Tachog Lhakhang Iron Bridge

Thangtong Gyalpo, the fifteenth-century Tibetan engineer and saint, is credited with building dozens of iron chain suspension bridges across the Himalaya, forged from links he is said to have made himself, and a handful survive or have been reconstructed. The bridge here spans the Paro Chhu below the Tachog Lhakhang, a temple founded by him on the hillside opposite, and it was rebuilt in the 2000s using original chains recovered and restored, so crossing it means walking on links from that tradition. The bridge is hung with prayer flags and sways considerably. On the far side a steep path climbs to the temple, which is privately held by the descendants of the founding family and not always open. Most visitors stop for the bridge on the drive between Paro and Thimphu.

What you actually see

• The iron chain bridge - a swaying span hung with prayer flags.
• Original chain links - restored ironwork from the old bridge.
• The river gorge - the Paro Chhu running below the crossing.
• The hillside temple - Tachog Lhakhang above the far bank.

When to go

March to May and September to November for settled weather. The stop takes half an hour on the drive between Paro and Thimphu. High water in summer makes the gorge more dramatic.

Honest expectations

The bridge sways noticeably and is not for anyone uncomfortable with heights. The temple above is private and access is not guaranteed. The climb up is steep. The site sits beside a main road with traffic noise.

Nearby

Paro lies west; Thimphu is east along the same road.