Bhutan is a small country which is located in the Eastern Himalayas. This beautiful country is renowned for its striking topography, which includes subtropical plains, towering mountains, and valley. When you visit Bhutan, you get yourself engaged in a variety of activities related to its diverse culture and scenic beauty. It provides you with a fascinating combination of history and culture.
Bhutan is renowned for a variety of things, including being the world’s happiest country, fascinating Buddhist tradition, amazingly designed monasteries and so on. During your visit to Bhutan, you will be surprised by how much there is to see and learn about the culture and people.
Bhutan not only has stunning natural beauty, but it also has several magnificent Buddhist temples and monasteries. The various temples in Bhutan are the attraction of cultural and religious artifacts. The stunning structures often include courtyards, temples, executive offices, and quarters for the monks.
Let’s look at some of the most well-known temples in Bhutan that makes you fall in love with their beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere. The list includes 12 temples and monasteries along with their location. Continue reading to learn about the top 12 temples in Bhutan.
S. N | Temple | Location | Key Attractions |
1. | Kyichu Lhakhang | Paro, Bhutan | Paro Taktsang, Haa Valley, Rinpung Dzong, National Museum of Bhutan |
2. | Jambay Lhakhang | Paro, Bhutan | Bumthang Cultural Trek, Kurje Lhakhang, Bumthang Valley |
3. | Jokhang Temple | Bumthang, Bhutan | Barkhor Street, Ani Tsankhung Nunnery, Ramoche Monastery |
4. | Taktsang Temple | Taktsang Trail, Paro 11001, Bhutan | Kyichu Lhakhang, Drukgyel Dzong, Bhutan Grace Travels |
5. | Tango Monastery | Thimphu, Bhutan | Choeku Lhakhang, Guru Lhakhang, Longku Lhakhang, Gonkhang and Namsey Lhakhang |
6. | Kurjey Lhakhang Monastery | Chokhor Valley, Bumthang, Bhutan | Discover various pictures, sculptures, and intricate paintings of goddesses |
7. | Tamshing Lhakhang | Bumthang, Bhutan | Kurjey Lhakhang, Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang, Mebar Tsho, The Burning Lake |
8. | Gangteng Monastery | Phodrang, Bhutan | Phobjikha, Gantey Goemba, Balck Necked Crane Information Centre, Kumbhu Lhakhang |
9. | Punakha Dzong | Punakha, Bhutan | Suspension Bridge, Samtengang Winter Trek, Punakha Tshechu and Drubchen Festival |
10. | Tashichoo Dzong | Thimphu, Bhutan | National Library and Archives of Bhutan, National Institute for Zorig Chusum, Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan, Bhutan Wonderland, Dzong Festivals, Beautiful Cravings |
11. | Changangkha Lhakhang | Thimphu, Bhutan | Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan, Bhutan Museum |
12. | Chimi Lhakhang | Thimphu, Bhutan | Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, Punakha Suspension Bridge, Punakha Dzong |
Kyichu Lhakhang
Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan and was constructed in the seventh century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gempo. This is thought to be one of the 108 temples that he built to control a demon.
Among numerous significant artifacts, it displays a sculpture from the 7th century. It is believed that this monument and its well-known counterpart in Lhasa, Tibet, were created at the same time. To reach this location, you can fly from Paro to Bumthang, this will make it simple for you. Roadways is the easiest way for people to travel from wherever in the nation.
Jambay Lhakhang
It is one of the 108 temples constructed by Tibetan King Songsten Goenpo in 659 AD. According to the beliefs, a demon was obstructing the growth of the Buddhist religion in the area. As a result, more than 100 temples were built throughout Tibet, Bhutan, and the neighboring countries. Air travel from Paro to Bumthang makes it simple to get to this temple. Roads and highways are also the ways for the people to transport from any part of the country.
Are you interested in exploring these amazing temples? You can visit our best Bhutan tour companies to find the best and most highly rated tour companies in Bhutan. Or, if you are interested in finding the best tour deals offered by the best providers, visit our best-rated Bhutan tour deals page.
Jokhang Temple
Another famous Buddhist temple in Bhutan that receives visitors from all around the country is Jokhang Temple. The magnificent Buddhist architecture of the city’s centrally located Jokhang Temple is its main attraction. Here, photography is illegal.
The large group of Buddhist worshippers pleasuring themselves continuously in front of this temple is even more fascinating. You can either take a road trip or a flight to reach the destination. You can take a flight from Paro to Bumthang if you’re traveling by air.
Taktsang Temple
Many people hold the opinion that exploring Bhutan without going to Tiger’s Nest, where the country’s most well-known temples are located, would be incomplete. The temple is situated in the high hill of Bhutan.
Before attempting this route, it is recommended that you get into shape because the geography is difficult and the oxygen is low because of the elevation. You can choose to stay at Tatsang Boutique Resort and Spa, Tiger Nest Resort, or Tenzinling Resort while visiting Taktsang Temple. The temple is not accessible by automobile; however, you can drive up to Paro.
Tango Monastery
One of Bhutan’s most well-known and well-liked Buddhist temples, the Tango Monastery is built inside a cave. Within the same property, Trulku Lhakhang, Choeku Lhakhang, Guru Lhakhang, Longku Lhakhang, Gonkhang, and Namsey Lhakhang are the additional six temples that make up the holy site.
While on your trip to Tango Monastery, you could even make hotel reservations at the Hotel Amodhara, Gaykil, and Wangchuk Resort Taba. The monastery is located just 9 miles from Thimphu in the north.
Kurjey Lhakhang Monastery
The name Kurjey Lhakhang Monastery comes from Guru Rinpoche’s body print, which is kept in a cave inside the oldest of the three buildings that make up this temple complex. The three temples are the Sampa Lhundrup Lhakhang, Guru Lhakhang, and Sangay Lhakhang. It is among the most stunning and revered places in Bumthang.
In addition to helping one to recognize the beliefs of the Bhutanese people, this temple in Bhutan provides many opportunities to explore and study Guru Rinpoche and the local culture and customs. The domestic airport closest to this location is Bathpalathang Airport. Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines, two foreign airlines, will take you to Paro, Bhutan. During you visit to Kurjey Lhakhang Monastery, you will be able to explore the amazing nature of Bhutan, and so on.
Tamshing Lhakhang
Around the 15th century, the famous terton Pema Lingpa was honored with the construction of Tamshing Lhakhang. It is one of Bhutan’s most well-known temples and is surrounded by the places where early Buddhism was taught. It is significant because this temple played a part in bringing Bhutan’s different old kingdoms together. Although it is not frequently visited Bhutan temple, it should be on your list of temples to visit while in Bhutan.
You can stay at the TashiYangkhil Hotel, the Dechen Gawa village homestay, or the Gumling Homestay while you’re there. The simplest method to go to this temple is by flying to Jakar, from which you may take a bus to Bumthang. While you are on the way to Tamshing Lhakhang, you will get an opportunity to interact with the Bhutan village people.
Gangteng Monastery
The wide and stunning Phobjikha Valley can be seen from the hilltop where the Gangtey Monastery is situated. The biggest Nyingma monastery in Bhutan, this monastery was constructed in the 17th century. The monks’ living spaces are situated around the temple that is located in the center of the compound. Amazing design elements were incorporated into the monastery’s architecture and color scheme.
Every winter, as the black-necked cranes migrate to the Phobjikha Valley, the Gangtey Gompa organizes a festival in their honor. When they enter and leave this valley, it is thought that they make three circles around the monastery. You can stay in a variety of hotels and lodges while visiting this monastery, including Green Resort, Dewachen Hotel and Spa, and Thegchen Phodrang Lodge.
Punakha Dzong
One of Bhutan’s most well-known and historic temples is the Punakha Dzong. It is claimed that the idols located in this temple have never experienced any deterioration. The temple, which is roughly 600 years old, has been frequently damaged, often by three significant floods and fires. For visitors, just the temple floor is accessible.
This temple in Bhutan is further enhanced in beauty by the Mochu River’s presence next to it. You have a choice of lodging options, including The Four Boutique Hotel, Punakha Residency, Khuru Resort, and Zhingkham Resort. The best method to get there is to fly to Punakha from the Paro International Airport in Bhutan. You can take a cab from the airport to Punakha.
Tashichoo Dzong
In Bhutan’s beautiful Hindu Temple, Tashichho Dzong, the king, and priests together ascend to the throne. The Tashichho Dzong is located in a large green space that is also home to several ministries. It only welcomes guests at specific hours of the day. If you’re going to visit here, you must verify it beforehand. No trip to Bhutan is complete without a visit to this temple.
You can stay in Bhutan restaurants such as Amodhara, Gakyil, and Dorji Elements. Commute by flight to Paro, and then take a cab service to get to Thimphu.
Changangkha Lhakhang
In Bhutan, Changangkha Lhakhang is regarded as the country’s oldest temple. It is renowned as the “name-giving temple,” as newborns are taken by their families at this Bhutan temple. The resident astrologers will give the newborn a name that is suitable in the astrological context based on the date and time of birth.
Lord Avalokiteswara is shown in a stunning 11-headed figure in the temple’s inner sanctum. You can stay at places like Khang Residency, The Pema, Bhutan Suites, Osel, and more when visiting Changangkha Lhakhang.
Chimi Lhakhang
In 1499, this temple was constructed as a memorial to Lama Drukpa Kuenley (1455-1529). Bhutanese families come to this majestic monastery for blessings and to name their newborn infants.
This Bhutanese temple is filled with vibrant colors and enormous prayer flags that swing in the air. Young couples often come here to receive blessings so they can get pregnant and have children. The temple grounds are lively with young monks playing everywhere. Hotels like Hotel Pema Karpo, Damchen Riverfront Resort, Hotel Pema Karpo, and others are available for you to reside in.