temple around the Pelphug in Taktsang was constructed in 1692 by the Great 4th ^Desi Tenzin Rabgyel in between 1961 and 1965 it was renovated by Je Sheldrup Yozer and the latest additions were made in 1982.

The Drupkhang is opened once a year during an annual ceremony. The Tshennyi Lopon explained that 71 members of the monk body performed the annual Guru prayers for 21 daysin the fifth Bhutanese month. As in the past, the prayers will be performed this year as usual in the Dubkhang.

The Tshennyi Lopon said that if the destructions of the Taktshang monastery was a deliberate evil deed then it was a reflection of the decline of the Dharma. But if the monastery was destroyed by natural causes then it is natural for people to perceive it as an inauspicious sign.

“However, what is most important is that the people should avoid superstition and doubt and place their faith in Guru Rimpoche and the Triple Gem,” said Tshennyi Lopon. “We can only safeguard our nation and spiritual heritage with genuine faith in Dharma.”

Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary

BUMDELING WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary is located in north-western part of Bhutan covering an area of 1,545 sq. km with 420 sq. km in Trashiyangtse, Lhuntshe, and Mongar District. It shares international borders with the Tibetan region of China and Indian border. The sanctuary is home to around 100 species of mammals, including globally endangered species such as snow leopard, Royal Bengal tiger and red panda. And also it is main habitant for Black Neck Crane in winter. In winter more than 150 black necked cranes spend their lives in winter in Bumdeling. The crane arrives in mid-November to early and first week of March back to Tibet. And the place is scenic beauty and diversity many significant religious and cultural places can be found inside the sanctuary, such as Rigsum Gompa, the mystic Singye Dzong and Pemaling– maybe the most scenic in the  country.

ARCHERY GAME IN BHUTAN

Sport in Bhutan

Bhutan is a culturally rich country and as such, you can expect them to have a lot of activities or traditional sports that are an integral part of their society. The primary Bhutanese traditional sport is without any doubt archery.

They also played Degor which is similar to Discuss, Pungdo is shot put, Khuru is indoor sport dart, Soksum is Javelin-throwing and of course Keshi which is call wrestling.

The Modern sports favorite is definitely football and cricket which has increased in popularity among the Bhutanese

Pottery Making

Pottery Making

Pottery Making Service in Guangzor

In the absence of a market for Bhutanese handmade earthen pots, and competition from ready-made imports, the traditional craft of pottery making in Bhutan is on the verge of extinction but in Gangzur in Lhuentse, it still survives in the hand of two women who continue to practice this ancient tradition.

Tshering Zangmo and her friend Tshewang who are in their mid 30s make about 20 pots of different design, some as small as a teacup used to burn incense to the biggest, about three feet in height, used to brew ara or local wine. "There are five different types, each having its own specific utility," said Tshering Zangmo, who has been making pots for the past 15 years.

During winter when there is no work in the field, the two women collect the red and yellow sandy clay from the hill in front of their house and manually make the earthen pots. They do not use a spinning lathe. Once stones and other granules are removed from the clay it is kneaded and beaten into malleable dough. The pots are shaped on a thatched wooden plank. The inside of the clay ball is gouged out and the rough shell is left to dry for a week. The pots are then put in a fire to make them firm and durable. Every month villagers from other Geogs in Lhuentse buy pots from the two women and also people from other part of the country and foreigners who visit the village to see the two at work buy their product. In a month we earn about Nu. 500 said Zangmo. It is enough to pay our land Tax, house insurance and livestock tax and to buy the vegetable oil, sugar and salt.

Tshering Zangmo said during the Monsoon, the soil gets deprived of its sticky natural gule and is therefore unsuitable to make pots. Two years back Tshering and Tshewang sold five pots regardless of their sizes for just one Ngultrum until the dzongkhag officials advised them to raise the rates "We now sell a pot for about Nu. 45 each," said Tshewang.

The two women said the number of buyers had dropped with time. Their main customers are now villagers from Khoma who bought the oversize pots to brew ara while a few government officials and visitors bought the smaller ones.

The people of Gangzur have no knowledge of how old the pottery tradition is but Tshering Zangmo says that not very long ago people from eight Geogs under Lhuentse used earthen pots to cook food, brew ara, and store water.

One of the traditional Bhutanese crafts, pottery is on the verge of extinction in Paro and has completely disappeared in the villages above Khasadrapchu in Thimphu. "The entire village used to make earthen pots in the past," said Tshering Zangmo.

Bangchung

Bangchung

Bangchung are made from special bamboo that grows on the hills of Eastern Bhutan. This was originally used as plate for eating rice in formal times and even today people in the east used to carrying food and snacks during long travel. Although, people are now using more fancy plates, Bangchungs are still widely used to carry offerings for the temples, and other activities that needs to carry food without much hassle. It is now most of the people used as organizers or decoration in home or as gift to the friends and relatives.

Therefore, people from Thrimshing Kangpar in Tashigang District and Kheng usually make this product and sell to the Tourism Industries and also slowly to the global market.

Sightseeing in Wangdue

Wangduephodrang

Wangduephodrang is the last town on the central highway before central Bhutan. The town is not more than an enlarged village with a few well-provided shops. Located in the south of Punakha, the higher reaches of the Wangduephodrang valley provide rich pastureland for cattle. This district is also famous for its fine bamboo products, slate and stone carvings.

Places of Interest in WANGDUEPHODRANG

Wangduephodrang Dzong

Sitting on top of the hill at the confluence of Punakha Chhu and Tang Chhu rivers, Wangduephodrang Dzong is town's most visible features. The Dzong is open for visitors during Wangduephodrang Tsechu celebrated in autumn.

Sightseeing in Trongsa

TRONGSA (Alt. 2300)

Trongsa forms the central hub of the nation and is historically the place from where attempts at unifying the country were launched. Both His Majesty King Ugyen Wangchuck, the Penlop of Trongsa, who was elected the country's first hereditary monarch and his successor, King Jigme Wangchuck, ruled the country from Trongsa ancient seat. The Crown Prince of Bhutan normally holds the position of the Trongsa Penlop prior to ascending the throne including the present King who was appointed Penlop in 1972, shortly before his succession to the throne. The entire landscape around Trongsa is spectacular.

Places of Interest in TRONGSA

Chendbji Chorten
Approximate four hours drive from Wangduephodrang is Chendbji Chorten, patterned on Swayambhunath temple in Kathmandu. It was built in 18th century by Lama Shida, from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot.

Trongsa Dzong
Like almost all towns in the Kingdom, this Dzong architecture dominates the entire Trongsa horizon dwarfing the surrounding buildings. Built in 1648, it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second King ruled the country from this ancient seat. Protected from invaders by an impenetrable valley, Trongsa Dzong is an impregnable fortress. The Dzong itself is a labyrinth of temples, corridors and offices holding court over the local community. It is built on many levels into the side of the hill and can be seen from every approach to Trongsa heralding its strength as a defensive stronghold.

Ta Dzong
The Ta Dzong, a cylindrical stone structure rising five storeys, was built in 1652 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, a task entrusted to him by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. After more than 350 years, it has been resurrected into a classy museum, that represents a tasteful blend of tradition and modernity. There are 224 items on display including a sacred image of Sung Joenma Dorji Chang (self spoken Vajradharna), a bronze statue of Pema Lingpa, made by himself, and a number of centuries-old treasures like dance and ritual costumes and objects, ancient prayer books, paintings and scrolls, and textiles. The Ta Dzong is a living museum and the main lhakhang in the Utse is dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha (Gyaltsab Jampa), also known as the Future Buddha). A Khesar Lhakhang is dedicated to Khesar of Ling. The tower has always been a place of retreat and there are hermits in practice, including two yogis, who are in life long meditation. The Ta Dzong is the only structure, that has been restored specifically to tribute the Wangchuck dynasty as Bhutan celebrates the centenary of the Monarchy 

Excursions around TRONGSA

Kuenga Rabten
It is about 23 km, one hour interesting drive from Trongsa. Kuenga Rabten was the winter palace of the second King and now looked after by National Commission for Cultural Affairs. It is pleasant afternoon trip from Trongsa and offers good insight into the early days of Bhutan monarchy.

Sightseeing in Thimphu

Tashichhodzong

THIMPHU (alt. 2,400m)

The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Although not what one expects from a capital city, Thimphu is still a fitting and lively place. Home to civil servants, expatriates and monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style.

Places of Interest in THIMPHU

Trashichhodzong

Also known as 'fortress of the glorious religion', it was initially built in 1641 and later rebuilt in its present form by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1965. The Dzong houses, main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan. The National Assembly Hall is housed in a modern building on the other side of the river from the Dzong. During the warmer summer months, the monk body headed by His Holiness, the Je Khenpo, makes its home in the Dzong.

Memorial Chorten

This stupa was built in 1974 in the memory of Bhutan's third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Simtokha Dzong

Five miles from Thimphu stands the 17th century Simtokha Dzong standing on a lofty ridge. Built in 1627, the oldest Dzong in the country, it now houses the School for Buddhist studies.

National Library

The history of Bhutan lies imprinted in archaic texts, which are preserved at the National Library. Besides thousands of manuscripts and ancient texts, the library also has modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags.

Painting School

This school teaches the techniques of traditional thangkha paintings. On a visit, one can see students at work producing intricate design on cloth.

Traditional Medicine Institute

The rich herbal medicines abundant in Kingdom are prepared here. The Institute also imparts the art of herbal medicines to would be practitioners.

The Textile and Folk Heritage Museum

Established in 2001, these are fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese living traditions reflecting Kingdom's rich cultural heritage.

Handicrafts Emporiums

There are various Handicrafts Emporiums in town displaying a wide assortment of beautifully hand-woven and crafted products.

Weekend Market

Every Saturday and Sunday most of Thimphu's scant population and many valley dwellers congregate on the banks of the river where weekend market is held. It is an interesting place to visit and provides opportunity to mingle with the local people.

Changangkha Lhakhang

It is a fortress like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south of Motithang. The temple was established in 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who came from Tibet. The central statue here is Chenrezig in a manifestation with 11 heads. From temple courtyard, there is fascinating view of Thimphu valley.

Dochula

Excursions around THIMPHU

Tango Goemba

This monastery was founded by Lama gyalwa Lhanangpa in the 12th century and the present building was built in the 15th century by the 'Divine Madman', Lama Drukpa Kunley. In 1616 Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited Tango and meditated in a cave near the monastery. His meditation helped ensure the defeat of an invading Tibetan army. The head Lama, a descendent of Lama Drukpa Kunley presented the goemba to Shabdrung, who carved a sandalwood statue of Chenrezig which he installed in the monastery.

The picturesque three-storey tower and several surrounding buildings were built in the 18th century by the eighth Desi, Druk Rabgye and Shabdrung Jigme Chhogyel added the golden roof in the 19th century. chorten inside the monastery holds the ashes of Shabdrung's father. 

Cheri Goemba

This monastery was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1620. A silver goemba is situated about half an hour walk from Dodena (alt. 2,600m). The trail commences by crossing a lovely covered bridge that spans the Thimphu Chhun, then climbs steeply to the monastery.

Phajoding Goemba

It is a 5 km uphill walk from Motithang. The monastery was built in 15th century by Shagcha Rinchen who introduced the Drukpa Kagyupa school in Bhutan in the 13th century. It was one time one of the richest monasteries in the country.

Sightseeing in Tashigang

TASHIGANG (Eastern Bhutan)

In the far east of Bhutan, on the bank of Gamri Chhu River lies Trashigang, the country's largest district. Trashigang, once the centre of a busy trade route with Tibet, is today the junction of east-west highway with road connecting to Samdrup Jongkhar and then to the Indian States of Assam. This town is also used as the market place for the semi nomadic people from Merak and Sakteng whose costumes are unique in Bhutan.

Places of Interest in TRASHIGANG

Trashigang Dzong
Built in 1659, the Dzong serves as the administrative seat for the district as well as the home of the monk body. The Dzong commands a remarkable view over the surrounding countryside.

Gom Kora 

24 km from Trashigang, the temple of Gom Kora is set on a small alluvial plateau overlooking the river. Surrounded by rice fields and clumps of banana tress, it looks like an oasis in an arid landscape. It is one of the famous places where Guru Rinpoche meditated in order to subdue a demon who dwelt in a huge black rock.

Rangjung Woesel Cholling Monastery

Rangjung town is tiny town which was located in Eastern part of Bhutan under Tashigang District. It is about 18 km drive towards Northern part of Bhutan and town falls under the Shongphu Geog and Sakteng, Merak, Phongmay, Radhi and Bidung of five other Geog come to this town for shopping. In a small community people are very friendly and kind hearted. The language they speak is Sharchop. In the same town there is very famous and well known of the people of Bhutan and worldwide Monastery name call Rangjung Woesel Chholing Monastery.  The monastery was founded by His Eminence Dungsey Garab Dorje Rinpoche in the year 1989 with few monks and nuns. The objective of monastery is to provide a conducive haven for the study of Buddha dharma as expounded in the Dudjom New Treasure Lineage and carry out dharma activities for the benefit of the Buddhist community in and abroad the country. It has a flourishing community with branches monasteries and retreat centers. The Monastery traces its root to the Gelong Gonpa which was established by Rinpoche and H.H. Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche his father. Gompa or Temple is situated in a mountainous region.

After H.H. Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche departed from Bhutan, the Bhutanese fervently requested Rinpoche to remain and turn the dharma wheel of Dudjom New Treasure Lineage in the monastery. Rinpoche, realizing the deep faith and genuine devotion of the Bhutanese, accepted the heavy responsibility to continue the dharma activities and welfare services for the Buddhist fraternity living in and around the monastery.

Sightseeing in Yangtse

Yangtse Dzong

Yangtse (alt.  1700m)

Trashiyangtse is a small village with a garden aspect and a lovely place from where to launch couples of hours stroll into surrounding countryside. The Dzong was built in the later 1990s when the new district was created. A very interest art school is worth the visit. Also Trashiyangtse is famous for its wooden containers and bowls

Places of Interest in TRASHIYANGTSE

Chorten Kora
Constructed near the river, it is based on the stupa of Bodhnath in Nepal and was built in 1740 by Lama Ngawang Loday. During the second month of lunar calendar there is an interesting celebration here, known as 'Kora'

Bomdeling
About one hour walk from Chorten Kora, Bomdeling is the winter resting place of a flock of black-necked cranes

SAMDRUP JONGKHAR
The road from Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar was completed in 1960s and it enables the eastern half of the country to access and benefit from trade with the south as well as across the Indian border. There is little to see in this area but it was being used mostly as a convenient exit town however due to disturbances in adjoining Indian territory, the exit route has been closed

Sightseeing in Punakha

Punakha (Altitude 1400 m)

Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until and still it is the winter seat of Je Khnep (the chief abbot). Blessed with temperate climate and owing to its natural drainage from Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers, the Punakha valley produces abundant crops and fruits. There are splendid views of the distant Himalayas at Dochula pas (alt. 3,050m) on Thimphu - Punakha road.

Places of Interest in PUNAKHA

Punakha Dzong

Built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan's history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King. The Dzong is open for visitors during Punakha festival and in summer months when the monk body moves to Thimphu.

Excursions around PUNAKHA

Chimi Lhakhang
The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatise his teachings and due to this also known as 'Divine Madman'. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. It is about 30 minute walk across field from the road to the temple. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning 'field'. It then follows a tiny stream downhill to Yoaka and across more fields before making a short climb to Chimi Lhakhang.

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
A beautiful hike takes one to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten, which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. The Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond.

Limbukha
Drive to Punakha Dzong which can be visited from the month of April to November when the Je Khenpo (chief abbot) moves to Thimphu. Walk across the suspension bridge (about 200m long) through absolutely fresh breeze and fascinating view of Dzong. Follow the farm houses gradually climbing towards Dompala hills. The view of Dzong, Pho Chhu, Mo Chhu rivers and surrounding village is superb amidst chirpine forests. The climb is another two and a half hours to Limbukha.

Limbukha farmers grow Bhutan's famous red rice which is supposed to have medicinal values. This particular rice needs clean mountain spring so that the taste is good and nutritional value maintained. Limbukha is also known for its love of peace and tranquility. Legends says that during medieval wars the 'limpus' or the people of Limbukha always volunteered as peace negotiators. This is also depicted during yearly festival called 'Serda' when the men are found carrying peace flags instead of swords and fireworks.

Talo
The village of Talo (alt. 2,800m) which is scattered along the hill slopes, known for its cleanliness and hygiene among Punakha villages. Talo Sangnacholing is built on a plateau and has majestic view of surrounding villages. The beautiful farm houses of the village have its own flower gardens and on the hill slope corns and sweet peas are grown in abundance. The women of Talo are particular known for their beauty.

Sightseein in Phuntsholing

PHUENTSHOLING

The frontier town, it is a thriving commercial centre, situated directly at the base of Himalayan foothills. It is a fascinating place where different ethnic groups mingle prominently Indian, Bhutanese and Nepalese. Being the border town, Phuentsholing serves as the convenient entry/exit point for Bhutan and also the important link to visit the Indian state of West Bengal, Sikkim and Assam.

Places of Interest in PHUENTSHOLING

Zangtho Pelri
Situated in city centre, this small temple represents the heaven of Guru Rinpoche. On ground floor there are statues of eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche and paintings on Buddha's life while the next floor contains eight Bodhisattavas and statues of Avalokiteshvara and Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. On top floor, there is a main statue of Amitabha.

Kharbandi Goemba
Founded in 1967 by Royal Grand Mother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedron and situated at the altitude of 400m, this beautiful monastery contains paintings on the life of Buddha, statues of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rinpoche. From the monastery garden there is a fascinating view of Phuentsholing town and surrounding plains.

Sightseeing in Phobjikha

Gangtey and Phobjikha (Altitude 3000m)

The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, and extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valley's are tightly enclosed.

A few kilometers beyond the Gangtey Monastery, on the valley floor lies the village of Phobjikha. This place is the winter home of black necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass winter winter in milder and lower climate. Phobjikha, at an altitude of 2900 m, falls under the district of Wangduephodrang and lies on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park. The valley boasts two beautiful meandering rivers, Nakay Chhu (Chhu Naap-black water) and Gay Chhu (Chhu Karp-white water). According to a local legend, the two rivers actually represent a snake and a boar. The two animals once raced each other with an agreement that if the snake (Nakay Chhu) won, Phobjikha valley would be able to grow rice, but if the boar won, then rice could never be cultivated in the area. The snake lost since it had to meander all the way during its journey. Rice cannot be cultivated in the valley even today.

Gangtey Gonpa

Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountain's and also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. The Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of the Monastery.

Gangtey was founded by Pema Trinley, the grand son of Pema Lingpa, the famous Nyingmapa saint of Bhutan. In 1613, Pema Trinley establish the monastery and became the first Gangtey Tulku. The religious traditions of Pema Lingpa still taught there. The second Tulku, Tenzin Legpa Dondrup (1645 to 1726), enhanced the size of Gangtey while keeping up good relations with Drukpas, and rebuilt the monastery in the form of a Dzong.