Discover Tranquility at Phajoding Monastery
Experience the serene beauty and spiritual richness of Phajoding Monastery, a hidden gem in the heart of Bhutan's Himalayas.
A brief summary to Phajoding Monastery ཕ་ཇོ་ལྡིང་།
- FHQF+MRM, Phajoding-Pumola Trail, Phajoding, BT
- Monday 9 am-3 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-3 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-3 pm
- Thursday 9 am-3 pm
- Friday 9 am-3 pm
- Saturday 9 am-3 pm
- Sunday 9 am-3 pm
Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, Phajoding Monastery is a hidden gem for those seeking spiritual solace and breathtaking views. This Buddhist monastery, located near Thimphu, Bhutan, serves as a tranquil retreat where visitors can immerse themselves in the serene ambiance that radiates from the ancient structures and the surrounding natural beauty. The journey to the monastery is as rewarding as the destination itself, with a picturesque trail offering captivating vistas of the valley below. As you ascend, the crisp mountain air fills your lungs, invigorating your spirit. Upon reaching Phajoding, you'll be greeted by the sight of traditional Bhutanese architecture, including colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind and ornate stupas that pay homage to Buddhist traditions. The monastery is not only a place of worship but also a center of learning, where monks engage in meditation and teachings that reflect the rich spiritual heritage of Bhutan. Visitors are encouraged to explore the peaceful grounds, which invite contemplation and reflection. Be sure to visit the main temple, adorned with intricate murals and statues that depict the life of the Buddha. For those who wish to deepen their understanding of Buddhism, Phajoding offers opportunities to interact with resident monks, who are often willing to share insights into their daily practices and philosophies. The atmosphere here is imbued with a sense of calm that resonates with those who take the time to appreciate their surroundings. Whether you are a spiritual seeker, an avid hiker, or simply someone looking to experience the serene beauty of Bhutan, Phajoding Monastery promises a memorable and enriching visit.
Local tips
- Dress modestly and respectfully when visiting the monastery, as it is a place of worship.
- Bring water and snacks for the hike, as facilities are limited at the monastery.
- Take your time on the trail and enjoy the stunning views; photography is encouraged!
- Consider visiting during early morning hours for a quieter experience and to witness sunrise over the mountains.
- Engage with monks if possible; they often enjoy sharing their knowledge with visitors.
Getting There
-
Car
If you're traveling by car from Tashiyangtse, start your journey by heading southwest on the main road towards the town of Tashigang. After approximately 5 kilometers, look for the sign for Phajoding Monastery. Turn onto Phajoding-Pumola Trail, which is a dirt road. Continue along this road for about 10 kilometers, where you'll arrive at the monastery's parking area. Please note that vehicle access may be limited due to road conditions, so ensure your car is suitable for unpaved roads.
-
Public Transportation
To reach Phajoding Monastery using public transportation, first, take a local bus from the main bus terminal in Tashiyangtse towards Tashigang. The bus ride will take about 30 minutes and costs around 50 Ngultrum. Once you arrive at Tashigang, you will need to hire a taxi to take you to Phajoding-Pumola Trail. The taxi ride will cost approximately 300-500 Ngultrum depending on your negotiation skills. The taxi will drop you off at the trailhead, from which you will need to hike approximately 1 hour to reach the monastery.
-
Hiking
For those who enjoy hiking and are physically fit, consider walking the trail from the nearest road access point, which is about 5 kilometers from Tashiyangtse. The hike takes about 2-3 hours depending on your pace and is a beautiful route through the Bhutanese landscape. Make sure to wear appropriate hiking shoes and carry enough water and snacks for the journey.
Attractions Nearby to Phajoding Monastery ཕ་ཇོ་ལྡིང་།
-
Pumola hiking trails
-
Royal Takin Preserve
-
The Ancient Trail
-
Sangaygang – Phajoding Trail
-
Sangaygang View Point
-
Thangthong Dewachen Dupthop Nunnery
-
Changangkha Lhakhang ལྕང་སྒང་ཁ་ལྷ་ཁང་།
-
Tashichho Dzong Viewpoint
-
Buddha point hiking trail
-
Folk Heritage Museum Kawajangsa
-
National Library & Archives of Bhutan
-
Buddha Point Nature Trail
-
Bhutan Nature Kind Tours
-
Thimphu Ecological Park
-
Dechen Phodrang Monastery བདེ་ཆེན་ཕོ་བྲང་།
