Tourist Attractions : Explore 8 Hidden Gems of Chukha, Bhutan
Chukha, is the most beautiful of all Bhutanese destinations is a remote valley where the majestic Himalayas are hidden in thick clouds of pine and fir. This place is a paradise for adventurers who love the majestic mountains and stunning landscapes.
Chukha District (also spelled “Chhukha”), is one of 20 dzongkhag that make up Bhutan. Chukha is Bhutan’s financial and commercial capital.
Chukha, also known as the “Gateway to South”, is home to the indigenous Ngalops and Lhotshampas groups. This region, hidden by dense subtropical thickets is very rich in natural resources.
In April 1987, the start of the sixth five-year plan saw the establishment of Chhukha Dzongkhag. It is located in the western region and covers an area measuring 1879.5 square meters.
Chhukha Dzongkhag, which is India’s entry point into central and western Bhutan, is located in Phuentshogling. Its Drunkhag (sub-divisional district) is found in Phuentshogling, which is a major commercial hub.
Chukha is a prominent place in Bhutanese history. The locality has been home to many revered Buddhist masters and religious gurus. Lama Drakpa Jamtsho, one of all the masters from the region, is considered to be the most religious among them all.
Chukha is also home to a variety of cultural traditions, including a number no-Buddhist rituals and festivals.
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Chukha as a Region
Chukha is a region that is hot and humid, located in the thick subtropical forests of Southwestern Bhutan. This region is home to many important animal and plant species. Two main ethnic groups are present in Chukha: the Ngalops, and the Lhotshampas.
Chukha Phuentsholing has many tourist attractions, including waterfalls, scenic drives, beautiful mountains, and valleys.
Religiously, Chukha has been blessed by many Buddhist masters, including the revered Lama Drakpa Jamtsho (17th century).
Chukha has many places to visit. Below are 8 top tourist attractions in Chukha.
Gedu Town # 1
Gedu is a small village in the Chhukha district located approximately two hours uphill from Phuentsholing. Gedu was originally built to house people who worked at the local hydroelectric station.
The Tala Hydroelectric Project Authority, (THPA), is responsible for the rapid growth of the economy. It was established in 1998. It is considered the most populous center between Thimphu highway and Phuentsholing.
Gedu is home to Gedu College of Business Studies, a college of Royal University of Bhutan.
Tashichho Dzong # 2
The majestic Tashi Quzong Fort is located in the north of Thimphu. It houses the office of the current King, the seat of the Interior and Financial Departments, and is also the religious center of Bhutan.
The dzong’s outer wall is a two-storey white structure with prominent towers at each corner. Tourists will not be allowed to enter the zongbao after 17:00 on weekdays. However, you can still see stunning lighting decorations on the walls.
You must pass security checks to enter the Zongbao. There aren’t many places for tourists to roam around. The only areas that are open are the inner courtyard and main hall.
Kharbandi Goemba # 3
Kharbandi Goemba was founded in Rinchending by Royal Grandmother Ashi Phuntsho Choedon in 1967. This Goemba is located at 400m above sea level.
It houses beautiful Buddha paintings, Zhabdrung Namgyal statues and Guru Rinpoche statues. From Phuentsholing, it takes about 20 minutes to get there.
The monastery garden offers a stunning view of Phuentsholing and the surrounding plains.
You will find an immigration check point a few meters away. Here you will need to show your permit to travel to Thimphu and other areas.
Amo Chhu Crocodile Breeding Centre # 4
Built in 1976, Amo Chhu Crocodile Breeding Centreit was home to a few crocodiles. It is currently helping to increase Phuentsholing’s tourism, in addition to preserving endangered species.
Tourists can see two endangered species, the crocodile muggers and gharials at the breeding center.
If you are a lover of nature and wilderness, Amo Chuu Crocodile Breeding Centre is the place to visit when traveling to Phuentsholing. Tourists can view the vicious predator basking in the sunlight.
Zangto Pelri Lhakhang in Phuentsholing # 5
This Lhakhang, a small temple in the middle of Phuentsholing Town, is the gateway to Guru Rimpoche’s heaven. The ground floor houses statues of Guru Rimpoche and eight of his manifestations.
The second floor contains eight Bodhisattavas, as well as statues of Avalokiteshwara Namgyal and Zhubdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Buddha Amitabha is the main statue on the top floor.
Although there isn’t much to see, the garden and pilgrims spinning prayer wheels make for some great people-watching in the cool evenings.
It is worth a visit to the Lhakhang, which has many statues. The walls are decorated with murals of Guru Padmasambhava as well as paintings of other saints of Bhutan.
Dochula Pass # 6
The Dochula Pass is located at 3140m above sea level. Here you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the Himalayas and also see 108 pagodas.
Also known as the “Chukwangye Monument”, this monument was built in 2005 to remember the destruction of Bhutanese by rebels in Assam in south Bhutan. It also allows for prayer for peace in the world.
Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge # 7
The National Monument was created in the vision of His Majesty Jigme Dojje Wangchuck, third king of Bhutan and father of modern Bhutan.
Unfortunately, he died shortly after the completion of the pagoda in 1974. This monument was built to honor the late King, but also for world peace. It is also where the daily turrets from Thimphu are located.
Paro Rinphung Dzong # 8
Paro Dzong Fort can also be called Riqing Poong Dzong Fort. This means “jewelry heap on the fortress”. It is one the most well-known temples of Bhutan, and also a great example of Bhutan’s classic architecture.
It was once a fortress that protected the Paro Valley. Today, it is a prominent landmark above Paro. It looks similar to other dzongs of Bhutan.
It is where “Little Living Buddha”, the Bhutanese movie, was shot. This is also where Tony Leung’s and Carina Lau’s wedding gowns were photographed.
FAQs About Chukha, Bhutan
What is the altitude of Chukha?
It covers an area of 1879.5 square kilo-meters with the elevations ranging from 200-3500 meters above sea level.