Canvassed with the untouched Himalayan charm and lush vegetation, the Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan is the land of some of the most marvelous monasteries in the world. Be on a peaceful journey towards spiritual evolvement in Bhutan. Vajrayana Buddhism, referred to as Tibetan Buddhism, is the main religion in the country (state religion), followed by about 80% of the population.
This exploration will build your connection with the nature and divine. So, pack your bags, and begin your spiritual expedition with budget Bhutan tour packages from India. The spectacular ancient, Dzong-style monasteries and Lhakhangs, Goempa will mesmerize your senses, featuring the finesses of traditional Bhutanese architecture.
Let’s dive into the incredible journey of spiritual discovery through the most iconic monasteries in Bhutan.
1. Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang)
Paro Taktsang is a major sacred site in Bhutan located in the Valley town of Paro, in the west of Bhutan Thimphu. It’s one of the most important sacred Vajrayana Himalayan Buddhist sites settled on the cliffside of the upper Paro Valley, an absolutely thrilling location in the country.
A hike (5-6 hours hike) to Paro Taktsang is the only way to reach this Buddhist monastery, where Padmasambhava practiced and educated Vajrayana in historical Tibet. It is said that Guru Rinpoche was carried there from Tibet on the back of a tigress, therefore, thereby, called the Tiger’s Nest (one of the thirteen Tiger’s Nests worldwide).
2. Zuri Dzong
Embark on a leisurely hike through the lush pine trees and cypress trees dotted with scenic views of Paro Valley to reach the iconic Zuri Dzong Fort. This Buddhist Monastery is in Paro Valley, offering an excellent hiking experience that starts from 2km from the Ta Dzong, bounded by nature wilderness. Cover these exclusive monasteries with the best Bhutan tour packages.
This Dzong-style monastery is one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan constructed in the 14th century as a fortress dating back to 1352. The fortress, a five-storied main building, is guarded by double walls and a bridge, and the hike to Zuri Dzong takes around a thirty-minute hike via Tachong Lhakhang to Zuri Dzong Fortress. It’s a five-storied main building.
3. Drukgyal Dzong
Drukgyal Dzong was a Buddhist monastery and fortress settled picturesquely in the Upper Paro Valley in Phondey Village, now it remains in the form of ruins. The ancient ruin of Drukgyel is regarded as the most spectacular archaeological sites in Bhutan.
Possibly built by Tenzin Drukdra in 1649 to commemorate or mark the victory over the external forces of Tibet, the name Drukgyal Dzong stands for Fortress of the Victorious Drukpa. The site is about 30 min from Paro Valley. Choose from the best Bhuta packages from India with customization available.
4. Rinpung Dzong
This exclusive Buddhist monastery has been a significant part of protecting Paro from the invasion of Tibet. Built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Rinpung Dzong, also referred to as Paro Dzong, is a huge dzong-style monastery in Paro Valley.
It belongs to the Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu School in Paro District, Rinpung Dzong is listed as a tentative site in Bhutan’s Tentative List for UNESCO inclusion. The location is imprinted with scenic greenery and blue mountainous background. Via bridge, it’s about 8 min from Paro Valley.
5. Punakha Dzong
Scenically situated at the confluence of the famous Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, Punakha Dzong is a beautiful monastery cum fortress and administrative center. It was built in the 17th century, Punakha Dzong is an architectural marvel that features sacred relics of the southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism.
This dzong-style monastery is notedfor its intricate woodwork and stunning murals. During spring, Punakha Dzong appears more picturesque due to lilac-colored jacaranda trees.
6. Cheri Monastery
Chagri Dorjeden Monastery, popularly known as Cheri Monastery is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Bhutan established in 1620 by the founder of the Bhutanese state – Ngawang Namgyal, the first Zhabdrung Rinpoche.
Located on the periphery of the Thimphu Valley, Cheri Monastery has an altitude of 2850 m. As per the historical evidence in the 8th century, the monastery was visited by Guru Padmasambhava, Phajo Drugom Zhigpo along with revered saints. Approach the monastery by trekking, which takes around 3 hours and 45 minutes from Thimphu Valley.
7. Tashichho Dzong
Tashichho Dzong, a monastery and fortress, has been the seat of Bhutan’s government since 1968. It beautifully sits on the northern edge of Thimphu on the western bank of the Wang Chu.
The holy site of Tashichho Dzong is surrounded by well-maintained lawns and gardens with a mountainous backdrop. Built in the year 1216 by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa, the monastery is imprinted with unique Bhutanese architecture featuring traditional and modern charm.
8. Trongsa Dzong
Settled on a spur towering over the gorge of the Mangde River, Trongsa Dzong is the largest dzong fortress in Bhutan’s Trongsa district and a testament to the country's architectural heritage.
Built in the year 1542 by the Drukpa Lama – Nagi Wangchuk son of Ngawang Chhojey, it served as the ancestral seat of the Wangchuck dynasty before they ascended to the throne. The dzong's prayer halls, labyrinthine corridors, and watchtowers offer visitors a glimpse into Bhutan's magnificent history and spiritual legacy.
9. Tango Monastery
Perched beautifully atop a forested hill overlooking Thimphu Valley, Tango Monastery is some 14 km to the north of Thimphu, near Cheri Monastery. It is a revered seat of Buddhist learning and meditation, founded in the 13th century by Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa.
Tango Monastery is noted for its sacred relics, ancientscriptures, and calming surroundings, said to have been visited and blessed by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. Explore the best of religious and spiritual journeys with Bhutan tour packages from India made cost-effective, covering all travel-associated conveniences.
10. Jakar Dzong
Located in the picturesque valley of Bumthang, Jakar Dzong or Castle of the White Birds is an imposing fortress-monastery that dominates the Chamkhar Valley constructed by the Tibetan lama Ngagi Wangchuk in 1549. The dzong-style monastery is sutured amidst lush greenery, offering an exotic view of a mountainous background.
Bhutan's iconic monasteries stand as an attestation to the country's rich culture, heritage, spiritual legacy, and architectural fineness. With a unique blend of history, art, and spirituality, each of the sacred sites enthralls visitors with a profound sense of tranquility and enlightenment.
