Rinpung Dzongkhag — Local services in Paro District

When I visited Rinpung Dzong, I immediately understood why it’s considered one of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks. Known as the “Fortress on a Heap of Jewels,” it’s not just a historical site — it’s a living symbol of Bhutan’s harmony between spirituality, governance, and artistry. The dzong stands proudly above the Paro River, its massive whitewashed walls and intricate woodwork reflecting centuries of tradition and devotion.

Inside, the atmosphere feels deeply spiritual. You can often hear the rhythmic chanting of monks and see them moving through the courtyards, continuing daily rituals that have taken place here for generations. At the same time, the dzong houses government offices, showing how Bhutan seamlessly blends religion and administration under one roof.

Historically, Rinpung Dzong dates back to the 15th century, but the current structure was consecrated in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Bhutan’s unifier. Despite facing fires, earthquakes, and invasions, it still stands as a symbol of resilience. Architecturally, it’s a masterpiece of Bhutanese craftsmanship — built entirely without nails, decorated with rich murals, and crowned with a striking five-story central tower (Utse).

What truly brings the dzong to life is the annual Paro Tshechu festival, held each spring. During this time, the fortress transforms into a vibrant celebration of faith and community, filled with colorful mask dances and the unveiling of a giant sacred tapestry known as the Thongdrel.

Visiting Rinpung Dzong is easy — it’s just a short drive or scenic walk from Paro town. I also recommend visiting the nearby Ta Dzong, which once served as a watchtower and now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. Just remember to dress modestly and note that photography isn’t allowed inside the temple areas.

For me, Rinpung Dzong wasn’t just another sightseeing stop — it was a powerful experience that captured the spirit of Bhutan itself: timeless, spiritual, and...

When you enter Bhutan count yourself blessed that you are in a part of the world that has preserved it's habitat and it's unsullied beauty. Rinpung Dezong also known as paro Dezong is a very large Dezong, Buddhist monestery and fortress of the Drukpa lineage. It is a finest example of architecture, has a spiritual environment. A religious site overflowing with faith is mind rejuvenating. It also offers a breath taking picturesque view of the paro valley and paro river. It is located in the heart of the city. It house's the district monastic body and government administrative offices. There is also a museum near the dezong, which is round shaped beautiful building, once a security post. In Bhutan All the buildings and all the dezongs are typically in butanese style with wooden facade, corniced, carved,out painted. All Dezongs or palace are built without plan drawings.made with stone,beaten mud and wood without using nails. And painted with vegetable and mineral colors. Golden,red and black painted woods add to the charisma of this striking architecture. Walls are decorated with thangka paintings and Mandalas, The Mandalas is prominent on monestery walls, radiating waves of energy, while the druk or dragon, dorje or thunderbolt provide the main motifs of their thangkas. Both art and architecture in Bhutan are hieratic in nature. Each lakhang in paro , punakha and thimphu are almost similar. These are the administrative building of bhuatan, and some of them have nunnery in it. Bhutan is the happiest country in world. It's one of the most beautiful, disciplined and zero plastic country...

日蓬堡（Rinpung...