Explore the Mystique of Drapham Dzong Ruin
Discover the enchanting Drapham Dzong Ruin, a historical gem in Kurjey, Bhutan, surrounded by stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
A brief summary to Drapham Dzong ruin
- MQ33+JM, Kurjey, BT
Drapham Dzong Ruin represents an intriguing piece of Bhutan's storied past, offering visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the country's rich history. Once a formidable fortress, this ruin is set against the picturesque backdrop of the Kurjey landscape, characterized by lush greenery and the tranquil sound of flowing water nearby. The remnants of the dzong evoke a sense of nostalgia, allowing tourists to imagine the lives of the monks and guards who once populated this sacred space. As you explore the site, take a moment to appreciate the architectural features that have withstood the test of time. The stone walls, though weathered, speak volumes about the craftsmanship of the era. Despite its current state of disrepair, the dzong retains its charm and allure, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts or those seeking a peaceful retreat from the bustle of modern life. Local legends and stories often circulate among visitors, adding a layer of mystique to your experience. Be sure to visit during the early hours of the day to enjoy the quietude and witness the first rays of sunlight illuminating the ruins, creating a magical atmosphere. The surrounding area is also ideal for short hikes, providing magnificent views of the Bhutanese countryside. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply in search of a serene getaway, Drapham Dzong Ruin offers a memorable experience that showcases the beauty of Bhutan’s cultural heritage.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning for a peaceful experience and better lighting for photography.
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the uneven terrain around the ruins.
- Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views and the charm of the ruins.
- Consider hiring a local guide to gain deeper insights into the history of the site.
Getting There
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Car
From the main town of Lhuntse, drive north on the Lhuntse-Kurjey Road. After approximately 15 kilometers, you will reach the Kurjey area. Continue to follow the road until you reach the coordinates MQ33+JM (27.6540904, 90.7541547). There are no direct parking facilities at the Drapham Dzong ruins, but you can find a suitable spot on the roadside nearby. Be cautious as the roads can be narrow and winding.
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Public Transportation
Catch a local bus or shared taxi from Lhuntse to Kurjey. Buses operate regularly throughout the day, and the fare will typically range from 100 to 150 Ngultrum (BTN). Once you arrive at Kurjey, you can hire a local taxi or walk the remaining 1 km to reach the Drapham Dzong ruin at MQ33+JM. Walking may take about 15-20 minutes, and it is advisable to follow the main road towards the ruins.
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Hiking
If you prefer an adventurous route, consider hiking to Drapham Dzong from a nearby village. Start your hike from the village of Kurjey, following the footpath that leads up to the ruins. The hike is moderately challenging and will take approximately 1 hour. Ensure you have adequate footwear and water, as the trail may be steep and rugged.
Attractions Nearby to Drapham Dzong ruin
- Ngala Lhakhang
- Thangbi Lhakhang ཐངས་བི་ལྷ་ཁང་།
- Tamshing Lhakhang གཏམ་ཞིང་ལྷ་ཁང་།
- Luli la
- Tang Valley Bumthang
- chagkhar Heritage Museum
- Könchogsum Lhakhang དཀོན་མཆོག་གསུམ་ལྷ་ཁང་།
- Kurjey Lhakhang སྐུ་རྗེས་ལྷ་ཁང་།
- Kurjee Zangdopelri
- Padtselling Monastery
- Jamphel Lhakhang བྱམས་་པ་ལྷ་ཁང་།
- Airport Viewpoint A
- Airport viewpoint B
- Chokhor Chorten
- Bumthang Brewery Red Panda Beer