A Serene Retreat at Dechen Phodrang Monastery
Explore the serene Dechen Phodrang Monastery in Thimphu, a hidden gem of Bhutan's Buddhist heritage offering breathtaking views and peaceful reflection.
Nestled in the hills of Thimphu, Dechen Phodrang Monastery offers a tranquil escape for tourists seeking spiritual enrichment and stunning Himalayan vistas. This Buddhist temple, rich in history and culture, is a must-visit for those exploring Bhutan's sacred heritage.
A brief summary to Dechen Phodrang Monastery བདེ་ཆེན་ཕོ་བྲང་།
- GJ2J+FX9, Thimphu, Samteling, BT
- +97517610167
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy a quieter experience and catch the monks during their morning prayers.
- Dress modestly and respectfully when visiting the monastery, as it is a sacred site.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of Thimphu and the surrounding mountains, but be mindful of where photography is allowed.
- Take time to explore the surrounding gardens and pathways for additional scenic spots.
- Consider participating in a meditation session if offered, to deepen your experience.
Getting There
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Walking
Start your journey at Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, which is the main landmark in the area. From the Dzong, head south towards the main road (the Wangdue-Thimphu highway). Once you reach the highway, turn left and walk along the road for about 1 kilometer until you reach a sign for Dechen Phodrang Monastery. The entrance to the monastery is a short climb up a trail that leads to the monastery itself.
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Walking
If you are near the Wangdue Phodrang market, exit the market area and head towards the nearest main road. From there, walk south for approximately 1.5 kilometers until you see the sign for Dechen Phodrang Monastery on your right. The trail leading up to the monastery is marked and is about a 10-minute walk uphill.
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Walking
From the Wangdue Phodrang bus station, exit and turn left onto the main road. Walk straight for about 1.2 kilometers until you see a turnoff on your left with a sign indicating Dechen Phodrang Monastery. Follow the path upwards for about 15 minutes until you reach the monastery.
Discover more about Dechen Phodrang Monastery བདེ་ཆེན་ཕོ་བྲང་།
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