I think I am a pontist. I have always been fascinated by bridges and there are quite a few in Bhutan which are old and with interesting history.
This bridge is in the Paro valley and is a popular tourist spot.Drubthop Thangto Gyalpo bridge is a suspension bridge over the Paro Chu and is over 600 years old.It was washed away in a flood in 1969 and was restored in 2005.It was made by the legendary Thangtong Gyalpo who had built many bridges all over Tibet and Bhutan and was also a physician,blacksmith and the founder of Tibetan opera.I think he can be called as the Iron Man of Bhutan.
A narrow path off the Paro Thimpu highway takes you to the entrance of the bridge tower .A prominently displayed board cautions you.

No swinging,please.

Crystal clear Paro Chu

Looks easy?
I was very excited and took the first few steps without losing balance.It was a treat to see the gushing waters and the majestic mountains.
Soon it started to swing as more people got on the bridge.So I had to slow down and watch the steps.
You can make out the 600 year old iron chains reinforced with the new iron rods and wire mesh.It is a bit unnerving to look down the wide gaps.This gentleman did not seem to mind and am sure he found my slow progress amusing.
I must have taken 10minutes to get across to the bridge tower.It is a two storey structure with beautiful murals of Buddha,Guru Rinpoche and the bridgemaker Thangtong Gyalpo. Some parts of the old iron chains are kept there.The windowsill has a collection of tsatsas-the special memorials.
As you come out of the tower you can see the Tachog Lhakhang on the hill top and this was also built by Thangto Gyalpo.It is a private monastery now and is maintained by his descendants.

Tachog Lhakhang
There is a wooden bridge near the iron bridge and this is meant for the cattle.Trust the Bhutanese to be kind to all sentinent beings.After the swinging iron bridge this was a cakewalk.

Wooden deck for the cattle and the cautious.
Never tried my luck on such a bridge before. Bucket list ☺
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You won’t be disappointed.Huge adrenalin rush all through !
Thank you.
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Oh My Goodness how scary – I could never cross. Great photos and history lesson for me.
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Thanks a lot,Sue. It is not that difficult.You would be fine.
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Great pictures! First time I went to Nepal – some 30 years ago – all of the bridges were like this, although many had rotting wooden planks to walk on. Quite an experience!
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Thank you, Mick. Rotting wooden deck seems scary.
Wonder if these bridges have a deeper meaning in Buddhism. As a toddler one takes hesitant steps then walk on confidently with occasional stumbles and falls and your good karmas see you through your final path.
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Possibly – just getting across safely probably used up a lot of my good karma!
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I bet you have enough in reserve.Cheers.
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I couldn’t possibly know!
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Aww, what a bridge!
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Yes,it was something.
Thanks .
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Emily Dickinson and Bridges from Bhutan ~ you’ve successfully transported me to a new realm with this post. 🙂
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So far – so beautiful place! Thanks for taking me there! Bye. Kamila
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Thank you,Kamila .
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Splendid! Although, I doubt I’d make it over either bridge.
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Thanks,Resa.Don’t worry,your good karma will see you through.
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Really enjoyed this incredible series on the Dragon country 🙂
Though many of my friends had visited Bhutan and I have seen photos taken by them, the kind of images and notes you have shared here is invaluable.
I am sure, your posts will surely guide me when I plan a trip to this stunning land…
Thanks again for sharing 🙂
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Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.You have been most generous and I appreciate your insights.
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Brilliant post.Good information and gorgeous photos
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Thanks a lot,Marylou.
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I love how Emily Dickinson’s poetry comes into play in this remote region of Bhutan on a precarious wooden bridge.
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That is lovely to know, thank you very much.
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What a fantastic bridge
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Drubthop Thangto Gyalpo bridge looks fascinating. I think I would have made it across but I might been verrrry slow. Reminds me of an Indiana Jones movie.
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It was thrilling all the way. Thank you.
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