Friday, January 22, 2016

Paro, Bhutan

View of Paro Dzong and the National Museum of Bhutan at the back. More than the dzongs, I really love the traditional cantilever bridges in Bhutan. 

The photo above shows two important places in Paro, Paro Dzong and the National Museum of Bhutan behind. Another name of Paro dzong is Rinpung dzong which means “fortress of heap of Jewels.” It was built in 1644 by zhabdrung and established as the administrative and monastic center of the western region. It was founded in the 15th century by Gyelchok and Gyelzom (brothers), the descendents of Phajo Drugom zhingpo. Inside Rinpung Dzong there are 14 shrines and chapels. Some scenes in the 1993 movie “Little Buddha” were filmed in this dzong.

Ta dzong, a 7-storied watch tower fortress was built in 1949. It was established as the national museum of Bhutan in 1968 by the 3rd king of Bhutan. The cylindrical shaped building was built in 1949 by the 1st governor of Paro. It served as a watch tower to protect the Paro Rinpung Dzong from Tibetan invasions. The building design reflets the union of the sun (circular shape) and the moon (crescent shape). The tower has 6 floors and not only housed soldiers but also prisoners of war.

The weather is Paro valley is pleasant most of the time. Make sure not to miss put these places because you will regret if you don't. Your eyes will be pleased. 

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