The field of archaeology is at its nascent stage in Bhutan. The Division for Conservation of heritage Sites (DCHS) under the Department of Culture (DoC) , Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs is monitoring and executing archaeological works in Bhutan. The first ever scientific archaeological excavation was executed in Bhutan by the DCHS in collaboration with Swiss Liechetenstein Foundation of Archaeological Research Abroad (SLSA) and Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation Bhutan, under the Bhutan Swiss Archaeological Project phase I which resulted in excavation of Drapham Dzong.
Drapham Dzong Archaeological project spanned over three years from 2008-2010. The ruins of the dzong/fortress are situated in the Bumthang district in central Bhutan. The main fortress ruin is approximately 200m long and runs in north and south direction. Two fore-fortress ruin built at lower platforms supplement the main fortress. The dzong dates back to early 16th Century and is currently monitored by the DCHS office. The excavation of Drapham Dzong is one of the biggest achievements in the field of archaeology in Bhutan.
http://www.saarcculture.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=186
For more information: http://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2011/01/bhutan-site-dated-to-16th-century.html#.UdE8QuemhJQ
http://bhutan.helvetas.org/en/activities/projects/archaeological_project_bhutan/
