Bhutan offers one of the world’s most authentic monastery experiences, where ancient Buddhist traditions remain alive. Bhutan is home to hundreds of monasteries that serve as active centres of spiritual life rather than mere tourist attractions. Some gigantic, some defy gravity, and some are extremely important.
The list below covers monasteries and temples (Lhakhang) in Bhutan. These temples can be standalone shrines or a part of monasteries.
1.) Kyichu Lhakhang
Where: Paro
On Tourist Trail: Not for all
Why: Considered to be the oldest temples in Bhutan. It was built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 659 CE. He planned to build 108 temples around Bhutan to subdue the demoness preventing Buddhism from taking hold in Bhutan.
2.) Taktsang Goemba
Where: Paro
On Tourist Trail: Yes
Why: Also called Tiger’s Nest lies 900m above Paro Valley. The most popular monastery in Bhutan. You have to hike up there or go by horse. You will see a few water wheels and get an opportunity to relax at a cafe. The hike offers spectacular views of the valley, mountains and the cliffside monastery.
3.) Dodedrak Monastery
Where: Thimphu
On Tourist Trail: No
Why: The monastery is concealed inside the mountains. It is a three-hour hike up to the monastery. You can stay in the monastery where they provide comfortable accommodation, food. You can interact with monks, meditate with them and attend morning prayers.
4.) Changangkha Lhakhang
Where: Thimphu
On Tourist Trail: Not on all itineraries.
Why: In this temple, you can see devotees up close while staying in the capital. This is where new parents bring their newborns to receive a name. You will also see parents taking the kids in their pre-teens to get blessings from the saints. It is also believed that the local deity stays in a room. Therefore, only devotees are allowed inside. But you are welcome to look in the room from the door.
5.) Chimi Lhakhang
Where: Punakha
On Tourist Trail: Yes
Why: The Temple of ‘Divine Madman’ Lama Drukpa Kunley was built in 1499. The Lhakhang is 10 10-minute easy uphill walk from the parking. Make sure to venture into the town to buy souvenirs (mainly phallus), mandalas. Women who want to conceive come here to take the blessings of the saint. They carry a wooden phallus three times around the building to increase their chances of conceiving. Walk outside the front door of the Lhakhang and get a good view of Wangdue.
6.) Gangtey Monastery
Where: Phobjikha
On Tourist Trail: Yes, though a lot of tourists only travel to Punakha. Do not expect a lot of crowd unless there is a festival.
Why: This monastery is better funded than many others. The government doesn’t control this monastery and is welcoming to tourists. You can stay here in comfortable accommodation, which includes dinner and breakfast. You can attend a private lesson on Buddhism, attend evening prayers and meditate with monks. The evening prayer is highly recommended. Three gigantic statues in the prayer hall light up as monks play traditional instruments, giving you goosebumps.
7.) Jampey Lhakhang
Where: Bumthang
On Tourist Trail: Yes
Why: It is considered to be the oldest temple in Bhutan, along with Kyichu Lhakhang. This is why this temple made the list. It is one of the 108 temples built around Bhutan to subdue the demoness preventing Buddhism from taking hold in Bhutan. There is a statue of the future Buddha with his feet on an elephant. Those who do not know the importance of the temple will find their visit underwhelming.
8.) Kurjey Lhakhang
Where: Bumthang
On Tourist Trail: Yes
Why: The temple is dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, also called the Second Buddha. The Lhakhang has three temples (Guru Lhakhang, Sangay Lhakhang, Sampa Lhundrup Lhakhang), and you will see many devotees. These temples are next to each other, and you will be forgiven for thinking that they are all a part of a single complex. In these temples, there is a 10 metre statue of Guru Rinpoche and 1000 small statues. There is also a meditation cave where you can see his body imprint.
9.) Kungzandra Monastery
Where: Tang Valley, Bumthang
On Tourist Trail: Not for most. But those on multi-day treks will make it here. Anyway, you will probably be the only tourist here.
Why: Most people don’t visit the secluded Tang valley. Three temples are a part of the monastery, all of which are on the cliffside. The caretaker will show you the temples. You will find 108 sacred blocks of texts written on a palette in one of them. There are three ways to reach the monastery
1.) A whole day hike from Jakar Valley.
2.) A remote hike from Padtselling Monastery.
3.) An hour hike from Tang Valley.
10.) Ta Rimochen Lhakhang
Where: Tang Valley, Bumthang
On Tourist Trail: No
Why: It was built by Pema Lingpa in the 14th Century, who showed his divine power in Burning Lake, not so far from here. This is one of the few temples where you will spend more time around it rather than inside. You see his handprints, body prints, at footprints around the temple. Look for his bathtub and two large Garudas at the entrance. This temple is important. You will probably encounter devotees circling the temple 108 times for the blessing of the Guru. I met a woman
11.) Gom Kora
Where: Trashigang
On Tourist Trail: Not many tourists travel to the East. Those who travel will have this on their itinerary.
Why: 45 minutes drive from Trashigang, this is a meditation site of Guru Rinpoche. You can see his body print and sacred rocks. The temple is important in Eastern Bhutan and has rituals to bring peace to Trashigang. Besides the gods, the temple has statues of the king and other Bhutanese figures. There are small displays that represent Bhutanese Zodiac signs. It is often visited by the VIPs.
Leave a Reply