The distinctive architectural tradition of Bhutan blending in complete
harmony with the natural surroundings and expressive of the kingdom's
unique cultural identity is evident in the structures of the village
houses, the temples, the stupas, bridges and dzongs. Timber, stone,
clay and bricks are the main construction materials of traditional
buildings.
A typical Bhutanese village house is usually a 3-storyed structure
with space for livestock on the ground floor; grain store in the middle
floor, as well as living quarters and altar room (Choesham) on the
top floor. Another storage space is normally kept between the top floor
and the roof for drying meat and vegetables. The cornices, windows
and doors of the house are painted with motifs of flowers and animals
as decorations.
The dzongs, the fortress castles dominating the landscape in every
valley, are truly resplendent examples of Bhutanese native architectural
genius. The dzongs are built in similar architectural pattern faithfully
adhered to through the centuries. No formal drawings are made and it
is an amazing fact that no nails are used in constructing these gigantic
buildings. The sheer size of the towering buildings sitting atop commanding
hilltops with their massive tapering walls enclosing flag stone courtyards
with flowering gardens and ornate galleries can overwhelm event the
most jaded sensibilities. In the midst of such magnificent surroundings
rise the central tower called the "Utse" housing the temples.
Besides, the dzongs also contain large monasteries and are the administrative
centers of their regions. Standing sentinel over the dzong buildings,
smaller fortresses called "Ta Dzongs", meaning WatchTowers
are built on a higher promontory, meant to guard against invading forces.
Architectural Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Paro Airport and be received by your tour representative.
Transfer to Hotel. Lunch at hotel and after some relaxing time, you
will visit the beautiful Paro Rinpung Dzong. A flagstone path rises
gradually from a beautiful wooden bridge with shingle roofing and is
abutted by two guardhouses, to the dzong. Today, the Dzong is the seat
of the district administration as well as the home for the monastic
school. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, offers superb woodwork
and is one of the most beautiful in the nation. The Dzong was built
in 1645 A .D. Visit a few village construction sites and talk to the
local builders. Enjoy hearty Bhutanese dinner at a local restaurant
in quaint Paro town. Overnight at your hotel, a wonderful cluster of
individual Bhutanese cottages.
Day 2: Breakfast at the Hotel and a drive to Taktsang Monastery to
view an architectural wonder
Taktsang means "Tiger's Nest" and
this spectacular building is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer
drop of 3,000 ft. It is said that in the second half of the 8ty century,
Guru Padma Sambhava, the second Buddha, alighted here upon the back
of a tigress. Enjoy picnic lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. Round trip
is about 4 hours. After departing Tiger's Nest we drive to Drugyal
Dzong, a fortress in ruins. The Dzong although in ruins, holds great
historical significance. It was from this fortress that the Bhutanese
repelled many Tibetan invasions. The name means the victorious Bhutanese.
This spot offers a magnificent vista of Mount Chomolhari, "Mountain
of Goddess". In the evening we depart Paro and drive to Thimphu,
capitol of Bhutan. Overnight and dinner at a unique and intriguing
hotel, with wonderful wall frescoes.
Day 3: Explore Thimphu through a presentation and excursion to remote
and ancient monasteries. First we will enjoy a talk on Bhutanese architecture
followed by a hike to Tango and Cheri monasteries built in 1620 A.
D. by the first ruler of Bhutan who unified the country. These monasteries
are architecturally beautiful and works of ancient art preserved. Medieval
and extremely impressive. Enjoy a picnic lunch and in the afternoon
visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved.
The Textile Museum opened in 2001 under the patronage of the Queen
and well worth the visit, hosting beautiful, exotic and rare Bhutanese
textiles and weavings. A trip to the bank and post office as well is
added, not to miss out on the Bhutanese stamps; some rare, and all
exquisitely beautiful. In the evening, after dinner we visit Tashichhodzong,
Secretariate building which is another architectural wonder as it was
built without using any nails. Overnight Thimphu Hotel.
Day 4: From Thimphu to Wangduephodrang is a three - hour drive. En
route you will cross Dochula Pass at 10, 500ft altitude. Here, on a
clear day, you will enjoy a spectacular view of the eastern Himalayan
mountain range. Visit the beautiful Punakha Dzong, the former winter
capital and present administrative seat of the district. It is also
the winter residence of the central monastic body. The Dzong (fortress)
lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, uncaring male and female
rivers. It was built in 1637 A. D. Punakha is a true work of Bhutanese
art. It stands proud, preserved by the ages. A short drive and we check
into the hotel in Wangduephodrang, Lunch is served in your restaurant
at Dragons Nest Hotel. We then will drive to Wangduephodrang Dzong,
which is perched on a promontory a few miles from the hotel. Strategic
location makes this Dzong the perfect watchtower for invaders. It was
built in 1638 A. D. Views from your balcony room at Dragons Nest Resort
offer excellent photo opportunity of the Dzong overlooking the village
and river. Wonderful.
Day 5: Leaving Wangduephodrang we embark on a long drive on a scenic
and breathtaking highway rewarded by a stop at the Trongsa Dzong, the
ancestral home of the royal family. Winding down the steep mountain
road you begin to glimpse Trongsa Dzong from afar, and you wonder at
this architectural wonder from afar. Built by Chogyel Minjur Tempa,
the Third Desi, in 1648 it is presently the administrative seat of
the district and home of the monastic school. Built at split-levels
on a narrow spur, the Dzong is an architectural wonder. Views from
here are extensive creating strategic location of this Dzong. After
lunch in quaint Trongsa town we return to tour the medieval Watchtower,
located over the Trongsa Dzong. This ancient structure gives unobstructed
views of the valley, and it's winding river and roads. The WatchTower
is located strategically above the Trongsa Dzong. Climb the ancient
ladders to the top, as you view warrior armor and aging altars, immersing
yourself in the presence unchanged within its walls. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 6: Today we continue on our scenic and breathtaking drive to central
Bhutan, Bumthang. The Bumthang area of Bhutan hosts four of the most
beautiful valleys anywhere, Ura, Tang, Choskhor and Chhume
Nature
at it's finest! Today we stroll through the medieval village of Bumthang,
(Choskhor Valley) and are transported back through time. Stop along
the way to watch textile weavers weave their magic, and shop for Bhutanese
handicrafts at local shopkeepers. Overnight at River Lodge, Bumthang.
Day 7: After famous buckwheat pancake breakfast, we depart Lodge for
our day tour. We visit Jakar Dzong, built in 1646 A.D. and Jambay Khakhang,
Kurjey Lhakhang; sacred and ancient monasteries where you will observe
unique architecture. A visit to some local farmhouses to see local
textile weaving and enjoy local hospitality. Sample some Ara, distilled
from the ages of time. We also include a visit to the Swiss Farm along
with beer and cheese factory for more local flavor. Overnight River
Lodge for more Bhutanese hospitality at its finest.
Day 8: Early breakfast and departure for our return toward the west.
Along the way, we stop in Phobjikha Valley, home of the Black Neck
Cranes. These large beautiful and graceful birds migrate each year
from Tibet and Siberia to Phobjikha Valley in Bhutan. Phobjikha Valley
is a glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains. No
electricity or telephones are here so to keep the valley pristine for
these rare birds. Punishment imposed on anyone injuring a Black Neck
Crane is lifetime imprisonment. We will visit the Khebethang Nature
Study Center to observe and learn more about the cranes. Picnic lunch
in the Valley. Continue our drive to Wangduephodrang for dinner, relax
and overnight at hotel.
Day 9: Today we continue on our drive toward Paro in the west. Arriving
in Paro, we check in our hotel, enjoy a leisure lunch and drive to
a farmhouse to enjoy a traditional hot stone bath with local wine or
tea. Relax and revel in your Bhutan holiday; truly an architectural
medieval wonder. Farewell dinner at your overnight hotel.
Day 10: Prepare to depart Bhutan. Tashi Delek..
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