- Address: Nyamai Zam Rd, Paro, Bhutan, 11001
- Phone: + 975-2323251
- Opening hours: 9:00 - 17:00
The correct name of the dzong is Rinchen Pung Dzong, but it usually shrinks to Rinpung-dzong, which means "a fortress on a pile of jewels". It was built on a steep slope in the 17th century and defended Bhutan from invasions from Tibet.
Description of the monastery
The massive Rinpung-dzong walls rise above the valley and are visible from anywhere in the city of Paro . Once it was a meeting hall of the National Assembly, and now, like most of the monasteries of Bhutan , it is shared between the city administration and the monks. The monastery is built on a steep slope and the territory of the administrative part is 6 meters higher than the monastery yard. Unfortunately, most of the chapels are closed to tourists, but to visit this dzong is worth at least for the sake of stunning scenery.
The exterior of the fortress impresses with the abundance and beauty of the carved wood, painted in gold, black and ocher, which looks really great against the background of massive white walls. And the interior is struck by ancient frescoes, wood carved floors, paintings and Buddha statues.
Buddhist School
Rinpung-dzong in Bhutan is not only a fortress, a monastery and an administrative building, but also a Buddhist school. Going down the stairs, you will enter the monastic quarter, in which there are about 200 monks. If you turn left to the south side of Rinpung Dzong, then you will see the audience where students are engaged. Be sure to look into the lobby and admire the murals of the "mystical spiral", which is a Bhutanese version of the mandala.
In the large prayer hall of the monastery, just opposite the monastic educational audience, you will see beautiful murals depicting the life of the Tibetan poet-saint Milarepa. It is in this courtyard that the first day of the spring of Paro Tsecha, which after the festival explodes and spreads throughout Bhutan, is held. The view from this place to the valley is simply superb.
For enlightenment in Rinpung Dzong
Outside the temple, to the northeast of the entrance, there is a stone platform where every year from 11 to 15 of the second month of the lunar Tibetan calendar (in 2017 it falls on January 7) dancers in traditional costumes dance the religious dances of Ceciu. In this mystical action, the audience is also involved, so that a unique experience and strong emotions are provided. Buddhist monks claim that visiting Tsechu clears karma.
On the last day of the festival in Rinpung-dzong, just before dawn, a tundra cloth depicts religious scenes. He who sees him before dawn will experience enlightenment. Do not notice it will not work, because the size of the tundrel is 18 sq.m, so that enlightenment will get everything.
You can not miss the traditional and wooden covered bridge called Nyamai Zam, which connects Rinpung Dzong with the city. Despite the fact that this is the reconstruction of the original bridge, which was washed away in a flood in 1969, the new version impresses no worse than the old one. The most picturesque views of the Paro Dzong can be admired from the west bank of the river downstream from the bridge.
How to get there?
The Rinpung Dzong court is open daily, but on weekends the offices are empty, and most of the chapels are closed. You can walk to the monastery on foot (15 minutes from the central market and 10 minutes from the base of the dzong to the central entrance) or by car, where you can drive closer.
Do not forget that this is a monastery and the administration of Paro, and dress appropriately. Short shorts and T-shirts with short sleeves will be out of place. Shoes are better to choose a convenient one, because a walk around the monastery will take about two hours, and you will not find shops in the dzongs. And make room on the phone for a photo (stunning views), and in the shower for peace and quiet.
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