Bhutan tours offer a unique blend of spirituality and tradition with beautiful landscapes to enthral its visitors. You will have a unique experience in the country, especially if you are on a spiritual tour. It is a hidden gem in the Himalayas that beckons tourists with its breathtaking landscapes, temples, and monasteries. In this blog, we will discuss the famous Buddhist temples and monasteries in Bhutan that you must visit. Visiting the temples here feels like entering a different universe. The architecture will blow your mind, and the serenity of the sanctum will provide you connect you with their spirituality.
About Bhutan
Bhutan is a landlocked country, which is known as the “Land of Thunder Dragon”. Its cultural richness, natural landscape, and sustainable tourism make it a popular tourist destination in the world. Every year, tourists from all around the world plan a Bhutan trip with family and partner to explore this serene destination in the pristine Himalaya.
Most Famous Temples and Monasteries in Bhutan
Bhutan, a beautiful Himalayan country, is one of the famous tourist destinations in the world. It is famous for its rich Buddhist culture and temples that are known as Lhakhangas and Dzongs. There are temples everywhere. You will marvel at the beautiful architecture of these temples and monasteries during your Bhutan tour. Some tourists specially plan their temple tours in Bhutan, where they experience the rich culture. Here we are mentioning the ten most popular Buddhist Temples and Monasteries in Bhutan that you must visit.
1) Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) – Paro
One of the top and must-visit attractions in Bhutan is Taktsang Monastery, popularly known as Tiger’s Nest. It is one of the most renowned and sacred sites in Bhutan, which is perched precariously on the cliffside in Paro. Built in the 17th Century, Tiger’s Nest is the world-famous pilgrimage destination for Buddhists. Pilgrims on their Bhutan temple tour must visit this pious shrine. Your Bhutan tour is just incomplete without visiting the iconic destination.
Legends say that this monastery was founded by the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, who meditated here. He came here on the back of a tigress in the 8th century and meditated here in a cave for more than 3 years. Guru Rinpoche then subdued a demon and brought long-lasting peace to the valley. He traversed the entire Bhutan and introduced Buddhism to the inhabitants. Later, the monastery was built around the cave. During your religious Bhutan tour, visit this sacred place and experience spirituality. You can reach the monastery either by trekking. Expect a 4 km long trek to reach Tiger’s Nest.
The monastery comprises many temples. The rocky terrain will make the trek to the cliff challenging. You will go through narrow paths and steep stairs. As you walk past, you will see colorful flags that are known as Lung Dhar by the Bhutanese. Their colors represent the five elements of nature—fire, water, air, sky, and earth.
2) Kyichu Lhakhang – Paro
Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the best Buddhist temples to visit in Bhutan. It is one of the oldest temples in the country, with some others built around the 7th century. With its intricate designs and frescoes, it is one of the most beautiful temples in Bhutan, located in Paro. It is believed that this temple was built overnight to subdue a giant ogress. It is one of the 108 temples in the region that are built to tame demons. Initially, it was a small temple, but now it has expanded both in size and grandeur.
As you enter the temple, you feel serenity and positivity. You will see pilgrims circumambulating the temple while spinning the prayer wheels. In the courtyard, there is a painting of King Gesar. Besides, the temple has a statue of Jowo Jamba, from the 7th century, and Chenrezig, which has 1000 arms and 11 heads.
3) Chumphu Nye Monastery – Paro
Perched on a secluded hilltop, Chumphu Nye Monastery is one of the famous Buddhist monasteries in Bhutan, located in Paro. It is just an hour’s drive from Thimphu, situated at an altitude of approximately 2800 m. This sacred site is famous for the floating statue of Dorji Phamo (Vajravarahi). Upon reaching the monastery, you will witness this incredible statue that is miraculously floating in the air. It is said that this statue was found in a lake above the monastery, when it was a foot tall. But it has magically grown to its current height and is placed in the monastery as the main statue. Hence, it is a place that you should never miss visiting during the Bhutan tours.
You will have to trek to reach the monastery. Depending on an individual’s physical fitness and walking pace, the round trip of the trek can take 5-7 hours. The trail of Chumphu Nye Monastery is a bit longer than the Tiger’s Nest. The trail gives you an enchanting hike through a forest and a beautiful river. However, the last hundred meters are fairly steep, which may exhaust you. So, plan your trek accordingly. If you are on your Bhutan tour during the spring season, you will witness the countryside blooming with seasonal flowers, like rhododendron flowers, mountain lilies, and other rare flowers.
4) Punakha Dzong – Punakha
Punakha Dzong is one of the ancient and sacred monasteries in Bhutan. It is an architectural wonder that tourists must visit on their Bhutan tours. It was built in the year 1637, and now serves as both a religious and administrative centre. You will witness here the beauty of the Bhutanese craftsmanship and design situated at the confluence of Pho Chhu (Male) and Mo Chhu (Female) rivers. It’s a six-storey structure with many courtyards, which consists of a large white stupa and a Bodhi tree. Among all the courtyards, the third is the most important as it houses national treasures in the main temple. Unfortunately, no tourists are allowed to enter. Only the chief abbot, guardians, lama, and the king can access it. Punakha Dzong was the seat of the government’s central location, which makes it one of the most significant places in Bhutan with deeply rooted in history and significance.
5) Chimi Lhakhang – Punakha
One of the most sacred Buddhist temples to visit in Bhutan is Chimi Lhakhang, located in Sopsokha Village in Punakha district. This temple is also known as the Fertility Temple and is dedicated to Druka Kunley. He is a Tibetan Buddhist saint known as “Divine Madman”. The temple blesses couples with fertility. There are many successful stories of couples who are blessed to have babies only after visiting this sacred place. And, you can see the testimonials and stories in a photo album in the temple shared by people who are blessed to have children after visiting Chimi Lhakhang in Bhutan. Pilgrims, especially couples who hope to have a child, flock here from all around the world. Besides, the beautiful murals, colorful decorations, and the countryside offer a scenic view.
6) Trongsa Dzong – Trongsa
The next name on our list of the top ten Buddhist Temples and Monasteries in Bhutan is Trongsa Dzong. It is one of the most impressive monasteries and temples in Bhutan, located in Trongsa. Perched on a hill, Trongsa Dzong was built in the 17th century. The temple offers a mesmerizing view of the valley and Mangde Chhu River. The serenity of the place is what people fall for. It is a huge complex with multiple buildings and temples. Besides, it has a museum, where you can see the historical exhibits and artefacts that acquaint visitors with Bhutan’s heritage. You will marvel at the intricate architecture of the temple that showcases the Bhutanese Buddhist temple’s rich architectural heritage. Besides a temple, it is also an administrative centre.
7) Tango Goemba Monastery – Thimphu
During Bhutan tours, enjoy a short hike to one of the famous Buddhist Monasteries, called Tango Goemba Monastery. It is located just 14 km from the capital city of Thimphu, near the scenic Cheri Mountains. Tango means ‘Horse Head’ in Bhutanese, and has a rich history. At this particular monastery in Bhutan, many leaders and the chief abbot have gone through training programs. It has been in existence for hundreds of years. Earlier, this area had caves where monks and saints performed religious activities and miracles. It is renowned for its spiritual significance and breathtaking views. People who embark on a Bhutan temple tour seeking spirituality must visit this monastery as it offers a peaceful and secluded atmosphere. It is a great place for meditation and contemplation.
The temple was founded in the 13th century. Built in the ancient style of a fortress, it’s the prominent centre for higher Buddhist studies. You will see several temples, courtyards, and accommodations for monks in Tango Monastery. Its annual festival of Tango Tsechu makes it a world-famous site, where you can see people dancing wearing colorful masks and performing religious rituals. Whether you are on a religious tour with family in Bhutan or are a nature enthusiast, Tango Monastery is a must-visit destination for all. It enthrals its visitors with its stunning architecture and picturesque landscapes of the Thimphu Valley.
8) Cheri Monastery – Thimphu
The next name on our list of the top ten Buddhist temples and monasteries in Bhutan is Cheri Monastery, known as Cheri Goemba Monastery. Located near Mount Cheri, this dzong is one of the famous monasteries in Bhutan, especially famous for its hiking route. This was built in 1620, making it one of the country’s ancient monasteries, which was built by Ngawang Namgyal. You will have to trek to reach the monastery, which may take around one hour from the bridge. It can even take longer for the inexperienced hikers. Although a tiring hike but the view will be worth it. You will see the breathtaking views from the top, which is totally worth the climb. This is presently a teaching centre for the Southern Tibetan Buddhism school and has 30 monks managing the religious activities and maintaining the monastery. It is a must-visit destination for tourists who are interested in learning more about Buddhism.
9) Jakar Dzong – Bumthang
This famous Buddhist monastery in Bhutan is located in the Jakar Village of Chamkhar Valley in Bumthang. The Jakar Dzong is known as the “Fortress of White Bird” and played a crucial role in the defence of the eastern districts. It is one of the largest and most important temples in Bhutan since the 17th century, which was the seat of the first king of Bhutan. This impressive dzong has intricate architectural designs with white towering walls, elegant courtyards, and intricate woodwork that tourists marvel at. You will be mesmerized by its beautiful architecture and stunning landscape views that give you a feeling of tranquillity and solace. The temple also has government offices and monastic quarters. The best time to visit the dzong is during the popular Jakar Tshechu festival.
10) Gangtey Monastery – Wangdue Phodrang
During the Bhutan tours, tourists must visit Gangtey Monastery before embarking on the Gangtey Nature Trail. This was the main seat of the Pema Linpa tradition of the Nyingmapa School of Buddhism. Even in today’s time, it is the seat of the 9th incarnation of Terton Pema Lingpa. However, the structure of the temple was destroyed due to an earthquake. But it was restored between 2002 and 2008. Well, you will be glad to know that even after the reconstruction, the temple still has its original details, but with the addition of over 100 new pillars. Tourists visit this 17th-century monastery to watch its intricate architecture and breathtaking views, as this overlooks the spectacular valley of Phobjikha.
Bhutan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, known for its religious shrines and monasteries. Bhutan’s temples are not just architectural wonders but also the heritage of Bhutanese culture and history. These temples and monasteries acquaint you with the Bhutanese culture and tradition. You connect with the divine and Bhutan’s spiritual heart. Such religious sites evoke a sense of peace and reverence. Whether you are on your Bhutan tour with family, partner, or a friend group, visiting these cliffside monasteries and temples in Bhutan will make your trip more adventurous.
Ready to Plan Your Bhutan Trip?
The natural beauty of Bhutan, its cultural heritage, and spiritual depth are something that everyone must experience once in a lifetime. If you are planning a trip to Bhutan for a Buddhist Dharma Tour, then booking a popular Bhutan tour package will be the best option for you. Being one of the renowned Bhutan tour operators, we help you make the most of your trip by offering a customized Bhutan temple tour package to let you experience the Buddhist cultural heritage.