The Kingdom of Happiness
Bhutan — the tiny Himalayan kingdom nestled between China and India with monasteries in bhutan — is unlike anywhere else on Earth. Known as the Last Shangri-La and the Land of the Thunder Dragon, this carbon-negative kingdom measures its success not in GDP, but in Gross National Happiness.
At the very soul of Bhutan’s happiness lie its monasteries. Perched on impossible cliffsides, hidden in glacial valleys, guarding thundering river confluences — these sacred spaces are not mere tourist attractions. They are living, breathing centres of Buddhist philosophy that have shaped every dimension of Bhutanese culture, architecture, law, and daily life for over 1,300 years.
Whether you are a first-time traveller to Bhutan, a devoted Buddhist pilgrim, a trekking enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a profound encounter with living history — this guide by Kingdom of Happiness Tours will take you deep into the heart of Bhutan’s ten most extraordinary monasteries.
2–3 hrs
Mar–May
Paro Taktsang — Tiger's Nest Monastery
No monastery on Earth commands a more dramatic stage. Paro Taktsang — universally known as the Tiger’s Nest — clings to a sheer granite cliff 900 metres above the floor of the Paro Valley, as if placed there by a god rather than built by human hands. It is, without question, the single most iconic image of Bhutan and the spiritual crown jewel of the entire kingdom.
The Sacred Legend
The monastery takes its name from one of Buddhism’s most enduring legends. In the 8th century, Guru Padmasambhava — the father of Tibetan Buddhism — is said to have flown to this cliff on the back of a tigress (a transformation of his consort Yeshe Tsogyal) to subdue a demon that was terrorising the Paro Valley. He then meditated in a cave here for three years, three months, three weeks, and three days. The original monastery was built around this holy cave in 1692, and Taktsang has been a site of pilgrimage ever since.
The Trek Experience
The two-to-three hour uphill hike to Tiger’s Nest is itself one of the great walks of Asia. The trail begins gently through pine and rhododendron forests draped in prayer flags, passing mani stones carved with sacred mantras. About halfway up, a tea house offers panoramic views of the monastery — this is the most photographed viewpoint in Bhutan. The final stretch involves a steep descent into a gorge and then a climb up stone staircases that cling to the cliff face itself. The moment you cross the threshold, you understand why pilgrims have made this journey for centuries.
What to Expect Inside
Taktsang consists of four main temples, several monks’ quarters, and the sacred cave of Guru Rinpoche, all interconnected by staircases carved into the rock. The inner sanctums are richly adorned with centuries-old thangka paintings, bronze statues of Guru Rinpoche and other Buddhist deities, and glittering butter lamps. Monks chant here throughout the day. The atmosphere is simultaneously overwhelming and deeply peaceful.
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Punakha Dzong — Palace of Great Happiness
If Tiger’s Nest is Bhutan’s most dramatic monastery, then Punakha Dzong is its most beautiful. Officially named Pungthang Dechen Phodrang — the Palace of Great Happiness — this magnificent fortress-monastery rises from the very confluence of the Pho Chhu (Father River) and Mo Chhu (Mother River), surrounded by fertile rice fields and framed by Himalayan peaks. It was built in 1637–38 by the great Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Tibetan lama who unified Bhutan as a nation.
History & Significance
Punakha Dzong served as Bhutan’s capital and seat of government until 1955. It remains the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan) and the Central Monastic Body, who migrate here from Thimphu each winter. The dzong houses the sacred relic known as the Rangjung Kharsapani — a self-created image of Avalokiteshvara — which is considered one of Bhutan’s greatest treasures. It was also here that the first king of Bhutan, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned in 1907, and where the beloved fourth and fifth kings held their royal wedding ceremonies.
Architecture
The dzong stretches 180 metres from north to south. Its whitewashed walls, golden roofs, and ornately carved wooden balconies reflect in the turquoise waters of the Mo Chhu river. Inside, vast courtyards connect three main towers housing temples and administrative offices. A 600-year-old Jacaranda tree blooms brilliant purple in March and April, an unforgettable sight. Visitors cross a covered cantilever bridge to reach the dzong, and on the far bank stands a 350-metre suspension footbridge — the second longest in Bhutan — offering extraordinary views of the palace.
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Kyichu Lhakhang — Bhutan's Oldest Temple
Standing quietly in the Paro Valley just 7 kilometres from Paro town, Kyichu Lhakhang is among the oldest and most sacred temples in the entire Himalayan Buddhist world. Built in 659 AD by the great Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo, this temple is one of 108 he constructed overnight across Tibet and the borderlands to pin down a giant demoness (Sin Mo) and ensure the spread of Buddhism. It was constructed on the left foot of the demoness — making it a site of immense cosmic power in the Buddhist tradition.
Ancient Layers of History
Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the 12 primary temples among Songtsen Gampo’s 108 constructions. Its original structure — believed to have been a small chapel — was expanded significantly over the centuries. In 1644 the temple came under the authority of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who unified Bhutan. The 25th Je Khenpo restored it between 1836 and 1838. Then in 1968, Her Majesty Ashi Kesang Choden, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, commissioned a second temple on the grounds — completing a harmonious two-temple complex that stands today.
The Sacred Interior
The original Kyichu Lhakhang houses a golden statue of Guru Padmasambhava seated in a cross-legged lotus position, surrounded by gilded deity statues and ancient thangka paintings. The wooden floors bear grooves worn smooth by countless generations of pilgrims performing prostrations — a profoundly moving testament to the temple’s living sanctity. Outside, an orange tree known as the Wish-Fulfilling Orange Tree is said to fruit perpetually, a miracle attributed to Guru Rinpoche.
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Tashichho Dzong — Fortress of the Glorious Religion
Tashichho Dzong — its name translating as “Fortress of the Glorious Religion” — is the living centre of Bhutan’s spiritual and administrative life. Dominating the northern edge of Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city, this magnificent white-walled fortress is simultaneously a working monastery, the seat of the national government, and the summer residence of the king and the Je Khenpo. It is a living symbol of Bhutan’s unique fusion of religion and state.
The Seat of Government & Faith
Originally built in 1216 by Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa, the dzong was substantially rebuilt in its current form by the 3rd King of Bhutan in 1962. Today it houses the throne room of His Majesty the King, the office of the Prime Minister, the secretariat, and ministries of Home Affairs and Finance. In summer, the Je Khenpo and the Central Monastic Body of approximately 1,000 monks migrate from Punakha to take up residence here. The dzong’s vast southern courtyards host the spectacular Thimphu Tshechu festival each autumn — one of Bhutan’s most celebrated religious events.
Architecture & Design
The dzong is one of the finest examples of traditional Bhutanese architecture: seven-storey whitewashed towers, golden roofs shimmering in mountain light, intricately carved wooden balconies painted in red and gold, and vast open courtyards paved with stone. Because it is an active government building, tourists may only enter after 5pm on weekdays, and at certain times on weekends — creating a magical golden-hour experience as monks stream in for evening prayers. The grounds along the Wang Chhu riverside are a peaceful walking area.
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Gangtey Monastery — Jewel of Phobjikha Valley
Set atop a forested hill overlooking the sweeping glacial basin of Phobjikha Valley, Gangtey Monastery (Gangtey Gonpa) is one of Bhutan’s most significant and scenic religious sites. This large Nyingmapa monastery — one of only a handful of Nyingma (Red Hat) institutions in Bhutan — overlooks a valley that doubles each winter as the wintering ground of the endangered Black-Necked Crane. The combination of spiritual grandeur and rare wildlife makes Gangtey an utterly unique Bhutan experience.
Spiritual Lineage & History
Gangtey Monastery was established in 1613 by Gyalse Pema Thinley, a grandson of the great treasure-revealer Pema Lingpa — one of Bhutan’s most revered saints. The monastery is the seat of the Gangtey Tulku, the reincarnation of Pema Lingpa’s spiritual line. The current incarnation is the 9th Gangtey Trulku Rinpoche. The monastery complex has been substantially expanded and renovated in recent decades and today houses a thriving community of monks and a large monastic school.
The Black-Necked Cranes
Between October and February, approximately 500 Black-Necked Cranes (Grus nigricollis) migrate from the Tibetan plateau to winter in Phobjikha Valley — one of only a handful of wintering sites in the world. The Black-Necked Crane Festival (November) is celebrated in the monastery courtyard with traditional dances, songs, and costumed performances honouring these sacred birds. For birdwatchers, naturalists, and those seeking something truly special, Gangtey in winter is unmissable.
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Current Seat
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Distance from Thimphu
Best Time — Cranes
Crane Festival
Trekking
Kurjey Lhakhang — Temple of the Body Imprint
Deep in the sacred Bumthang Valley — often called the spiritual heartland of Bhutan — Kurjey Lhakhang stands as a three-temple complex of extraordinary importance. Its name derives from ku (body) and jey (imprint), referencing the body imprint of Guru Rinpoche that is said to be preserved in a rock within the oldest temple. This is one of the most sacred sites in all of Bhutan, where Guru Padmasambhava himself meditated and subdued the local demon Shelging Karpo in the 8th century.
Three Temples, Three Centuries
The oldest of the three temples was built over Guru Rinpoche’s meditation cave in 1652. The second, more elaborate temple was constructed by the revered Terton Ugyen Guru Rinpoche in 1900. The third and grandest — a large three-storey building housing a magnificent statue of Guru Rinpoche — was built in 1990 by Her Majesty Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother. Together the three temples span nearly three and a half centuries of Bhutanese Buddhist devotion and create one of the most richly layered religious complexes in the kingdom.
The Sacred Festival
Kurjey Lhakhang hosts one of Bhutan’s most spectacular festivals: the Kurjey Tshechu, held on the 10th day of the 5th lunar month (typically June/July). Attended by the Royal Family, this festival features spectacular cham mask dances performed by monks, the unfurling of a large thongdrel (religious tapestry), and thousands of Bhutanese pilgrims dressed in traditional finery. The sight of the Royal Family attending is unforgettable. If you can time your visit to Bumthang for this festival, do not miss it.
Visitor Information
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Oldest Temple
Distance from Jakar
Festival
Opening Hours
River
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Jambay Lhakhang — Temple of the Future Buddha
Jambay Lhakhang is one of Bhutan’s oldest and most spiritually charged temples, built in 659 AD by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo as one of his 108 demoness-subduing temples — said to have been built on the left knee of the demoness. Located in the Chokhor Valley of Bumthang, it is dedicated to Jampa, the Maitreya (Future Buddha), and stands as one of the most important pilgrimage sites in central Bhutan.
The Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival
The temple is famed throughout Bhutan for hosting the extraordinary Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival, held on the 15th day of the 9th lunar month (October/November). This multi-day festival features one of the rarest and most sacred ritual performances in Bhutan: the Tercham or Naked Dance — performed only at this festival by torchlight on the final night, when monks wearing minimal clothing perform purification rituals. The Mewang fire blessing, in which attendees pass through a ring of fire to receive purification and fertility blessings, is another unmissable spectacle. This festival is regarded by many travellers as the single most extraordinary Bhutanese festival experience.
Inside the Temple
The temple’s interior houses an ancient statue of Jampa (Maitreya), an image of Guru Rinpoche in his eight manifestations, and numerous gilt statues of varying ages. The walls are adorned with frescoes of great antiquity. The courtyard contains a large stupa and ancient mulberry trees. The spiritual atmosphere here, especially during morning and evening prayer sessions, is among the most serene in all of Bhutan.
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Tango Monastery — The Scholar's Mountain Refuge
Perched on a forested ridge north of Thimphu, Tango Monastery (Tango Goemba) is one of Bhutan’s premier centres of Buddhist learning — and a wonderfully rewarding half-day trek from the capital. The monastery is the seat of the Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye, an important figure in Bhutanese religious history who is said to have built the first structure here in the 12th century. The current complex was substantially rebuilt by the 4th Druk Desi (Regent) in the 17th century.
A Living University
Tango Monastery houses a prominent shedra (Buddhist college) where monks pursue rigorous study of Buddhist philosophy, scripture, ritual, and medicine for up to nine years. It is one of the most academically respected monastic institutions in Bhutan. The monastery is home to approximately 200 monks and novices. The library contains rare and ancient manuscripts of great scholarly importance. Because it remains such an active place of learning and worship, a visit here offers a rare glimpse into the authentic daily life of Bhutan’s monastic community — rather than a tourist-oriented experience.
The Trek
The trail to Tango begins at Cheri Monastery (Monastery 10) and follows a forested path for approximately 45 minutes. The walk passes through ancient blue pine and oak forests, with mountain views opening at intervals. Tango and Cheri are typically combined into a single half-day excursion from Thimphu — a beautiful and contemplative experience close to the capital.
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Cheri Monastery — Bhutan's First Monastery
Cheri Monastery holds a singular place in Bhutanese history: it was the first monastery ever established in Bhutan. Founded in 1620 by the great unifier Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal — the Tibetan lama who fled Tibet and unified Bhutan as a sovereign Buddhist kingdom — Cheri represents the very beginning of Bhutanese monastic tradition as we know it today. The monastery houses the silver chorten containing the ashes of Zhabdrung’s own father.
A Place of Meditation & Solitude
Cheri has long been a premier destination for meditation retreats and solitary practice. Zhabdrung himself spent time in retreat here after founding it. Today, the monastery and its surrounding forest hermitages continue to host monks and lay practitioners on extended meditation retreats — some lasting for years at a time. The atmosphere is profoundly peaceful and introspective. For visitors interested in Buddhist contemplative practice and seeking a more meditative experience rather than a sightseeing stop, Cheri is one of Bhutan’s most moving destinations.
The Riverside Walk
The trail begins at a traditional wooden cantilever bridge over the Wang Chhu river, approximately 14 km north of Thimphu. The walk through mixed forest climbs steadily for about an hour, with views of terraced fields, forested ridges, and the river gorge below. The effort is modest but the reward — in terms of solitude, natural beauty, and authentic monastic atmosphere — is considerable. Combined with Tango Monastery (a 45-minute further walk), this makes one of Thimphu’s finest half-day excursions.
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Photography
Chimi Lhakhang — The Divine Madman's Fertility Temple
One of Bhutan’s most beloved and distinctive temples, Chimi Lhakhang sits on a perfectly round hillock in the Lobesa Valley of Punakha, accessible via a 20-minute stroll through golden mustard fields and emerald paddy terraces. Built in 1499 and dedicated to the irreverent saint Drukpa Kunley — known throughout Bhutan as the “Divine Madman” — this temple draws both devoted Buddhist pilgrims and curious travellers to its unusual, joyful spirit.
The Legend of the Divine Madman
Drukpa Kunley (1455–1529) was a Buddhist master of the highest order who chose to spread dharma through humour, provocation, song, and what some might call scandalous behaviour. He is famous for subduing demons with what he called his “Flaming Thunderbolt of Wisdom” — a euphemism Bhutanese take with great good humour. After subduing a demoness near Dochula and trapping her under a rock close to this site, he blessed the hillock. The site was consecrated and the temple later built in his honour. To this day, phallus imagery is painted on the walls of houses across Bhutan as a protective and fertility symbol — a tradition Drukpa Kunley championed.
Pilgrimage for Fertility
Chimi Lhakhang is Bhutan’s most famous fertility temple. Childless couples from across Bhutan and from neighbouring countries travel here to seek the blessing of the lama monk. The blessing ceremony involves the monk tapping the supplicant on the head with a wooden phallus — the original carved wooden symbol brought by Drukpa Kunley from Tibet — and a wooden bow. Many couples report successful pregnancies after their pilgrimage, and it is tradition to return with the newborn child to be named by the lama. The monastery also houses Drukpa Kunley’s original bow and the ceremonial hat of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Visitor Information
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Distance
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Essential Tips for Visiting Monasteries in Bhutan
Remove Shoes
Always remove your shoes before entering any temple or monastery. Many sites provide a rack or shelf near the entrance. Wear slip-on footwear for ease, especially when visiting multiple sites in one day.
Dress Modestly
Cover your shoulders and knees. Bhutanese dress conservatively, and this is a mark of respect. Many sites will not admit tourists who are inappropriately dressed. A light scarf or wrap is a useful packing essential.
Walk Clockwise
Always circumambulate stupas, prayer wheels, and religious buildings in a clockwise direction. This is a fundamental principle of Buddhist pilgrimage practice observed throughout the Himalayan world.
Photography Etiquette
Photography is not permitted inside most temples in Bhutan. Always ask permission before photographing monks or people at prayer. Exterior photography is generally fine. Never use flash near ancient thangka paintings or statues.
Maintain Silence
Speak quietly inside monasteries. If monks are chanting or praying, observe silently and do not interrupt. Switch phones to silent. These are active places of worship — behave as you would in your own most sacred space.
Make an Offering
Lighting a butter lamp (Nu. 20–100) is a beautiful way to participate in monastery life and directly support the monks. Simply approach the butter lamp altar, hand your donation to the monk in attendance, and light a lamp with intention.
Trek Preparation
For Tiger's Nest and other high-altitude treks, start early to avoid midday heat. Carry water, snacks, and a light jacket. The altitude can affect unacclimatised visitors — spend your first day in Thimphu or Paro to adjust before major treks.
Carry Cash
Many monastery entry fees must be paid in Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN). ATMs exist in Thimphu and Paro but can be unreliable. Carry adequate cash throughout your trip. Indian Rupees are widely accepted but USD/other currencies are not.
Planning Your Bhutan Monastery Tour
| Season | Months | Highlights | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | March – May | Rhododendrons blooming, Paro Tshechu (April), clear skies, Jacaranda at Punakha Dzong, ideal trekking conditions | ⭐ Best Overall |
| Autumn | September – November | Crystal-clear mountain views, Thimphu Tshechu (Sep/Oct), Jambay Lhakhang Drup (Oct/Nov), Black-Necked Cranes arrive in Oct | ⭐ Best for Festivals |
| Winter | December – February | Low tourist numbers, Black-Necked Cranes in Gangtey, Punakha Tshechu (Feb), cold but sunny days in valleys | Good for Budget |
| Monsoon | June – August | Lush green landscapes, Kurjey Tshechu (Jun/Jul), fewer tourists, some trails slippery — generally not recommended | Off-Season |
Travel Essentials for Bhutan 2025–2026
🛂 Visa & Entry
- All international visitors (except Indian, Bangladeshi & Maldivian nationals) require a Bhutan visa — processed by a licensed Bhutanese tour operator
- Visa fee: USD $40 per person per trip (non-refundable)
- Indian nationals do not need a visa — entry permit obtained at border/airport
- Visa is processed within 5–7 business days after full payment
- You receive an e-Visa clearance letter required to board flights
💵 Sustainable Development Fee
- International visitors: USD $100 per person per night (confirmed rate through August 2027)
- Indian nationals: Nu. 1,200 (~$15) per person per night
- Children 5 and under: exempt from SDF
- Children aged 6–12: 50% discount on SDF
- SDF is paid in advance as part of visa/permit processing
- Note: 5% GST now applies to tour package components from 2026
🏨 What's Included in Your Tour
- Licensed English-speaking guide (mandatory for most sites)
- Private vehicle and experienced driver
- All accommodation (3-star government-approved hotels)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- All monastery and dzong entry fees
- All internal permits
- Airport transfers
✈️ How to Get to Bhutan
- Only Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines fly into Paro International Airport (PBH)
- Gateway hubs: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangkok, Singapore, Kathmandu, Dhaka
- Land entry available via Phuentsholing (West Bengal border) for Indian nationals
- Paro is famous for one of the world’s most dramatic airport approaches through mountain valleys
Frequently Asked Questions
Which monastery in Bhutan should I visit if I only see one?
Paro Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest. It is a four to five hour round-trip hike clinging to a cliff 900 metres above the Paro valley, and it is the image most people carry away from Bhutan.
Can tourists go inside Bhutanese monasteries?
Yes, into most courtyards and many shrine rooms, accompanied by your licensed guide. Some inner sanctums remain closed to visitors, and your guide will tell you before you reach the door.
What should I wear when visiting a monastery?
Long trousers or a long skirt, sleeves covering the shoulders, and shoes you can slip off easily. Remove hats inside. Your guide will be in traditional gho or kira, which is required for Bhutanese.
Can I take photographs inside?
Outside and in courtyards, yes. Inside shrine rooms, almost never. It is a religious restriction rather than a commercial one, and it is taken seriously.
Which is the oldest monastery in Bhutan?
Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro and Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang both date to the seventh century, traditionally attributed to the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Kurjey Lhakhang in Bumthang marks where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the eighth century.
How many monasteries can I fit into one trip?
A week comfortably covers six to eight of the major sites across Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. Trying to see more than two or three a day turns a pilgrimage into a checklist.
Still deciding? Email hello@kingdomofhappinesstours.com or call +975 16108730. We reply within 48 hours with a full itinerary and a line-item price.