Traditional Cantilever Bridges

Bhutan’s traditional cantilever bridges are a graceful addition to local architecture and the natural landscape. These largely wooden bridges are built with a series of interlocking wooden structures to form a central bridge. These ancient bridges often span a river so wide that the bridge becomes an engineering marvel.

Many of these bridges are essential passageways for people, horses and other animals. There is a beautiful cantilever bridge in the capital, behind the Tashichhoedzong. And to retain the grace of the past, a new cantilever bridge has been built across the Thimphu river right next to the town’s vegetable market. The Paro Dzong is also complemented by an old cantilever bridge that gives it an air of bygone days.