9 Must-Visit Temples in Bhutan

Located in the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is a small, landlocked country that has recently gained huge popularity among tourists. Sharing its borders with India (the west and south sides) and China (the north and northwest sides), this country is famous for its natural beauty. With clear blue skies and lush green surroundings, Bhutan attracts a large number of nature lovers from all over the world. From deep valleys to towering mountain peaks, and glacial rivers to dense forests, it has several different geographical elements, further contributing to its diversity.

However, this doesn’t mean that this country is all about nature. From indulging in adventurous sports to devouring lip-smacking food, and shopping at street markets to attending local festivals; there are several other exciting things to do in Bhutan. Known for its unique and rich culture, Bhutan is home to a number of exquisite temples as well. Featuring intricate carvings, vibrant murals, and ceremonial relics, these temples are a great example of Bhutanese architectural style. Some of these temples are believed to be more than 100 years old and have several fascinating stories associated with them.

Whether you’re someone who admires nature, has a keen interest in history and culture, or wants to feel an adrenaline rush, Bhutan is the perfect place for you. This country has something for everyone, regardless of their age or interest.

Famous Temples in Bhutan

With their stunning locations and serene atmosphere, Bhutanese temples are definitely among the must-visit attractions in the country. However, if you’re planning a short-duration trip, it can be difficult to cover all of them as there are numerous options. So, before you start exploring options for Bhutan tour packages, it is best to have a list of must-visit temples. For your convenience, here is a list of some of the most famous temples in Bhutan that you should definitely cover on your trip:

• Kyichu Lhakhang
• Jambay Lhakhang
• Taktsang Temple
• Tango Monastery
• Chimi Lhakhang
• Tamshing Lhakhang
• Gangtey Monastery
• Punakha Dzong
• Tashichho Dzong

Kyichu Lhakhang

Located on the northern side of Paro town, this is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. It was built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songsten Gempo. There is a popular legend that this is one of the 108 Buddhist temples that were constructed by the king to subdue a demon. Over all these years, this place has gained huge popularity among tourists as well. The main highlight of Kyichu Lhakhang is its fascinating relics, including a 7th-century statue of Jowo Jamba. If you want to know more about the Buddhist culture, this Buddha temple in Bhutan is one of the best places to visit.

Jambay Lhakhang

Jambay Lhakhang is also one of the 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songsten Gempo. It is believed that a demon was trying to stop the spreading of Buddhism in the area. So, in 659 AD, the king was advised by someone to get 108 Buddhist temples built across Tibet, Bhutan, and other neighbouring areas. All these places were believed to be his body parts, so by building monasteries, it was possible to overpower the demon. Other than its historical significance, this temple in Bhutan is also famous for its stunning architecture. So, if you have limited time and want to visit important places, this temple is something you shouldn’t miss.

Taktsang Temple

This is another addition to the list of must-visit Buddha temples in Bhutan. Perched on the top of a cliff in the Himalayan mountains of Bhutan, this temple is one of thirteen Tiger's Nest caves. This is a place where Padmasambhava practiced and taught Vajrayana. In 1692, a monastery complex was built around this cave, and now it is visited by a large number of people on a daily basis. Currently, it is among the highly revered temples for Buddhism and attracts devotees from across the world. There is a common belief that a trip to Bhutan will always remain incomplete without visiting this temple.

Tango Monastery

Located near the Cheri mountain, this Buddhist temple in Bhutan is located inside a cave. It is surrounded by six other temples, and together, they make the shrine. Founded in the 13^th century, this monastery is known for its spiritual significance. Currently, it serves as a prominent centre for higher studies in Buddhism. If you’re planning to visit a place that not only has a serene atmosphere but also has great cultural and spiritual significance, you shouldn’t miss this temple in Bhutan.

Chimi Lhakhang

Chimi Lhakhang, commonly referred to as the Fertility Temple, is a key attraction in Bhutan. Dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, this is one of the highly revered temples, famous for its association with fertility. Drukpa Kunley was a Tibetan Buddhist saint who is believed to have blessed couples and grant their wishes for children. A large number of visitors come here to seek his blessings and receive phallic-shaped talismans as symbols of fertility.

Tamshing Lhakhang

Located at an approximate distance of 5 kilometres from Jakar town in Bumthang, this is another popular Buddhist temple in Bhutan. Built in honour of the great tertön Pema Lingpa, this monastery dates back to the 15th century. Surrounded by several other sites that project early Buddhism in the region, this is among the most famous sacred sites in Bhutan. If you want to know more about the Buddhist culture in Bhutan, this is a place you shouldn’t miss.

Gangtey Monastery

Located along a hill ridge, Gangtey Monastery is a famous Buddhist temple in Bhutan. Overlooking the vast and beautiful Phobjikha Valley, this monastery was built in the 17th century. After all these years, it is still considered the largest Nyingma monastery in Bhutan. It houses a main temple in the centre, which is surrounded by the residential quarters built for the monks. Although this place is visited by tourists throughout the year, the winter season experiences the highest visitor flux. The reason behind this is the black-necked crane festival, which is hosted every year when cranes arrive in Phobjikha Valley. It is believed that these cranes circle the monastery three times when they arrive and then leave this valley.

Punakha Dzong

The Punakha Dzong is one of the most famous and oldest temples in Bhutan. This temple is approximately 600 years old and has faced several natural disasters like floods and several fire incidents. However, the idols kept in the temple have never been subjected to any damage and are still in good condition. Although the entire complex is huge, only the temple floor is open to tourists. In addition to this, the Mochu River, which flows beside this temple, contributes to its charm and attracts a large number of tourists.

Tashichho Dzong

Located on the western bank of the Wang Chhu River, the Tashichho Dzong is a magnificent Buddhist temple in Bhutan. Known for its stunning location, this monastery has been built within a fortress on the northern side of the city of Thimpu. This temple has a unique ritual in which the Bhutanese king ascends the throne alongside the priests. Like several other Buddhist temples, it is also open for visitors during certain times of the day only. If you’re planning to visit this monastery, it is best to check the timings well in advance.

With the help of this comprehensive list of famous sacred sites in Bhutan, you can make sure no important temple gets missed on your trip. For a hassle-free vacation, you can choose Veena World as your travel partner and book an all-inclusive tour package. Here, you can find an extensive collection of Bhutan tour packages from Mumbai, Delhi, and several other major Indian cities.