ARCHITECTURE

Picturesque Ancient Monuments

The architecture of Bhutan is one of the Kingdom’s most visible distinctive features. The massive Dzongs (fortresses) with their upward sloping walls, the ancient monasteries and the humble farm house stand out as an important part of the country’s landscape. Each valley in Bhutan retains its own architectural character in terms of the type of building material used, ranging from mud to stone, and the special ambience of its most famous monasteries and Dzongs.

Dzongs

Bhutan’s massive ancient fortresses, the Dzongs, are striking landmarks in every valley. Sitting atop the steepest ridges, or between fast flowing rivers, the Dzongs (which mean fortresses) are a reflection of the ancient need for defence, but which have become a symbol of stability and security over the years. Today, Bhutan’s Dzongs continue to provide shelter for both the district administration and the clergy.

Monastries

The more than 2,000 monasteries in Bhutan is a testimony of the spiritual nature of the country and its people. Everywhere you look, there is a monastery atop a rocky crag, or on remote hillsides and in the farthest horizon. Some of these are ancient monasteries now requiring restoration but which are, nonetheless, spiritually important for the communities that live around them. Almost every major monastery provides the spiritual centre for important festivals and ceremonies for village communities. They are also often the focal point of cultural, secular and administrative and religious events. A monastery is distinguished by a maroon band near the top of the building and some of them have a golden pinnacle or “sertog” sitting atop the building. Some of these monasteries also house numerous monks who study in an educational institute built around the monastery. Hermitages are also built around or near monasteries.

Chortens

Thousands of chortens or stupas dot the countryside in Bhutan. These structures are symbolic of a receptacle for offering in Buddhism, and are an indication of the deep faith of the people, as many new chortens are being built even today. There are eight different forms or styles of chortens in Bhutan including one in which there is an archway over a trail like one near the Wangduephrodang Dzong. It is believed that travelers gain merit when they pass through such a structure. Another style is the mani dungkhor or a chorten which houses a large prayer wheel . This is usually built over a water channel or near a stream to enable the water to turn the wooden turbine of the prayer wheel. An important chorten in the capital is the National Memorial Chorten dedicated to the memory of the third king of Bhutan, late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The chorten contains magnificent examples of Vajrayana Buddhist art in the form of statues and wall paintings.

Traditional Houses

Bhutanese traditional houses are a delight to see as one travels throughout Bhutan. The materials used for house building range from mud blocks, rammed earth, stone, and now reinforced concrete in urban areas. Traditional rural homes are generally large, with a distinctive roof which provide an attic area for drying crops. The most important room in the house is the altar room where guests are often hosted, otherwise most rooms are more functional. The traditional slate and timber shingle roofs are also giving way to CGI steel roofing. But one dominant character remain, that of chillies drying on the roof of almost every traditional house in the chilli season. The shingled roof, the white washed walls and painted wooden windows of farm houses blend harmoniously into the natural landscape of the country.

Traditional Cantilever Bridges

Bhutan’s traditional cantilever bridges are a graceful addition to local architecture and the natural landscape. These largely wooden bridges are built with a series of interlocking wooden structures to form a central bridge. These ancient bridges often span a river so wide that the bridge becomes an engineering marvel. Many of these bridges are essential passageways for people, horses and other animals. There is a beautiful cantilever bridge in the capital, behind the Tashichhoedzong. And to retain the grace of the past, a new cantilever bridge has been built across the Thimphu river right next to the town’s vegetable market. The Paro Dzong is also complemented by an old cantilever bridge that gives it an air of bygone days.