Overview:

Ugyen Pelri Palace in Bhutan is a 19th-century palace which was built as a part of the Dorji family estate in Punakha, Bhutan. The palace was built by Ashi Yab Tshesty, the daughter of the second Dharma Raja, Jigme Namgyel, and was considered to be one of the most spectacular palaces in the region. It was designed in the traditional Bhutanese architectural style of dzong, with four floors each representing the four continents: Jambhupati (the Himalayan world); Chushotpati (the human world); Kuruptepati (the celestial world); and Maha Nirvana (the world beyond). Ugyen Pelri Palace is now open to visitors and contains many treasures and artifacts of Bhutanese history and culture. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bhutan
Prominent Features:

- Prominently located atop a small hill in Thimphu, the Ugyen Pelri Palace is a traditional Bhutanese palace housing the royal family of Bhutan. - The Palace is constructed in a unique Bhutanese architectural style, which consists of imposing facades composed of intricate wooden carvings, huge prayer wheels, four layers of steeply ascending roofs, and inner courtyards. - Built in 1925 by the first King of Bhutan, Ugyen Wangchuck, the palace is noted for its distinctive architecture and design, which includes 14 ornaments and 60 wooden columns. - The majority of the palace is open for visitors, with trails that lead to a few of the inner courtyards and gardens. The palace also houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts reflecting Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage. - One of the highlights of the palace is a magnificent central tower called the “Minya Gonpa” which offers stunning views of Thimphu city. Visitors can also see the original paintings and decorations in the palace. This national monument of Bhutan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Ugyen Pelri Palace is located in Paro, Bhutan and is the ancestral home of the royal family who rules over Bhutan. It was built in 1641, during the reign of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, as a replica of the heavenly abode of Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Bhutan. Ugyen Pelri Palace was constructed using traditional Bhutanese architecture, complete with intricately carved wooden window frames and pyramidal roofs. It was also refurbished in the 19th century with the addition of an inner courtyard connected to the main building. The palace houses the Monks of Paro, the main shrine of the royal family, and many artifacts from the Bhutanese royal family. According to legend, an image of Guru Rinpoche containing a piece of his clothing is also enshrined in the palace. The palace is an important religious and spiritual site, a place for the Bhutanese people to make offerings to the gods and worship. Furthermore, it serves as the symbolic centerpiece of the Bhutanese city of Paro. Each April, the Ugyen Pelri Palace is the host of the annual Paro Tshechu festival, a much celebrated event in which Buddhist mask dances are performed. Currently, the Ugyen Pelri Palace is open to the public and offers guided tours. You must visit one of these historical places in Bhutan on your Bhutan tour

Interesting facts:

1. Ugyen Pelri Palace is the ancestral home of the present monarchy of Bhutan. 2. It is a four-story building constructed around a central courtyard and surrounded by a large garden. 3. Ugyen Pelri was originally built between 1616 and 1626, but has been renovated several times since then. 4. Its intricate facades are decorated with finely painted Buddhist symbols and images. 5. Inside the palace are a number of important religious and cultural artifacts, as well as a large collection of textiles, masks and costumes. 6. The palace is a popular tourist destination for those visiting Bhutan as it allows visitors to get a glimpse of the country’s rich culture and history. 7. Ugyen Pelri is also the venue for important royal events, such as the coronation of the Bhutanese King and important State Ceremonies. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bhutan with your friends and family.