When you are planning to go to Bhutan to see famous Historic and Cultural places then you must read this post that provides detail information. These popular historic and cultural sites are worth to visit, have a look:

Here is list of 12 Famous Historic and Cultural Sites of Bhutan that you must visit

1) Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)

In last few years, Tiger’s Nest has gained such popularity within travel community that it has become a de facto symbol of Bhutan. For most tourists, the trek to the cliffside monastery is the highlight of the trip to the country. Local believe that Padmasambhava – the protective saint of Bhutan – flew to the site on the back of a flying tigress to subdue a demon. After meditating for 3 months, he left a body print on a rock that is preserved at one of the sanctums inside the monastery. A short but steep hike through a gorgeous forest takes you to the monastery. Be prepared to climb lots of stairs and stop frequently on the trail to soak in the spectacular views of the surrounding areas.

2) Kyichu Lhakhang

Kyichu Lhakhang is among the oldest and holiest places in Bhutan. The temple houses one of the greatest treasures of Paro Valley: a 10th– century statue of Jowo Jampa(Future Buddha). Locals believe that the Tibetan king Songten Gampo built it to pin down an ogress who impeded the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayas. Its wooden floors are worn smooth due to centuries of prostrations by pilgrims and beautiful golden frescoes peep through the soot on the walls. In the courtyard, a perennial fruit-bearing orange tree has become popular among visitors.

3) National Museum, Paro

The circular watchtower above Rinpung Dzong houses the country’s National Museum. The exhibits here range from sublime (intricately carved bronze statues) to bizarre(Horse’s Egg). The highlights of the museum are the spectacular collections of festive masks and ancient Buddhist paintings. Also notable is the exhibit on local flora and fauna.

4) Budhha Dordenma

Buddha Dordenma is a relatively new addition to the list of attractions in Thimphu Valley. The 54-meter tall statue occupies the prime spot on a hill near Thimphu and commands breathtaking views of the valley. Golden statues of Buddhist deities dot the complex. A spectacular Lhakhang at its base houses gigantic statues of Buddha, Avalokiteshvara and Padmasambhava.

5) National Textile Museum

Arguably the best museum of Thimphu, National Textile Museum is not only the repository of priceless Bhutanese textiles but also serves as the school for the traditional art of Thagzo(weaving). The museum provides wealth on information on varied weaving traditions of Bhutan such as Kishuthara, Burra and Yathra. Additionally, visitors can visit the school and observe the students weave delicate fabric on traditional looms.

6) Tashichhoedzong

Thimphu’s Royal Palace is perhaps the grandest building in the valley and adds a touch of grandeur to the pastoral capital. The Dzong was constructed without any architectural blueprint. It features the typicalcharacteristics of traditional Bhutanese architecture – whitewashed walls with red borders, windows and doors with traditional etchings and interiors covered in frescoes. The massive utse (central tower) and the northern assembly hall are the visual highlights of this spectacular building.

7) Dochu La

Dochu La is an essential stop for anyone travelling beyond Thimphu. Although the mountain pass has gained popularity as the lookout spot for Bhutan Himalayas, the surrounding area is a well-known bio-diversity hotspot and famous among nature lovers for rhododendron forests. The highlights of Dochu La are 108 chortens built to commemorate martyred soldiers and DrukWangyal Lhakhang.Above the chortens, small meditation caves sit amid the thick foliage. Each cave has a painting of a Buddhist deity.Dochu La also serves as the base for hiking to somespectacular remote monasteries of the region.

8) Punakha Dzong

Punakha Dzong is widely regarded as the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan. The Dzong is a brilliant example of Bhutanese architecture and several structures inside are standalone architectural wonders.Its three massive docheys (courtyards) house govt. offices, monks’ quarters and beautiful prayer halls. The 6-storey main tower and a “hundred pillared” hall are the central features of the building. The longest suspension bridge in the country behind the fortress is also worth a visit. Built over Po Chhu and draped in colourful prayer flags, the bridge offers stunning views of the surrounding rice terraces and verdant hills.

9) Chimi Lhakhang

A standout cultural feature of Punakha is the colourful phallus painted on the doors. This unusual artwork is the legacy of Drukpa Kunley, a 15th-century “Mad Saint” who incurred the wrath of the religious authorities for his unusual methods of preaching Buddhism. Painting phalluses on the doors to distract evil spirits was among his many outrageous ideas. Chimi Lhakhang honours this eccentric saint and his loyal dog Saachi. It is an important religious and cultural centre of the valley and local women visit the temple to receive fertility blessings. A silver-encrusted wooden phallus that belonged to Drukpa Kunley is now used to bestow blessings upon the visitors.

10) Trongsa Dzong

The rambling Trongsa Dzong is the largest fortress in Bhutan and an indicator of the past glory of this region. It occupies a spur above the roaring MangdeChhu and offers prime views of the area. The Dzong is a conglomerate of buildings, some dating back to the 16th century. A series of passages andcourtyards connect the labyrinthine fort. The old trade route between Central and Western Bhutan cuts through the Dzong and several energetic visitors hike the trail to reach the Dzong. The highlights of the Dzong are Northern Assembly Hall and Chorten Lhakhang, the first monastery built in the 16th century.

11) Gangteng Gompa

Gangteng Monastery is an important seat of Nyingma Buddhism in the country. The monastery occupies prime spot atop a hill and commands brilliant views of the valley. While visiting Phobjikha valley, Saint Pema Lingpa prophesied that a gompa would exist one day on the present site. Pema Thinley, the grandson of Pema Lingpa, built the first temple here in 1613. The highlight of the monastery is its gorgeous tshokhang (prayer hall), one of the largest in Bhutan.

12) Jambay Lhakhang

One of the oldest temples in Bumthang, Jambay Lhakhang is the sister temple of Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro Valley. The darkened walls of the temple stand as the testimony of its antiquity. The central chapel houses the ancient statue of JowoJampa (Future Buddha) protected by chainmail forged by saint Pema Lingpa. Golden murals depicting the life of Buddha gleam around the kora (circumambulation path). At the altar, bowls of water shine in the glow of butter lamps. The surrounding courtyard has rows of prayer wheels that monks and devotees keep rotating throughout the day

DeepakMarch 11, 2020