Considered one of the most impressive of dzongs in Bhutan, Punakha Dzong is the second oldest and second largest dzong in the country and former seat of the national government
LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON: Some of Bhutan’s top sights [photo gallery]
The Kingdom of Bhutan is one of the world’s premier travel destinations, known for its Himalayan mountain scenery, Buddhist dzongs, happy people, and most notably its commitment towards gross national happiness (GNH) rather than focusing primarily on GDP. The country has loads to offer the sightseer, the spiritual seeker, the culture vulture or the just plain curious. Here’s a look at what you can see in a typical one-week trip to the main sights of Bhutan’s western region.
Painstakingly perched high up on a cliff Takshtang or Tiger’s Nest monastery is one of the most picturesque monasteries in the world, making a great final place to visit in Bhutan
Still under construction, this 169-foot Buddha statue at Buddha Point, Thimpu, is one of the largest in the world
A field of dozens of vertical prayer flags in the Kuenselphodrang Nature Park in Thimphu–rather than going straight to the large statue it’s well worth the walk through the park first to let your prayers flutter away with the wind
Rice is a common crop in the Paro valley and throughout Bhutan, grown in terraced fields like these
Nestled into this hill, Cheri monastery is a fantastic day hike
Having a picnic in the park at the base of Cheri monastery is a relaxing way to waste some time before making the hike up, particularly with this rushing river playing a soothing soundtrack
The Memorial chorten in Thimpu was built to honour the 3rd King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, in 1974
Tamchoe Monastery is a picturesque monastery situated on the Pachu River, right on the road linking Paro and Thimphu
The triple “M” – Mountains, monasteries and marijuana. All three are found in this picture and all three are found in abundance in Bhutan
Tashi Chho Dzong is where Bhutan’s civil government is located, the Druk Desi
These miniature chortens adorn sacred places as they’re put en mass in alcoves, caves and other spots
Considered one of the most impressive of dzongs in Bhutan, Punakha Dzong is the second oldest and second largest dzong in the country and former seat of the national government
Tango houses both a monastery and the Tango University of Buddhist Studies
Note: The Tourism Council of Bhutan covered my expenses while I was in Bhutan. I was not told I had to write positive reviews and I was not told that I cannot write anything negative. The intention of the press trip was to familiarize the writer with the country so as to convey that information properly to readers. To properly write about a destination in travel writing means to have actually travelled there, which is not always the case in travel writing. This was a place I had wanted to write about, but given the financial reality of travel writing this was not a possibility without some form of financial assistance. This arrangement did not affect the objectivity of my writing in any way.
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