SIMANACHARIYA TOURS AND TRAVELS
CALL [+91]9933353453/9593156349/9434679168 E mail:- [email protected]
(ii) TRASHI YANGSTE SECTOR:-
Trashi Yangtse is newest district as earlier it was under Trashigang district until 1992. Trashiyangtse is a small pretty, quiet town. In olden times Trashi Yangtse was the gate way between Tibet and the neighboring Indian states, via Arunachal Pradesh. Combined with legend, one can still see ruins from everywhere, now covered with thick forest in Trashi Yangtse. Blessed by Guru Rinpoche, Trashi Yangtse has many pilgrimage sites unknown even too many Bhutanese. The Trashi Yangtse people are known for making wooden bowls and containers, which are said to be the best in Bhutan
Trashiyangtse is a rapidly growing town and administrative centre of the district. Situated in a small river valley, it is a lovely spot from which to take walks in the surrounding countryside. The DZONG overlooking the town was built in the late 1990s when the new district was created. Trashiyangtse is famous for its wooden containers and bowls, which make inexpensive, attractive and useful Mementos of a visit to this remote region.The traditional architecture and narrow streets give the town a quaint and snug feel, not unlike an Italian or Cornish fishing village.
In Trashiyangtse also there are many tourist attractions which are bound to attract any travellers attraction. The main of those are:-
Trashi Chhoe Dzong This large dzong, north of the city on the west bank of the Wang Chhu, manages not to impose on the valley or the city as a dominating, impenetrable fortress; rather, its splendid proportions and modest setting bestow a subtle, monastic magnificence.
The whitewashed outer structure is two storeys high with three-storey towers at the four corners projecting out over the walls and capped by red-and-gold, triple-tiered roofs. The outer walls are built of trimmed, neatly fitted granite blocks, unlike other dzongs, which were made of roughly dressed stones. Similarly, the dochey (courtyard) is paved with rectangular stone slabs. The dzong housed the original National Assembly and now houses the secretariat, the throne room and offices of the king and the ministries of home affairs and finance.
Trashi Chhoe has two main entrances on its eastern side. One leads to the administrative section towards the south, and another, towards the north, leads to the monastic quarter, the summer residence of the DRATSHANG (central monk body), and where the dances of the annual tsechu festival are performed. The dzong's Sangay Tsokhorsum Thondrol (the immense thangka (painted or embroidered religious picture) that is unfurled at the climax of the tsechu) depicts the Buddha Sakyamuni and his two disciples.
The dzong is greeted by lively sculptures of the Guardians of the Four Directions, the wrathful gatekeepers Chana Dorje and Hayagriva, and the popular 'Divine Madman', Drukpa Kunley. Look for the mural of the Four Friends - depicting a much-loved Bhutanese fable. Upon entering the courtyard you are taken by the splendid proportions of the architecture and the vast courtyard; the enclosed silence only broken by the flight of pigeons, the shuffle of feet and the whirr of prayer wheels. A large utse (central tower) separates the northern monastic courtyard, which surrounds the highly decorated Lhakang Sarpa (New Temple), from the southern courtyard. The northern monastic assembly hall houses a large statue of Sakyamuni, the Historical Buddha and meticulous murals illustrate the life of Buddha and portray mystical mandalas.
This is not the original Thimphu dzong. In 1216 Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa built Dho-Ngen Dzong (Blue Stone Dzong) on the hill above Thimphu where Dechen Phodrang now stands. A few years later Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo, who brought the Drukpa Kagyu lineage to Bhutan, took over the dzong. In 1641 the Zhabdrung acquired the dzong from the descendants of Lama Phajo and renamed it Trashi Chhoe Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion). He arranged to house both monks and civil officials in the dzong, but it was soon found to be too small. The Zhabdrung then built another dzong, known as the lower dzong, for the civil officials and used the original building for the monks. The 13th Druk Desi, Chhogyel Sherab Wangchuck (1744-63), later enlarged Trashi Chhoe Dzong so that it could again accommodate both civil officials and monks.
The original dzong was destroyed by fire in 1771 and was abandoned in favour of the lower dzong, which was expanded. That dzong itself suffered a fire in 1866 and twice since then. The five-storey utse was damaged in the 1897 earthquake and rebuilt in 1902.
When he moved the capital to Thimphu in 1962, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck began a five-year project to completely renovate and enlarge the dzong. The royal architect performed the repairs without touching the utse, Lhakhang Sarpa or any other of its chapels at the centre. Other than these structures, the entire dzong was rebuilt in traditional fashion, without nails or written plans.
Below the dzong is an excellent example of a traditional cantilever bridge. To the south of the dzong is a set of low (and unattractive) administration buildings (for which there are demolition plans). West of the dzong is the small tower of Ney Khang Lhakhang, which houses a statue of Sakyamuni flanked by the protective deity Gyenyen Jagpa Melen and Dorje Daktshen, the female guardian deity of Phajoding.
Dongdi Dzong:
One of the oldest Dzongs to have been built in the region, Dongdi Dzong is located on a small spur flanked by Kholong chu and Dongdi chu. A traditional cantilever bridge over Kholongchu links with the Dzong. It was established sometime in the 8th century by Gongkar Gyalpo, son of Lhasey Tsangma, a Tibetan Prince who sought refuge in Bhutan after his exile from his native country. In the 14th century it was reconstructed by Terton Pema Lingpa and named as Trashiyangtse. The current structure was renovated in the early 1990’s. Today it houses the monk body and a sacred relic is a statue of Avaloketeshvara that was offered as a relic or nangten by the deity of the river.
Chorten Kora:
Chorten Kora in Trashi Yangtse is 24 km from Trashigang. This dazzling white stupa is situated on the riverbank below the town. The temple is the biggest in the whole of Bhutan and the oldest. Set against the cliff and beside a crystal-clear river, it is patterned on stupa of Boudhanath in Kathmandu with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. It was constructed in 1740 by Lama Ngawang Loday. It is one of the famous places where Guru Padsambhava had meditated in order to subdue a demon that dwelt in big rock. One can see the impression of his thumb, hat, and body on the rock. During the second month of Bhutanese lunar calendar, one of the most ancient festivals in the whole of Bhutan is held here, popularly known as Chorten Kora and Gomba Kora (Kora means circumbulating a temple or a stupa). Old and young make rounds of the stupa and temples to earn merit and good health. Many people from the neighboring Indian state Arunachal Pradesh visit the festival every year and so do people from Merak and Sakten, dressed in their unique costumes.
Institute of Zorig Chusum:
A visit to the traditional institute of Arts and Crafts above the town will provide you with an insight into the different arts and craft works practiced in Bhutan. The institute started a few years back and with support from the Government, trains many school drop outs in the arts and crafts.
Bomdeling:
A pleasant walk of about three hours following the Kholongchu river from Chorten Kora, Bomdeling is an annual migration place for black necked cranes, which fly over from nearby Tibet to pass the winter months in a warmer climate. On the way one can also visit the farm houses and their make shift cottage industry where they churn out bowls, cups and plates of wood.
Rigsum Goemba:
An hour’s walk through the paddy fields and a gradual climb over the woodlands will take you to the sacred temple of Rigsum Goemba. This temple was founded in the 18th century by Lam Tshering Gyatso, the disciple of Sakya Rinchen, the 9th Chief Abbot of Bhutan. Unlike other structures in eastern Bhutan, the wall is built with pounded mud, a style used in western Bhutan. The main holy object of the Rigsum Goenpa was the statue of Jowo, which is said to have the same blessing to that of the one at Lhasa in Tibet. Higher up the monastery, there were Guru Rinpoche’s Zhuthri (seat), 21 Taras’ rock, the representation of Avalokiteshvara, Chana Dorje and Manjushr. The Rigsum Goenpa derived its name due to the presence of three mountains surrounding it and also because of the holy sites of Avaloketshvara, Chana Dorji and Manjushri representing the Body, Speech and Mind of all the Buddha’s. Below the Goenpa, there was another Temple which had the frescos of the twelve depictions of the life and deeds of Lord Buddha which was done by Lam Jangchub Gyeltshen, holy relics like the self arisen turtle, self arisen wisdom sword of Manjushri and a Zambalha(Buddha of Wealth). Towards the late evening, Rinpoche gave teachings on the Amitabha pure Land and concluded the teaching as it was the last place of visit. During our stay in Rigsum Goenpa, the pilgrims felt spiritually enriched and blessed because of the blessings of the Jowo and the presence of H.E. Khamtrul RInpoche.
Tshenkharla Dzong:
In Tshenkharla, just above the school, is situated one of the oldest Dzongs to have been built in Bhutan. Widely known as Tshenkharla Dzong, the ruins are still standing and surrounding it, one can come across the remnants of the settlement such as large stones used for pounding grains. It was built by Lhasey Tsangma, a Tibetan Prince who sought refuge in Tshenkharla in the 8th century AD. He is regarded as the founder of many important clan systems in Bhutan that dominated the political scene till the mid 17th century. A visit to the ruins will give you a glimpse of ancient Bhutan besides a scenic view of the Dangmechu river and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh in India.
Gom Kora:
24 km. from Trashigang, the temple of Gom Kora is set on a small alluvial plateau overlooking the Dangmechu River. Surrounded by rice fields and clumps of banana trees, it looks like an oasis in an arid landscape. It is one of the famous places where Guru Rinpoche meditated in order to subdue a demon which dwelt in a huge black rock. An annual tshechu held for three days in spring draws a lot of attraction with pilgrims coming as far as from Arunachal Pradesh, India.
Doksum village
The village of Doksum is a few kilometers past Gom Kora, a small temple on the side of the road. A large boulder sits In the garden of Gom Kora and it is said that if anyone can climb below the rock and emerge from its summit, he will be forgiven of his sins. Doksum is a weaver's village where the women sit in fair weather on balconies with wooden slats strapped to their backs rocking back and forth to the rhythm of their looms.
Ohmba Naey
Omba Ney is a treck of around 3 hours of tough uphill trek. On the way to the Ney, the local people offers tea and snacks to the travellers group. Tshog offering and Ney kor (visiting the holy sites) in and around the main Omba Ney were carried out. The self arisen Om on the rock face along with other letters such as Ohm Ahh Hung, a self-arisen replica of the Chorten in Bodhgaya, a self-arisen stupa replica of one in Tibet, and many hidden Ters(Treasures hidden by Guru Rinpoche for Tertons to discover) and other holy sites and objects were witnessed by the pilgrims. There were stories about how Guru Rinpoche subdued demons residing in that area and the secret paths taken by the Dakinis.
Khenyi Lower Secondary School
The school is located in a far flung area, it was well maintained and a treet to watch.
Trashi Yangtse is newest district as earlier it was under Trashigang district until 1992. Trashiyangtse is a small pretty, quiet town. In olden times Trashi Yangtse was the gate way between Tibet and the neighboring Indian states, via Arunachal Pradesh. Combined with legend, one can still see ruins from everywhere, now covered with thick forest in Trashi Yangtse. Blessed by Guru Rinpoche, Trashi Yangtse has many pilgrimage sites unknown even too many Bhutanese. The Trashi Yangtse people are known for making wooden bowls and containers, which are said to be the best in Bhutan
Trashiyangtse is a rapidly growing town and administrative centre of the district. Situated in a small river valley, it is a lovely spot from which to take walks in the surrounding countryside. The DZONG overlooking the town was built in the late 1990s when the new district was created. Trashiyangtse is famous for its wooden containers and bowls, which make inexpensive, attractive and useful Mementos of a visit to this remote region.The traditional architecture and narrow streets give the town a quaint and snug feel, not unlike an Italian or Cornish fishing village.
In Trashiyangtse also there are many tourist attractions which are bound to attract any travellers attraction. The main of those are:-
Trashi Chhoe Dzong This large dzong, north of the city on the west bank of the Wang Chhu, manages not to impose on the valley or the city as a dominating, impenetrable fortress; rather, its splendid proportions and modest setting bestow a subtle, monastic magnificence.
The whitewashed outer structure is two storeys high with three-storey towers at the four corners projecting out over the walls and capped by red-and-gold, triple-tiered roofs. The outer walls are built of trimmed, neatly fitted granite blocks, unlike other dzongs, which were made of roughly dressed stones. Similarly, the dochey (courtyard) is paved with rectangular stone slabs. The dzong housed the original National Assembly and now houses the secretariat, the throne room and offices of the king and the ministries of home affairs and finance.
Trashi Chhoe has two main entrances on its eastern side. One leads to the administrative section towards the south, and another, towards the north, leads to the monastic quarter, the summer residence of the DRATSHANG (central monk body), and where the dances of the annual tsechu festival are performed. The dzong's Sangay Tsokhorsum Thondrol (the immense thangka (painted or embroidered religious picture) that is unfurled at the climax of the tsechu) depicts the Buddha Sakyamuni and his two disciples.
The dzong is greeted by lively sculptures of the Guardians of the Four Directions, the wrathful gatekeepers Chana Dorje and Hayagriva, and the popular 'Divine Madman', Drukpa Kunley. Look for the mural of the Four Friends - depicting a much-loved Bhutanese fable. Upon entering the courtyard you are taken by the splendid proportions of the architecture and the vast courtyard; the enclosed silence only broken by the flight of pigeons, the shuffle of feet and the whirr of prayer wheels. A large utse (central tower) separates the northern monastic courtyard, which surrounds the highly decorated Lhakang Sarpa (New Temple), from the southern courtyard. The northern monastic assembly hall houses a large statue of Sakyamuni, the Historical Buddha and meticulous murals illustrate the life of Buddha and portray mystical mandalas.
This is not the original Thimphu dzong. In 1216 Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa built Dho-Ngen Dzong (Blue Stone Dzong) on the hill above Thimphu where Dechen Phodrang now stands. A few years later Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo, who brought the Drukpa Kagyu lineage to Bhutan, took over the dzong. In 1641 the Zhabdrung acquired the dzong from the descendants of Lama Phajo and renamed it Trashi Chhoe Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion). He arranged to house both monks and civil officials in the dzong, but it was soon found to be too small. The Zhabdrung then built another dzong, known as the lower dzong, for the civil officials and used the original building for the monks. The 13th Druk Desi, Chhogyel Sherab Wangchuck (1744-63), later enlarged Trashi Chhoe Dzong so that it could again accommodate both civil officials and monks.
The original dzong was destroyed by fire in 1771 and was abandoned in favour of the lower dzong, which was expanded. That dzong itself suffered a fire in 1866 and twice since then. The five-storey utse was damaged in the 1897 earthquake and rebuilt in 1902.
When he moved the capital to Thimphu in 1962, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck began a five-year project to completely renovate and enlarge the dzong. The royal architect performed the repairs without touching the utse, Lhakhang Sarpa or any other of its chapels at the centre. Other than these structures, the entire dzong was rebuilt in traditional fashion, without nails or written plans.
Below the dzong is an excellent example of a traditional cantilever bridge. To the south of the dzong is a set of low (and unattractive) administration buildings (for which there are demolition plans). West of the dzong is the small tower of Ney Khang Lhakhang, which houses a statue of Sakyamuni flanked by the protective deity Gyenyen Jagpa Melen and Dorje Daktshen, the female guardian deity of Phajoding.
Dongdi Dzong:
One of the oldest Dzongs to have been built in the region, Dongdi Dzong is located on a small spur flanked by Kholong chu and Dongdi chu. A traditional cantilever bridge over Kholongchu links with the Dzong. It was established sometime in the 8th century by Gongkar Gyalpo, son of Lhasey Tsangma, a Tibetan Prince who sought refuge in Bhutan after his exile from his native country. In the 14th century it was reconstructed by Terton Pema Lingpa and named as Trashiyangtse. The current structure was renovated in the early 1990’s. Today it houses the monk body and a sacred relic is a statue of Avaloketeshvara that was offered as a relic or nangten by the deity of the river.
Chorten Kora:
Chorten Kora in Trashi Yangtse is 24 km from Trashigang. This dazzling white stupa is situated on the riverbank below the town. The temple is the biggest in the whole of Bhutan and the oldest. Set against the cliff and beside a crystal-clear river, it is patterned on stupa of Boudhanath in Kathmandu with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. It was constructed in 1740 by Lama Ngawang Loday. It is one of the famous places where Guru Padsambhava had meditated in order to subdue a demon that dwelt in big rock. One can see the impression of his thumb, hat, and body on the rock. During the second month of Bhutanese lunar calendar, one of the most ancient festivals in the whole of Bhutan is held here, popularly known as Chorten Kora and Gomba Kora (Kora means circumbulating a temple or a stupa). Old and young make rounds of the stupa and temples to earn merit and good health. Many people from the neighboring Indian state Arunachal Pradesh visit the festival every year and so do people from Merak and Sakten, dressed in their unique costumes.
Institute of Zorig Chusum:
A visit to the traditional institute of Arts and Crafts above the town will provide you with an insight into the different arts and craft works practiced in Bhutan. The institute started a few years back and with support from the Government, trains many school drop outs in the arts and crafts.
Bomdeling:
A pleasant walk of about three hours following the Kholongchu river from Chorten Kora, Bomdeling is an annual migration place for black necked cranes, which fly over from nearby Tibet to pass the winter months in a warmer climate. On the way one can also visit the farm houses and their make shift cottage industry where they churn out bowls, cups and plates of wood.
Rigsum Goemba:
An hour’s walk through the paddy fields and a gradual climb over the woodlands will take you to the sacred temple of Rigsum Goemba. This temple was founded in the 18th century by Lam Tshering Gyatso, the disciple of Sakya Rinchen, the 9th Chief Abbot of Bhutan. Unlike other structures in eastern Bhutan, the wall is built with pounded mud, a style used in western Bhutan. The main holy object of the Rigsum Goenpa was the statue of Jowo, which is said to have the same blessing to that of the one at Lhasa in Tibet. Higher up the monastery, there were Guru Rinpoche’s Zhuthri (seat), 21 Taras’ rock, the representation of Avalokiteshvara, Chana Dorje and Manjushr. The Rigsum Goenpa derived its name due to the presence of three mountains surrounding it and also because of the holy sites of Avaloketshvara, Chana Dorji and Manjushri representing the Body, Speech and Mind of all the Buddha’s. Below the Goenpa, there was another Temple which had the frescos of the twelve depictions of the life and deeds of Lord Buddha which was done by Lam Jangchub Gyeltshen, holy relics like the self arisen turtle, self arisen wisdom sword of Manjushri and a Zambalha(Buddha of Wealth). Towards the late evening, Rinpoche gave teachings on the Amitabha pure Land and concluded the teaching as it was the last place of visit. During our stay in Rigsum Goenpa, the pilgrims felt spiritually enriched and blessed because of the blessings of the Jowo and the presence of H.E. Khamtrul RInpoche.
Tshenkharla Dzong:
In Tshenkharla, just above the school, is situated one of the oldest Dzongs to have been built in Bhutan. Widely known as Tshenkharla Dzong, the ruins are still standing and surrounding it, one can come across the remnants of the settlement such as large stones used for pounding grains. It was built by Lhasey Tsangma, a Tibetan Prince who sought refuge in Tshenkharla in the 8th century AD. He is regarded as the founder of many important clan systems in Bhutan that dominated the political scene till the mid 17th century. A visit to the ruins will give you a glimpse of ancient Bhutan besides a scenic view of the Dangmechu river and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh in India.
Gom Kora:
24 km. from Trashigang, the temple of Gom Kora is set on a small alluvial plateau overlooking the Dangmechu River. Surrounded by rice fields and clumps of banana trees, it looks like an oasis in an arid landscape. It is one of the famous places where Guru Rinpoche meditated in order to subdue a demon which dwelt in a huge black rock. An annual tshechu held for three days in spring draws a lot of attraction with pilgrims coming as far as from Arunachal Pradesh, India.
Doksum village
The village of Doksum is a few kilometers past Gom Kora, a small temple on the side of the road. A large boulder sits In the garden of Gom Kora and it is said that if anyone can climb below the rock and emerge from its summit, he will be forgiven of his sins. Doksum is a weaver's village where the women sit in fair weather on balconies with wooden slats strapped to their backs rocking back and forth to the rhythm of their looms.
Ohmba Naey
Omba Ney is a treck of around 3 hours of tough uphill trek. On the way to the Ney, the local people offers tea and snacks to the travellers group. Tshog offering and Ney kor (visiting the holy sites) in and around the main Omba Ney were carried out. The self arisen Om on the rock face along with other letters such as Ohm Ahh Hung, a self-arisen replica of the Chorten in Bodhgaya, a self-arisen stupa replica of one in Tibet, and many hidden Ters(Treasures hidden by Guru Rinpoche for Tertons to discover) and other holy sites and objects were witnessed by the pilgrims. There were stories about how Guru Rinpoche subdued demons residing in that area and the secret paths taken by the Dakinis.
Khenyi Lower Secondary School
The school is located in a far flung area, it was well maintained and a treet to watch.