Asia

Discover Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage with a visit to the Golden Buddha Statue and the National Memorial Chorten. Erected in 1974 in memory of the third Druk Gyalpo (King), the National Memorial Chorten sits at the heart of Thimpu, its gleaming white walls and dazzling golden spires visible from afar. Adorned with vibrantly painted carvings, mandalas and statues, it’s worth taking a moment to sit and observe the elderly Bhutanese who come each day to walk around the exterior, deep in meditative silence as they spin the red prayer wheels.Visible from many points in the city, the 169-foot Golden Buddha Statue statue is an impressive sight. But as you’ll discover, the true beauty lies out of sight in the form of 125,000 miniature Buddhas contained inside its chest.

Dating back to the 17th century, Punakha Dzong was the seat of government until the 1950s and offers a glimpse into the cultural and political history of Bhutan. From the ornately carved wooden windows to the towering whitewashed walls, it’s a masterpiece of architectural design with a beauty matched only by the staggeringly picturesque landscapes that surround it. The vast complex sits at the confluence of two rivers and taking a leisurely riverside stroll is the perfect way to soak in the visual drama of the fortress and its Himalayan scenery.

Discover the eye-opening story of the ‘Divine Madman’ as you explore Chimi Lhakhang, ‘the Temple of Fertility’. Join local pilgrims who come to receive fertility blessings or bring their babies for a naming ceremony, and take a walk around the temple grounds where the serene landscape is punctuated with an occasional phallic sculpture or eye-catching mural. Dating back to 1499, Chimi Lhakhang is inaccessible by road but can be reached by an easy 15-minute walk through rice paddies and mountain scenery.

As the national sport of Bhutan, there are few better places to take an archery lesson. Archery holds a central role in Bhutanese history, from a defensive means of survival to its significance in myths and legends and can even be seen in religion, with arrows often left as offerings at shrines to local gods. In this way, an archery lesson is not only an opportunity to learn to hit the target but an introduction to Bhutan’s cultural and social history.

Perhaps the most iconic and instantly recognisable historic site in Bhutan, Tiger’s Nest monastery clings precipitously to the mountainside, 900m above the valley floor. It takes its name from the flying tigress who flew the Guru Rinpoche to this spot, where he’s then said to have meditated for 3 years, 3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days, and 3 hours. Join pilgrims as you hike along the mountain paths, through towering evergreen forests strung with row-upon-row of vibrantly coloured prayer flags.

With a cultural history that’s rich in myths and legends, a revered royal family as Head of State, and a government guided by a philosophy of Gross National Happiness, Bhutan is one of the world’s most intriguing countries. Meeting a Member of Parliament is a rare opportunity to gain an insight into the country and the session aims to offer a deeper understanding of the history, religion, culture and politics of the country, from someone with inside knowledge of the workings of its political and social systems.