Nepal and Bhutan
Dzongs, monasteries and festivals of the Thunder Dragon kingdom.
Start here · Essential guide
An overview of Bhutan Buddhist sites from Thimphu and Paro to Punakha and Bumthang, with context on its Vajrayana heritage and why visitor rules need checking.
What the masked cham dances at Bhutan's tsechu festivals generally depict, how spectators are expected to behave, and why festival dates must be checked each year.
A look at the temples of central Bhutan and Bumthang, including Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang, their traditions and the travel conditions to check first.
A general explanation of Bhutan tsechu festivals: what they celebrate, how a festival day unfolds, which dances appear, and why dates vary every year.
The Tiger's Nest (Taktsang) monastery near Paro: its Padmasambhava tradition, history, the steep hike, and fitness and altitude cautions for visitors.
How the Drukpa Kagyu school became Bhutan's state tradition, the role of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, and how the monastic body is organised, at a public level.
Bhutan dzongs explained: fortress, monastery and administrative centre in one, with Punakha and Paro as examples and guidance on visiting conduct and access.
Bhutan temple etiquette for visitors: dress codes, behaviour in lhakhangs and dzongs, photography rules and why local rules vary by site and day.
Who the Druk Gyalpo, or Dragon King, is, how the monarchy began, and how it relates to Bhutan's Buddhist institutions, explained factually and neutrally.
Druk Yul meaning explained: why Bhutan is called the Land of the Thunder Dragon, where the name comes from, and how Buddhism shapes national identity.
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