The Western Zone:
1 Paro Dzongkhag
Welcome to an enchanted valley of Paro with an elevation of 2280 meters. The valley of Paro contains a wealth of attractions and requires a few days to be properly explored. Casting a shadow across the town of Paro and controlling all secular & religious activities in its valley is the elegant and perfectly symmetrical Rimpung Dzong "fortress on the heap of jewels" built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1645. Behind Rimpung Dzong, on the high hillside, is the castle-shaped Ta-dzong. Once a watchtower built to defend Rimpung Dzong during inter valley wars and from Tibetan invasion. Currently Ta-dzong has housed the nation's heritage in Bhutan's National Museum in 1968. The museum provides an excellent way to pass an afternoon and its circular shape augments its varied collection.
Paro was the first stop for Guru Rimpoche on his crusade from Tibet to Bhutan over thousand years ago. Guru Rimpoche is said to have arrived riding on the tigress and meditated in the cave in 8th century, where Taktsang monastery stand, now a hallowed shrine for Bhutanese pilgrims. Fourteen kilometers from Paro town on the north side of the valley are the burnt ruins of Drukgyel Dzong (victorious fortress). It was from here that the Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during 1640s. The other places to be visited are Kyichu Lhakhang built in 659 A.D by First Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to nail down the left feet of the ogress. Dumtse Lhakhang built in 1433 by Drupthog Thangthong Gyalpo (Tibetan saint). The Ugyen Pelri Palace founded by Paro Penlop, Tsering Penjor, in the early 1900s and is now a residence of queen mother. Chorten Lhakhang , a large square Bhutanese style and Druk Choeding "Tshongdue Naktsang" is the town temple in the south of the Paro town. It was founded by Ngawang Chogyel in 1525. In addition, Dzongdrakha Goenpa , 4 sets of buildings with a large white stupa hanging on the side of a cliff is just 15 minutes drive from town and Tachogang Lhakhang "temple of the hill of the excellent horse" built in 14th century by Tibetan saint Thangthong Gyalpo "known as Iron bridge builder".
2 Thimphu, the Capital of Bhutan
Welcome to Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the globe is a bustling town on the bank of Thimphu River and set gloriously in the hills of Thimphu valley with altitude of 2320 meters. Thimphu is home to the revered Bhutanese Royal family, the Royal Government & Judiciary, and to several foreign missions & the organization of Development Projects. Tashi Chhodzong "Fortress of the Glorious Religion", lies on the bank of the river is the main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. During the warmer summer months, the state monk body led by His Holiness, the Jekhenpo makes its home in the Dzong. The National Assembly Hall is situated in the new building on the opposite side of the riverbank known as "SAARC Building ". Bhutan's National Library is located close to the Zorig Chusum Institute (13 traditional arts and crafts) which contains arguably the best collection of religious and historical literature in the Himalayas. Bhutan has its own brand of Himalayan medicine that will be seen at National Institute of Traditional Medicine / Indigenous Hospital and the Folk Heritage Museum also located near to the Zorig Chusum Institute. Thimphu's charm is not embedded in its wealth of galleries, museums or places of historic interest. Visitors must wander along the main street and into shops, all of which decorated in traditional style.
The other impressive places for the visitors are National Memorial Chorten built in 1974 by the mother of Third King in memory of her son "the Father of Modern Bhutan". Bhutanese pay their respects to photograph inside the stupa. Changangkha Lhakhang built in 12th century by Phajo Drukgom Zhigpo is located on the cliff just above the capital city where one can fascinate the spectacular views of Thimphu valley. Bhutan's colourful stamps collections can be purchased at the General Post Office. Every Saturday & Sunday, most of Thimphu's population and many valley dwellers congregate on the banks of the river where the weekend market is held. This is the only time in the week when fresh vegetables and fruits are available. After watching Thimphu's residents socializing in the market, walk along the charming banks of the river to archery fields where men in full gho spend their weekends playing archery. Thimphu was made the capital of Bhutan in 1955.