Bhutan—the beautiful Himalayan nation captivating tourists with its awe-inspiring attractions, has now become a top-visited country in the world! Beautifully located amidst the plush valleys and gigantic peaks, this country is home to a wealth of revered monasteries, each steeped in history, spirituality, and wonderous architecture. Travelers seeking a memorable culturally rich adventure in the land of dragon must consider visiting all the monastery in Bhutan, offering a sneak peek into the country’s deep-rooted traditions and ethereal landscapes!
Discover 15 Best Monasteries in Bhutan
Get ready to explore a comprehensive list of the best and most-visited monasteries in Bhutan for a profound journey into this nation’s spiritual heart. Let’s get started!
Tashichho Dzong
A wonderful fortress-monastery, also regarded as the ‘Fortress of Auspicious Doctrine’ or ‘Fortress of Glorious Religion’ boasting striking artsmanship that reflects centuries of spiritual and architectural grandeur. The Tashichho Dzong Monastery in Thimphu has served as the administrative seat of the Bhutanese government since 1962 and remains a symbol of Bhutan’s rich heritage.
For a completely immersive experience, you can visit this monastery during the 3 days of Thimphu Tshechu Festival, when the monastery comes alive with colorful masked dances, traditional performances, and several sacred rituals.
- Location: Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan
- Visiting Hours: 5 PM to 6 PM on weekdays (Monday to Friday) | 8 AM to 6 PM on weekends (Saturday and Sunday).
Gangtey Monastery
This is a famous monastery in Bhutan, known for its surreal views of the Phobjikha Valley. It served as the main seat of the Pema Linpa tradition of the Nyingma school of Buddhism and is now maintained by over 100 lay monks, locally known as gomchen. The main highlight of this monastery is its awe-inspiring annual celebrations of the Black Neck Cranes Festival on the 11th of November. This monastery is a four-story complex with five temples, housing the artistic statues of Guru Rinpoche, and several deities, along with ornate sacred images and frescos.
- Location: Wangdue Phodrang District, overlooking the Phobjikha Valley.
- Visiting Hours: Generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
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Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)
This is the most iconic monastery in Bhutan, which is perched on a cliff 3,120 meters above sea level. Also regarded as the Bhutan Monastery Tiger’s Nest, this site served as a venerated place of pilgrimage in the Himalayan Buddhist world. Reaching this monastery demands a 3-hour-long climb at a comfortable pace, with a total distance of 4 km one way.
Several prominent royalties and celebrities have visited this monastery throughout the years, drawn by its spiritual significance and one-of-a-kind location. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche meditated here after arriving on a flying tigress, making it one of Bhutan’s most sacred sites.
- Location: Approximately 10 kilometers north of Paro town, perched on a cliffside.
- Visiting Hours: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Punakha Dzong
It is one of Bhutan’s most beautiful dzongs and is located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers. Punakha Dzong is a famous monastery in Bhutan, often called the “Palace of Great Happiness,” that continues to be a significant administrative and religious center. This second oldest and largest dzongs houses several sacred relics of the Southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism and serves as a timeless symbol of Bhutanese culture and spirituality.
- Location: Punakha
- Visiting Hours: Open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Jambay Lhakhang
This is the oldest monastery in Bhutan, also known as the ‘Temple of Maitreya’ that was built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo to subdue a demoness hindering the spread of Buddhism. It is said that the Jambay Lhakhang temple was built to pin down the left knee of the demoness while other temples across the region were constructed to restrain different parts of her body. This one-story temple is also a significant site for the enthusiastic celebrations of the Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival, featuring sacred mask dances and eye-catching fire rituals.
- Location: Near Jakar in the Bumthang District
- Visiting Hours: Open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Kurjey Lhakhang
This monastery is regarded as a sacred site where Guru Rinpoche meditated, carving his body’s imprint on a rock while leaving an indelible mark on the religion. This significant Buddhist monastery in Bhutan was named after the sacred body imprint (Kurjey) of Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century and subdued a powerful demon. The monastery complex consists of three temples, each uniquely representing different historical periods.
- Location: Near Jakar in the Bumthang District
- Visiting Hours: Open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
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Trongsa Dzong
This dzong in Bhutan is historically significant as the ancestral home of the Bhutanese monarchy. Trongsa Dzong is the largest Buddhist monastery in Bhutan that got its name from the temples, retreats, and hermit residences scattered across the region before its construction. Trongsa means ‘new village’ in the local dialect and boasts stunning woodwork, towering white walls, and golden rooftops that precisely reflect Bhutanese architectural brilliance.
- Location: Trongsa District, central Bhutan
- Visiting Hours: Open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Simtokha Dzong
This is the oldest monastery in Bhutan, established in 1629, and now houses a Buddhist language and culture school. The monastery derived its name from Simtokha, combining words– ‘sunmo’ meaning demon, ‘do’ meaning stomach, and ‘kha’ means on- collectively meaning the Dzong on the top of the Demon’s stomach. Simtokha Dzong is an enchanting ancient fortress that served as a prominent stronghold and the first dzong to unify the Bhutanese people under one rule— wonderfully reflecting Bhutan’s deep-rooted traditions and the iconic legacy of its unifier.
- Location: Approximately 5 kilometers south of Thimphu city center
- Visiting Hours: Open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tamshing Lhakhang
Founded by the great Buddhist saint Pema Lingpa in 1501, the Tamzhing Lhundrup Monastery is known for its ancient murals and spiritual significance. This monastery, one of the most important Nyingma Goemba in the Kingdom, was built with the assistance of the Khandromas, the female celestial beings. Tamshing Lhakhang is a revered Buddhist monastery in Bhutan and is renowned for its noteworthy collections of paintings that beautifully showcase the region’s unique style.
- Location: Near Jakar in the Bumthang District.
- Visiting Hours: Open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
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Cheri Monastery
Also regarded as the Chakri Dorjeden, this monastery was founded by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1969 and is an important Buddhist learning center. This monastery was blessed with the presence of Guru Padmasambhava and other holy saints like Phajo Drugom Zhigpo in the 13th century, positioning it as a must-visit place in Bhutan. Visitors can enrich their visit by capturing scenic views of the Thimpu Valley from the window of the Cheri Monastery Prayer Hall and exploring the silver chorten that enshrines the remains of Tempo Nima.
- Location: Approximately 15 kilometers north of Thimphu, requiring a hike uphill from Dodeyna
- Visiting Hours: Open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tango Monastery
Also renowned as Tango Goempa Monastery, it was a prominent place for Buddhist studies and served as a significant training hub for religious leaders (Je Khenpo). This significant Buddhist monastery in Bhutan is an important holy place where, according to a legend, Avalokiteshvara revealed himself as the “self-emanated form of the Wrathful Hayagriva”. Showcasing an artistic main tower with recesses, Tango Monastery is beautifully built in a Dzong fashion- a sacred site where saints performed miracles and conducted other important religious activities.
- Location: Near Cheri Mountain, north of Thimphu
- Visiting Hours: Open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
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Lhuentse Dzong
A remote but spiritually significant monastery known for incredible Bhutanese weaving traditions and sacred relics installed by Desi Tenzin Rabgay. This Buddhist monastery in Bhutan houses several sacred relics, majorly including the Tshepamay statue that was once believed to be kept in Kidlung Lhakhang. Serving as a major hub of the Lhuetse festival, the monastery comes alive with energetic celebrations, traditional mask dances, and sacred rituals that beautifully reflect Bhutan’s deep spiritual heritage.
- Location: Lhuentse District, northeastern Bhutan
- Visiting Hours: Generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Rinpung Dzong
A majestic fortress-monastery, also known by the name ‘Paro Dzong’ carries a profound history and a prominent role in Bhutanese festivals, including Paro Tsechu. Rinpung Dzong is a Buddhist monastery in Paro, that serves as a significant symbol of Bhutanese defense and spiritual unity. Showcasing iconic architecture with striking wood carvings, vivid murals, and incredible paintings that beautifully narrate Buddhist legends.
- Location: Paro town, overlooking the Paro Chhu River
- Visiting Hours: Typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
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Drukgyel Dzong
A historic fortress Monastery in Paro, which is now in ruins was once defended Bhutan from Tibetan invasions. Drukgyel Dzong translates to the ‘Fortress of the Victorious Drukpa’ and was built in the year 1646 by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to celebrate his grand victory over the Tibetan invaders who were trying to prevent the spread of Buddhism. Backed with huge historical significance and a striking defensive design, this monastery in Bhutan served as a well-fortified military stronghold safeguarding the Paro Valley.
- Location: Approximately 16 kilometers north of Paro town
- Visiting Hours: Generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Kyichu Lhakhang
This is the holiest Himalayan Buddhist temple in Bhutan, which is believed to have been built in the 7th century. Kyichu Lhakhang is the oldest monastery in Bhutan, and it holds immense spiritual significance for devotees and travelers alike. This was one of the 108 monasteries that were established by the Buddhist King Songstsen Gampo of Tibet to protect Buddhism in the Tibet and Himalayas. Beautifully adorned with ancient murals, several sacred relics, and intricate carvings, the monastery exudes a sense of unparalleled serenity and sheer devotion.
- Location: About 7 kilometers from Paro Airport in the north of Paro Valley
- Visiting Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
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Important Tips When Visiting Monasteries in Bhutan
1. Behave decently and avoid making any noise or disturbances after entering the monastery.
2. Take off your hats and shoes as a sign of respect before entering the temple.
3. Be mindful of your clothing and try to wear something or carry a scarf that covers your shoulders and knees (during visiting any temple)
4. Always pay respect to Buddha and avoid touching the idol or actions such as pointing feet.
5. Those interested in a Bhutan monastery stay, must follow the daily routines of the monks, especially early morning prayers and indulging in vegetarian meals for a great and respectful stay.
6. Interact politely and greet respectfully to the monks as they are also revered figures. Seek permission before touching or clicking any pictures of/with them.
7. Avoid offering any money or gift to the monk directly. Instead, you can place your offering in the designated donation box or hand it to a temple attendant, as per the traditional customs and respected monastic practices
Bhutan is a phenomenal country that is a must-visit, at least once in your lifetime. Exploring its historically significant monasteries will let you have a closer insight into its incredible spiritual heritage, timeless traditions, and serene yet disciplined way of life, offering a truly memorable cultural experience.
Monastery in Bhutan FAQs
The Tiger’s Nest, also known as Paro Taktsang is one of the most-visited and famous monasteries in Bhutan, offering visitors a culturally rich and beautiful experience. Surrounded by majestic mountain views, the monastery’s iconic architecture and serene ambiance create an awe-inspiring experience.
All the monasteries in Bhutan are open to visitors, while some may require special permits if they are situated inside fortresses (dzongs) or at religious restricted sites. These highly restricted monasteries only allow entry only to monks or authorized personnel. To visit these monasteries, tourists need to book with certified Bhutanese tour operators who will help arrange necessary permits for the visit.
Yes, tourists can stay at night in the monasteries, though it is not a common practice. These monasteries are active religious sites where only monks reside and follow strict routines. In Bhutan, some monasteries offer meditation retreats to visitors and allow stays under special arrangements. Tourists who wish to experience a night;’s stay at the monastery must consult their tour operator in advance to check availability and other requirements.
The Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu is believed to be the biggest monastery in Bhutan. It serves as the seat of the government and houses the throne room of the King of Bhutan. The Tashichho Dzong is also a significant religious center where the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) is located.
Here are the names of the three monasteries in Bhutan, that are popular and of the highest cultural and religious significance: Punakha Dzong, Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) and Gangteng Monastery
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