Dechenphu Lhakhang, or Dechenphu Gyenyen Nyekhang, is the principal abode of Geynyen Jagpa Melen, the powerful guardian deity of Bhutan. It was founded by Dampa, the first son of Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, in the 12th century.
Pangri Zampa Monastery, also a College of Astrology, is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, founded by Ngawang Chogyal in the 16th century. The monastery is located on the west bank of the Thimphu River, north of Thimphu city.
The monastery was named Druk Phodrang, meaning the “Castle of the Dragon.” However, when Zhabdrung Rinpoche took over, it was named Pangri Zampa Lhakhang, a Temple near the Bridge on an Abandoned Ridge.
Cheri Monastery, also called Chagri Dorjeden Monastery, is the first monastery in Bhutan, founded by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1620. It is located on the south face of an Iron Hill (Chagri), in the shape of the heart of Mahakala’s Palace, at 2852 meters above sea level, adjacent to Tango Monastery.
Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, also known as Zhabdrung Rinpoche, was a spiritual master of the Drukpa Lineage and the unifier of Bhutan. Ngawang Namgyel came to Bhutan in 1616 at the age of 22, and later received the title Zhabdrung Rinpoche, which means “at whose feet one submits.”
Tashichho Dzong, also known as Thimphu Dzong, is one of the 16 dzongs built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in Bhutan in 1641. The dzong is situated north of Thimphu town, on the west bank of the Wang Chhu River.
Koma Tshachu is one of the oldest and most culturally significant hot springs in Bhutan, believed to have been blessed by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. It is located within the Jigme Dorji National Park, under Goenshari Gewog of Punakha Dzongkhag at 1839 meters.
Paro Rinpung Dzong, also known as Paro Dzong, is one of the 16 dzongs built by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in Bhutan in 1646 at the site of Hungrel Dzong as a defensive fortress against Tibetan invasions. It is one of the biggest dzongs in Bhutan.
Gasa Tshachu is a hot spring believed to cure 13 different diseases known as Neyrig Chusum. It is one of the most popular hot springs in Bhutan and is situated near the bank of the Mo Chhu River at an elevation of 2100 meters in Gasa Dzongkhag.
Zhemgang Dzong, also known as Druk Dechen Yangtse Dzong, is one of the 16 dzongs built by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in Bhutan to mark the unification of Khengrig Namsum in 1655. It was built over the hermitage founded by Lama Zhang Dorji Dragpa in 1163 AD.
Gasa Dzong, also known as Gasa Tashi Thongmon Dzong, is one of the 16 dzongs built by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in Bhutan to commemorate the victories over the Tibetans in 1646. The Dzong was built on a hillock at an elevation of 2800 meters above the meditation cave of Drubthop Terkhungpa in Gasa Dzongkhag.
