Most of Bhutan's dzongs were constructed around the 8th century and were mainly positioned to defend the valleys from attacks by Tibetans. Dzongs are a combination of a fortress with a mix of religion and community administration. Think of a church and a local council merging with a fort. They are a testament to how ancient practices still exist and work well in the modern world.
Bhutan's finest dzong is the Punakha Dzong and visitors can easily spend 2 or more hours here exploring its temples (Lhakhangs) and alleyways.
Chimi Lhakhang was established by Drukpa Kinley, aka 'The mad monk', who has a very colourful history which Bhutan's guides love to espouse to their tourist travellers. This Lhakhang is also renowned as a 'fertility temple' where ladies wishing to conceive undertake a process called a 'wang' by the local monk.
Taktsang Monastery, aka Tiger's Nest, is Bhutan's most iconic landmark, and a pilgrimage hike to the monastery in Paro Valley is a must for those fit enough to make the 800 metre ascent. It takes 4-5 hours round trip hiking, including time in the monastery, and makes for the perfect finale to any Bhutan journey.
#1. Kyichu Lhkhang in Paro Valley
Bhutan's oldest Lhakhang boasts an orange tree in its courtyard that perpetually bears fruit. Visit this Lhakhang when you finish the Taktsang Monastery hike, It is close to the hiking trail.
#2. Lhuentse Lhakhang in central north Bhutan
This spectacular lhakhang resides in the very remote Lhuentse region, well known for its weaving villages and high-quality products. The best way to visit is to stay in a local farmhouse and walk between the villages.
#3. Rinpung Dzong in Paro Valley
One of the first dzongs you will encounter as it can be viewed from Paro airport on arrival. It boasts an ancient cantilever bridge made of wood and with no nails. Easily accessible in Paro town the dzong houses the National Museum in its watchtower called Ta-Dzong, situated on a hill above the dzong. Both are well worth a visit.
#4. Punakha Dzong in Punakha Valley
If you only want to visit one dzong this is it! Take the trail less travelled and access the dzong via Bhutan's longest suspension bridge nearby. Make sure you have 2 hours for this visit and if you are into Buddhism, have your guide explain the Buddhist 'Wheel of Life' inside the dzong. Quite fascinating.
#5. Taktsang Monastery (aka Tiger's Nest) Paro Valley
Don't miss hiking to this one at the end of your Bhutan journey. If you can't make it all the way to the monastery, take a horse up to the Monastery viewpoint, enjoy a cuppa or vegetarian lunch and walk back down again. This is Bhutan's most revered monastery and all Bhutanese Buddhists make the pilgrimage hike to the monastery at least once in their lives.
If I can help you explore the Dzongs & Lhakhangs of Bhutan on your own travels, please contact me.
