	PARO (alt. 2,200m) Paro valley is one of the most scenic places in Bhutan abound in rich culture, architecture, religious relics, myths and legends. It is home to one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, the picturesque National Museum, monumental fortresses celebrating historical glories and the country’s only airport. The northern end of the valley allows a stunning view of the crown of Mt. Chomolhari (7,314m) from whose glaciers feed the Paro River, Pa Chhu. Paro is also distinguished as one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom earning the nickname it shares with one other valley as the rice bowl of Bhutan.
	Places of Interest in PARO Rinpung Dzong Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong continues its age-old function as the seat of the district administration, district court and the monastic body. The southern approach to the Dzong has a traditional roofed cantilever bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk across the bridge offers a wide view of the dzong’s architecture and an opportunity to tread the same path as ancient warriors. The dzong is also the venue for well-known annual Paro Tshechu, held in the spring.
	Ta Dzong Typical of all watchtowers in Bhutan, it is has round walls and stands at a commanding height overlooking the Paro Dzong, which it defended during civil wars between 17th and 19th centuries. In 1967 it was converted into National Museum. In its six floors, it holds rich collection of art, relics, religious paintings and Bhutan's famous postage stamps. A visit here will serve as a good introduction to Bhutan before you delve deeper into the country.
	Drukgyel Dzong This Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1649 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate victory over the marauding Tibetan and Mongolian invaders. This was part of the first glimpse of Bhutan as featured to the outside world in 1914 National Geographic Magazine article. Although destroyed by fire in 1951, it still retains its majesty. Take a walk around the dzong and witness the Bhutanese ingenuity in defense architecture.
	Kyichu Lhakhang An elegant temple, it is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in the Kingdom dating back to 7th century, the other being Jambey Lhakhang in Bumthang. They are two surviving temples in Bhutan commissioned by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet who took upon himself to build 108 temples in Tibet and other Himalayan regions. The complex consists of three temples with latest one built in 1968 by H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan. The older temple contains a replica of the Buddha Maitreya of Jokhang in Lhasa and the new one has a giant statue of Guru Rimpoche.
Kila Goemba It is the spiritual sanctuary housing nuns who dedicate their lives to studies, prayers and meditation. The goemba nestles precariously on a craggy side of a mountain very close to Chelela. The foundation dates back to the 9th century where many renowned saints spent years in meditation. It is a half-hour walk one way from the roadside.
	Farm House Due to popularity of traditional architecture and now by decree of the government, all houses strictly follow indigenous rules. Houses in Bhutan are two to three storeys, built of timber with stone or rammed mud. They are generously decorated with motifs, carvings and paintings. The ground floor in the past was commonly used as granary or animal shelter. The first floor was used as living space including kitchen. The top floor usually housed the family chapel and guest rooms. Paro offers many great examples of Bhutanese farmhouses. A visit to one of them would be worth a glimpse into Bhutanese farm life.
Druk Choeding Situated right at the entrance of Paro town it was built in 1525 by Ngawang Chhogyel, a renowned lama, featured in the travel stories and teachings of the Divine Madman, saint Drukpa Kuenley. He was a prince-abbot of Ralung in Tibet and an ancestor of the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
	Taktshang Lhakhang (Tiger's Nest) One of the famous monasteries of Bhutan, especially to the outside world, is perched on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro valley. Guru Rimpoche is believed to have arrived here on the back of a tigress and remained in meditation for about three months. Revered as one of the most sacred place, many great saints from both Tibet and India traveled here on pilgrimage. In addition to few other places, every Bhutanese wishes to visit here at least once in their lifetime. The cave in which Guru Rimpoche meditated is open to the public once every year. On 19 April 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but the reconstruction is almost complete. The temple itself is closed to tourists but the hike up to the viewpoint is worth every step. It takes a about an hour and half one way.
Excursions around PARO Kila Goemba (See descriptions above) Taktshang Monastery (See descriptions above)

	THIMPHU (alt. 2,400m) The modern capital, established in 1961, is the seat of the central government, monastic community and commerce. The population is estimated at 40,000 to 50,000, which makes it the biggest city in the country. For a national capital, Thimphu is a unique city displaying harmony of tradition and modernity. There are no traffic lights and policemen at intersections direct the traffic. But do not be deceived, for a metropolis with a commercial lane that extends for less than two miles, there is enough to demonstrate the Bhutanese ideal of modernity and traditional values. s
	Places of Interest in THIMPHU Trashichho Dzong The massive fortress, whose name translates as the fortress of the glorious religion, was initially a smaller structure in 1641. It took the present form after expansion/reconstruction commissioned by Late Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1965. Besides being the summer seat of Je Khenpo, Head Abbot, and the central monastic body, it houses some ministries, the secretariat, the Golden Throne of the King of Bhutan and His Majesty's office. The National Assembly Hall initially in the dzong has since 1993 moved to a new location directly across the river.
	Memorial Chorten Built in 1974 in memory of the third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, lovingly known as the Father of Modern Bhutan, it is a rare stupa that has an inner sanctum of temples. There are intricate paintings and statues representing tantric reverence and practice. A very popular religious monument in the city, there are always numerous people circumambulating or turning the giant prayer wheels.
	Simtokha Dzong Five miles outside Thimphu city stands the 17th century fortress, Simtokha Dzong. Built in 1627, it is the first of many dzongs built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It was built to guard the two approaches, from southwest and east, as Shabdrung worked to establish stability and control during his early years of governance. It saw its share of action even during the civil war until 19th century. Until recently it housed the School of Language and Cultural Studies, which has since expanded beyond the dzong's capacity and moved on the slope above. It now houses a monastic school. The main temple of the dzong contains huge statues of Buddha Sakyamuni and eight Arhats. The temple is surrounded with finest examples of slate carving from outside.
	National Library Since dzongs where seats of monastic schools, in the past all texts and scriptures including historical references were stored there. Over many centuries most dzongs suffered fires and natural calamities resulting in loss of many valuable records. Historically an oral society loss of any written record was a great loss. So in 1967 the National Library was established as a repository of Bhutanese history and religious texts. It has copies of almost all texts relevant to Mahayana Buddhism and a rich collection of lithographs from whence scriptures and prayer flags where printed in the old days. Besides the ancient texts and manuscripts, the library has built a fair collection of modern academic books related to Bhutan and the surrounding regions.
The School of Traditional Arts and Crafts The school offers an eight-year course in the techniques of traditional art in religious and secular paintings, woodcarving, clay sculpture and traditional mask making. One can see students working through progressive levels practicing precise rules of Bhutanese art. The school also has a showroom from where student works are sold at very reasonable price compared to town for same quality of work.
National Institute of Traditional Medicine Bhutan has long and rich tradition of medicine based on natural remedies derived mainly from plants, earth and some animals. This institute has facility for out-patients, training, research and production of traditional medicine. The courses to become traditional doctors, called drungtsho, entail six to eight years of strenuous study after high school. The institute has an exhibition room that imparts excellent look into the tradition.
	Folk Heritage Museum Established in 2001, this is an interesting museum housed in a very old traditional house. The museum is a walk through the fast changing rural tradition, habits and skills, and those of the past. They organize special exhibitions annually on select subject pertaining to Bhutanese heritage. Demonstrations of traditional way of extracting oil, brewing traditional spirit, husking rice etc. and a buffet of traditional food items can be arranged with prior notice.
Textile Museum Established in 2000, this is another of the new theme museums in the city. It is dedicated to the rich skill of Bhutanese weaver, primarily women. Literally, women were ones who clothed the family before availability of machine made fabrics. The museum has a good collection of sample including rare pieces and antiques, some belonging to the royal family. Since its establishment, the museum has organized competitions to encourage weavers as well as pay tribute to the rich old tradition and skills.
Weekend Market Every Saturday and Sunday most of Thimphu's population descend to the riverside market for fresh vegetables and other food items sold mainly by farmers from neighboring valleys. There is also a whole section of art and crafts, religious and secular ornaments for sale. It is a lively market to watch people and buy souvenirs. Bhutanese are moderate bargainers and prices are usually reasonable.
	Changangkha Lhakhang Perched on a hill with a commanding view of Thimphu city, it is an old temple dating back to the 15th century. It was built by Lama Dawa Zangpo, one of the sons of Phajo Drugom Shigpo. Phajo Drugom Shigpo was a lama-ruler of the valley before the Shabdrung's arrival. Recognizing the advantage of protection under a strong ruler, many valleys invited Phajo's sons to become their rulers and many local nobles in different valleys trace their ancestry to these sons. The central statue in the temple is Avaloketesvara, Buddha of compassion, in his manifestation with 11 heads, thousand hands and eyes. Your guide will explain the symbol of the manifestation.
	Excursions around THIMPHU Tango Goemba and Cheri Goemba About 15 kms from Thimphu to the north are two famous monasteries, Cheri to the left of the river and Tango to the right. First founded in the 12th century by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa, the main temple of Tango was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman in the 15th century. Later, soon after his arrival from Tibet Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal was offered the temple by the descendent of Drukpa Kuenley. The Shabdrung lived there and meditated in a cave near the monastery until he moved to Thimphu as his work of administration expanded.
The eighth Desi, Druk Rabgye, built the picturesque three-storey tower and several surrounding buildings in the 18th century and Shabdrung Jigme Chhogyel added the golden roof in the 19th century. Tango is now an important college of Buddhist philosophy. Chari Goemba was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1620. A silver chorten inside the monastery holds the ashes of his father, who was himself, a revered saint having visited Bhutan on more than one occasion. Unlike Tango, Chari is a much steeper climb and is situated at about 2600 meters. Chari is distinguished in history as the seat of the first monastic body in Bhutan. Today, it is a meditation center for graduates of Tango. Meditations last as long as three years and three months at a stretch.
Phajoding Goemba It is a good 3 hours walk to the northwestern slopes above Thimphu. Lama Shacha Rinchen, a pioneer Drukpa Kagyupa teacher, built the monastery in 15th century. It was at one time the richest monastery in the country, reputedly with enough wealth and relics to replenish the main dzong in the valley if it was lost in fire.

PUNAKHA (alt. 1,300m)
Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan and still is the winter seat of Je Khenpo (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. Also, in spring and early fall the route is covered in various flowers. Wild animals are often spotted along the road.

Places of Interest in PUNAKHA

Punakha Dzong

The second dzong built by Shabdrung, in 1637, on a strategic junction at the confluence of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, Punakha Dzong has played a hallowed role in history of Bhutan. It served as the seat of Shabdrung's government, several foreign delegations were received here in 18th and 19th century, the election and coronation of the first King was observed 1907 and the Third King convened the first National Assembly in the Dzong. The central monastic body continues to reside here in winter. The embalmed bodies of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Terton Pema Lingpa are kept on the top floor of the main tower.Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King from the latest fire in 1987. The Dzong is open for visitors during Punakha festival and in summer months when the central monastic body moves to Thimphu.

Excursions around PUNAKHA

Talo
Talo village at 2,800 meters above Punakha valley is scattered along the hill slopes. The village is crowned by Sangachoeling temple on a plateau. The farmhouses are beautiful with most houses having plot of flower gardens.

WANGDUEPHODRANG (alt. 1,300m)
Wangdue Phodrang is the last western town on the central highway to the far east. The town is no more than an enlarged village with a few well-provided shops. Located south of Punakha, the higher reaches of the Wangdue Phodrang 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

Wangdue Phodrang Dzong

GANGTEY GOMPA / PHOBJIKHA (alt. 3,000m)
East of Wangdue Phodrang, the great monastery of Gangtey dates back to the 17th century. Since the western part of country is predominantly Kagyu School of Buddhism this monastery holds the unique position of being the only Ngyingma monastery in the west. The present lama, Gangtey Trulku is an incarnate of the famous Terton Pema Lingpa of Bumthang. A few kilometers past the monastery, on the valley floor is the village of Phobjikha. This place is the winter home of black-necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains of the north to escape the harsh winters.

TRONGSA (alt. 2,300m) ss Trongsa is the ancestral seat of the Wangchuk Dynasty from whence the First King was elected. The Second King Jigme Wangchuk ruled the country from Kuenga Chholing in Trongsa during winters. In keeping with tradition the Crown Prince of Bhutan holds the position of the Trongsa Penlop prior to ascending the throne. The present King was appointed Penlop in 1972, shortly before his coronation. Places of Interest in TRONGSA
	Chendebji Chorten This stupa designed after Swayambunath in Katmandu is on the road to Trongsa from Wangdue. Lama Shida built it in 18th century, to supposedly suppress the remains of an evil spirit subdued at the spot. It is an ideal place for picnic lunch or to simply take a break from driving.
	Trongsa Dzong The massive dzong dominates the entire vista of the town. It stretches on a ridge leaving the only way, in old days, to traverse the valley through the dzong. This gave a unique advantage in keeping control over what passed through and between the valleys, especially during the time of civil strife ending in the 19th century. Of course, the road is now carved into previously inaccessible cliffs. Initially built in 1648 and expanded in later years, it was the seat of the most powerful governor in the country with influences that stretched all the way to the east. Both the first and second King ruled the country from this ancient seat. The Dzong is a labyrinth of temples, stairways, corridors and district offices; it has 21 temples. It is built on many levels following the contours of a ridge. Located above the dzong and the quaint Trongsa town is the remaining main Ta Dzong, the watchtower. It now houses few monks and a temple dedicated to the epic hero and warrior, King Gesar of Ling.
Excursions around TRONGSA Kuenga Rabten 23 kms from Trongsa along the central-south highway is Kuenga Rabten, the winter palace of the second King. It is a pleasant half-day trip from Trongsa and offers a good insight into the early days of Bhutanese Royalty.

BUMTHANG (alt. 2,600m) The four valleys that make Bumthang is the sacred heart of the country. Besides natural beauty the valley is bountifully blessed with numerous ancient temples and is the revered birthplace of many saints. It was here that the legendary saint Pema Lingpa was born, to whom the Bhutanese Royalties trace their lineage. Bumthang is also distinguished in history as the first place in Bhutan where Guru Rimpoche brought Buddhism.
Places of Interest in BUMTHANG Jambey Lhakhang This is the other temple built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. It was here that Guru Rimpoche conducted the first sermon on Tantric Buddhism for his host King Sendha, the local ruler, his family and subjects. The alcove above the entrance to the inner temple where Guru Rimpoche sat during the sermon can be still seen to this day. The then governor of Bumthang carried out the last known major renovation in 1905. The temple hosts a spectacular festival every year in autumn. One of the main attractions is a fire dance and the fertility blessings for women.
	Kurjey Lhakhang Short distance from Jambey Lhakhang is the expansive complex of Kurjey Lhakhang. It consists of three temples. The one on the right was built in 1652 on the rock face where Guru meditated in the 8th century. The body imprint of the great master can be distinctly seen in the rock cave enshrined in the temple. Second temple was built in 1900 by the first king when he was still the governor of Trongsa. The third temple was built in 1990 by Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother. A wall of 108 chortens surrounds the entire complex.
Tamshing Lhakhang Located in a village across the river from Kurjey Lhakhang is the seat of Bumthang's famous saint-son Pema Lingpa. He built it himself in 1501. A skilled tantric master and an artist he sculpted the main statues and painted the frescoes, which can be seen even today, mostly in original state. There is also a chain mail made by Pema Lingpa that devotees carry and circumambulate the inner sanctum. The throne from which he performed the consecration ceremony is preserved in a small temple outside the main hall. The physical structure surrounding the main inner temple was restored at the end of the 19th century. Pema Lingpa's expansive skills in building, painting, sculpture and metal work can still be seen in mostly original state. Tantric Buddhists believe in the tradition of treasure finders or terton. Treasures are various forms of relics hidden by Guru Rimpoche to be discovered by the future generation to aid religion in times of degenerate age or changing times. Pema Lingpa is the first of five main tertons. He is also revered as the incarnation of Guru Rimpoche himself.
		Jakar Dzong Founded by the great-grandfather of the first Shabdrung, the Dzong was initially a small hermitage in 1549. It was expanded the Shabdrung 1646 to help consolidate his expanding power into the eastern region. Scouting for a place for the dzong a small white bird was seen perched on a hill, which was taken as an auspicious sign, and hence the name Jakar, meaning white bird. As others, the Dzong is now the seat of district administration and monastic body of Bumthang valleys.
Excursions around BUMTHANG Thangbi Goemba A half an hour by car and then another on foot north of Kurjey Lhakhang is Thangbi Goemba, founded in 1470 by Shamar Rimpoche. One temple has deities in wrathful manifestations and the other has three Buddhas representing past, present and future. On the upper floor, the vestibule contains two remarkable paintings of Guru Rimpoche's paradise and the heaven of Buddha Amitabha. Ngang Lhakhang This temple is a few hours walk from Thangbi Goemba in the small region of Ngang Yul. Guru Rimpoche visited the site and temple itself dates back to the 15th century. A Lama Namkha Samdrup, a contemporary of Pema Lingpa, built the temple. A three days festival is held here each winter with masked dances in honor of the founder. Membartsho This place is about twenty minutes drive eastwards from the town of Bumthang. This is the site from which Terton Pema Lingpa discovered his first religious treasures. A wooden bridge spans across the trapped river-water pool. A story has it that Pema Lingpa on a later venture into the pool carried a burning butter lamp saying if he were a apparition of evil the lamp will be snuffed out and if not it will continue to burn on his resurfacing from the water. He dived into the pool and returned with more treasures and the lamp still burning. Since then the place came to be known as Membartsho or the burning lake. Even to this day pilgrims light lamps and release into the pool. Ura Valley (alt. 3,100m) Ura is 48 km, about one and a half hour drive, from Jakar. The road to Ura climbs through conifers and beautiful landscape. Farms and sheep pastures line the road. From the Shelthang La pass (3,600m) with a magnificent view of Mount Gangkhar Puensum (7540m), the highest unclimbed mountain in the world, you descend into the village. Ura has about forty clustered houses, typical to only few communities in Bhutan. The village has a new temple dedicated to Guru Rimpoche where the annual Ura festival is held in late spring. It has a huge statue of Guru Rimpoche and beautiful frescoes.

TRASHIGANG (alt. 1,100m)
Seat of the largest and biggest population of Bhutan, the town of Trashigang lies on a narrow relief between Dangme Chhu and Metri Dang Chhu. Trashigang was in the past a busy center for trade route to Tibet, and today it is an important junction on the east-west highway connecting to southeast region of Samdrup Jongkhar and the Indian States of Assam. Northeast of Trashigang is also home to unique semi-nomadic people of Merak and Sakteng. They have their own custom including unique costumes.

Places of Interest in TRASHIGANG

Trashigang Dzong

Perched on a narrow ledge facing the northeast frontier, towards Tibet, stands Trashigang Dzong, built in 1659.Its location proved crucial in defending against many Tibetan invaders who tried several surprise attacks. They were exasperated since they did not expect such a high rising fortress in the lowlands of the Himalaya. Tibetan are remembered to have cried in agony, "it is not a dzong on the ground, it is in the sky", and on being tormented by thorny spikes of lemon grass seeds and biting insects believed that the plants and animals were also in support of the Drukpas, the Bhutanese.

Gom Kora

24 km from Trashigang, the temple of Gom Kora is set on a small alluvial ground carved by the Dangme Chhu. Surrounded by steep slopes and semi-arid vegetation, it is an oasis of rice fields and plantains. It is one of many places in east visited by Guru Rimpoche. There are rocks in the temple compound and immediate vicinity, which carries foot and body imprint of the Master. A very popular annual festival attracts people from as far as the tribal communities of northeast Indian state of Arunachal.

TRASHIYANGTSE (alt. 1,700m)
Trashiyangtse is the eastern most district of Bhutan. The main town is a new urban area still with the strong touch of rural atmosphere just as the villages that surround it. It has the newest dzong in the country, built in 1997. The old dzong, founded by Pema Lingpa in early 16th century, lies further south of the town. Trashiyangtse is famous for its handcrafted wooden cups and bowls.

Places of Interest in TRASHIYANGTSE

Chorten Kora

Standing serenely by the river is a stupa, the sample for which was brought from the Boudhnath in Nepal. It was built in 1740 by Lama Ngawang Loday for the benefit of the people of the valley who wished to travel to Boudhnath but could not go and for the fact that the people of the valley were very devoted Buddhist. It is said that the sample was carved on a radish, which shrunk by the time it reached Trashiyangtse, and there fore, the stupa is not as large as the one in Nepal. During the second month of lunar calendar there is a lively festival called the Kora or circumambulation.

School of Thirteen Traditional Arts

Just as the art school in Thimphu, students are taught the traditional skills and art of Bhutan. In addition to what is taught in Thimphu, this school's curriculum also includes gold and silversmithing, wooden bowl making, traditional tailoring and embroidery. More over the students are offered various courses in Dzongkha and English to complement their craft trainings.

Bomdeling

About one hour walk from Chorten Kora, Bomdeling is also a winter resting place of a flock of black-necked cranes. The village is also popular for traditional handmade papers made from locally found Daphne plants. Paper was one of the commodities highly demanded by Tibetans in the old trading days.

Excursions around THIMPHU

Excursions around TRONGSA

Kuenga Rabten 23 kms from Trongsa along the central-south highway is Kuenga Rabten, the winter palace of the second King. It is a pleasant half-day trip from Trongsa and offers a good insight into the early days of Bhutanese Royalty.

Tamshing Lhakhang

Excursions around BUMTHANG

Thangbi Goemba

Ngang Lhakhang

Kuenga Rabten
23 kms from Trongsa along the central-south highway is Kuenga Rabten, the winter palace of the second King. It is a pleasant half-day trip from Trongsa and offers a good insight into the early days of Bhutanese Royalty.