Iron Links to the Past:

Volunteering in a foreign country offers a unique perspective on travel. It allows you time to delve deeper into the culture and uncover hidden gems that may go unnoticed by the average tourist. One such treasure that caught my eye during my time in Bhutan is the Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge, better known as the Iron Chain Bridge, suspended in the air across the Paro River, with the wind and water below creating a sense of perpetual movement.

The journey from Paro to Thimphu has become a familiar route for me over the past few months, yet it was on my first trip from the airport into the city that I caught a glimpse of what appeared to be a weathered bridge nestled down beside the river. During subsequent trips, my driver Samgay unveiled the rich history of this ancient iron structure. Constructed in the late 1300s by the legendary Thangtong Gyalpo, a Tibetan visionary renowned for his mastery in bridge-building, this bridge stands today as a testament to his unparalleled skill as a blacksmith.

Thangtong Gyalpo, often referred to as Chagzampa or the Iron-Bridge Builder, is said to have erected 108 bridges throughout Tibet and Bhutan, connecting pilgrims to sacred monastic sites. The Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge, holds the distinction of being Bhutan's first-ever bridge. Its weathered façade whispers tales of over six centuries, bearing witness to the ebb and flow of time as the river flows underneath.

Whilst the iron bridge itself is today inaccessible for pedestrian crossing, a nearby modern structure provides a solid path across the river. Yet, it is not merely the bridge that beckons visitors; nestled on the other side stands the Tachog Lhakhang, the "Temple of the Hill of the Excellent Horse." Legend has it that Thangtong Gyalpo's vision of a wild horse crossing the Paro Chhu inspired the construction of both bridge and temple, with his son credited for the latter's creation. Today, the temple is considered private, overseen by descendants of this family, its doors open to those granted permission by the resident monks.

Visiting the Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge is a journey through time—a brief detour that rewards with glimpses into Bhutan's rich heritage. Though I did not venture across the ancient iron bridge nor step inside the temple, the visit by its side left an indelible mark. It's a reminder that in travel, it's often the unexpected stops that offer the most profound experiences.

So, if you find yourself journeying through Bhutan, spare a moment for the Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge. You'll be glad you did.