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Paro Dzong (Rinchen Pung Dzong)

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Paro Dzong is one of the first Dzongs that visitors see on arrival by plane into Bhutan. It is also known as the Rinpung Dzong which means a fortress on a heap of jewels. This imposing dzong located above the Paro river is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture with its inward sloping walls that rise to an impressive height. In 1644 Zhandrung Ngawang Namgyal ordered the construction of the dzong on the foundation of a monastery built by Guru Rinpoche.

For a review you can go to the following web page

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/bhutan/western-bhutan/paro-dzongkhag

National Museum

This museum has six floors so it will take at least a day to see it. Since we only have an afternoon for four places so we will have to just take a quick look and be selective in what we want to see - Do your home work before the visit.

For a review go to the following web site:

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/bhutan/western-bhutan/paro/sights/449121

The official web site with floor layout and the exhibitions see http://www.nationalmuseum.gov.bt/

Kyichu Lhakhang or Kyerchu Temple

It is a Buddhist temple. It is one of the oldest monasteries in the country built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo (619-649). The story goes that a giant demoness lay across the whole area of Tibet and the Himalayas and was preventing the spread of Buddhism. To overcome her, King Songtsen Gampo decided to build 108 temples, which would be placed on all the points of her body. Of these 108 temples, 12 were built in accordance with precise plans. Thus, it happened that in about the year AD 638 the temple of Jokhang in Lhasa was built over the very heart of the demoness.

Kyichu Lhakhang ( means temple ) consists of twin temples. It is one of the most important shrines of Bhutan and the most sacred place for local people. It is an important place of pilgrimage and of ceremonies for the royal family.

For more information about Bhutan Buddism go to the following link:

http://www.yangphel.com/learn/history/buddhism.html

Day 1

Drugyal Dzong

This fortress was named Druk (for Bhutan) and gyal(for victory). It is now a ruin because previous attempts to renovate it did not accomplish the goal. Therefore, it is now known as “The Ruined Fortress”. This Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Although in ruins today, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Mount Chomolhari Mountain of Goddess can be seen on a clear day.

For a review see the following web page:

http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/p/m/1a87e3/

Click the picture for more inf.

Click here for more information on Paro Town

Click here for a story on “Iron Bridge Builder”