National Museum of Bhutan

The Paro Dzong’s ta dzong (watchtower), was constructed in 1649 to guard the undefended dzong and it was restored in 1968 to house the National Museum of Bhutan. It is perched the Paro Dzong. The odd spherical structure’s walls are 2.5 meters thick and is reported to be shaped like a conch shell.

The Ta Dzong, which was damaged in the earthquake of 2011, was reopened in 2016, following which it saw more visitors and tourists.

Both historic and contemporary thangkas depicting Bhutan’s revered saints and gurus, as well as ominous festival masks arranged according to their tsechu dances, are on display in Ta Dzong.

A 3D map of Bhutan can be found in the natural history museum, and the Heritage Gallery houses rarities like a mule’s egg and a horse horn that Guru Rinpoche is said to have used, as well as some of the original iron links from the Tamchhog iron bridge. It is rumored that the watchtower and the water supply below are connected by an underground tube.

Although photography is prohibited inside the museum, it is permitted on the grounds and around the ta dzong. In the winter, the museum shuts in hour early (November to February).

A 4 km loop through the Dop Shari valley is required to reach the museum by car. Following your visit, you can take a trail that leads from the museum to the dzong and then back to the town, taking in lovely views of the valley and the Ugyen Pelri Palace. As an alternative, you can begin the fantastic climb to Zuri Dzong just next to the museum.