Attractions – Lhomen Tours & Trekking

Buddha Dordenma Statue

lhomen_bhutan — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 14:16:54 +0000

The 51 meter statue of Buddha Shakyamuni sits atop a hill overlooking the Thimphu valley. Buddha Dordenma statue is one of the most prominent landmarks of Thimphu city. The statue was built to fulfill an ancient prophecy to emanate an aura of happiness and peace around the world. The gigantic structure houses 125,000 gilded Buddha statues, an extensive alter and a meditation hall. Adjacent to the statue is the Kuenselphodrang nature park. The park established to conserve the natural environment around the monumental complex. There is a bicycling trail and hiking trail through the woods for adventure seekers.

Craft Bazaar

lhomen_bhutan — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 14:16:25 +0000

A line of bamboo huts stretches along the main street of Thimphu city. The craft bazaar has a collection of local handicrafts and souvenirs. The handicraft products on display embody the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Certain handicrafts are indigenous to some of the rural areas in Bhutan and are directly sourced from these areas. The sales proceed from the market goes to the local artists. Products on display include prayer beads, brass Buddha statue, wooden bowls, assortment of textile products and paintings.

Folk Heritage Museum

lhomen_bhutan — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 14:15:26 +0000

The museum is a heritage preservation project. The museum is a restored one and a half century old traditional Bhutanese house from the medieval era. The centrally located museum structure offers tourists a great juxtaposition of the old standing proud amongst the modern structures sprouting around it. With extensive research and collection of ancient tools and artifacts, the interior of the house maintains an 18^th century setting. A walk around the house can give tourists an understanding to the traditional Bhutanese way of life.

The three story house was built with mud rammed walls and timbers. The noticeable feature of the house is its wooden shingle roof grounded with sporadic placement of stone over the shingles. The house has an enclosed open courtyard. The enclosed space protected the livestock from the wild predators. Traditionally the basement was used as animal shed and the middle floor was used as storage facility. In the facility, tourists will find antique farming tools and storage equipment. The top floor was reserved for the family.

National Institute of Zorig Chusum

lhomen_bhutan — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 14:14:53 +0000

The vocational training institute in Thimphu trains students in the 13 arts and crafts of Bhutan. Some of it includes the art of painting, sculpting, calligraphy and woodcraft. During the visit, tourists can catch a live demonstration of the students perfecting their craft, interact with the students, explore their gallery and visit the souvenir shop. The traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan is directly associated with our religion and hence considered sacred and is a respected art form.

The Takin Preserve

lhomen_bhutan — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 14:14:24 +0000

Nestled in the woods and away from the nuisance of the city, tourists will find the national animal of Bhutan grazing away peacefully. A dedicated team is committed to ensure that the environment is congenial for these mammals. A well maintained footpath through the woods takes tourist around the zoo. The synergy of the gentle stream flowing adjacent the footpath and quiet surrounding rewards tourists with a refreshing walk.

Memorial Chorten

lhomen_bhutan — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 14:13:55 +0000

The memorial chorten in Thimphu was built in the honor of the Third King of Bhutan. The Tibetan style white washed stupa is crowned with a golden crescent moon and the sun. The monument attracts many religion faithful early in the morning to circumambulate while the commuters to work and students hastily complete their worship ritual and leave the complex. As the day warms up, an influx of senior citizens gather around the monument to recite prayers and also find good company that will keep them engaged for the rest of the days.

The stupa has beautiful mandalas painted on the walls and ceilings. A circular stairs takes tourists to the second and the third floor where they can come out to the open balcony and take in an amazing view of the Thimphu city.

Tashichodzong

lhomen_bhutan — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 14:12:54 +0000

Dzong (Fortress) symbolizes the presence and recognition of a central authority and sovereignty. Tashichodzong is situated on the bank of the Wangchhu River adjacent to the National Parliament House of Bhutan. Under the command of the Third King the Dzong was renovated extensively in 1962. The entire Dzong was rebuilt without nails or written plans. In the past, the National Assembly met within the Dzong.

Today it houses the Office of His Majesty of Bhutan. Dictated by tradition, the Dzong also houses important government offices and accommodates the state monk body. The Dzong also encompasses many sacred shrines. The open courtyard next to the Dzong observes the popular Thimphu mask dance festival.

Chelela Pass

lhomen_bhutan — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 14:12:22 +0000

The Chelela Pass at 3988 meters separates Paro and Haa valley. It is one of the highest motor able passes in the country. Traces of animism culture still prevail and mountain passes across the country are considered sacred and often marked with a Buddhist stupa and colorful prayer flags. The 35 kilometer drive from Paro to the highland is ideal for a day excursion. If the weather permits, tourists can catch a spectacular view of the Mount Jomolhari and the Paro valley.

From Chelela, tourists can continue west and descend to explore the Haa valley or return to Paro. From the pass, there is a hiking trail along the ridge. Tourists will experience another 500 meter elevation through the course of the hike. Tourists will also come across exotic flowers including Blue poppies and yak herds depending on the season of travel. The hike will peak at a sky burial spot from which hikers can both choose to return or descend to Kila Gompa nunnery and complete the trail.

Drukgyel Dzong

lhomen_bhutan — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 14:11:51 +0000

Drugyel Dzong translates to the Fortress of the Victorious Drukpas. The fort was built to commemorate its victory against the Tibetan invasion in 1649. The Dzong was strategically built as a defense fort to counter probable future invasion from the north. The fort is built atop a rocky hill with only one accessible entry and making it impenetrable from all other sides. The entry was heavily guarded by prominent towers. An underground tunnel leading to the river is said to have existed. The tunnel allowed the soldiers to fetch water safely during war. Over half a century after this glorious fortress was reduced to ruins in an unfortunate fire incident, the Dzong is finally being restored to its former glory.

Kyichu Lhakhang

lhomen_bhutan — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 14:11:21 +0000

Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro is associated with mythical tale of a Buddhist Tibetan King who built 108 temples in one day to subdue an ogress. The demon thwarted the spread of Buddhism. While majority of the 108 temples were built in Tibet, two were built in Bhutan. Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro and Jampa Lhakhang in Bumthang. The Lhakhang is ten minute drive away from Paro town. The temple’s inner sanctum includes the statue of the future Buddha (Jowo Jampa) and a statue of the present Buddha Shakyamuni.