Essential Icons of Bhutan
Don't Miss these Essential Icons of Bhutan While Traveling
Essential Icons of Bhutan
If you are planning a holiday, include as many Essential Icons of Bhutan in your tour program. All of these worth your visit.
Jakar Dzong or the Fortress of the White Bird is strategically located on a ridge overlooking the beautiful and wide Bumthang valley of traditional houses, a small domestic airport strip, colorful new buildings and fertile fields.
Jambay Lhakhang or the Temple of Buddha Maitreya is located in the beautiful valley of Bumthang and a short drive from the main town. Jambay Lhakhang was built in the early 6th Century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo credited for introducing Buddhism to Tibet and he is believed to be a manifestation of the Buddha of Compassion (Avalokitesvara) of whom the Dalai Lamas are similarly believed to be a manifestation of.
Kurjey Lhakhang is one of the most sacred and holy sites of Bhutan and Kurjey translates to ‘the Body Imprint’ of Guru Padmasambhava/Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Bhutan
Trongsa Dzong - The Longest Fortress in Bhutan
Trashigang - Land of the Nomads
The 173 feet tall statue of Guru Nangsi Zilnoen at Lhuentse is the world’s largest statue of Guru Padmasambhava commonly known as Guru Rinpoche. The statue was consturucted and consecrated in 2015 and was built on the site of an old Temple overlooking the beautiful valley of Tangmachu.
Punakha Dzong or the Fortress of Great Bliss is undeniably one of the most beautiful Dzongs in Bhutan for its location, grandiose architecture, and historical and political significance.
The Black Pigeon sent along with the white pigeon by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gyembo landed about a kilometer away from the white Temple, on top of a lake and the site where the present black Temple is built. This dark and mysterious Black Temple is a representation and residue of the tantric and bon religion practiced in the olden times. Inside the temple there is an opening in the floor that is said to lead to the lake underneath where a mermaid lives. From the top one can enjoy the view of the valley of scattered traditional houses and also the magnificent snowcapped mountains in the backdrop.
Lhakhang Karpo is located on the foothills of Meri Puensum, the three towering mountains whose enormous size and mythical story will make its presence felt to anyone who visits the Lhakhang. According to legend, the current site of the temple was chosen by a white pigeon which was sent from Tibet by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gyembo (7th century) to look for a place to build 2 Temples. King Songtsen Gyembo is credited for introducing Buddhism to Tibet and he is believed to be a manifestation of the Buddha of Compassion (Avalokiteshvara) of whom the Dalai Lamas are similarly believed to be a manifestation of. The architecture of the White Temple lives up to its name with the walls painted in all white color and the design of the temple is done in a way that it depicts the true essence of traditional architecture. Currently the Temple serves as the official residence of the Haa monastic body so, during your visit one can enjoy an opportunity to exchange a few words with the monks and have photographs. Though it is restricted to visit the Lhakhang at night but the best view of the Temple can be seen at night when the Temple is lighted and with the backdrop of the mountains making it picturesque.