Bhutan's art and architecture is the product of hundreds of years of structured training and tradition, carefully preserved from generation to generation. From the six story fortress - monastery's (Dzong's) constructed using no nails and no plans, housing ancient collections of paintings and religious murals, to the intricate and beautiful woven garments worn by the Bhutanese people themselves, Bhutan's art is truly alive.
DZONG's
Bhutan's Dzongs, a combination of forts, monasteries and administrative centers, are arguably the most striking feature of Bhutan Architecture. Although some Dzongs are smaller than others all are large, impressive and majestic in statue with some up to six stories in height.
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| Punakha Dzong | ||
They are built from mud and timber with no formal plans, and without nails. Being a center for both governance and religion many Dzongs are elaborately decorated inside and out. Most Dzong house ancient and highly prized religious icons and relics. Below are a number of what are commonly thought of as the most impressive of Bhutan's Dzongs for you to select from for closer inspection and an informative tour:
Visit Trashi Chhoe Dzong
- the symbol of the Nations Capital
Visit Trashi Chhoe Dzong - built as a symbol of the nation's capital in Thimpu, it is a fine example of the Bhutanese nail less, plan less construction with a five story central tower, and two story surrounding walls. The Dzong currently houses the throne room, the offices of the king, and monasteries of home affairs and finance and a residential central monk body.
Visit Paro Dzong 
- the 'most impressive' Dzong in Bhutan
Perched on a cliff face, Paro Dzong has been described as one of Bhutan's more impressive Dzongs. The Dzong was built in 1644 and featured in the Film Little Buddha and is an excellent example of Bhutanese Architecture.
Visit Trongsa Dzong
- the traditional Home of Bhutan's Royal Family
Visit the ancestral home of Bhutan's Royal family where the first two kings of Bhutan ruled from the mountainside fortress of Trongsa Dzong. The oldest part of this Dzong was built in 1543 and later added to in 1644. Trongsa Dzong has extensive woodcarvings, and 25 separate temples- after the Thimpu Dzong of Trashi Chhoe this Dzong is the most elaborately decorated. There are also several watchtowers perched up the hill from the Dzong.
Visit Taktshang Goemba
- the famous 'Tigers Nest' cliff top Monastery
The 'Tigers Nest' (Taktshang Goemba) is the most famous of Bhutan's Dzongs and is found on many postcards and in many tourists photo albums, The Dzong is also a major place of pilgrimage as it is here that Guru Rinpoche - a founder of Buddhism in Bhutan - flew to the on the back of a tigress -hence the name 'tigers nest'. The Dzong is perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro Valley floor.
Visit Punakha Dzong
- Bhutan's Old Capital
Visit Punakha Dzong, built at the joining point of two rivers, and on top tip of a 'sleeping elephant' Punaka Dzong is 180m long, 72m wide, with the tallest building within the Dzong reaching six stories high. Punaka is Bhutan's old capital and was the seat of government until the time of the second King. Amongst an array of buildings the Dzong houses a 'hundred pillar' congregation hall, and a temple constructed in 1639 to commemorate and house relics of the victory over Tibet. The paintings in the hall are often seen as exceptional examples of Bhutanese art.
WEAVING
The brightly colored hand dyed woven garments commonly worn by the Bhutanese people have received wide accolade and recognition for their unique quality from across the globe.
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| Handweaving - Bumthang | ||
With deep cultural and religious values associated with weaving in Bhutan, many Bhutanese see the art of weaving as an integral part of their society.
To help you see and appreciate the beauty of Bhutanese textiles, and the close knit, and often small community's that center around their making, Bhutan Trails offers a unique tour that focus's on the intricacies of weaving in small villages as well as the remote eastern regions of Lhuntsi and Trashigang where the most intricate of these fabrics are woven.
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| Weaving stall - Bumthang | ||
In the course of the tour, you will have the opportunity to interact and meet various segments of people involved in weaving, learn about the art form, as well as the opportunity to buy directly from the artists themselves.
OTHER ITINERARY IDEAS:
Visit The National Training Institute for Traditional Art
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| Traditional Art - Thimpu | ||
Visit and interact with local students at work at the National Training Institute for Traditional Art. Courses run up to six years in length, with students specializing in either painting, wood carving, embroidery, or statue making. If you wish, at the end of your visit you will have a chance to support the school by purchasing some of the students work.
Spend a night at the theatre
Experience one of many films from the emerging Bhutanese Movie Industry or if you are lucky a local theatre production!
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| Farming House - Outer Thumpu | ||
Visit a traditional farming house
Have a meal in a traditional wood & mud village farm house that is still owned by the original family who built it over a hundred years ago.
View Pelri Palace
Built in the early 1900's the palace is recognized as one of the most beautiful examples of Bhutanese. Architecture designed after Guru Rinpoche's (founder of Bhutan) celestial paradise.
Explore the Fortress ruins of Drukgyel Dzong,
The fortress is the site of many stories about the historic battles along on the Tibetan Bhutan trade route. The fortress was also the cover feature of National Geographic Article in 1914.
Observe traditional gold and metal smiths at work
Visit the small village of Kharibje home to a range of skilled craftsmen making jewelry, brass trumpets, and other religious items.
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| Traditional Painting - Thimpu | ||
Learn about the history of Bhutan's weaving
Visit the textile museum and learn about the various techniques used in Bhutan's weaving, and the changes in the differing styles of local dress.
Visit the Memorial to Bhutan's previous King.
The National Memorial Chorten is a memorial in memory of the third king, and for many Bhutanese is the most religious building in Thimpu.
