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 Paro Valley
This
beautiful valley is home to some of Bhutan's oldest Temples &
Monasteries as well as Bhutan's only Airport. To the north of
the valley Mt. Chomolhari (7300 m) reigns in white glory and the
glacier water from its peak plunge through deep gorges finally
forming Paro River. Major attractions include: Drukgyal Dzong,
Taksang Monastery, Ringpung Dzong, Ta Dzong and Farm House.
 Thimpu Valley
Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan lies at an elevation of 2300 m in
a valley traversed by the Thimphu River. The Tashichho Dzong,
the main secretariat building, houses the throne room of the
King and the summer residence of the central Monk body. The city
of Thimphu is nothing like what a capital city is imagined to
be. Nevertheless, for Bhutan it is a fitting and lively place.
Unlike many cities, Thimphu has kept a strong national character
in its architectural style.
Major attractions include: Memorial Chorten, Tashichho
Dzong, Simtokha Dzong, and National Library & Painting School
 Bumthang
The valleys of Trongsa and Bumthang are separated by Yutola
Pass. Bumthang has its own unique geographical feature that
separates it from all other regions. Composed of four smaller
valleys, the deeply spiritual region of Bumthang is shrouded in
religious legend.
Apart from the Dzong at Jakar, smaller monasteries are situated
all over the valley. Tales of Guru Padma Sambhava dominate these
holy shrines. The valley is home to the sacred Jampa and Kurjey
monasteries. Bumthang is also the traditional home to the great
Buddhist teacher Pema Lingpa to whom the present monarchy traces
its ancestral lineage. Bumthnang Tsechu (Festival) along with
the Paro and Thimpu Tsechu are the most popular festivals in
Bhutan.
 Wangdue Phodrang
This is the last town on the highway before entering central
Bhutan. Sitting on the top of a hill, the formidable Dzong is
the town most visible features. In the 17th century, Wangdue
played a crucial role in unifying western, central and southern
Bhutan. The town itself is little more than an enlarged village
with well-provided shops and hotels.
The road from Wangdue to Trongsa is one of the prettiest in
Bhutan passing through streams, forests and villages before
climbing the Pelela Pass on the Black Mountain ranges into the
Trongsa valley. South of the highway is the Gangtey Gompa, an
old monastery dating from the 17th century. A few kilometres
past the Gompa is the village of Phobji Kha, one of the winter
homes of the Black Necked Cranes which migrate to Bhutan from
central Asia. |
