Ten things to do in Bhutan
5. Paro Dzong and National Museum
Paro’s Rinpung Dzong is a hulking example of the fortress-like dzong architecture that glowers protectively over the valley and town. The colourful Paro tsechu is held here in spring; the festival culminates with the unfurling of a thondrol (a huge religious picture) depicting Guru Rinpoche. Above the dzong is an old, round watchtower, the Ta Dzong, now converted into the excellent National Museum, which has an informative and eclectic collection.
6. Arts and crafts
Bhutan’s pride in its handicrafts is on show at the schools of Zorig Chusum and many handicraft shops.
Many items have a utilitarian or religious use, such as bamboo baskets or the exquisite wooden bowls hand-turned from intricately patterned burlwood. Silk, cotton, wool and even yak hair is spun, dyed, woven and stitched into cloth and garments. Bhutan’s rich painting tradition lives on in the form of intricate thangkas (religious pictures), while Bhutanese stamps are musthaves for collectors.
7. Bumthang
The valleys comprising Bumthang make up the cultural heartland of Bhutan and are ideal for day hikes to monasteries. Bumthang’s ancient goembas, dzongs and temples figured prominently in Bhutan’s early development as well as in the foundation of the unique aspects of Bhutanese Buddhism. Witness the imprint of Guru Rinpoche, hoist Pema Lingpa’s 25kg chain mail, and stare into the churning waters of Membartsho, where Pema Lingpa uncovered hidden treasures.
8. Traditional textiles
Hand-woven and embroidered textiles are generally recognised as Bhutan’s premier handicraft. Centuries of tradition have honed the techniques of textile dyeing, weaving and stitching. Most of the
9. Archery
Bhutan’s national sport is exhilarating and entertaining to watch, with competitions held throughout the year. There are two classes: one for traditional bamboo bows, and another for carbon-fibre bows that propel arrows at astonishing speeds. Near misses, banter and singing and dancing accompany the whoosh of arrows and hoots of delight as the competition heats up.
10. Trongsa Dzong and the Tower of Trongsa Museum
Sprawling down a ridge towards an ominous gorge, Trongsa Dzong sits in a central position in Bhutan’s geography and in its recent history. Both the first and second kings ruled the country from this strategic position.
Inside is a labyrinth of many levels, narrow corridors and courtyards. Overlooking the dzong, the Tower of Trongsa Museum is housed in the twowinged watchtower. This excellent museum is dedicated to the history of the dzong and the royal Wangchuck dynasty and has exhibits ranging from personal effects of the royals to Buddhist statues.