The Kingdom of Bhutan is a small country between China and India, lost at the very spurs of the Himalayas, a longed-for dream of many travelers. In this amazing state, instead of the dry economic term "gross national product", the concept of "gross national happiness" is used, and among state institutions there is a real Ministry of Happiness.
Tibetan chronicles two hundred years ago describe Bhutan as a "Secret Holy Land" and "Lotus Garden of the Gods." The history of the Kingdom is quite interesting - its powerful neighbors did not know about the country for many centuries, for a long time it managed to avoid the invasion of the colonialists and the penetration of a foreign culture. Perhaps that is why an almost medieval originality and pristine nature has been preserved there.
Bhutan is a country where the people are still friendly and not spoiled, where there is practically no crime and hunger. The traveler will find magnificent natural landscapes, the purest mountain rivers, the majestic peaks of the highest mountains on the planet and the unique culture of local residents, which has been preserved almost unchanged since the 15th-16th centuries.
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What to see in Bhutan?
The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a short description.
Taktsang Lakhang monastery
World famous Buddhist monastery, erected high in the mountains and "soaring" over the abyss. From the observation platforms and balconies of the monastery, a breathtaking sight opens up to mountain peaks, abysses and gorges. This place, according to the testimony of many tourists, is literally saturated with holiness, mysticism and spirituality. The name of the monastery is translated from the local dialect as “tigress's nest”.
Paro city
Located in the picturesque and fertile Paro Valley, which is considered the most prosperous and wealthy area in Bhutan. The city is located at an altitude of almost 2500 meters above sea level. City buildings are lavishly decorated and painted examples of ancient architecture. The only road to Tibet passed through Paro for a long time.
Punakha Dzong
Fortress and monastery of the 17th century in the city of Punakha. In past centuries, the building was known as the "Palace of Great Happiness". Punakha Dzong is located at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu rivers. To get to the grandiose gates of the palace, you need to climb a steep staircase in the rock. The building itself is located at an altitude of over 1200 m above sea level.
Drukgyal Dzong fortress
A ruined structure in western Bhutan that previously served as a monastery. Here begins the trail to Tibet and the Jomolhari trail, which leads to the Great Himalayan Range. It is believed that the fortress was built in the 17th century. in honor of the victory over Tibet. After the fire of the middle of the XX century. the fortress was never restored.
Trashi-Cho-Dzong monastery
Residence of the Chief Lama of Bhutan. It also hosts government and court hearings. Local monks do not lead a reclusive lifestyle. They actively communicate with the population, organize children's parties and preach their religion. The entrance to tourists is open during the Thimphu-Tsechu holiday, when interesting shows and performances are organized especially for guests.
Thimphu-chorten
One of the most visited attractions in Thimphu town. The temple was built in the 70s. XX century. in honor of the third king of Bhutan, who, according to his subjects, was a saint. Inside the building is an altar with the deity Buddha Samantabhadra, and on the sides are other deities in mournful poses. In 2008, the temple was renovated and its territory was slightly expanded.
Trongsa Dzong
It is considered the largest dzong in Bhutan. Inside is the monastery and the administration of Dzongkhag Tongsa. In the XVII century. the building was used as a military fortification after the coming to power of the Wangchuk dynasty at the beginning of the 20th century. it began to be used for administrative purposes. Trongsa Dzong is located on the passage through the gorge connecting east and west of Bhutan.
Dordenma Buddha
A huge statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, built in 2010. Inside there are 125 thousand gold-plated statues of the deity. Buddha Dordenma is 51 meters high and is the highest statue of a deity in the world. About $ 50 million was spent on the construction of the facility, the total cost of the project was about $ 100 million.
National Museum of Bhutan
The building that houses the museum was formerly a dzong. The exhibition features valuable Buddhist relics that attract tourists and pilgrims. The museum consists of six floors, where exhibits are collected according to themes: history of Buddhism, history of the country, ethnography. Also in the national museum there are two altars, unique from the point of view of the history of religion.
Rinpung Dzong Monastery (Paro Dzong)
Like other monasteries in Bhutan, it is a fortress and the seat of the administration. This is the shrine of the Drukpa Kagyu Buddhist school. Inside there are 14 temples, a watchtower, and the National Museum of Bhutan. The Big Festival is held here annually, dedicated to the celebration of local deities.
Manas National Park
Nature protection zone with unique flora and fauna. Bengal tigers, Himalayan bears, gauras, Indian buffaloes, leopards, elephants, rhinos live here. Ganges dolphins live in the rivers. The nature of the park is an ecosystem with rainforests, alpine meadows and ice fields.
Himalayas
Not only the highest mountains on Earth, but also the most mysterious ones. Various researchers inhabited these places with powerful races, representatives of extraterrestrial civilizations, sages. Someone was looking here for the secret protected country of Shambhala. The Himalayas are picturesque mountain peaks piercing the Cosmos and breathtaking landscapes of high mountain deserts.
