1. Paro Taktsang

Bhutan is exceptionally famous for its remarkable monasteries that feature intricate architecture. Most of them are located in peaceful and tranquil areas, where monks can live peacefully and adhere to their religious rituals, undisturbed.

While in the country, don’t forget to swing by Paro Taktsang. It nests above the upper Paro Valley and the monastery not only has serene surroundings, but picturesque natural views, as well. Its majestic golden accents and iconic cave temple are two features that stand out for visitors. Not only that, besides the architecture, there are the scenic views and the trek to reach the monastery – lots of people climb to the peak to try the delicious Bhutanese fare at Paro Taktsang’s cafe.

Paro Taktsang

Address: Taktsang trail BT, Taktsang trail, Bhutan

Website: Paro Taktsang

Opening hours: 8am - 1pm & 2pm - 6pm (daily)

Price: 7 USD

2. Phajoding Monastery

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Situated in the small, lovely town of Phajoding, the Phajoding Monastery used to be one of the most-visited sacred sites in Bhutan. In the past, it was a captivating and well-decorated monastery, but as time went by, the place became neglected. It was built in the 13th century and in 2010, it was officially declared an endangered cultural monument by the World Monument Fund. To reach the monastery, you have to embark on a three-hour hike. Most tourists come to this place for a bit of cardio and the views.

Phajoding Monastery

Address: Phajoding-Pumola Trail, Phajoding, Bhutan

3. Punakha Dzong

Presently, Punakha Dzong serves as the winter house of the head monastery, Dratshang. This sacred site is located in the Punakha District and it is also referred to as Pungthang Dewa Chhenbi Phodrang. The monastery boasts a dramatic landscape. You’ll see a mountainous backdrop and an enchanting river that accentuates the region.

The monastery’s architecture is mostly inspired by the Drukpa period. Inside, there are several highlights to the Punakha Dzong, including the hundred pillar assembly hall, the chapel dedicated to the queen of the naga, and the iconic white stupa.

Punakha Dzong

Address: Punakha district, Bhutan

Website: Punakha Dzong

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat: 11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm (closed on Sun)

Price: 4 USD

4. Tamzhing Monastery

Tamzhing Monastery is located in the heart of Bhutan, in Bhumtang District. It is believed to have a deep connection to Pema Lingpa. Here, resides the Bhutanese tertön, a religious person believed to be the reincarnation of Pema Lingpa. The temple is small in size, compared to most of the other temples on this list. It is only one story and it has less decor and dramatic flair than the others, as well. Its surroundings include rolling plains and quaint neighborhoods. Tamzhing Monastery is an ideal hideaway to escape city life to meditate.

Tamzhing Monastery

Address: Bumthang District, Bhutan

5. Gangteng Monastery

One must-visit monastery in Bhutan that you should definitely not miss is the Gangteng Monastery. This marvelous place of worship belongs to the Nyingma school of Buddhism. It showcases wonderfully colorful temples that reflect traditional Bhutanese architecture and several Avalokitesvara Lhakhang. It also houses a fascinating collection of ancient weapons.

Officially called Gangtey Gonpa or the Gangtey Monastery, it is in the central part of Bhutan. You’ll find it in Wangdue Phodrang District.

Gangteng Monastery

Address: Wangdue Phodrang District, Bhutan

6. Rinpung Dzong

Another remarkable monastery located in the Paro Valley is Rinpung Dzong. In English, Rinpung Dzong means Fortress of Heaped Jewels. It showcases stunning natural views and a tranquil environment, just like Paro Taktsang, but unlike it, Rinpung Dzong is found at a lower elevation. It is characterized by its concrete fortresses in bright colors. In total, Rinpung Dzong has fourteen places of worship, including shrines and temples. To top it all off, the National Museum of Bhutan is also in Rinpung Dzong, as is the administrative government office of the Paro Dzongkhag.

Rinpung Dzong

Address: Paro, Bhutan

Website: Rinpung Dzong

7. Kyichu Lhakhang

The Paro District of Bhutan has the most monasteries and religious sites in the country. Besides Rinpung Dzong and Paro Taktsang, you’ll find Kyichu Lhakhang in this region of Bhutan. Kyichu Lhakhang is the temple of Guru Lakhang. Apart from worship sites, it has marvelous sculptures of the gurus of the past. It is a tradition for pilgrims who visit the monastery to spin the prayer wheels as they roam around the property.

Kyichu Lhakhang

Address: Paro, Bhutan

Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)

Price: Free

8. Tango Monastery

Constructed inside a cave in Ngawang Namgyal, the Tango Monastery got its name from a relic that was found inside the same cave. This sacred place of worship has been here since the 13th century. Not only a site for worship, the Tango Monastery also offers education to the locals. Inside the monastery lies six temples, namely Guru Lhakhang, Choeku Lhakhang, Trulku Lhakhang, Longku Lhakhang, Namsey Lhakhang, and Gonkhang. While at the Tango Monastery, be sure to check out the golden Buddha inside Trulku Lhakhang.

Tango Monastery

Address: Thimphu, Bhutan

9. Dechen Phodrang

Dechen Phodrang literally means the “Palace of Great Bliss”. This Buddhist monastery is situated in Thimpu Bhutan, just like the Tango Monastery. Aside from being a place of worship and a popular tourist attraction, Dechen Phodrang is a school for monastic education. At present, it houses roughly 450 student monks, who take eight years of holistic studies. This monastery is huge in size and has a lot of common spaces, classrooms for students, and sacred temples. Outside, all you’ll see is marvelous views of Thimpu District’s hilly landscape and countryside neighborhoods.

Dechen Phodrang

Address: Thimphu, Bhutan

Price: Free admission

10. Chagri Dorjeden Monastery

If you like physical and outdoor adventures that let you reconnect with nature, you’ll surely be excited about the hour-long trek to the Chagri Dorjeden Monastery in Thimpu. Perched atop the challenging Dodena Hill, Chagri Dorjeden Monastery is a 17th-century place of worship.

Besides a tourist attraction, the monastery’s main purpose is to serve as a meditation site and retreat hub for the descendants of Drukpa. It houses a main monastery building, peaceful and quiet prayer rooms, and a lovely temple that houses Buddhist paintings. As you climb the hill, you’ll pass through lush forest and picturesque views.

Chagri Dorjeden Monastery

Address: Norzin Lam 2 21, Thimphu, Bhutan

Fall in love with Bhutan

Bhutan is a stunning city at the eastern end of the Himalayas. It boasts breathtaking natural landscapes and marvelous landmarks. Ideal for tourists who like nature and for those who long for an escape from polluted city life, Bhutan has a multitude of monasteries that will shelter you during a retreat. If you are planning to visit this majestic country any time soon, use this list as your guide in planning your itinerary.