Iron Chain Bridge

According to historical records, Bhutan was also supplying a lot of iron to Tibet, particularly through the famous Tibetan bridge builder and saint, Thangtong Gyalpo, to be used for building iron chain bridges over big rivers. This saint is said to have also initiated the tradition of building iron chain bridge over rivers in Bhutan in the 15th century. Some eight iron chain bridges are said to have been built in Bhutan although only one survives today, after having been renovated as token of cultural legacy of Thangtong Gyalpo. Due to the stature of the saint who started these bridges, which he called Highway to Enlightenment, people treasure the chains of his bridges and hold them in deep veneration.