Monasteries of Bhutan

Between China and India, among the luxury of the Himalayan mountains, is a small monarchical state - the Kingdom of Bhutan . However, for adherents of Buddhism this information is unlikely to be something new, and it's not surprising. It is here that a considerable number of temples are located, which follow the teachings of the Buddha. In this article you can get acquainted with the main monasteries of Bhutan, which preach the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism.

The most famous monasteries of Bhutan

1. Perhaps the most popular Buddhist temple among tourists is the Taksang-lakhang , also known as the Tigress's Nest. It's not without reason that this monastery has such a name, because it is located on a steep cliff that hangs over the Paro Valley. Like the vast majority of temples, Taktsang-lakhang has its own history and legend. Visit it is still at least because of the wonderful nature in the surroundings and amazing species that open from the top of the cliff.
2. In the Paro Valley, one of the regions of Bhutan, there are several interesting monasteries. For example, on the outskirts of the city of the same name, you can visit Dunze-lakhang - a Buddhist temple, which differs in its architecture and looks like a devil. In addition, here you can see a unique collection of Buddhist icons.
3. The monastery of Kychi-lakhang is also located in the vicinity of Paro and is one of the oldest temples of the Tibetan tradition. It was he, according to legend, who chained the sole of a huge demoness to the ground.
4. Rinpung-dzong , which combined the functions of the monastery and the fortress, is also interesting for visiting, and from 11 to 15 of the second month in the Tibetan calendar, a grandiose Paro-Tsechu festival is held here.
5. In Bumtang , one of the regions of Bhutan, which crosses the river of the same name, there are also many monasteries. Quite popular is the Jambay-lakhang , famous for its festival.
6. On the outskirts of the city ​​of Jakar, you can visit the temple-fortress of Jakar Dzong , but only the courtyard is open to tourists. Considering that the monastery is on the crest of a mountain that hangs over the city, there will still be a lot of impressions from such a trip, even from the surrounding nature and spectacular panoramas of the surroundings.
7. Not far from the capital of Bhutan Thimphu also has temples, which will be interesting to visit the tourist. For example, the Tashicho-dzong monastery has been the seat of the government's meeting since 1952, and it carries some elements of the fortress. In its central tower, the National Library of Bhutan was previously located.
8. Five kilometers to the south of the capital is the Buddhist university - the Simtokha-dzong temple, which is also on the "must-see" list in Bhutan.
9. In addition, in the vicinity of Thimphu you can visit the Tango Monastery , which is dedicated to the Indian deity with a horse head - Hayagriva.
10. A little more than a dozen kilometers will pass to visit Changri Gompa - the Buddhist temple, especially revered among the hermits.

In fact, there are more monasteries in Bhutan than listed in the article. However, some are closed to tourists, and some are completely abandoned or destroyed. However, while on the way to a regular Bhutan shrine, it is best to drop all unnecessary thoughts and simply enjoy the diversity and charm of nature, which is so rich in this country.