Tashichhodzong (Thimphu Dzong) – Built in 1641, the “fortress of the great faith” was renovated in the 1960s by the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

Tashichhodzong contains the central monk body, as well as several ministries and His Majesty’s secretariat.

The Thimphu Tshechu, like all Tshechu celebrations, pays tribute to Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rimpoche, the revered yogi and saint credited with bringing Tantric Buddhism to the Himalayas.

Masked dances are done by monks dressed in colorful brocade and accompanied by chanting and the reading of Buddhist scriptures during the event. The event culminates in the unveiling of a massive cloth thanka, a sacred scroll representing Padmasambhava and Buddhist pantheon iconography.

Buddha Point – The 169-foot bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma. Visitors can drive up to Buddha Point to see Lord Buddha’s largest monument.

From the Buddha point, the view of Thimphu valley is breathtaking and picturesque, especially at night.

Punakha Dzong – Built in 1637, the dzong is now the winter residence of the clergy, led by Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbott. It’s a spectacular piece of Bhutanese architecture, perched at the confluence of two rivers and giving the impression of a medieval city from afar.

The dzong was ravaged by fire and glacial floods throughout the years but has been carefully reconstructed and is, today, a remarkable example of Bhutanese craftsmanship.

Built by the third Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon wangchuck, the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten is a magnificent example of Bhutanese architecture and art, and is the only one of its kind in the world.

It took eight and a half years to construct, and the intricacies were inspired by religious scripture.

Passing through Wangdue (left), one of Western Bhutan’s major towns and district capital. Wangdue is the last settlement before entering central Bhutan, located south of Punakha. The district is known for its exquisite bamboo carvings as well as slate and stone carvings.

We’ll take a break to see the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. Wangdue Dzong, built in 1638, is positioned on a spur of a hill and overlooks the Tsang Chu and Dang Chu rivers’ junction.

By the late afternoon, we arrive at ​​the quiet and attractive Phobjikha valley, a large U-shaped glacial valley in the middle kingdom.

Phobjikha valley is home to one of Bhutan’s most prominent monasteries, Gangteng Monastery, as well as a major environment and wildlife preserve for ecosystem conservation. While here at Phobjikha valley , you won’t miss out on the opportunity to practice meditation and go hiking.

Drukgyal Dzong — We arrive at the newly constructed Drukgyel Dzong after a morning journey north of Paro valley. The Dzong, which was built in 1647 by the great Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, was destroyed by an accidental fire and left in ruins as a poignant reminder of the tremendous victories it was designed to celebrate.

It is now rebuilt in the name of the new crown prince of Bhutan. Explore the ramparts and reminisce about the glory days of the past.

Ta Dzong – The Ta Dzong was built as a watchtower and was turned into the National Museum in 1968.

Antique Thangka, textiles, weaponry and armor, domestic goods, and a diverse collection of natural and historic relics are all on display at the museum.

The administrative heart of the dzonkhag is Paro Dzong, also known as Rinpung Dzong, a large fortress/monastery built in the 15th century.