Bhutan is not a destination but an experience through which you travel through the centuries of Buddhist history, spirituality and the majestic landscape of the Himalayas. Bhutanese monasteries, situated at the base of cliffs and valleys and surrounded by mist-covered dale of hill tops are one of the most precious gems for the tourists offering awe, culture and tranquility. Through our meticulously planned tours, Raghav Travels makes sure that travelers visit these holy sites in the right way, giving enough time to ponder. Here are the “must” visit monasteries on your Bhutan Tour.
1. Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest Monastery)
Visiting Paro Taktsang or Tiger’s Nest monastery is an inevitable landmark in your tours to Bhutan’s monasteries. It is the most popular and photographed monastery in Bhutan. The monastery is built on the top of a rocky cliff in Paro valley at the height of approximately 3,000 ft. It is said that in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche, the Second Buddha came to this site by flying on his tigress and meditated in the cave of Paro valley.
Going to the monastery through the hill is a wonderful adventure, both physically and spiritually. The trail provides an incredible walking experience with the reward of a breathtaking valley view at the end of the trek.
Best time to visit: Early morning, to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler hiking conditions.
2. Punakha Dzong
Punakha Dzong is believed to be one of Bhutan’s most beautiful fortress-monasteries located at the junction of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. It’s one of the oldest dzongs in the country and is both of historical and administrative significance as well as being a beautiful building using traditional Bhutanese building techniques.
The riverside location coupled by the presence of the jacaranda trees with their spring blossoms make it a popular destination for the best monasteries in Bhutan, particularly photography and architectural enthusiasts.
3. Kyichu Lhakhang
Kyi-chhu Lhakhang, located in Paro, is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the country, it is believed that it was constructed in the 7th Century. The Buddhist temple is set on the site of one of a group of 108 temples said to have been built by monks all through the Himalayans to vanquish a powerful demon and spread Buddhism.
The quietness and intimacy of Kyichu Lhakhang still characterize it and allows visitors a unique and peaceful opportunity to experience the daily life of the spiritual life in Bhutan.
4. Chimi Lhakhang (The Fertility Temple)
The Chimi Lhakhang temple is another one of those little known but less reachable ancient monasteries of Bhutan, and can be found near Punakha. This is an ancient temple called the fertility temple which was built about five hundred years ago in the memory of the “Divine Madman” Drukpa Kunley, where pilgrims come seeking blessings for childbirth from Buddha.
This temple can be reached by walking through the fields of rice and mustard, which have a very rustic charm and make for a pleasant experience for everyone.
5. Rinpung Dzong
Rinpung Dzong, located in Paro, is also used as a monastery and the headquarters of the Paro district. It means ‘fortress on a heap of jewels’, and is famous for the height of its walls, wall paintings and several shrines and chapels on its grounds.
The entry point for the dzong is also a great place to combine sightseers’ interests in history and culture with a visit to Ta Dzong, a nearby watchtower housing the National Museum of Bhutan.
6. Tashichho Dzong
Tashichho Dzong is a beautiful fortress-monastery in the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu, where the central monastic body and civil government of Bhutan is based. The divine building and its location make it one of the most accessible and attractive Bhutan religious places for tourists of the capital.
7. Gangtey Monastery
Gangtey Monastery is a calm place and one of the main centres of Nyingma Buddhism in Bhutan with a view to the open Phobjikha Valley. Its natural setting in the surrounding valley is also home to the black necked crane in the winter offering added natural interest to the spiritual experience.
This monastery is particularly reserved for travellers who want to see wildlife and enjoy culture.
8. Cheri Monastery
Chi Chi Geyampa, also referred to as the Cheri Monastery, is situated outside the town of Thimphu that is accessible by means of a scenic trek to the Dodena hill for one hour. The monastery provides a serene and secluded environment for visitors who can enjoy the calm environment unlike some of the other tourist attractions in Bhutan.
Tips for Visiting Monasteries in Bhutan
- Dress respectfully – Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is expected at most religious sites.
- Check permit requirements – Certain monasteries/countries require permits beforehand, especially for foreign visitors.
- Plan around festivals – Visiting during a Tsechu (festivals) is quite an experience with local dances, rituals, and plenty of fun.
- Pace your itinerary – Most monasteries require either uphill or trekking travels to other places; hence it is advisable not to overcrowd your daily plan.
- Hire a knowledgeable local guide – A good guide will provide you with a lot of necessary information and history that may be easily missed while visiting on your own.
Why Explore Bhutan's Spiritual Attractions with Raghav Travels
Visiting places of spiritual significance in Bhutan does not consist only of visiting the places but also returning back to the country of faith, historical significance, and extraordinary workmanship in terms of architecture, within beautiful and fascinating landscapes of the Himalayas. The itinerary devised by Raghav Travels covers visits to the well-known as well as some hidden monasteries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which is the most famous monastery in Bhutan?
Q2. Do I need a permit to visit monasteries in Bhutan?
Q3. How many days should I plan to visit Bhutan's major monasteries?
Q4. What is the best time of year to visit monasteries in Bhutan?
Q5. Are monasteries in Bhutan open to all tourists?
Final Thoughts
Monasteries in the region are an outstanding combination of scenic beauty, historical significance, and spirituality offering ultimate experiences starting from the exciting experience of visiting the Tiger’s Nest Monastery to calm visit to Cheri Monastery. Since these monasteries are religious sites of Bhutan, they are included in a list of obligatory places to be visited during the stay because of their architecture, interesting sites, or simply for the sake of religious peace.