National Museum of Bhutan

Opening Hours: Open daily 9:00 - 17:00 (Closed on Mondays)

Ticket Prices: Adult: Approximately 300 Bhutanese Nuer (BTN)

                       Student Ticket: Approximately 150 Bhutanese Nuer (BTN)

                       Foreign Visitor Ticket: Relatively expensive, usually around 500 BTN.

 

 

The National Museum of Bhutan, located in Paro, Bhutan, is an important place to learn about Bhutanese history, culture and art. Located near the ancient Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), the museum is situated on a hillside overlooking the Paro Valley with a beautiful view.

 

 

The National Museum of Bhutan is an unmissable cultural and historical treasure trove that helps visitors better understand Bhutan's unique traditions, religious beliefs and artistic expressions. The museum not only showcases Bhutan's rich cultural heritage but also gives you a taste of Bhutan's history, religion and daily life through its unique architecture and exhibits. If you are interested in Bhutan's history and culture, this is a place well worth visiting.

 

History and Background of the Museum

The National Museum of Bhutan was formerly known as the Ta Dzong (Stupa of the Tajik Buddhas) in Paro Dzong, which was originally constructed as a defensive watchtower and was built in the 17th century. It was not until 1968 that the Ta Dzong was converted into a museum and became the National Museum of Bhutan. The museum was established to preserve and display Bhutan's cultural heritage as well as to showcase Bhutan's unique history and art to the outside world.

 

Museum Exhibits

The exhibits at the National Museum of Bhutan cover a rich range of history, religion, art and folklore, providing an opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of Bhutan. The museum's exhibits are organized into several zones, including:

History and Culture Zone: Presents the history of Bhutan, especially its rulers, traditional systems and cultural evolution.

Buddhist Art and Artifacts: showcases Bhutan's rich Buddhist heritage, including statues, dharma vessels, murals, scrolls and more. Buddhism has had a profound influence on Bhutan and many of the exhibits demonstrate the depth of Bhutan's religious culture.

Traditional Costumes and Handicrafts: The museum showcases Bhutan's traditional costumes (such as Gho and Kira) as well as a variety of handicrafts, including embroidery, wood carving, metalwork and ceramics.

Folklore Zone: showcases traditional Bhutanese lifestyle, tools and household items to give visitors an insight into the daily life of the Bhutanese people.

Natural History Zone: showcases Bhutan's natural environment, flora and fauna, including some endemic species.

 

Architecture and Layout of the Museum

The architecture of the National Museum of Bhutan is a work of art in itself. It is a blend of traditional Bhutanese architecture and modern museum design, with a majestic structure and Bhutanese character. The exterior of the museum retains many of the traditional Bhutanese architectural elements such as the red roof, carved wooden window frames and golden decorations. The interior of the museum is well-designed with spacious exhibition areas to make the tour more comfortable for the visitors.

 

The museum's prime location, with breathtaking views of the Paro Valley and the mountains from the museum's balcony and surrounding area, is also a highlight of a visit to the museum.

 

How to get to the National Museum of Bhutan from Paro Airport？

1-Cab: there are usually cabs around the airport with drivers who are familiar with the directions to the museum.

2-Hotel transfer: If you are staying at a hotel in Paro, ask in advance if the hotel offers a transfer to the museum.

3-On foot: If you prefer to walk, the museum is not far from the downtown area of Paro and can be easily reached on foot.Day Itinerary for National Museum of Bhutan

 

1-Day Tour Arrangement Including National Museum of Bhutan

Morning

Arrive in Paro: If you are arriving from Paro airport, it is recommended that you check in to your hotel and drop your luggage.

Visit the National Museum of Bhutan: You can arrive early when the museum opens its doors and visit the exhibitions to learn about the history, culture and art of Bhutan. The visit will take about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Noon

Lunch: Enjoy traditional Bhutanese cuisine at a local restaurant in Paro, such as 'Ema Datshi' (chili and cheese stew) or 'Phajoding' (rice with chili and sauce).

Afternoon

Visit nearby attractions: There are some worthwhile places to visit around the museum, such as:

Paro Dzong (Paro Dzong): an ancient Buddhist temple, located near the museum, is one of the most famous cultural sites in Bhutan.

Taktsang Monastery: also known as the Tiger's Nest Monastery, although a little further away from the museum, it is one of Paro's most famous landmarks, perched on a cliff with spectacular views.

Evening

Return to Hotel: In the evening, you can take a stroll through downtown Paro to soak up the evening atmosphere of Bhutan or return to your hotel to rest.

 

Visiting Tips

• Opening Hours: The museum is usually open daily, usually from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but please check in advance for specific opening hours, especially during holidays or special periods.
• Admission: The National Museum of Bhutan usually charges an admission fee. Ticket prices vary depending on the status of the visitor (e.g. foreign tourist, Bhutanese resident, etc.). It is advisable to have cash ready to pay in advance.
• Guided tours: The museum offers guided tours where the guide will give you detailed background and history of the exhibits to help you better understand Bhutanese culture and traditions.
• Photography rules: Photography may be prohibited in some areas, please follow the museum's rules when visiting.

 

Attractions near National Museum of Bhutan

1. Paro Dzong (Paro Dur Temple)
Distance from the Museum: About 10-15 minutes drive and can be reached on foot.

• Overview: Paro Dur Monastery (also known as Paro Dzong) is one of the most famous temples in Bhutan, built in the 16th century. It is situated on the banks of the Paro River and is one of the important religious and cultural centers of Bhutan. The architecture here is majestic and magnificent, and is a fine example of traditional Bhutanese architecture.
• Highlights: The Buddha statues, murals and the beautiful gardens surrounding the temple make it an ideal place for photos and contemplation.

2. Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest)

Distance from Museum: About 10 kilometers drive plus about 2-3 hours hike.

• Overview: The Tiger's Nest Monastery, also known as “Taktsang Palphug Monastery” or “Tiger's Nest”, is one of the most famous landmarks in the Paro area. Built on a cliff at an altitude of about 3,120 meters above sea level, this temple is one of the holiest temples in Bhutan.
• Highlight: Though the trek is a bit challenging, reaching the temple gives you a breathtaking view of the mountains and the beautiful exterior of the temple. It is one of the unmissable attractions.

3. Paro River

• Overview: Paro River flows through the entire Paro Valley and is one of the important sources of water in Bhutan. Along the river, one can see traditional Bhutanese wooden bridges, villages and idyllic landscapes.
• Highlights: One can choose to walk along the riverbanks and enjoy the serene natural landscape or take part in a local rafting activity.

4. Paro Market
Distance from the Museum: Located in downtown Paro, within walking distance.

• Overview: This is a market full of local flavor, selling all kinds of Bhutanese handicrafts, clothes, food and souvenirs. You can feel the atmosphere of everyday Bhutanese life here.
• Highlights: If you like to buy souvenirs, this is a good place to visit. There are also many small local cafes and restaurants around the market where you can taste traditional Bhutanese food.

5. Rongda Monastery (Rinpung Dzong)
Distance from the Museum: Just a short walk from Paro Dur Monastery.

• Overview: Rinpung Dzong is another historic temple in Paro and a cultural and religious center. The architecture and artwork here is very Bhutanese in character.
• Highlights: The murals, Buddha statues and the surrounding natural beauty of the temple are well worth seeing.

6. Bhutanese Traditional Art Workshops

• Overview: In Paro, there are many places where there are workshops showcasing traditional Bhutanese handicrafts, where you can see Bhutanese handmade fabrics, wood carvings, metal crafts and more.
• Highlights: Visiting these workshops not only gives you an insight into traditional Bhutanese art but also allows you to buy some unique handicrafts.