Documentation of Heritage Sites

The absence of a proper inventory and database system has posed a major challenge in protecting Bhutan’s cultural heritage, especially in light of rapid socio-economic development. Without adequate documentation, many heritage sites risk being damaged or lost entirely during infrastructure projects such as hydropower plants and economic zones.

Supported by the United States Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), this project aims to create a comprehensive inventory and database system for heritage sites in Bhutan. It promotes greater awareness, appreciation, and ownership of our cultural heritage, while encouraging people to value cultural heritage with a proper system of registration and designation of heritage sites.

Conservation of Ancient and Historic Buddhist Ethnographic Objects

Building on the momentum of heritage preservation, the current AFCP- supported project is underway to document Bhutan’s sacred Buddhist ethnographic objects, the very artifacts that embody our nation’s spiritual and cultural soul.

Led by the Zhung Dratshang’s Preservation & Antiquities Conservation Centre, this project is one of the first to combine the traditional knowledge of monks with modern digital technologies to conserve ancient artifacts across Bhutan.

This initiative is not just about physical conservation, it’s about ushering in a new era of cultural preservation, where the wisdom of monastic tradition meets innovation.

This project represents a meaningful collaboration between heritage guardians and technology, preserving not just objects, but stories, beliefs, and identity.

The project will institute a proper system of inventory and registration of heritage sites

Cultural heritage sites documented

Districts have been covered (Bumthang, Mongar, Trashigang, Chukha, and Wangdue Phodrang)

Architects and researchers engaged

Did you Know?

About 9 temples were reconstructed beyond the historic structure in Paro.

Most of the heritage sites not documented face the imminent threat of losing important information of the sites or destruction

Most of the heritage sites serve the community as a communal space and a place for festivities

Our Partners

The Department of Culture under the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs will be the nodal agency to implement the project. The documentation of heritage sites would involve the local government officials, respective monasteries, and the community members of various eastern and central regions of Bhutan.

Photos from the Field

How You Can Help

The inventory and database system of heritage sites is a fundamental need to preserve ancient heritage sites as we see rapid infrastructural development in Bhutan.