Trip Overview
Wind through pine forest high above Uma Paro Resort to
the pretty grounds of the fortress-like monastery Zurig Dzong. From the
National Museum in the Ta Dzong take a leisurely 2 hours hike along the
forested hillside to Zuri Dzong and then down to the Uma Resort where your
driver will pick you up. On the way, you can enjoy the scenic beauty of Rinpung
Valley and the only one airport in Bhutan. You come across a place you feel
like to halt do the meditation as well.
Zuric Dzong was founded by Younten Dorji Pal, the
desciple of Zur Jampa Sengye in the 14th Century (sixth Rajung), one can see
there a two-storeyed temple. Near the temple, there is the secred place of
Namthang Karpo that was blessed by Lopen Pema Jungney (Guru Rinpoche) and by
other great servants of the past. Inside the Zurig Dzong you can see the statue
of Jowo Jampa, there is a monk appointed from Rinpung Dzong. Since this sacred
place of the wrathful Vajra guarded by Rahula on a hilltop of the fivefold
self-arising wisdom letter ‘Hum’ like the Dzong (face) of a Sinmo (demoness) is
similar to a zou (sickle) got cutting crops. It was known as Zuri Sinmo Dong –
face of the sickle demoness. The temple is a wonderful sacred place where Dakas
and Dakini assemble like billowing clouds.
The temple is popularly known as Zuri Dzong because it is
situated on the Zur (side) of the hilltop to the left of Paro Rinpung Dzong.
Considered one of the oldest dzong, this ancient fortress
dates back to 1352 and is home to the valley’s local protector. Built as a
fort, the five-story building is well protected by the surrounding double walls
even today.
The
fortress has a fine collection of murals in the upper chapels dedicated to the
protector Zaa (Rahulla). There is also a cave within the area that people
believe Buddha meditated in.
Apart
from its ancient rich history, the dzong is also famous for being the spot for
a bird- eye view. Popular among tourist, many visitors hike to the dzong for
the view of entire Paro valley.
The
hike takes you through levels along the slope with a stunning view of the
valley, covering the settlement of Paro top the mountains. This place is also a
great spot for taking pictures.
Hiking
Info
Difficulty
Level: Medium
Best
Season: March, April,
May, June and Sept, Oct and Nov
Maximum Elevation: 2590.50m
Walking
distance: 3-4 km |
Walking
time: 1-2 hour
Attraction: Wind
through pine forest high above Uma Paro Resort to the pretty grounds of the
fortress-like monastery Zurig Dzong. It’s very ecstatic walk distance from Uma
Paro Resort. On the way, you can enjoy the scenic beauty of Rinpung Valley and
the only one airport in Bhutan. You come across a place you feel like to halt
do the meditation as well.
Zuri Dzong (walking time 2 hours). From the National Museum in the Ta Dzong, take a leisurely 2 hour hike along the forested hillside to Zuri Dzong and then down to the Uma resort, where your driver will pick you up. The walk passes Gonsaka Lhakhang and then Zuri Dzong and provides wonderful views down over the valley and Dzong. Zuri Dzong dates from 1352 and is home to the valley’s local protector gods.
