Post-Hiatus Post

Four months since my last post. This is a symptom of a disease I have, a chronic case of Procrastinatus, true story!

To keep the ball rolling on this rather cobweb-infested blog of mine, I have a few pictures I want to share today.


The following pictures are of the watchtower that stands above the Paro Rinpung Dzong. You must be thinking I'm overdosing you on the whole "Paro Love-affair" thing, well, I can't help it.

Ta-Dzong as seen from the Paro Tshechu grounds 

Getting back, yes, the watchtower, the Ta-Dzong, which literally translates as "Upper Dzong".


It is a conch-shaped building built in the 17th century by the first Paro Penlop, Tenzin Drugdra. It served as a watchtower to the Paro Rinpung Dzong, looking out for invading Tibetan armies coming from the north. It has 6 stories which spiral towards the bottom floor, much like the spirals in a conch-shell.


The Ta-Dzong was renovated in the 1950s by the Third King and converted into the National Museum of Bhutan, housing artefacts from stone-age Bhutan to the early 8th century, the advent of Buddhism, the period of the Zhabdrung and medieval Bhutan, to the Wangchuk Dynasty and modern Bhutan. It also houses many specimens of the diverse flora and fauna that makes Bhutan a Global Biodiversity Hotspot. One will also find Coin and Stamp collections, for which Bhutan is well known the world over, a Prison, and an Armoury.


Since the Ta-Dzong was essentially built in the style of most other Dzongs around the country, it also houses a number of small temples, such as Tshogshing Lhakhang (Chapel of the Tree of Merit) and the Namsey Lhakhang (Chapel of the God of Wealth).


In a separate building outside the Ta-Dzong one will find a Gallery housing rare pictures of the Wangchuk Dynasty and also a Traditional Handicraft Showroom and Gift Shop.

Paro Ta-Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan

Ta-Dzong from the lower part of the structure

On top of all this (pardon the pun), the surroundings of Ta-Dzong provide a breathtaking view of the magnificent Paro Valley - "Paro Love-affair" alert - from the Paro International Airport, Khangkhu, Taju, Olathang, Tshongdue, all the way to Nemjo, Kyichu and Lango, and parts of Dob Shari and Dotey villages.

View of Paro Rinpung Dzong, the Paro International Airport and nearby villages

Close up of Paro Rinpung Dzong

Paro Valley as seen from the Ta-Dzong

Close up of the Paro Valley

Paro Tshongdue

Surely one of the must-visit places in Bhutan. Please visit the Museum's website here for more detailed information.


Another post coming up real soon, I hope.