Semtokha Dzong/ Fortress Atop a Demoness
Sonam Dendup • June 9, 2020
The Oldest Dzong/Fortress of Bhutan
Semtokha Dzong or the Fortress atop a Demon is the first Dzong built in 1629 by the saint Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel who unified Bhutan in the 17th Century and constructed numerous fortresses all over the country. Back in the days, there was a ferocious demon terrorizing the people of Thimphu valley wherein a major fight ensued between the Zhabdrung and the demon who tried to hide under a rock. Zhabdrung immediately restrained the demon into the rock and constructed the Dzong (over the rock) ensuring the eternal imprisonment of the demon.
Semtokha Dzong is located on a small hill top at the entrance of the Thimphu city and currently the Dzong serves as a monastic institution for Buddhist studies. The Dzong houses a beautiful large statue of Shakyamuni (the present Buddha) and numerous religious figurines with a ceiling of brightly colored silk symbolizing victory banners. Some of the oldest and most beautiful murals and embroidered thangkas line the inside walls of the temple.
Through this undisturbed tropical, sub-tropical and Alpine regions of virgin forests, waterfalls and lakes, highland nomadic villages, undisturbed nature and views of the Greater Himalayas and Snow Capped Peaks, Bhutan offers some of the best trekking experiences all year round.
The view from there is the panoramic sight of almost all the tallest Himalayan Mountain of Bhutan like majestic Gangkar Puensum, formidable Table Mountain and Tiger Mountain. As it is located at the top, the view of the Himalayan ranges is better than anywhere in the area, even as compared to famous Dochula Pass.
For Bhutanese, Gross National Happiness means a good government that creates an enabling environment for people to pursue happiness in a meaningful way. The result is a country at peace with itself, and people at peace with themselves!
To Experience True Zhemgang
The Healing Power of Nature
Bird Watching in the Hotspot of Oldest National Park
The Crown Jewel of Bhutan's National Parks
Trong Village - To Promote Eco-Tourism in Zhemgang
Clinging on a huge rock towards the north end of the Tang valley lies the Thowa Drak Hermitage just like the famed Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro. From the valley or road point it is a stiff 3 hours hike uphill through the serene and peaceful forest. Sweeping views of the Tang valley and the landscape can be enjoyed along the way with a bird’s eye view from the main site.
A quick visit to the Swiss Cheese Factory and Brewery is a refreshing alternative after visiting many temples and religious sites in the Bumthang valley. The Factory was started in the late 1960’s by a Swiss national Mr Fritz Maurer who visited Bhutan and settled in Bumthang.