Dungtse Lhakhang/temple
Sonam Dendup • May 23, 2020
The Mystical Temple of Paro
Dungtse Lhakhang located just a few minutes walk from the Paro town is immersed with mythical stories of demons, spirits and malevolent snakes wreaking havoc in the valley and their subsequent subjugation by Thangtong Gyalpo, the Iron Bridge Builder also a renowned Buddhist saint, yogi, physician, blacksmith, architect, music composer and one of the most travelled person in the Himalayas.
The temple was built in 1421 by Thangtong Gyalpo to immobilize the demons haunting the valley and to suppress diseases that plagued the people especially leprosy. The 3 storied temple is conceived as a mandala and represents hell, earth and heaven. Many stories abound of and during its construction including the reason why its golden pinnacle (central tower) had to be chained to the ground as it attempted to fly away to Tibet.
The temple houses a massive collection of ancient murals, paintings and Buddhist iconography said to rival those of any Tibetan Buddhist Monastery.
Through this undisturbed tropical, sub-tropical and Alpine regions of virgin forests, waterfalls and lakes, highland nomadic villages, undisturbed nature and views of the Greater Himalayas and Snow Capped Peaks, Bhutan offers some of the best trekking experiences all year round.
The view from there is the panoramic sight of almost all the tallest Himalayan Mountain of Bhutan like majestic Gangkar Puensum, formidable Table Mountain and Tiger Mountain. As it is located at the top, the view of the Himalayan ranges is better than anywhere in the area, even as compared to famous Dochula Pass.
For Bhutanese, Gross National Happiness means a good government that creates an enabling environment for people to pursue happiness in a meaningful way. The result is a country at peace with itself, and people at peace with themselves!
To Experience True Zhemgang
The Healing Power of Nature
Bird Watching in the Hotspot of Oldest National Park
The Crown Jewel of Bhutan's National Parks
Trong Village - To Promote Eco-Tourism in Zhemgang
Clinging on a huge rock towards the north end of the Tang valley lies the Thowa Drak Hermitage just like the famed Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro. From the valley or road point it is a stiff 3 hours hike uphill through the serene and peaceful forest. Sweeping views of the Tang valley and the landscape can be enjoyed along the way with a bird’s eye view from the main site.
A quick visit to the Swiss Cheese Factory and Brewery is a refreshing alternative after visiting many temples and religious sites in the Bumthang valley. The Factory was started in the late 1960’s by a Swiss national Mr Fritz Maurer who visited Bhutan and settled in Bumthang.