National Museum of Bhutan

On the hill top just above the Rinpung Dzong stands an ancient watchtower called Ta Dzong which since 1967 has been the National Museum of Bhutan. Today this National museum displays artifacts from Bhutan's history as well as examples of indigenous flora and fauna. The cylindrical building was built in 1641 AD. by Desi Tenzin Drukda, the then Governor of Paro, as a watchtower to look over the Paro Dzong in case of invasions from the north. As was the situation in those days, invasions were occasional and the Dzong, which was the center of administration in the state, needed to be overlooked by such towers to look out for invaders. The unique structure has six floors that go spiraling down from the top. During the olden days the building not only housed soldiers but also prisoners of war, mostly invaders.

Drukgyel Dzong

Twenty minutes drive from Paro town lays the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong (fortress). The Drukgyel Dzong is one of the oldest Dzong in Bhutan. It was built in the 16th century to commemorate a victory over the invading Tibetan forces. The fortress today lies in ruins, the elements and a fire in the 1950s having taken a toll on the site. One of the features of the Dzong was a false entrance that was designed to lure invaders into an enclosed courtyard. This is said to have worked successfully during the attack by invaders in 1648. You can walk up a short path into the front courtyard of the dzong. On the way up you can see the remains of the large towers and the tunnel that was used to obtain water from the stream below during a long siege. Drukyel dzong is about 15 kms from Paro town and from the place of the conference.

Taktshang Monastry

Taktshang is the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 1200m above the floor of Paro valley, where the only sounds are the murmurs of wind and water and chanting of monks. The name means ‘tiger’s nest’; the Guru is said to have flown to the site of the monastery on the back of a tigress. He then meditated in a cave here for three months. The site has long been recognized as a holy place. It was visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1646 and pilgrims from all over Bhutan come here. Milarepa is also said to have meditated here, while Tangtong Gyalpo revealed a terma (treasure text) at Taktshang.

The primary Lhakhang was bilt in 1692 around the Dubkhang (also called the Pelphug), the holy cave in which Guru Rinpoche meditated, by the Penlop of Paro, Desi Tenzin Rabye. There are several other buildings in the complex. Phoebu Lhakhang contains a phorbu, the three-bladed ritual dagger used to stab demons. Above the main temple complex is Ugyen Tshemo Lhakhangand higher still is another goemba, named Zangto Pelri after Guru Rinpoches’s heavenly abode.

Kichu Lhakhang

Kichu Lhakhang is one of the most sacred shrines of Bhutan. It is known to be the 108 monasteries that were miraculously constructed by King Songten Gampo in one night. It is located just off the road between Paro town and Drukgyel Dzong. Kichu Lhakhang is composed of twin temples, the first temple was built by Buddhist Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kessang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, arranged to build a second temple alongside the first one with similar architectural style.

Dungtse Lhakhang

Dungtse Lhakhang is a chorten-like temple which is located just few minutes walk from heart of the Paro town. This strange building was built in 1433 by the iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo. It has three floors representing hell, earth and heaven and the paintings inside are said to be some of the best in Bhutan.

Drakhapo, lies above Shabaollow the feeder road to end. The complex is a five minute walk from here). Drakhapo is a monastic complex perched on a cliff. Guru Rinpoche spent two months here after completing a retreat at nearby Taktsang, and during his stay placed many treasures (terma) into the cliff. The area also has several hand and foot prints embedded in the rock