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Paro Taktsang, also known by the names Taktsang Palphug Monastery and the Tiger's Nest, is a major Buddhist sacred site and temple complex built into the 1,000-metre (3,281-foot) cliffside of the upper Paro valley in Bhutan. The elegant structure is perhaps the most well known cultural icon of Bhutan.<br/><br/> The monastery first began construction in 1692 around Taktsang Senge Samdup, a cave where the 8th-century Buddhist sage Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, was said to have meditated in for three years, three months, three days and three hours; Guru Rinpoche is credited for introducing Buddhism to Bhutan, acting as a tutelary deity for the country.<br/><br/> The name Taktsang, which literally translates to "Tigress Lair", comes from the supposed fact that Guru Rinpoche flew to the cave from Tibet on the back of a tigress, who in some legends is said to have been the former wife of an emperor and a disciple of the Guru, named Yeshe Tsogyal.
Paro Taktsang, also known by the names Taktsang Palphug Monastery and the Tiger's Nest, is a major Buddhist sacred site and temple complex built into the 1,000-metre (3,281-foot) cliffside of the upper Paro valley in Bhutan. The elegant structure is perhaps the most well known cultural icon of Bhutan.<br/><br/> The monastery first began construction in 1692 around Taktsang Senge Samdup, a cave where the 8th-century Buddhist sage Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, was said to have meditated in for three years, three months, three days and three hours; Guru Rinpoche is credited for introducing Buddhism to Bhutan, acting as a tutelary deity for the country.<br/><br/> The name Taktsang, which literally translates to "Tigress Lair", comes from the supposed fact that Guru Rinpoche flew to the cave from Tibet on the back of a tigress, who in some legends is said to have been the former wife of an emperor and a disciple of the Guru, named Yeshe Tsogyal.
Paro Taktsang, also known by the names Taktsang Palphug Monastery and the Tiger's Nest, is a major Buddhist sacred site and temple complex built into the 1,000-metre (3,281-foot) cliffside of the upper Paro valley in Bhutan. The elegant structure is perhaps the most well known cultural icon of Bhutan.<br/><br/> The monastery first began construction in 1692 around Taktsang Senge Samdup, a cave where the 8th-century Buddhist sage Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, was said to have meditated in for three years, three months, three days and three hours; Guru Rinpoche is credited for introducing Buddhism to Bhutan, acting as a tutelary deity for the country.<br/><br/> The name Taktsang, which literally translates to "Tigress Lair", comes from the supposed fact that Guru Rinpoche flew to the cave from Tibet on the back of a tigress, who in some legends is said to have been the former wife of an emperor and a disciple of the Guru, named Yeshe Tsogyal.
Paro Taktsang, also known by the names Taktsang Palphug Monastery and the Tiger's Nest, is a major Buddhist sacred site and temple complex built into the 1,000-metre (3,281-foot) cliffside of the upper Paro valley in Bhutan. The elegant structure is perhaps the most well known cultural icon of Bhutan.<br/><br/> The monastery first began construction in 1692 around Taktsang Senge Samdup, a cave where the 8th-century Buddhist sage Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, was said to have meditated in for three years, three months, three days and three hours; Guru Rinpoche is credited for introducing Buddhism to Bhutan, acting as a tutelary deity for the country.<br/><br/> The name Taktsang, which literally translates to "Tigress Lair", comes from the supposed fact that Guru Rinpoche flew to the cave from Tibet on the back of a tigress, who in some legends is said to have been the former wife of an emperor and a disciple of the Guru, named Yeshe Tsogyal.
Paro Taktsang, also known by the names Taktsang Palphug Monastery and the Tiger's Nest, is a major Buddhist sacred site and temple complex built into the 1,000-metre (3,281-foot) cliffside of the upper Paro valley in Bhutan. The elegant structure is perhaps the most well known cultural icon of Bhutan.<br/><br/> The monastery first began construction in 1692 around Taktsang Senge Samdup, a cave where the 8th-century Buddhist sage Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, was said to have meditated in for three years, three months, three days and three hours; Guru Rinpoche is credited for introducing Buddhism to Bhutan, acting as a tutelary deity for the country.<br/><br/> The name Taktsang, which literally translates to "Tigress Lair", comes from the supposed fact that Guru Rinpoche flew to the cave from Tibet on the back of a tigress, who in some legends is said to have been the former wife of an emperor and a disciple of the Guru, named Yeshe Tsogyal.
Paro Taktsang, also known by the names Taktsang Palphug Monastery and the Tiger's Nest, is a major Buddhist sacred site and temple complex built into the 1,000-metre (3,281-foot) cliffside of the upper Paro valley in Bhutan. The elegant structure is perhaps the most well known cultural icon of Bhutan.<br/><br/> The monastery first began construction in 1692 around Taktsang Senge Samdup, a cave where the 8th-century Buddhist sage Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, was said to have meditated in for three years, three months, three days and three hours; Guru Rinpoche is credited for introducing Buddhism to Bhutan, acting as a tutelary deity for the country.<br/><br/> The name Taktsang, which literally translates to "Tigress Lair", comes from the supposed fact that Guru Rinpoche flew to the cave from Tibet on the back of a tigress, who in some legends is said to have been the former wife of an emperor and a disciple of the Guru, named Yeshe Tsogyal.
Paro Taktsang, also known by the names Taktsang Palphug Monastery and the Tiger's Nest, is a major Buddhist sacred site and temple complex built into the 1,000-metre (3,281-foot) cliffside of the upper Paro valley in Bhutan. The elegant structure is perhaps the most well known cultural icon of Bhutan.<br/><br/> The monastery first began construction in 1692 around Taktsang Senge Samdup, a cave where the 8th-century Buddhist sage Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, was said to have meditated in for three years, three months, three days and three hours; Guru Rinpoche is credited for introducing Buddhism to Bhutan, acting as a tutelary deity for the country.<br/><br/> The name Taktsang, which literally translates to "Tigress Lair", comes from the supposed fact that Guru Rinpoche flew to the cave from Tibet on the back of a tigress, who in some legends is said to have been the former wife of an emperor and a disciple of the Guru, named Yeshe Tsogyal.
Paro Taktsang, also known by the names Taktsang Palphug Monastery and the Tiger's Nest, is a major Buddhist sacred site and temple complex built into the 1,000-metre (3,281-foot) cliffside of the upper Paro valley in Bhutan. The elegant structure is perhaps the most well known cultural icon of Bhutan.<br/><br/> The monastery first began construction in 1692 around Taktsang Senge Samdup, a cave where the 8th-century Buddhist sage Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, was said to have meditated in for three years, three months, three days and three hours; Guru Rinpoche is credited for introducing Buddhism to Bhutan, acting as a tutelary deity for the country.<br/><br/> The name Taktsang, which literally translates to "Tigress Lair", comes from the supposed fact that Guru Rinpoche flew to the cave from Tibet on the back of a tigress, who in some legends is said to have been the former wife of an emperor and a disciple of the Guru, named Yeshe Tsogyal.
Paro Taktsang, also known by the names Taktsang Palphug Monastery and the Tiger's Nest, is a major Buddhist sacred site and temple complex built into the 1,000-metre (3,281-foot) cliffside of the upper Paro valley in Bhutan. The elegant structure is perhaps the most well known cultural icon of Bhutan.<br/><br/> The monastery first began construction in 1692 around Taktsang Senge Samdup, a cave where the 8th-century Buddhist sage Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, was said to have meditated in for three years, three months, three days and three hours; Guru Rinpoche is credited for introducing Buddhism to Bhutan, acting as a tutelary deity for the country.<br/><br/> The name Taktsang, which literally translates to "Tigress Lair", comes from the supposed fact that Guru Rinpoche flew to the cave from Tibet on the back of a tigress, who in some legends is said to have been the former wife of an emperor and a disciple of the Guru, named Yeshe Tsogyal.
Paro Taktsang, also known by the names Taktsang Palphug Monastery and the Tiger's Nest, is a major Buddhist sacred site and temple complex built into the 1,000-metre (3,281-foot) cliffside of the upper Paro valley in Bhutan. The elegant structure is perhaps the most well known cultural icon of Bhutan.<br/><br/> The monastery first began construction in 1692 around Taktsang Senge Samdup, a cave where the 8th-century Buddhist sage Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, was said to have meditated in for three years, three months, three days and three hours; Guru Rinpoche is credited for introducing Buddhism to Bhutan, acting as a tutelary deity for the country.<br/><br/> The name Taktsang, which literally translates to "Tigress Lair", comes from the supposed fact that Guru Rinpoche flew to the cave from Tibet on the back of a tigress, who in some legends is said to have been the former wife of an emperor and a disciple of the Guru, named Yeshe Tsogyal.
Paro Taktsang, also known by the names Taktsang Palphug Monastery and the Tiger's Nest, is a major Buddhist sacred site and temple complex built into the 1,000-metre (3,281-foot) cliffside of the upper Paro valley in Bhutan. The elegant structure is perhaps the most well known cultural icon of Bhutan.<br/><br/> The monastery first began construction in 1692 around Taktsang Senge Samdup, a cave where the 8th-century Buddhist sage Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, was said to have meditated in for three years, three months, three days and three hours; Guru Rinpoche is credited for introducing Buddhism to Bhutan, acting as a tutelary deity for the country.<br/><br/> The name Taktsang, which literally translates to "Tigress Lair", comes from the supposed fact that Guru Rinpoche flew to the cave from Tibet on the back of a tigress, who in some legends is said to have been the former wife of an emperor and a disciple of the Guru, named Yeshe Tsogyal.
Tamzhing / Tamshing Lhundrup Monastery is a temple complex in Bumthang District, central Bhutan. Tamzhing Monastery is the most important Nyingma gompa in Bhutan, a Tibetan Buddhist ecclesiastical place of learning that is a mix of a fortification, a vihara (monastery) and a university.<br/><br/> The temple was built in 1501 by Bhutanese saint Pema Lingpa (1450-1521). When he died in 1521, his descendants took care of the temple. It eventually fell into disrepair and neglect under private hands. It stopped being privately owned in 1960, when monks fleeing Tibet returned to the monastery and reestablished a presence there.
Tamzhing / Tamshing Lhundrup Monastery is a temple complex in Bumthang District, central Bhutan. Tamzhing Monastery is the most important Nyingma gompa in Bhutan, a Tibetan Buddhist ecclesiastical place of learning that is a mix of a fortification, a vihara (monastery) and a university.<br/><br/> The temple was built in 1501 by Bhutanese saint Pema Lingpa (1450-1521). When he died in 1521, his descendants took care of the temple. It eventually fell into disrepair and neglect under private hands. It stopped being privately owned in 1960, when monks fleeing Tibet returned to the monastery and reestablished a presence there.
Tamzhing / Tamshing Lhundrup Monastery is a temple complex in Bumthang District, central Bhutan. Tamzhing Monastery is the most important Nyingma gompa in Bhutan, a Tibetan Buddhist ecclesiastical place of learning that is a mix of a fortification, a vihara (monastery) and a university.<br/><br/> The temple was built in 1501 by Bhutanese saint Pema Lingpa (1450-1521). When he died in 1521, his descendants took care of the temple. It eventually fell into disrepair and neglect under private hands. It stopped being privately owned in 1960, when monks fleeing Tibet returned to the monastery and reestablished a presence there.
Tamzhing / Tamshing Lhundrup Monastery is a temple complex in Bumthang District, central Bhutan. Tamzhing Monastery is the most important Nyingma gompa in Bhutan, a Tibetan Buddhist ecclesiastical place of learning that is a mix of a fortification, a vihara (monastery) and a university.<br/><br/> The temple was built in 1501 by Bhutanese saint Pema Lingpa (1450-1521). When he died in 1521, his descendants took care of the temple. It eventually fell into disrepair and neglect under private hands. It stopped being privately owned in 1960, when monks fleeing Tibet returned to the monastery and reestablished a presence there.
Tamzhing / Tamshing Lhundrup Monastery is a temple complex in Bumthang District, central Bhutan. Tamzhing Monastery is the most important Nyingma gompa in Bhutan, a Tibetan Buddhist ecclesiastical place of learning that is a mix of a fortification, a vihara (monastery) and a university.<br/><br/> The temple was built in 1501 by Bhutanese saint Pema Lingpa (1450-1521). When he died in 1521, his descendants took care of the temple. It eventually fell into disrepair and neglect under private hands. It stopped being privately owned in 1960, when monks fleeing Tibet returned to the monastery and reestablished a presence there.
Tamzhing / Tamshing Lhundrup Monastery is a temple complex in Bumthang District, central Bhutan. Tamzhing Monastery is the most important Nyingma gompa in Bhutan, a Tibetan Buddhist ecclesiastical place of learning that is a mix of a fortification, a vihara (monastery) and a university.<br/><br/> The temple was built in 1501 by Bhutanese saint Pema Lingpa (1450-1521). When he died in 1521, his descendants took care of the temple. It eventually fell into disrepair and neglect under private hands. It stopped being privately owned in 1960, when monks fleeing Tibet returned to the monastery and reestablished a presence there.
Tamzhing / Tamshing Lhundrup Monastery is a temple complex in Bumthang District, central Bhutan. Tamzhing Monastery is the most important Nyingma gompa in Bhutan, a Tibetan Buddhist ecclesiastical place of learning that is a mix of a fortification, a vihara (monastery) and a university.<br/><br/> The temple was built in 1501 by Bhutanese saint Pema Lingpa (1450-1521). When he died in 1521, his descendants took care of the temple. It eventually fell into disrepair and neglect under private hands. It stopped being privately owned in 1960, when monks fleeing Tibet returned to the monastery and reestablished a presence there.
Vajrapani, also known as Vajrasattva in Mahayana Buddhism, is one of the earliest of the bodhisattvas, and acts as the guide and protector of Gautama Buddha. In Mahayana Buddhism he is one of the earliest Dharmapalas (wrathful gods), and he is also acknowledged as a deity in the Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism. He is directly worshipped in Tibetan Buddhism, and is extensively represented in Buddhist iconography.
Tamzhing / Tamshing Lhundrup Monastery is a temple complex in Bumthang District, central Bhutan. Tamzhing Monastery is the most important Nyingma gompa in Bhutan, a Tibetan Buddhist ecclesiastical place of learning that is a mix of a fortification, a vihara (monastery) and a university.<br/><br/> The temple was built in 1501 by Bhutanese saint Pema Lingpa (1450-1521). When he died in 1521, his descendants took care of the temple. It eventually fell into disrepair and neglect under private hands. It stopped being privately owned in 1960, when monks fleeing Tibet returned to the monastery and reestablished a presence there.
Tamzhing / Tamshing Lhundrup Monastery is a temple complex in Bumthang District, central Bhutan. Tamzhing Monastery is the most important Nyingma gompa in Bhutan, a Tibetan Buddhist ecclesiastical place of learning that is a mix of a fortification, a vihara (monastery) and a university.<br/><br/> The temple was built in 1501 by Bhutanese saint Pema Lingpa (1450-1521). When he died in 1521, his descendants took care of the temple. It eventually fell into disrepair and neglect under private hands. It stopped being privately owned in 1960, when monks fleeing Tibet returned to the monastery and reestablished a presence there.
Tamzhing / Tamshing Lhundrup Monastery is a temple complex in Bumthang District, central Bhutan. Tamzhing Monastery is the most important Nyingma gompa in Bhutan, a Tibetan Buddhist ecclesiastical place of learning that is a mix of a fortification, a vihara (monastery) and a university.<br/><br/> The temple was built in 1501 by Bhutanese saint Pema Lingpa (1450-1521). When he died in 1521, his descendants took care of the temple. It eventually fell into disrepair and neglect under private hands. It stopped being privately owned in 1960, when monks fleeing Tibet returned to the monastery and reestablished a presence there.
Jambay Lhakhang (temple), also known as the Temple of Maitreya, is in Bumthang, also known as Jakar. The temple is alleged to be one of the 108 temples built on a single day by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 659 CE, all for the supposed purpose of pinning down an ogress to earth for obstructing the spread of Buddhism. These 108 temples are spread across Tibet, Bhutan and the borderlands, pinning down various parts of her body. Jambay Lhakhang is one of the best known of these temples.
Jambay Lhakhang (temple), also known as the Temple of Maitreya, is in Bumthang, also known as Jakar. The temple is alleged to be one of the 108 temples built on a single day by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 659 CE, all for the supposed purpose of pinning down an ogress to earth for obstructing the spread of Buddhism. These 108 temples are spread across Tibet, Bhutan and the borderlands, pinning down various parts of her body. Jambay Lhakhang is one of the best known of these temples.
The Kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked country in the Eastern Himalayas of South Asia, bordered by Tibet and India. Bhutan is the second least populous nation in South Asia after the Maldives, and has never been colonised in its history, having endured independently for centuries.<br/><br/> Situated on the ancient Silk Road, the Bhutanese state developed a unique and distinct national identity based around Buddhism, headed by a spiritual leader known as the Zhabdrug Rinpoche and initially governed as a Buddhist theocracy comprised of many fiefdoms. A civil war in the 19th century led to the rise of the House of Wangchuck and the establishment of ties with the British Empire and India.<br/><br/> Bhutan's capital is Thimphu, the largest city in the country, and it transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy in 2008. Bhutan is notable for its pioneering of the concept of 'gross national happiness', though it is also one of the most isolated and least developed countries in the world.
The Kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked country in the Eastern Himalayas of South Asia, bordered by Tibet and India. Bhutan is the second least populous nation in South Asia after the Maldives, and has never been colonised in its history, having endured independently for centuries.<br/><br/> Situated on the ancient Silk Road, the Bhutanese state developed a unique and distinct national identity based around Buddhism, headed by a spiritual leader known as the Zhabdrug Rinpoche and initially governed as a Buddhist theocracy comprised of many fiefdoms. A civil war in the 19th century led to the rise of the House of Wangchuck and the establishment of ties with the British Empire and India.<br/><br/> Bhutan's capital is Thimphu, the largest city in the country, and it transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy in 2008. Bhutan is notable for its pioneering of the concept of 'gross national happiness', though it is also one of the most isolated and least developed countries in the world.
The Kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked country in the Eastern Himalayas of South Asia, bordered by Tibet and India. Bhutan is the second least populous nation in South Asia after the Maldives, and has never been colonised in its history, having endured independently for centuries.<br/><br/> Situated on the ancient Silk Road, the Bhutanese state developed a unique and distinct national identity based around Buddhism, headed by a spiritual leader known as the Zhabdrug Rinpoche and initially governed as a Buddhist theocracy comprised of many fiefdoms. A civil war in the 19th century led to the rise of the House of Wangchuck and the establishment of ties with the British Empire and India.<br/><br/> Bhutan's capital is Thimphu, the largest city in the country, and it transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy in 2008. Bhutan is notable for its pioneering of the concept of 'gross national happiness', though it is also one of the most isolated and least developed countries in the world.
Chokhor Raptse Dzong, more commonly known simply as Trongsa Dzong, was built in 1644-1647 and used to serve as the seat of power for the Wangchuck dynasty prior to its ascension to rulers of Bhutan in 1907. It is the largest dzong fortress in Bhutan, built on a spur that overlooks the gorge of the Mangde Chhu (river).<br/><br/> Trongsa Dzong controls east-west trade, with the precursor of the modern Lateral Road, the only road connecting eastern and western Bhutan, passing through the dzong's courtyard. This allowed its rulers, the Wangchuck dynasty who initially were the <i>penlops</i> (governors) of the region, to close its great doors and effectively divide the country in two if they so wished.
Chokhor Raptse Dzong, more commonly known simply as Trongsa Dzong, was built in 1644-1647 and used to serve as the seat of power for the Wangchuck dynasty prior to its ascension to rulers of Bhutan in 1907. It is the largest dzong fortress in Bhutan, built on a spur that overlooks the gorge of the Mangde Chhu (river).<br/><br/> Trongsa Dzong controls east-west trade, with the precursor of the modern Lateral Road, the only road connecting eastern and western Bhutan, passing through the dzong's courtyard. This allowed its rulers, the Wangchuck dynasty who initially were the <i>penlops</i> (governors) of the region, to close its great doors and effectively divide the country in two if they so wished.
The Kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked country in the Eastern Himalayas of South Asia, bordered by Tibet and India. Bhutan is the second least populous nation in South Asia after the Maldives, and has never been colonised in its history, having endured independently for centuries.<br/><br/> Situated on the ancient Silk Road, the Bhutanese state developed a unique and distinct national identity based around Buddhism, headed by a spiritual leader known as the Zhabdrug Rinpoche and initially governed as a Buddhist theocracy comprised of many fiefdoms. A civil war in the 19th century led to the rise of the House of Wangchuck and the establishment of ties with the British Empire and India.<br/><br/> Bhutan's capital is Thimphu, the largest city in the country, and it transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy in 2008. Bhutan is notable for its pioneering of the concept of 'gross national happiness', though it is also one of the most isolated and least developed countries in the world.
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten, also known as Nyizergang Choeten and Punakha Zangdopelri, is a chorten (stupa) in the Yepaisa Valley, a thirty minute uphill walk from the footbridge at Yepaisa Village. The chorten was built in 2004 by the Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yandon Wangchuck.
The Kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked country in the Eastern Himalayas of South Asia, bordered by Tibet and India. Bhutan is the second least populous nation in South Asia after the Maldives, and has never been colonised in its history, having endured independently for centuries.<br/><br/> Situated on the ancient Silk Road, the Bhutanese state developed a unique and distinct national identity based around Buddhism, headed by a spiritual leader known as the Zhabdrug Rinpoche and initially governed as a Buddhist theocracy comprised of many fiefdoms. A civil war in the 19th century led to the rise of the House of Wangchuck and the establishment of ties with the British Empire and India.<br/><br/> Bhutan's capital is Thimphu, the largest city in the country, and it transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy in 2008. Bhutan is notable for its pioneering of the concept of 'gross national happiness', though it is also one of the most isolated and least developed countries in the world.
The Kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked country in the Eastern Himalayas of South Asia, bordered by Tibet and India. Bhutan is the second least populous nation in South Asia after the Maldives, and has never been colonised in its history, having endured independently for centuries.<br/><br/> Situated on the ancient Silk Road, the Bhutanese state developed a unique and distinct national identity based around Buddhism, headed by a spiritual leader known as the Zhabdrug Rinpoche and initially governed as a Buddhist theocracy comprised of many fiefdoms. A civil war in the 19th century led to the rise of the House of Wangchuck and the establishment of ties with the British Empire and India.<br/><br/> Bhutan's capital is Thimphu, the largest city in the country, and it transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy in 2008. Bhutan is notable for its pioneering of the concept of 'gross national happiness', though it is also one of the most isolated and least developed countries in the world.
The Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungtang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang ('the palace of great happiness or bliss') was built in 1637 - 1638 by the 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche and founder of the Bhutanese state, Ngawang Namgyal (1594 - 1651). It is the second largest and second oldest dzong (fortress) in Bhutan, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha-Wangdue valley.<br/><br/> Punakha Dzong is the administrative centre of Punakha District, and once acted as the administrative centre and the seat of Bhutan's government until 1855, when the capital was moved to Thimphu, though it still acts as the winter capital for the head of the Bhutanese clergy. It houses sacred relics from the southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungtang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang ('the palace of great happiness or bliss') was built in 1637 - 1638 by the 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche and founder of the Bhutanese state, Ngawang Namgyal (1594 - 1651). It is the second largest and second oldest dzong (fortress) in Bhutan, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha-Wangdue valley.<br/><br/> Punakha Dzong is the administrative centre of Punakha District, and once acted as the administrative centre and the seat of Bhutan's government until 1855, when the capital was moved to Thimphu, though it still acts as the winter capital for the head of the Bhutanese clergy. It houses sacred relics from the southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungtang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang ('the palace of great happiness or bliss') was built in 1637 - 1638 by the 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche and founder of the Bhutanese state, Ngawang Namgyal (1594 - 1651). It is the second largest and second oldest dzong (fortress) in Bhutan, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha-Wangdue valley.<br/><br/> Punakha Dzong is the administrative centre of Punakha District, and once acted as the administrative centre and the seat of Bhutan's government until 1855, when the capital was moved to Thimphu, though it still acts as the winter capital for the head of the Bhutanese clergy. It houses sacred relics from the southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungtang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang ('the palace of great happiness or bliss') was built in 1637 - 1638 by the 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche and founder of the Bhutanese state, Ngawang Namgyal (1594 - 1651). It is the second largest and second oldest dzong (fortress) in Bhutan, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha-Wangdue valley.<br/><br/> Punakha Dzong is the administrative centre of Punakha District, and once acted as the administrative centre and the seat of Bhutan's government until 1855, when the capital was moved to Thimphu, though it still acts as the winter capital for the head of the Bhutanese clergy. It houses sacred relics from the southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungtang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang ('the palace of great happiness or bliss') was built in 1637 - 1638 by the 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche and founder of the Bhutanese state, Ngawang Namgyal (1594 - 1651). It is the second largest and second oldest dzong (fortress) in Bhutan, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha-Wangdue valley.<br/><br/> Punakha Dzong is the administrative centre of Punakha District, and once acted as the administrative centre and the seat of Bhutan's government until 1855, when the capital was moved to Thimphu, though it still acts as the winter capital for the head of the Bhutanese clergy. It houses sacred relics from the southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungtang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang ('the palace of great happiness or bliss') was built in 1637 - 1638 by the 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche and founder of the Bhutanese state, Ngawang Namgyal (1594 - 1651). It is the second largest and second oldest dzong (fortress) in Bhutan, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha-Wangdue valley.<br/><br/> Punakha Dzong is the administrative centre of Punakha District, and once acted as the administrative centre and the seat of Bhutan's government until 1855, when the capital was moved to Thimphu, though it still acts as the winter capital for the head of the Bhutanese clergy. It houses sacred relics from the southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungtang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang ('the palace of great happiness or bliss') was built in 1637 - 1638 by the 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche and founder of the Bhutanese state, Ngawang Namgyal (1594 - 1651). It is the second largest and second oldest dzong (fortress) in Bhutan, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha-Wangdue valley.<br/><br/> Punakha Dzong is the administrative centre of Punakha District, and once acted as the administrative centre and the seat of Bhutan's government until 1855, when the capital was moved to Thimphu, though it still acts as the winter capital for the head of the Bhutanese clergy. It houses sacred relics from the southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungtang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang ('the palace of great happiness or bliss') was built in 1637 - 1638 by the 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche and founder of the Bhutanese state, Ngawang Namgyal (1594 - 1651). It is the second largest and second oldest dzong (fortress) in Bhutan, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha-Wangdue valley.<br/><br/> Punakha Dzong is the administrative centre of Punakha District, and once acted as the administrative centre and the seat of Bhutan's government until 1855, when the capital was moved to Thimphu, though it still acts as the winter capital for the head of the Bhutanese clergy. It houses sacred relics from the southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungtang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang ('the palace of great happiness or bliss') was built in 1637 - 1638 by the 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche and founder of the Bhutanese state, Ngawang Namgyal (1594 - 1651). It is the second largest and second oldest dzong (fortress) in Bhutan, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha-Wangdue valley.<br/><br/> Punakha Dzong is the administrative centre of Punakha District, and once acted as the administrative centre and the seat of Bhutan's government until 1855, when the capital was moved to Thimphu, though it still acts as the winter capital for the head of the Bhutanese clergy. It houses sacred relics from the southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungtang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang ('the palace of great happiness or bliss') was built in 1637 - 1638 by the 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche and founder of the Bhutanese state, Ngawang Namgyal (1594 - 1651). It is the second largest and second oldest dzong (fortress) in Bhutan, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha-Wangdue valley.<br/><br/> Punakha Dzong is the administrative centre of Punakha District, and once acted as the administrative centre and the seat of Bhutan's government until 1855, when the capital was moved to Thimphu, though it still acts as the winter capital for the head of the Bhutanese clergy. It houses sacred relics from the southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungtang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang ('the palace of great happiness or bliss') was built in 1637 - 1638 by the 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche and founder of the Bhutanese state, Ngawang Namgyal (1594 - 1651). It is the second largest and second oldest dzong (fortress) in Bhutan, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha-Wangdue valley.<br/><br/> Punakha Dzong is the administrative centre of Punakha District, and once acted as the administrative centre and the seat of Bhutan's government until 1855, when the capital was moved to Thimphu, though it still acts as the winter capital for the head of the Bhutanese clergy. It houses sacred relics from the southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungtang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang ('the palace of great happiness or bliss') was built in 1637 - 1638 by the 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche and founder of the Bhutanese state, Ngawang Namgyal (1594 - 1651). It is the second largest and second oldest dzong (fortress) in Bhutan, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha-Wangdue valley.<br/><br/> Punakha Dzong is the administrative centre of Punakha District, and once acted as the administrative centre and the seat of Bhutan's government until 1855, when the capital was moved to Thimphu, though it still acts as the winter capital for the head of the Bhutanese clergy. It houses sacred relics from the southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungtang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang ('the palace of great happiness or bliss') was built in 1637 - 1638 by the 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche and founder of the Bhutanese state, Ngawang Namgyal (1594 - 1651). It is the second largest and second oldest dzong (fortress) in Bhutan, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha-Wangdue valley.<br/><br/> Punakha Dzong is the administrative centre of Punakha District, and once acted as the administrative centre and the seat of Bhutan's government until 1855, when the capital was moved to Thimphu, though it still acts as the winter capital for the head of the Bhutanese clergy. It houses sacred relics from the southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungtang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang ('the palace of great happiness or bliss') was built in 1637 - 1638 by the 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche and founder of the Bhutanese state, Ngawang Namgyal (1594 - 1651). It is the second largest and second oldest dzong (fortress) in Bhutan, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha-Wangdue valley.<br/><br/> Punakha Dzong is the administrative centre of Punakha District, and once acted as the administrative centre and the seat of Bhutan's government until 1855, when the capital was moved to Thimphu, though it still acts as the winter capital for the head of the Bhutanese clergy. It houses sacred relics from the southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Dochula Pass is a Bhutanese mountain pass located on the road from Thimphu to Punakha. Within the pass there are 108 memorial 'chortens' or stupas, known as the 'Druk Wangyal Chortens', built by the eldest Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo, in honour of Bhutanese soldiers killed in the December 2003 battle against Assamese insurgents from India.<br/><br/> There is also a monastery located in the pass, the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple), built in honour of Jigme Singye Wanghuck, the fourth Druk Gyalpo (head of state), as well as the Royal Botanical Park, the first to be established in Bhutan.
The Dochula Pass is a Bhutanese mountain pass located on the road from Thimphu to Punakha. Within the pass there are 108 memorial 'chortens' or stupas, known as the 'Druk Wangyal Chortens', built by the eldest Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo, in honour of Bhutanese soldiers killed in the December 2003 battle against Assamese insurgents from India.<br/><br/> There is also a monastery located in the pass, the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple), built in honour of Jigme Singye Wanghuck, the fourth Druk Gyalpo (head of state), as well as the Royal Botanical Park, the first to be established in Bhutan.
The Dochula Pass is a Bhutanese mountain pass located on the road from Thimphu to Punakha. Within the pass there are 108 memorial 'chortens' or stupas, known as the 'Druk Wangyal Chortens', built by the eldest Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo, in honour of Bhutanese soldiers killed in the December 2003 battle against Assamese insurgents from India.<br/><br/> There is also a monastery located in the pass, the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple), built in honour of Jigme Singye Wanghuck, the fourth Druk Gyalpo (head of state), as well as the Royal Botanical Park, the first to be established in Bhutan.
The Dochula Pass is a Bhutanese mountain pass located on the road from Thimphu to Punakha. Within the pass there are 108 memorial 'chortens' or stupas, known as the 'Druk Wangyal Chortens', built by the eldest Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo, in honour of Bhutanese soldiers killed in the December 2003 battle against Assamese insurgents from India.<br/><br/> There is also a monastery located in the pass, the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple), built in honour of Jigme Singye Wanghuck, the fourth Druk Gyalpo (head of state), as well as the Royal Botanical Park, the first to be established in Bhutan.