Experience
Discover the Mystique of Bhutan
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
To reach the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, journey upstream along the Mo Chhu from Punakha Dzong. The chorten’s golden peak will soon become visible on the opposite bank, serving as a beacon. Located approximately 7 kilometers (4 miles) northeast of the dzong, this 30-meter (100-foot) tall structure features three levels adorned with figures from Vajrayana Buddhism, including a protector deity riding a yeti.
A path from the road leads to a bridge crossing the Mo Chhu, followed by a steep ascent to the chorten. Visiting in the cool morning offers a chance to rest and appreciate the stunning views of the Mo Chhu valley.
Punakha Dzong
Punakha Dzong, a stunning architectural masterpiece, commands a strategic position at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers in Bhutan. Its beauty is particularly striking in springtime when jacaranda blossoms create a picturesque contrast against the dzong’s white walls. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Punakha Dzong holds significant historical and religious importance. Foretold by Guru Rinpoche and established by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it served as the seat of Bhutan’s government until the 1950s and continues to be the winter residence for the central monastic body. Access to the dzong is via a cantilever bridge and a steep staircase, leading to courtyards housing government offices and monastic quarters. The dzong’s central tower, the utse, safeguards a revered Chenrezig image, while the southernmost courtyard houses the Machey Lhakhang, the final resting place of the Zhabdrung, and the main assembly hall adorned with impressive statues of Buddha, Guru Rinpoche, and the Zhabdrung.
Gangtey Goemba
Gangtey Goemba, meaning “temple on the hilltop,” is a significant Bhutanese monastery founded in 1613 by Pema Thinley, grandson of the terton Pema Lingpa. Perched on a hillcrest overlooking the Phobjikha Valley, this large monastery houses a monastic school and the ninth reincarnation of the Gangtey Tulku. Annually, on November 11th, the monastery courtyard hosts the Black Necked Crane Festival, drawing villagers from across the valley. Attendees, adorned in traditional ghos and kiras, witness masked dances performed by Gangtey monks and crane-inspired dances by local schoolchildren, celebrating the cranes’ annual return to the valley from the Tibetan plateau for the winter.
Thimphu Tsechu
The Thimphu Tsechu, a prominent three-day festival in Bhutan, showcases captivating ritual dances (chham) at the Tashichho Dzong. Monks, adorned in elaborate silk robes and peacock feather crests, perform mesmerizing whirls, their garments billowing like vibrant parachutes. These dances, imbued with spiritual significance through extensive monastic prayer, invoke deities to bless the festival. Atsaras, or jesters, entertain the gathering crowds and ward off malevolent spirits. Each day features a unique repertoire of age-old chham, such as the Dance of the Black Hats, the Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Ground, and the Dance of the Stags, performed by lay monks in fearsome masks. The festival atmosphere extends beyond the dzong, with Norzim Lam bustling with vendors, games, and musical performances, transforming downtown Thimphu into a vibrant hub of celebration.
Rafting & Kayaking
The lower Mo Chhu River, flowing from the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten to the Punakha Dzong, offers a unique way to experience the scenic Punakha Valley. A one-hour rafting trip on this stretch of the river provides a gentle introduction to the sport, with mostly Class I rapids and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. This 6km (3.6 mile) journey is ideal for those new to rafting, offering a memorable adventure through one of Bhutan’s most beautiful valleys.
