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The Glossary

lakhangs - "a temple"

From Bhutan Glossary

Western Bhutan can easily strike one as a quiet and serene land. A home to the Ngalops, who follow the rigid Kagyu tradition, it offers a stunning backdrop studded with the green valleys of Phobjika and Paro and the gentle slopes of the Black Mountain.

A visit to this side of Bhutan is a golden chance to turn huge prayer wheels in the 7th century temples such as the famous Taktsang Monastery and Jangsarbu Lhakhang in Paro. Other famous sites range from the vast courtyards of dzongs in Punakha which jut between the confluences of Mo Chhu and Pho Chuu Rivers, to the Tashicho Dzong and Simtokha dzong in Bhutan's capital, Thimpu.

Colorful prayer flags festoon the streets leading to the sites, drawing the attention of travelers. Monks in their maroon robes, seemingly oblivious to tourists, mumble their prayers along the walls of temples and monasteries that dot the landscape of Western Bhutan. The adventurous, an optional hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery can be arranged with a guide but to those who want a real challenge, the peaks of Jhomolhari will provide a thrilling climb to its summit.

The sprawling scenery of Western Bhutan also provides a good venue for an afternoon stroll. Places of interest include historic structures of National Folk Heritage Museum and The National Museum of Bhutan around Paro and Thimpu. One will also find cluttered old Bhutanese houses that retain much of their charm and still exude a medieval feel at first glance. A wide array of culinary options such as fern shoots, matsutake (mushroom), red rice, spicy chilies and cheese, exotic fruits caters to the palate of tourists.

Clearly, Western Bhutan is a cornucopia of Bhutanese culture, full of things "to see and do." The colors that mingle and contrast with the vivid art of the goemba (murals), silk thangka paintings, carved dragons and mythical beasts feel real, providing an impressive visual timeline of Western Bhutan's strand of history.

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