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    Tourist Attractions in Bhutan

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Bhutan. Photos and a brief description.

    About Bhutan

    The Kingdom of Bhutan is a small country between China and India, lost at the very spurs of the Himalayas, the coveted 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 the state institutions there is a real Ministry of Happiness.

    Tibetan chronicles from two hundred years ago describe Bhutan as a “Secret holy Country” and a “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, it managed to avoid the invasion of colonizers and the penetration of foreign culture for a long time. Perhaps that is why an almost medieval identity and pristine nature have been preserved there.

    Bhutan is a state where the inhabitants are still friendly and not spoiled, where there is practically no crime and hunger. The traveler is waiting for magnificent natural landscapes, the purest mountain rivers, majestic peaks of the highest mountains on the planet and the unique culture of the locals, preserved almost unchanged from the XV-XVI centuries.

    Top Tourist Attractions in Bhutan

    Taktsang-lakhang Monastery

    The world-famous Buddhist monastery, built high in the mountains and "soaring" over the abyss. From the viewing platforms and balconies of the monastery, an exciting sight opens up to the mountain peaks, precipices and gorges. This place, according to many tourists, is literally saturated with holiness, mysticism and spirituality. The name of the monastery is translated from the local dialect as "nest of a tigress".

    Taktsang-lakhang Monastery
    The city of Paro

    The city of Paro

    It is located in the picturesque and fertile Paro Valley, which is considered the most prosperous and rich area in Bhutan. The city is located at an altitude of almost 2500 m . 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 XVII century . in the town Punakha. In the 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. To get to the grandiose gates of the palace, you need to overcome a steep staircase in the rock. The building itself is located at an altitude of more than 1200 m. above sea level.

    Punakha Dzong

    Drukgyal Dzong Fortress

    A ruined structure in western Bhutan that previously served as a monastery. Here begins the path to Tibet and the trail Jomolkhari, which leads to the Great Himalayan Range. It is believed that the fortress was built in the XVII century. in honor of the victory over Tibet. After the fire in the middle of the XX century, the fortress was never restored.

    Trashi-Cho-Dzong Monastery

    The residence of the Supreme Lama of Bhutan. Government and court sessions are also held here. Local monks do not lead a reclusive lifestyle. They actively communicate with the population, organize children's holidays and preach their religion. The entrance to tourists is open during the Thimphu-Tsechu festival, when interesting shows and performances are arranged especially for guests.

    Trashi-Cho-Dzong Monastery
    Thimphu-chorten

    Thimphu-chorten

    One of the most visited sights of the city Thimphu. The temple was built in the 70s of the XX century in honor of the third king of Bhutan, who, according to his subjects, was a saint. Inside the building there 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 of Bhutan. Inside there is a monastery and the administration of the dzongkhaga Tongsa. In the XVII century. the building was used as a military fortification, after the Wangchuk dynasty came to power in the early XX century. it began to be used for administrative purposes. Trongsa Dzong is located on the passage through the gorge connecting the east and west of Bhutan.

    Trongsa dzong
    The Buddha of Dordenma

    The Buddha of Dordenma

    Huge Buddha Statue Shakyamuni, built in 2010 Inside there are 125 thousand gold-plated statues of the deity. The Buddha The Dordenma reaches a height of 51 m . and is the highest placed statue of a deity in the world. About $ 50 million was spent on the construction of the facility, the entire cost of the project was about $ 100 million.

    National Museum of Bhutan

    The building where the museum is now located was previously a dzong. The exhibition presents valuable Buddhist relics that attract tourists and pilgrims. The museum consists of six floors, where exhibits are collected on topics: the history of Buddhism, the 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.

    National Museum of Bhutan
    Rinpung Dzong Monastery (Paro dzong)

    Rinpung Dzong Monastery (Paro dzong)

    Like other monasteries in Bhutan, it is a fortress and the location of the administration. It is a shrine of the Buddhist school Drukpa Kagyu. Inside there are 14 temples, a watchtower, the National Museum of Bhutan. A large festival dedicated to honoring local deities is held here every year.

    Manas National Park

    A nature conservation area with a unique animal and plant world. Bengal tigers, Himalayan bears, gauras, Indian buffaloes, leopards, elephants, rhinos live here. Ganges dolphins are found in the rivers. The nature of the park is an ecosystem where tropical forests, alpine meadows and ice fields are represented.

    Manas National Park
    Himalayas

    Himalayas

    Not only the highest mountains of the Earth, but also the most mysterious. Various researchers inhabited these places with powerful races, representatives of extraterrestrial civilizations, sages. Someone was looking for the secret protected country of Shambhala here. The Himalayas are picturesque mountain peaks piercing Space and breathtaking landscapes of high–altitude deserts.