You are here: Home > Travel > Bhutan > Overview > Information > Culture > Architecture > Dzongs Search
Bhutan's Culture
Bhutan's Architecture
Grafik Bhutan's Architecture
Dzongs
Chorten - Chhoeten (Stupa)
Grafik Bhutan Information
Bhutan Tourist Destinations
Grafik Grafik
Video Bhutan Videos
previous pageend
Different types of Chortens
Dzongs
Punakha dzong
These gigantic structures with their massive walls and elegant woodwork are among the most impressive forms of architecture in Asia.
The basic pattern of the dzong is the utse (central tower) which generally houses several temples, a courtyard surrounded by an outer structure which houses monks' quarters, administrative offices, and the kitchen.

Trashigang, Dagana, Mongar, Gasa and Simtokha dzongs are good examples of this pattern, however, most of the dzongs have two courtyards, sometimes at spilt levels separated by the central tower. One courtyard is for monastic use while the other is for administration. Good examples of this structure are Punakha, Wangduephodrang, Paro, Thimphu and Jakar Dzongs. Trongsa is the most complex of all dzongs with an intricate pattern of buildings, towers and courtyards.

more information and pictures
Punakha Dzong
Dzongs in Bhutan Information
Bhutan Photo Galleries
Dzongs and Monasteries in Bhutan Photos

top

Chorten - Chhoeten (Stupa in Sanskrit)
Bhutanese and Nepalese style Chortens
Chortens are built in memory of eminent lamas or to pin down evil spirits. They are also built to protect a region against evil spirits at places which are potentially dangerous such as crossroads and passes as well as landslide and accident prone areas.

Bhutanese chortens are of three styles:

Huge stone chortens which are often whitewashed, are built on the model of the stupa of Boudnath in Nepal. Good examples of this style are Chendebji (Trongsa), Kurizampa (Mongar) and Chorten Kora (Trashiyangtse). Stone chortens resembling the Tibetan style are common throughout central and eastern Bhutan. They are often covered by a wooden frame.

Chortens of a purely Bhutanese tradition are primarily widespread in western Bhutan. Their outer structure is a square stone building with a red stripe at its upper level and shingle or stone-slab roofs. A chorten of the Tibetan style is sometimes erected inside that of a local type structure.

The Bhutanese style Chorten can also be found in a series of eight, called the Chorten Degye. These chortens commemorate eight great events of the life of Lord Buddha and each of them has a different shape. The selection of a site for the construction of a chortten is suggested by an astrologer; a Sogshing and the other elements of Zung are put inside the structure and a consecration ceremony is performed. The Chorten then becomes sacred and dismantling it is, therefore, a serious sin.

Memorial Chorten in Thimphu Memorial Chorten in Thimphu

top

more information on Bhutan
Religion in Bhutan
Culture in Bhutan
People in Bhutan
Tshechu Festivals
Bhutan Photo Galleries
Mountain Biking
Motor Biking
Trekkings
Punakha Dzong
Dzongs in Bhutan
About
Bumthang
About
Lhuentse and Mongar
About
Trashigang
About
Gasa-Laya-Lingzhi-Lunana
About
Thimphu
About
Trongsa and Zhemgang
About
Paro and Haa
About
Wangduephodrang
About
Punakha
About
Trashiyangtse-Yangtse
About
Southern Bhutan
Photo Galleries
Dzongs and Monasteries in Bhutan East-West-Highway by motorcycle
Dochula - Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chhortens
Mongar and Lhuentse
Mask Dances Pictures
Videos
Videos: Rafting, Tshechu, Motor Biking, Roads ...
Tshechu in Wangduephodrang Video
Punakha dzong
top
previous page Bhutan Home