Have you always been thinking of visiting Bhutan and experiencing her most charming monasteries? Are you wondering which are the most alluring monasteries in Bhutan? Keep on reading to discover the most charming monasteries with best architecture and peaceful environs.
The kingdom of Bhutan is a small, yet extremely beautiful landlocked Himalayan country sandwiched between two giant Asian countries China and India. Most of the people of Bhutan follow the Buddhist religion, making her one of the most beautiful and most visited Buddhist countries in the world.
As 75% of the Bhutanese people are Buddhists, the country is filled with several gorgeous and sacred monasteries one can possibly imagine. No matter where you reach, a village, a small town or a big city, you get to witness magnificently designed revered temples, making Bhutan the country of Monasteries. These amazing monasteries are famous for their peaceful environments, setting and unique architecture.
Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Paro
Located in Paro valley, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery is indeed an incredibly beautiful Buddhist religious sites in Bhutan and serves as the main tourist destination in the country. The monastery is situated at the height of 900 meters above the upper cliff and offers you the true glimpse of architectural wonder. Also known as Paro Taktsang, the monastery also holds several historical and religious importance.
The monastery is best recognized for its incredible architecture, magnificent surrounding views and offers one of the finest 6.4 Km trekking routes in Bhutan. The trek offers you an exceptional chance to experience amazing landscapes and views of the Paro valley. The architectural genius of the monastery still amazes the people, making it a few religious sites in Bhutan observed by Guru Rinpoche. The Guru Rinpoche is also known as the second Buddha for Buddhist religion followers.
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Tango Monastery, Thimpu
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The Tango Monastery is in Thimpu, Bhutan and is the central attraction of the capital city Thimpu. Due to its tranquil environment and quaint aura, the visit to the Tango monastery definitely enriches your life. The monastery is nestled nearby the Cheri Mountain in Thimpu and is the renowned Buddhist learning center in Thimpu. It won’t take more than an hour hike to reach to the monastery from the base, and this hike greets you with quite impressive mountain vistas, lush greeneries, and incredible mountain landscapes.
Celebrated on the 15th day of the 6th month of the Lunar calendar, the Yarney festival is a central attraction of this monastery. The festival is celebrated for a month and a half every year and thousands of domestic and international tourists visits this amazing monastery during the time. However, the festival is specially celebrated by the monks, coming from many parts and taking special vows. Visiting this monastery provides you with a fresh and enriched experience.
Rinpung Dzong, Paro
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Rinpung Dzong, located in the beautiful valley of Paro, is an architectural miracle. The monastery is also known as Paro Dzong allows you to soak up the serene natural splendors. In its quaint and spiritual environment, you get to explore and experience several illustrations that portrays the life of Lord Buddha.
You can hike to the monastery from the base, experiencing amazing views of the surrounding valleys, vistas and the Chhu river. The colorful annual festival Paro Tshechu is also celebrated in the monastery, making it more desirable for travellers. This Bhutan monastery, similar to other dzongs, is a house for monks to stay and pray apart from being a significant administrative center in the valley.
Tashichho Dzong, Thimpu
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Tashichho Dzong is yet another marvelous monastery situated just 2km from the capital city Thimpu. The Dzong was built is 1641 and still remains the same despite of several restorations. Apart from serving as a secret monastery, it is also used the central secretariat and most of the governmental works are carried out from here. This fortress of the glorious religion is situated on the banks of the Wangchhu River.
With a golden roof and a rose garden in front of the building, the monastery is indeed the most visit place in Bhutan. Most of the Bhutan travel itineraries begin with a secret visit to this monastery. A visit to this central monastic body treats you with some of the finest arts, crafts, landscapes and environment.
Punakha Dzong, Punakha
The Punakha monastery is the 2nd oldest and largest monastery in Bhutan and also serves as an administrative body. Bhutan held its first national assembly in 1953 in this monastery and kept this monastery as the seat of government until 1955. Apart of the true display of architectural wonder, this dzong also holds significant cultural importance. The monastery houses holy relics of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred remains of Ngawang Namgyal.
Dechen Phodrang, Thimpu
The Dechen Phodrang is best recognized as the Palace of Great Bliss is a school for monks situated in Thimpu. Over 500 young Buddhist monks takes eight-year long course in this school. The monastery lies about 4km far from the Gaden Lam and the visit to it offers travelers with captivating views of the capital city. There are 2-story magnificently designed houses with ancient paintings that accommodate monk students. You will also get to experience a picturesque statue of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Kyichu Lhakhang, Paro
The Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the finest monasteries in Bhutan built in 7th century. Located in the Lango Gewog of Paro, the monastery is also known as Kyerchu temple holds a huge historical, cultural and religious significance. You can explore amazing paintings and pictures of several Buddhist gurus along with picturesque prayer wheels.
Memorial Chorten, Thimpu
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The Memorial Stupa, located in south central part of Thimpu in Doeboom Lam, is of the highest monasteries in Thimpu, Bhutan. The amazing architecture, picturesque surroundings, wall paintings and quaint environments of the stupa attracts thousands of visitors every year. The antique monastery gives a true glimpse of Buddhist cultures and traditions and indeed one of the best places to wander around while travelling Bhutan.
Zuri Dzong, Paro
The Zuri Monastery dates back to the 12th century, making it one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan. With lush of historical and royal significance, the five story zuri monastery is guarded by double walls and a bridge. There is a holy cave in the monastery, where, it is believed that, the Lord Buddha himself meditated in the 18th century. The Zuri Monastery in Bhutan is arguably the best place that offers the best views of the Paro valley and the surroundings.
Cheri Gompa, Thimpu
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The Cheri Gompa is the first monastery in Bhutan built by Zhabrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1620. It takes an hour of walk from the base to rich the monastery and the trail bless you with hypnotic landscapes and lush, green woods. The hiking trail to Cheri takes you through the Tango Dzong and Wang Chhu river. The most important aspect of this Buddhist Bhutan monastery is the silver chorten which secures the ashes of Zhabrung’s father. This chorten is indeed the best place if you wish to do some meditation in the quaint spiritual environment and we advise you not distract anyone who’s there.
Kurjey Lhakhang, Bumthang
The Kurjey Lhakhang monastery lies in Bumthang, nearby a mountain river. The monastery area consists of three charming temples where there is the holiest rock that has Guru Rinpoche’s body imprint. Another temple was built where Guru Rinpoche had meditated, and the third temple was built by the Queen Mother Ashi Kesang. All the three temples are enclosed by 108 holy chorten walls. The monastery celebrates the Kurhey Tshechu festival in the summer.
Tamshing Lhakhang, Bumthang
The Tamshing Lhakhang monastery lies across Kurje Lhakhang river. If you are in Bumthang, this monastery is a must visit place if you love ancient arts, crafts and paintings. This monastery in Bhutan showcases several historical paintings, like 21 Taras, 1000 Buddhas. Also, the monastery hosts several enchanting dance festivals and Tamshing Phala Chhoepa festival in the Autumn.
Lhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse
The Lhuenste Monastery is the most important destination in Lhuentse for tourists. The monastery holds a rich history along with amazing architecture. Nestled in the Kuri Chhu valley, Lhuentse demonstrates the best example for Bhutanese cultures, arts and architecture.
Jambey Lhakhang, Jakar
Jambey Lhakhang, situated in Jakar, is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan. The monastery hosts a number of fascinating festivals of Bhutan, where you get to experience sacred rituals and dances. The rituals and dances are presented by the monks and locals in vivid customs, allowing you an enriching experience. Jambey monastery is located near Khurjey Lhakhang and is a 10-minute drive from Chamkhar town.
Phajoding Monastery, Thimpu
A 3 hour amazing hiking route takes you to the Phajoding Monastery, one of the holiest and quaint monastery in Bhutan. The monastery is home to 30 monks with whom you can share your thoughts and learn Buddhism. The monastery was constructed in the 13the century and though it has simple architecture, you can expect to see some spectacular views of Thimpu and its surrounding.
Gangtey Goemba, Phobjikha Valley
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Situated at the top of the hill of the Phobjikha valley, the Gangtey Goemba offers you the chance to experience a stunning view of the entire valley. The monastery has a huge religious and historical importance as it is believed that reincarnation of Guru Rinpoche takes place here. The Guru Rinpoche introduced the Buddhism in the country and made thousands of followers uncovering the treasures of the Buddhism. The monastery hosts festivals like Ganety Tsechu and the Black Necked Crane.
Monasteries in Bhutan: FAQs
Monasteries in Bhutan serve as the place to study and practice Buddhism for monks. Also, some monasteries serve as governmental administrative houses to carry out administrative tasks. There are several monasteries in Bhutan where you can visit and spend time learning Buddhism and experiencing surrounding beauty and architecture. You can also spend night in some monasteries but there are only a few.
Yes, you can live in a Buddhist monastery by following certain rules and regulations. There are some monasteries in Bhutan that allows tourists to spend some days learning meditation and Buddhism.
Yes, there are thousands of monks in Bhutan, who study and practice Buddhism residing in monasteries. The Bhutanese Buddhist monks follow the teachings of the Kagyu school of Mahayana Buddhism. The Kagyu teachings believes that meditation and praying are the only ways people can liberate themselves from all the worldly sufferings.
The monks in Bhutan live in monasteries, Gompas and Chortens. There are over 45 named monasteries in Bhutan where thousands of monks study, meditate and practice the Buddhism.