Bhutan restores Jigme Namgyal Museum and highlights ancient heritage

The Jigme Namgyal Museum, formerly known as Dungkar Ngatshang, has undergone a major restoration in Lhuentse, Bhutan. The 18th-century manor, which served as the seat of Desi Jigme Namgyal, features a newly established heritage gallery housing sacred relics, royal edicts, thangkas, and ancient weapons. The museum includes several shrines, such as the Guru Tshokey Dorji shrine and the Kanjur Lhakhang, alongside the private quarters of the Desi.

Bhutan also maintains several ancient religious sites tied to the legend of King Songtsen Gampo, who reportedly built 108 temples to subdue a demoness. Among these are the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro and Jampa Lhakhang in Bumthang. Both remain active pilgrimage sites and significant landmarks of the country's Buddhist history.