If you're going to Bhutan, you have to visit Phajoding Monastery. It's this amazing ancient temple that's been sitting up in the hills above Thimphu since the 1100s. For real, the views are stunning!
The hike up there? Tough but worth it. You'll sweat for about 3-4 hours climbing through these gorgeous pine forests, but trust me - when you see Thimphu spread out below you like a tiny model village, you'll forget your aching legs.
While ticking off places to visit in Bhutan, don't just hit the usual Tiger's Nest. Phajoding has way fewer tourists and feels way more authentic. Unlike some other things to do in Bhutan, here you'll meet monks going about their daily lives in this remote mountain hideaway.
Grab one of our Bhutan Tour Packages and ensure it includes this hidden gem. Your Instagram will thank you, and your soul, more importantly.
History of Phajoding Monastery
The history of Phajoding Monastery began as a religious establishment in the 13th century. Phajo Drugom Zhigpo established the monastery during the 13th century as he brought the Drukpa Kagyu school of Buddhism to Bhutan. Through the centuries, the religious center at this monastery has continued to draw monastic inhabitants who focus on meditation and spiritual study. In 2010, Phajoding Monastery earned recognition as one of the world's most threatened cultural sites because it faced neglectful periods. Efforts for restoration preserve this holy space.
The Bhutanese beliefs and spiritual practices continue to carry Phajo Drugom Zhigpo's essential teachings because he was a revered figure in Bhutanese Buddhism. He selected this remote spot because he found it perfect for meditation, based on his belief that the calm setting would lead to spiritual development. The monastery grew throughout time through the development of more buildings and new meditation centers as monk populations increased. The monastery currently stands as one of Bhutan's highest religious centers while providing visitors with an authentic Buddhist experience.
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Things to See at the Phajoding Monastery
Once you reach the monastery, there are many things to see at the Phajoding Monastery that make the trek worthwhile:
1. The Main Temple: There are several beautiful temples in the monastery since they house complex murals and religious relics. Monks conduct daily prayers at the main temple since it is their central meeting place. Guests find Buddhist deity paintings when they enter since the area evokes religious sentiments.
2. Meditation Cottages: Small cottages within the monastery enable monks to carry out spiritual meditation through living in solitude for long periods at the Meditation Cottages. The simple structure of these cottages does not matter since they provide the basic spiritual requirements of the monk fraternity.
3. Stunning Views: The stunning view points of the entire Thimphu valley stretch out from Phajoding Monastery. Sceneries of mountain tops stretching as far as one can see into the horizon give an eye-filling experience. This spot allows unobstructed visibility to faraway locations due to its clear climate that makes it a great spot for photographers and meditators alike.
4. Ancient Chortens and Prayer Flags: The area around the monastery is surrounded by old chortens as well as prayer flags that give it a serene, holy atmosphere. Such Buddhist mantras inscribed on the prayer flags are used to motivate winds which will carry them towards heavenly skies.
5. Library of Buddhist Scriptures: The monastery houses an ancient archive of Buddhist texts as its Library of Buddhist Scriptures. The saved books at this place protect ancient Buddhist knowledge that unveils the deep religious heritage of Bhutan.
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Best Time to Visit Phajoding Monastery
Phajoding Monastery presents its best experience to visitors between March to May and September to November. Visitors can enjoy clear mountain views because spring and autumn bring a gentle climate and bright skies to Phajoding Monastery. Tourists traveling to Phajoding Monastery between December and February will encounter severe winter weather that presents snowy trails, which become challenging to travel. Visitors should avoid visiting Phajoding Monastery from June through August because rainy conditions create dangerous, slippery pathways.
The best time to visit Phajoding Monastery, Bhutan, is in the spring, when the blooming rhododendrons create vibrant displays across the scenic view. The autumn season provides excellent conditions for trekking and photographing through its fresh air combined with beautiful autumnal colors.
How to Reach Phajoding Monastery Bhutan
Phajoding Monastery lies at an altitude of 3,600 meters (11,800 feet) above sea level in the hills rising above Thimphu, Bhutan. Trekkers on the trail through green forests can come to this sacred shrine which offers peaceful refuge on their journey.
Starting Point: Motithang
The primary trailhead for Phajoding Monastery is situated above the Takin Reserve in the Motithang district of Thimphu. To reach this point:
- By Taxi: Most visitors opt for a taxi ride from Thimphu's city center to the trailhead. The journey typically costs between Nu 250 and 300.
- By Car: If you have access to a private vehicle, drive towards the Takin Reserve. The trailhead is located near a small tea shop above the reserve, and the route is well-signposted.
Alternative Route: Sangaygang (BBS Tower)
Another starting point is from Sangaygang, commonly known as the BBS Tower area:
By Taxi or Car: Drive to the BBS Tower, a popular viewpoint overlooking Thimphu. From here, the trail to Phajoding begins. This route is slightly longer but offers a more gradual ascent.
The Hike to Phajoding Monastery
Regardless of the chosen trailhead, the hike to Phajoding Monastery is a rewarding experience:
Duration: The trek typically takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on fitness levels and pace.
Trail Conditions: The path is well-worn but can be steep in sections. Hikers will traverse through dense forests, with opportunities to observe changing vegetation and local wildlife.
Rest Stops: Several resting areas with canopies and wooden benches are available along the trail, providing hikers with spots to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
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Places to Visit Near Phajoding Monastery
If you have time, there are other interesting places to visit near Phajoding Monastery that offer more insights into Bhutan’s culture and history:
1. Tashichho Dzong: Tashichho Dzong stands as an impressive fortress near the hotel since both the King of Bhutan's throne room and office exist within this structure. Religious celebrations during the Tsechu festival take place yearly at the summer residence, where the monastic body uses this architectural masterpiece to host traditional mask dances.
2. National Memorial Chorten: National Memorial Chorten maintains its position in the vicinity of the hotel as it serves as an eminent stupa dedicated to late monarch Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Locals frequent this site for daily prayers and rituals, offering visitors a glimpse into Bhutanese spiritual life.
3. Buddha Dordenma Statue: Guests at the hotel can reach the Buddha Dordenma statue by car since this Buddha statue ranks as the planet's largest Buddha statue with its impressive 169-foot height. Tourists may view Thimphu Valley from the vantage point of the enormous bronze Buddha, which resides on the hilltop of Kuenselphodrang Nature Park.
4. Folk Heritage Museum: Guests traveling to Folk Heritage Museum outside center Thimphu will discover traditional Bhutanese rural living. The museum inside a nineteenth-century traditional building shows visitors historical artifacts from Bhutan alongside tools for everyday use and household objects.
5. Royal Botanical Park, Lamperi: The Royal Botanical Park exists at Lamperi, about 30 kilometers from Thimphu, making it Bhutan's first botanical destination. A biological linkage of 47 square kilometers connects two national parks through this essential territory. The park nurtures 46 rhododendron types and 115 fern varieties in addition to housing musk deer and red panda among its wildlife population. The site serves as a favorite destination for nature lovers who can enjoy hiking between many trekking trails and the Rhododendron Walk and Dochula Nature Trail.
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Places to Stay in Phajoding Monastery
While there aren’t many options for places to stay in Phajoding Monastery, some monks allow visitors to stay for spiritual retreats. These accommodations are extremely basic, offering simple bedding and vegetarian meals. Most travelers choose to stay in Thimphu, where hotels range from budget-friendly to luxury. Some options include:
1. Pema by Realm: The luxurious boutique hotel Pema by Realm positions itself in Thimphu with sophisticated accommodations along with contemporary amenities and traditional Bhutanese guest care. Guests can enjoy a peaceful experience at the hotel because it combines its restaurant with wellness facilities while providing spectacular city views.
2. Khang Residency: The premium hotel Khang Residency distinguishes itself through its vast rooms, which are both nicely appointed and its premium service to customers. The hotel creates a welcoming environment with contemporary features as well as its Bhutanese and international cuisine restaurant, which serves guests staying in Thimphu for longer periods.
3. Thimphu Towers: Thimphu Towers integrates traditional Bhutanese architectural elements into its contemporary luxurious buildings, which stand at Clock Tower Square in Thimphu. The hotel provides comfortable accommodations in addition to restaurant dining and rooftop vista points from its rooftop location while staying close to market areas and eateries plus cultural landmarks.
4. Druk Hotel Thimphu: The luxury hotel Druk Hotel Thimphu provides elegant interior design along with comfortable facilities and superior hospitality services. Positioned in the center of the city it offers an eating establishment that serves various international foods in addition to spa treatments and office facilities which satisfy travelers visiting for both work and pleasure.
Conclusion
Phajoding Monastery delivers more than visual exploration because it provides its visitors with sacred peace alongside spiritual contemplation and picturesque views. Visitors will discover special value through any interest they choose, from hiking to history or scenic views at this monastery. Phajoding Monastery in Thimphu, Bhutan, stands alone as the most serene sanctuary among all sacred sites of Bhutan. People seeking a world-free zone where they can discover peace will find their ideal destination at this location.
