The Thimphu Tshechu offers a specific seasonal reference for your trip: the festival is usually celebrated over several days in September or October and honors Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. The exact dates vary from year to year. Check the festival dates if you would like to include the Tshechu in your travel plans. This distinguishes the changing festival date from the fixed years in the history of the monasteries and dzongs.

Monasteries and Dzongs: Different Historical Periods

Tashichho Dzong was originally built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. In 1668, the same ruler built Lingzhi Yugyal Dzong to protect Bhutan’s northern border from Tibetan invasions. The two construction years are 27 years apart and show how the history of the dzongs unfolded over time in the 17th century.

The Phajoding monastery complex was founded in the 13th century by the Tibetan saint Phajo Drugom Zhigpo. Its history therefore reaches further back than the construction of the two dzongs. The historical dates are complemented by a scenic perspective at Tango: Tango Monastery is located in Gewog Kawang on a hill and offers an unobstructed view of the Thimphu Wangchu.

North of Thimphu is Chagri Monastery, also known as Chagri Dorjeden. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel formally founded it in 1620. Chagri’s formal founding in 1620 followed Phajoding’s founding in the 13th century and preceded the construction years of the two dzongs in the 17th century.

Bhutan: Landscape and Culture in a Broader Context

In Bhutan, the landscape ranges from lowland valleys to snow-capped peaks reaching 7,000 meters above sea level. You can travel through several climate zones in Bhutan in a single day. Bhutan also has numerous easier hiking trails that can each be completed within a day; conditions may vary from trail to trail.

In Bhutan, the National Museum of Bhutan is located in Paro above Rinpung Dzong. According to the National Museum of Bhutan, its collection includes more than 3,000 objects, including sacred relics, royal heirlooms and cultural artifacts; the number may change as the collection is updated. Check current operating information if you are planning to visit the museum.

In Bhutan, the Trans Bhutan Trail has been restored and has taken on new significance as a route for adventure and connection. The trail can be explored on foot or by bicycle; check current stage and access information before your trip.

Archery and Zorig Chusum are part of Bhutan’s national cultural context. Archery is Bhutan’s national sport and the focus of regular, lively and highly competitive tournaments. Zorig Chusum comprises 13 traditional and protected arts and crafts, including pottery, blacksmithing, sculpture and carpentry.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Thimphu, Lobesa-Metsina, Trashigang, Bumthang, Wangdue Phodrang, Chukha.

Return to the main travel overview: Bhutan.