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Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park |
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Speading over almost two geogs Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park that covers an area of 1723 km² is a home for many globally endangered rare floras and fauna of the country, and it’s a habitual place for one of the most globally endangered species Golden Langur. The Park was gazette in 2000 in order to protect large area of virtually untouched ecosystem ranging from mixed conifer in the north to chirpine / broadleaf forest in the south. The Monpa, who are believed to be the early inhabitants of our country, resides on the lower parts of the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park.
The White Languer and Himalayan bear are some of the wild animals out in this area. There are also a variety of deers found within the area.
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Nabji Lhakhang. |
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Upon request Guru Rinpoche came to Bhutan in the 8th century to cure the illness of King Sindhu Raja.
On his way back to India, Guru summoned both the kings (King Sindu Raja and King Nawche) to a place called Majathang- a plain land feature that resembles peacock. Guru placed a tapering rock between the two kings and asked both of them to vow not to conquer or harm each other from then. As a gesture of taking oath, the two kings and Guru himself put their hands on the tapering rock, which we can still see their handprints on the rock, preserved in the lhakhang today. Hence, the place was known as Nga gi meaning Oath Taken. Later it also came to be known as Na bi meaning a flat/plain land where an oath was taken. In the course of time, the pronunciation of Na-gi and Na-bi died down and now it is called Nabji.
A part of lhakhang believed to have been constructed by the Dakinis during the Guru’s time still exists as of now. Hence, the people from far and wide today consider the Lhakhang very sacred.
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Dogsel Phel Goenpa: |
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Dogsel in dzongkha means to dispel all doubts and Phel means continuously progressing. In the local dialect, the word Dogsel also means blue pine, referring to the blue pines around the lhakhang. The name Dogsel would, therefore, refer to the lhakhang forested with blue pines. The Goempa is also known as Dechencholing Goempa. The Goempa is registered with the National Commission for Cultural Affairs as the community lhakhang of Pang and Bemji villages under Nub Chutoed Geog.
The Goempa is located above Pang village on the right bank of Mangdi chhu at an altitude of 2879 m above the sea level. The site lies north of the Trongsa Chhoekhor Rabtentse Dzong. It takes about 4-5 hours walk to the Goempa from Bjee Zampa on the Thimphu-Trongsa National Highway. From Bemji village, the walk is about an hour. There are two temples of modest size known as Goem Gom (Upper Goempa) and Wom (Lower Goempa). The communities of Pang and Bemji village are directly associated with the two Goempas. The exact time and date of their establishment is not yet confirmed. However, according to available history and oral sources, the Goempas have existed since about the 16th century.
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Kuenga Rabten Palace |
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Constructed in 1928, it was the winter residence for our beloved 2nd King Jigme Wangchuk. Located at the slope overlooking the mighty mangdechhu river, Kuenga Rabten is surrounded by stone wall with spy holes. The palace has two lhakhang inside.
Sangay Lhakhang contains image of Shakyamuni Buddha and twenty-one Aspects of Tara, whilst Kangyur Lhakhang houses part of national library of Bhutan, to which the palace is presently affiliated.
It is 23 kilometers from Trongsa and it takes about 1 hour by car. This trip from Trongsa to Kuenga Rabten will give you an intimate insight into the early days of Bhutan’s Monarchy. Besides the palace you will also see the beautiful expanse of rice terraces in the lower Mangdu-Chu valley and large waterfall
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Chendibjee Chorten |
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Chendibjee Chorten was built by Lam Shida from Tibet in 18 century, to cover the remains of evil spirit that was subdued at this spot.
The chorten is eye painted on the four cardinal points.
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