Contact Us10 Best Monasteries in Bhutan for Visitors
Bhutan is still known as the “The Land of the Thunder Dragon” is a beautiful country with a deep heritage, diverse and colorful culture, and impressive, Monasteries in Bhutan beautiful geographical features. Bhutan holds a rich culture and has embraced Buddhism in its practices hence several monasteries are evident in the country. These are more or less prehistoric edifices as well as art works which are not only esteemed for their aesthetic brilliance but also for being religious shrines, retreats and centers of knowledge among the Bhutanese. These monasteries provide the visitors some of the most unforgettable experiences that they would ever get – either for spiritual or cultural point of view.
The monasteries in Bhutan can be found all over the country and every one of them has its own story behind it. These places include Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Dochu La Pass and even some temples located in remote valleys of the great Himalayas which in one way or the other gives tourists an idea of Bhutan’s religious and historical significance. Whether on a cliff or nestled in a green valley, these monasteries are an example of how religious Bhutan lives. For anyone interested in travelling to Bhutan I can assure you that including these famous monasteries in your list will only make your trip even more exciting.
To those who are seeking spiritual destinations or those who wanted to explore more about the Bhutanese culture, these monasteries provide calmness and fantastic scenery. Since every monastery established in Bhutan has its own story and role, they offer the tourists a bit of everything about Bhutan’s richness in culture and spirituality. Therefore, should you be planning a visit to this enchanting kingdom, it is suggested that you make arrangements to visit these beautiful monasteries that form part of your travel package to Bhutan.
Here are the 10 Best Monasteries in Bhutan for Visitors
1. Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)
Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) is one of the most visited monasteries in Bhutan It is built at the cliffs of the Paro Valley. It is considered that Guru Padmasambhava, the man who introduced Buddhism in Bhutan, used to meditate here. The location of the monastery is absolutely amazing – the buildings are right on the steep cliff which makes its view magical. The trek to the monastery is quite steep but has a lot of trees and the view of the mountains is breathtaking. A place you cannot afford to miss when planning to tour monasteries in Bhutan!
2. Trongsa Dzong
Located in the center of central Bhutan Trongsa Dzong is one of the biggest structures that make part of the landscape. It also functions as a religious shrine because it was once the birthplace of the Bhutan royal family. This place has a very large monastery that features very wonderful carving, famous monastery in Bhutan beautiful courtyards and affords a wonderful view of the valley below. This is among the oldest monasteries in Bhutan that makes it a great tour attraction as it provides a touch of the royal and the religious in Bhutan.
3. Punakha Dzong
The Punakha Dzong often called the ‘Palace of Great Happiness’, is one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan. Lies at the junction of Pho and Mo Chhu River the dzong serves as not only religious center but also as the emblem of spiritual and cultural heritage of the country. This is a perfect place to pray and meditate because the architecture of the place and its surroundings look very calm.
4. Gangtey Monastery (Phobjikha Valley)
Gangtey Monastery: The Phobjikha Valley is home to this easily identifiable monastery that is one of Bhutan’s most picturesque. It is the main place for teaching the Pema Lingpa lineage of Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is famous for the panoramic view of the valley and famous black necked crane which breeds in Bumthang during the winter months. If you are lucky enough to be in Bhutan during this time, then you’re in for a treat!
5. Chimi Lhakhang
The Fertility temple is one of Bhutan’s most popular monasteries Situated in the south of the Punakha district, Chimi Lhakhang is known as the fertility temple. This monastery which is sited in the Punakha Valley is dedicated to the fabled Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the ‘Divine Madman’. The monastery is a sacred place of spiritual recovery, and people come here for blessings to conceive a child. The trek to Chimi Lhakhang is through a very beautiful countryside of Bhutan and will give one ample time to take a look at the country’s landscape famous monastery in Bhutan.
6. Tashichho Dzong
Tashichho Dzong is the largest and one of the oldest monasteriesthat can be found in the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu. It contains the king’s palace, which is also called the king’s hall of sitting, and performs civil functions as well. Its colossal structure, religious sanctity and historical background make it even more important to be a leading tourist attraction among monasteries in Bhutan.
7. Kurjey Lhakhang
Kurjey Lhakhang is found in the Bumthang Valley and is composed of three temples, and it has a special connection with the story of Guru Rinpoche. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche did his mediation on this rock whose surface reproduced the image of his body. The monastery is considered a holy place and its surrounding ambience is quite calm and suitable for meditation.
8. Narikala Monastery
Narikala Monastery which is in the territory of Paro is a chance for those who wish to touch the spiritual side of the country. The place where the monastery is located is full of trees and rocks that are very steep; thus, famous monastery in Bhutan the place is very suitable for meditation. If you want a place to avoid crowds, this monastery is designed for you.
9. Bumthang Jakar Dzong
Another quite popular monastery in Bhutan is Bumthang Jakar Dzong which also has a history significance. It contains several temples as well as shrines in honor of Bhutan’s most significant religious leaders. Due to its situated in the Bumthang Valley, the monastery is serene and beautiful; it is ideal for those who want to learn about the monasteries of Bhutan.
10. Ura Lhakhang
Ura Lhakhang is one of the less known monastery of Bhutan but it is situated in the picturesque Ura Valley. The monastery is for Guru Rinpoche and the place is considered as one of the most beautiful and pious in Bhutan. The views are stunning and the area is perfect for a retreat into this ancient monastery.
Conclusion:
In general, monasteries of Bhutan are perfect place for learning more about the spiritual life of Bhutanese, as well as to appreciate the architecture and history of the country. The Tiger’s Nest Monastery has to be the most impressive monastery built on a cliff and the Punakha Dzong becomes very peaceful inside. Whether or not people are interested in the history and religious importance of these monuments, monasteries are the spirit of Bhutan. Not only they are spiritual establishments, but they are reflective spaces that show spirituality in practically every aspect of existence in Bhutan.
It is a must see to anyone who would be willing to plan a trip to Bhutan since the following are some of the famous monasteries in Bhutan. If included in your Bhutan package, they will help you to get more real picture of Bhutanese spirituality, geography, and cultural life. Thus, let’s begin planning for the journey that will create memories which will remain the memoir of your life and bring you closer to this wonderland.
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