Tashichho Dzong is a gorgeous Buddhist monastery and fortress on the bank of the Wang Chu river in the northern edge of Thimphu city in Bhutan. In Bhutanese language the Dzong refers to a“Fortress” and every district in the country is blessed with this unique architecture.
Tashichho Dzong is decorated with an illustrious history, glorifying architecture, and peaceful atmosphere. Tashichho Dzong is one of the prime places to visit in the capital city of Bhutan. The Tashichho Dzong is one of the most beautiful dzongs to have graced Bhutan.
Also famous by the moniker “Thimphu Dzong”, this elaborate structure takes you back in time. Located beside the Wangchu River, it looks like an attractive painting out of a textbook. The impressive structure is in its full glory all throughout the spring season, when all the blossoms decorate the entire place.
This serene palace also houses a monastery and temple. Currently, it also acts as the chief administrative building, housing the Bhutanese government. Offices of other departments are set across the building. The Dzong also serves as the summer residence of His Holiness who also is the Chief Abbot of the Religious Body.
With so much to uncover within its perimeter we are sure that a visit to this place will be a rewarding experience, that you will treasure forever.
There are many mesmerizing things to do in Tashichho Dzong. Here we are mentioning a few to help you plan your trip to Bhutan in the best way.
1. Visit Buddha Dordenma
The Buddha Dordenma is a giant statue of Gautama Buddha, sedentary inside a lotus, resting on the lovely hill about three km away from Dzong in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park.
The statue is 169 feet in height and it is one of the largest Buddha stupas around the globe. It is made of bronze and covered with gold. This huge structure manages the city of Thimphu as a protector.
2. Learn Bhutan’s Culture Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan
Weaving has been an integral part of Bhutan’s arts and culture. To give this art a proper direction Her Majesty Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuk set up the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan in 2005.
The main aim of the art school is to target and preserve the specific artform and also serve as a non-profit, non-governmental educational institution. Knitting is primarily taught to the students in the school and because of its noble initiative, the school has become a very integral part of the government.
3. Explore Choki Traditional Art School
School displays the devotion of kids concerning the art. It was set-up in the year 1999; the school was started by Thrimdep Choki Dorji who was ardent on the education of arts to the rural and lower class of economically weak children.
4. Gain some knowledge at National Library of Bhutan
At the National Library, all pieces of Bhutan are well-looked-after, starting from religious to socio-political. It started in 1967 in Thimphu, alongside with Tibetan and Bhutanese texts and manuscripts. Here, you can find books on topics that lay emphasis on teaching society living a stress-free life.
The inside walls have photo frames from the historical times, which gives the library an artistic look. You can find many frames of historical events hanging, which are quite fascinating. The place is soothing, and you can find yourself immersed in reading about the history of Bhutan.
5. Witness the beautiful Changangkha Lhakhang
This temple is yet another of the major attractions in the capital city of Bhutan. The primeval temple is situated at a distance of 1 km from the city of Thimphu. Built-in the 12th century, the structure of the temple resembles the ancient-style Bhutanese monastery.
The overall architecture of the temple is that of a castle and is perched on the Thimphu mountain range. Gorgeous interior wall paintings with life-size Tibetan texts adorn the walls and the peaceful environment calls for a day well-spent here.