Bhutan, a land renowned for its spiritual heritage, offers numerous monasteries that serve as centers of meditation and pilgrimage. While some monasteries draw large crowds, we will explore five unique Bhutanese monasteries that are away from the tourist trails yet extraordinary, each with its unique history, architecture, and tranquil ambiance, providing a more authentic and intimate glimpse into Bhutanese Buddhism.
Let’s move away from the crowds and closer to the natural beauty of the Himalayas.
Phajoding Monastery (Thimphu)
Located high above Thimphu, this monastery is a significant meditation and pilgrimage site known for its spiritual significance and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Location and Altitude
Phajoding Monastery is situated at 3,600 meters (11,800 feet), making it one of Thimphu’s highest-altitude sanctuaries, offering stunning views of the valley below.
Historical Significance
The monastery is linked to Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, a Tibetan lama who popularised the Drupe school of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Architectural Style
The monastery features a cluster of 10 temples, with the largest being Jampa Lhakhang, a three-story structure enclosed by thick shabkhor walls. It also has 15 monastic residences, many of them used for extended meditation retreats.
Monastic School
Phajoding houses a school for underprivileged children and a state monastic school with 80 monks.
Hiking
Reaching Phajoding Monastery involves a challenging 3-hour hike from Motithang, which deters casual visitors, ensuring a truly tranquil retreat.
Neglect and Restoration
While Phajoding was once a rich monastery, it was listed as an endangered cultural monument by the World Monuments Fund in 2010 due to neglect. Complete restoration work was undertaken between 2013 to 2018, at a cost of approximately Nu 200 million, thanks to a grant from the Indian Government. A system of ropeway towers was created to transport construction materials up the mountainside from a base at Sangaygang, as there are no roads appropriate to transport the required materials to the site.
Ngang Lhakhang (Choekhor Valley)
Ngang Lhakhang, also known as the “Swan temple” or “Nalakhar” is a private temple built in the 15th century by a Tibetan lama named Namkha Samdrup.
Location
The Lhakhang is situated in the upper Choekhor Valley, close to the Phephela Pass and the Tang Valley, within the Bhutan Cultural Trail.
History
Built by Tibetan lama Namkha Samdrup in the 15th century, and later restored in the 1970s.
Architectural Style
The temple is a two-story structure resembling a large farmhouse. The lower temple features Guru Rinpoche and consorts. The upper temple is dedicated to protective and long-life deities (Tara, Amitayus, and Usnishavijaya) and includes masks for the annual festival.
Significance
The temple’s name and construction are linked to a swan. It is said that the Tibetan lama reached the place where the temple stands today after walking a long distance. There, he saw a beautiful swan that flew in circles and landed on the location. Considering this to be an auspicious sign, he decided to build his residence there.
Access
The Lhakhang is close to the Phephela Pass that connects to Tang Valley on the Bhutan Cultural Trail. It can be reached by car or by walking from Thangi Lhakhang along the Bumthang river. The walk will take you through 3 hours of lush green, impressive landscape.
Yungdrung Choling Palace (Trongsa)
Yungdrung Choling Palace is a significant historical and cultural site. It is one of those unique Bhutanese monasteries that combines many roles. It served as the residence of the Trongsa Penlop (governor) and is now a museum and functioning monastery, particularly connected to the Peling Lineage.
Location and Historical Significance
The palace was built around 1839 by Ugyen Phuntsho, the Trongsa Penlop, and played a crucial role in the history of the region and the Bhutanese monarchy. It is one of the three royal residences in central Trongsa – Yungdrung Choling Palace being the residence of her Royal Highness Azhi kezang. Perched on the valley’s north side above the Mangde Chhu river, it is at about 1,250 meters altitude.
Yungdrung Choling Palace is situated outside of the main tourist hub making it ideal for a tranquil experience.
Museum and Artifacts
The palace operates as a museum, showcasing artifacts related to the royal lineage, religious relics, and historical events, providing insight into Bhutanese culture and traditions.
Architectural Beauty
The palace is renowned for its intricate woodwork and vibrant murals, and houses artifacts related to royal lineage, Bhutanese history and Buddhist teachings. Compared to some of the larger and more elaborate monasteries, Yungdrung Choling is a more intimate space, which may not attract as many visitors seeking a grand, sprawling monastery experience.
Serene Environment
The palace’s peaceful surroundings and breathtaking mountain views create a serene atmosphere, ideal for reflection and appreciation of Bhutanese culture and landscape.
Tshechu Festival
The palace is a vibrant location during the Tshechu festival, where local traditions, including mask dances, come to life.
Kudung of Pema Lingpa
The palace is believed to house the kudung (mortal remains) of the Buddhist Tertön Pema Lingpa (1450 – 1521), a common ancestor of the royal Wangchuck dynasty and Ugyen Phuntsho, according to Bhutan Cultural Atlas. The Fifth king established a monastic institution, at Yungdrung Choling Palace, to care for the remains.
Chagri Dorjeden Monastery (Thimphu)
Chagri Dorjeden Monastery, also known as Cheri Monastery, is a significant Drukpa Kagyu monastery in Thimphu. Constructed in 1620, it is the first monastery established in Bhutan by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of the Himalayan Kingdom. He was 27 years old then.
Location and Accessibility
The monastery is located on a hilltop, requiring a relatively strenuous uphill climb of about 1.5 hours from the road end at Dodina. It’s situated at an elevation of 2,600 meters. This can be a deterrent for some visitors, especially those not accustomed to the altitude.
Less-crowded Trails
Hiking trails to the monastery, like the one from Thimphu, are usually less crowded compared to other tourist attractions like Buddha Point or Dochula Pass.
Purpose and Functions
It’s a major teaching and retreat center for the Southern Drukpa Kagyu sect, and also serves as a monastic school for studying Buddhist philosophy, metaphysics, and other related fields.
Historical Significance
The monastery holds religious significance, having been visited by Padmasambhava in the 8th century. In the 13th century, it was visited by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, the Tibetan Lama who first established the Drukpa Kagyu tradition in Bhutan.
Current Status
Chagri Dorjeden is a place of worship and a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan, and is still a residence for monks undertaking long retreats.
Tango Monastery (near Thimphu)
Tango Monastery, a Buddhist institute in Thimphu, Bhutan, is a significant religious and cultural site. It’s a high-level center of Buddhist learning and is located on a steep hillside. The monastery’s main temple area features a place for worship and is known for its beautiful traditional architecture.
Location
Situated 14 kilometers north of Thimphu, near Cheri Mountain, at an altitude of 2320 meters. The monastery is located on a high mountain, requiring a trek, which discourages some casual visitors.
Founding
Founded in the 13th century by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, a Tibetan Buddhist who was part of the early spread of Drukpa school to Bhutan. The name ‘Tango’ translates to ‘horse head’ in Bhutanese, which pays respect to the main deity ‘Hayagriva’ deified in the monastery.
Authentic Experience
Unlike the bustling Tiger’s Nest, this unique bhutanese monastery offers a glimpse into the daily life of monks, providing a more authentic and spiritual experience.
Hiking
The monastery is surrounded by lush valleys and snow-capped mountains, providing stunning views. It takes over 1-hour to reach from the base to the monastery. However, its a relatively easy to moderate hike as the path is well-paved by concrete, making it accessible for hikers of most levels.
Renovations
The monastery underwent renovations in 1688 by Desi Tenzin Rabgye, the 4th Temporal Ruler, and further renovations in 1966.
- 2024 – 25: A new Buddhist university has been built at the base of the institute, offering better accommodations for senior monks.
- The original location of the institute is currently undergoing renovations.
Architectural Style
The main structure of Tango Monastery is built in a dzong-like style, featuring a prominent main tower with recesses and a characteristic curved outer wall.
Buddhist Learning
It is considered one of the highest Buddhist learning centers in Bhutan, with many religious leaders having completed the nine-year training program here. Many monks also spend time in solitary retreat in nearby hermitages after their studies.
Meditation
The monastery houses a meditation school and provides a spiritual haven for visitors and monks.
Beyond the popular tourist destinations, Bhutan harbors hidden monastic gems that offer profound spiritual experiences. Phajoding Monastery near Thimphu, accessible only by a challenging hike, rewards visitors with ancient temples and breathtaking views. Ngang Lhakhang in Choekhor Valley, linked to a local legend, exudes a serene atmosphere. The historic Yungdrung Choling Palace in Trongsa functions as both a museum and a monastery. Chagri Dorjeden Monastery, founded by Bhutan’s unifier, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, is a significant retreat center. Finally, Tango Monastery, known for its dzong-like architecture, stands as a high-level Buddhist learning center.
FAQs
Q: Are these monasteries active places of worship?
- A: Yes, all the monasteries mentioned are active religious sites, with monks residing and practicing there.
Q: What makes these monasteries less-visited?
- A: Reasons vary, including challenging accessibility (requiring hikes), remote locations, or being overshadowed by more famous sites.
Q: What can I expect to see at these monasteries?
- A: Expect to see traditional Bhutanese architecture, intricate artwork, statues of Buddhist deities, and a serene atmosphere conducive to spiritual reflection.
Add comment