Monasteries in Bhutan
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Fortresses, Temples and Cliff Hermitages
Here is the list of 16 Monasteries in Bhutan
1. Tiger's Nest Monastery, Paro
Tiger's Nest Monastery, or Paro Taktsang, is one of the most beautiful places in Bhutan to visit. Having great religious significance and serving as one of the prime tourist destinations of the country, Tiger's Nest Monastery offers beautiful and splendid views of the surroundings. Located on an upper cliff in the Paro Valley, this monastery is undoubtedly an architectural marvel.
2. Tango Monastery, Thimphu
Tango Monastery enriches one's travel experience with its serene aura and quaint environment keeping in with Bhutanese tradition of focusing on spirituality more than fancy facades. Located near the Cheri Mountains in Thimphu, the Tango Monastery is a prominent Buddhist learning centre in Bhutan. The one-hour long hike up to the top of the monastery is worthwhile.
3. Rinpung Dzong, Paro
One of the finest examples of architecture, the Rinpung Dzong, also known as the Paro Dzong, has a very spiritual environment. Beautifully lit-up at night, the dzong has many illustrations portraying the life of Buddha. A hike to the top of the fortress welcomes you with the view of nearby valleys.
4. Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu
Tashichho Dzong is a fortress located about 2 km away from the city of Thimphu in Bhutan. It had been constructed in 1641 and underwent several restorations since then. It currently serves both as a monastery and the central secretariat of the present government. Also known as the "fortress of the glorious religion", it is found right on the banks of the Wangchhu River.
Bhutan Travel Packages
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7 Days Essential Bhutan Tour: Thimphu, Paro, Punakha & More
Phuentsholing(2N) → Thimphu(2N) → Paro(2N)
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Asia Valleys Tours (5.0
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8 Days - Journey to Land of Happiness: Bhutan Tour Package
Phuntsholing(2N) → Thimphu(2N) → Punakha(1N) → Paro(2N)
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6 Days Bhutan Tour Package
Paro(2N) → Thimphu(1N) → Phuentsholing(2N)
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5-Night Bhutan Tshechu Festival Tour with Paro and Thimphu Highlights
Phuentsholing(2N) → Thimphu(1N) → Paro(2N)
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7 Days Bhutan Tour Package
Thimphu(2N) → Phobjikha Valley(1N) → Punakha(1N) → Paro(2N)
5 Day Tour of Magical Bhutan including Paro
Thimphu(2N) → Paro(2N)
5. Punakha Dzong, Punakha
Dzongs are administrative districts (and monasteries) in Bhutan and Punakha Dzong is the second oldest and second-largest dzong in the country. It was here that the first national assembly was held in 1953 and it remained the seat of the Government of Bhutan until 1955.
6. Dechen Phodrang, Thimphu
Dechen Phodrang, also known as Palace of great bliss, is a monastic school (Lobra) in Thimphu. It is home to above 500 monks and provides them with a prestigious eight-year course. Situated on a valley 4km away from Gaden Lam, it offers a mesmerising view of Thimphu.
7. Kyichu Lhakhang, Paro
Built-in 7th century, Kyichu Lhakhang is a beautiful monastery of great significance. Also known as Lho Kyerchu or Kyerchu Temple, this monastery is situated in Lango Gewog of Paro in Bhutan. The Jowo temple dates back to the 7th century, gaining the title of one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.
8. Memorial Chorten, Thimphu
The Memorial Chorten, also known as Thimphu Chorten/ Memorial Stupa is one of the tallest monuments in Thimphu. Located in the southern central part of the city, in Doeboom Lam, the Stupa attracts tourists from all around the globe with its elegant architecture. The Chorten is a place that would give you an insight into Buddhism through its great artwork, wall carvings and marvellous sculptures.
9. Zuri Dzong, Paro
Zuri Dzong is one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan dating back to 12th century. Rich in history and royal in values, the cave in the area is believed to be the site where Buddha meditated in the 8th century. Protected by double walls and a bridge, this five-storey building is also an ideal place to hike.
10. Cheri Gompa, Thimphu
Bhutan's first-ever monastery, Cheri Gompa was founded in 1620 by Zhabrung Ngawang Namgyal. An hour-long hike to Cheri Gompa's topmost part greets you with a view of lush valleys and green forests. The trail takes you through Tango Monastery, crossing the bridge over Wang chhu which then leads you to Cheri Goemba.
11. Kurjey Lhakhang, Bumthang
Located by a mountain river, Khurje Lhakhang consists of three beautiful temples. The oldest temple contains the rock which has the imprint of Guru Rinpoche's body and hence is considered to be the holiest. Another temple was constructed on the site where Guru Rinpoche had meditated. The third was constructed by the Queen Mother Ashi Kesang.
12. Tamshing Lhakhang, Bumthang
Tamshing Lhakhang is a monastery just across the river from Kurje Lhakhang. For those with an interest in art in general and paintings in particular, this site is highly recommended. It has a number of ancient paintings such as that of 1000 Buddhas and 21 Taras. It is also where the famous masked dance and other sacred dances take place.
13. Lhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse
The most significant tourist destination in Lhuentse, Lhuentse Dzong has a rich history combined with intricate architectural details. Located in the Kuri Chhu Valley, Lhuentse Dzong is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture. It is the pride of Lhuentse residents who fondly speak of this little monastery to tourists and outsiders. This is where Lhuentse Tshechu takes place every year.
14. Jambey Lhakhang, Jakar
Jambey Lhakhang is considered to be one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan and is also where a number of festivals are celebrated. One could also play witness to the sacred rituals and dances performed by the monks and locals in colourful and vibrant costumes and marvel at wonderful carvings and architecture.
15. Phajoding Monastery, Thimphu
Located at 3 hours uphill trek from Thimphu, Phajoding Monastery is one of the most peaceful sites in Bhutan. Currently, it is a residence for around 30 monks, all of whom are very friendly to talk to. Built in 13th century, the architecture of this monastery is simple, yet attractive. It is best visited for the view of Thimphu which it provides.
16. Gangtey Goemba, Phobjikha Valley
Gangtey Goemba is located at the top of a hill and provides a view of the entire Phobjikha valley. It is a very significant site related to Saint Pema Lingpa, the reincarnation of Guru Rinpoche who introduced Buddhism in the country and uncovered its treasures. It also houses one of the largest halls in Bhutan.
Three words do most of the work in Bhutan and are worth knowing before you arrive. A dzong is a fortress-monastery that still houses both the monk body and the district administration, which is why Punakha Dzong and Tashichho Dzong have offices behind the courtyards and why parts of them are closed to visitors on working days. A lhakhang is a temple, usually smaller and older, and Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro is among the oldest buildings in the country. A goemba, or gompa, is a monastery proper, often high and hard to reach, which is what Cheri, Tango and Phajoding above Thimphu are. Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest, is the one everybody comes for and takes two to three hours of steady uphill walking each way from the Paro valley floor at around 2,600 metres, so allow a full morning and take it slowly if you have just arrived. Dress covered, remove shoes and hats inside, and expect photography to be banned in the inner shrines. See also cities in Bhutan, festivals of Bhutan and villages of Bhutan.
This post was published by Holidify.com
FAQs on Monasteries in Bhutan
What is the most famous monastery in Bhutan?
Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest, on a cliff face above the Paro valley. It is the image most people associate with Bhutan and the one fixed point on almost every itinerary. Reaching it means a walk of two to three hours uphill each way, with a cafeteria roughly halfway.
What is the difference between a dzong and a monastery?
A dzong is a fortress that houses both a monastic community and the district government, built at valley junctions for defence. A goemba or gompa is purely monastic, and a lhakhang is a temple. Dzongs are the largest and most impressive buildings in Bhutan and are still working offices.
How hard is the walk to the Tiger's Nest?
Moderate but sustained. It climbs about 700 metres over roughly four kilometres, on a stony path with a long flight of steps at the end. Horses can be hired for part of the ascent but not the descent. Altitude, not gradient, is what catches people out, so do it after a day or two in the country rather than on arrival.
Can visitors go inside the monasteries?
Usually the courtyards and main halls, yes, with shoes and hats removed and shoulders and knees covered. Inner sanctuaries are often closed to visitors, and photography inside temple buildings is generally prohibited even where it is allowed in the courtyard.
When are the monasteries at their most active?
During tsechu, the annual masked-dance festivals held at dzongs across the country, mostly in spring and autumn. Paro and Thimphu hold the largest. The dates follow the Bhutanese lunar calendar and shift each year, so check before planning around one.
Which monasteries are outside the main tourist route?
Lhuentse Dzong in the far north-east, Gangtey Goemba in the Phobjikha valley where black-necked cranes winter, and the Bumthang group of Kurjey, Jambey and Tamshing Lhakhang. Bumthang is a long day's drive east of Thimphu and is where the oldest temples in Bhutan are.
