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Explore Phajoding Monastery to Experience Traditional Buddhist Customs and Practices in Bhutan
Not yet published by Devender Kundaliya, Writer
Country: Bhutan 
The Experience
Bhutan, one of the most enigmatic countries of the world, is simply a paradise on earth. The charm and magic of this country is unique in the whole world. While the people here take pride in cherishing their traditional culture and heritage, the country itself boasts of immense natural beauty, impressive architecture, undisturbed Tibetan-style culture, stunning flora and fauna, extraordinary monasteries, astonishing dzongs, and much more.
Phajoding Goemba (Monastery) near Thimphu is one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan. This monastic and meditation complex is a perfect place to experience traditional Buddhist customs and practices. Once, this was one of the richest monasteries of Bhutan. Today, Phajoding Monastery is known to have a number of temples, meditation houses and monk quarters within its boundaries, all displaying the fine Bhutanese architectural style.
Phajoding Monastery lies outside and above Thimpu, about 3640 meters (12,000 feet) above sea level. You can reach the monastery by walking 5 km uphill from youth center in Motithang. The trek from Thimpu to Phajoding Goemba is a tough ascent for most of the visitors. The trek passing through shady pine forests is stony and slippery at some places. It usually takes three hours to hike to the Phajoding Monastery. After reaching the top, the visitors are rewarded with stunning views of the Thimphu Valley.
This big Phajoding monastic complex dates back to 13th century and was founded by Todgen Pajo. The saint established the monastery as a site where he could meditate peacefully. Most of the buildings that you see within the complex today date back to mid-18th century, and were constructed by Shakya Rinchen, the ninth Je Khenpo.
As you enter into the monastery through a colorfully painted wooden door, you might feel like moving some centuries back in time. The white walls of the buildings in the complex appear to be in contrast with the green and brownish background of the surrounding trees and mountainsides.
There are a total of 10 lhakhangs (temples) in Phajoding Monastery. The main temple is the Khangzang Lhakhang. The altar room in this temple has golden Buddha and bodhisattva images. Image of Shakya Rinchen is also there in the temple. Colorful ribbons hanging on the ceiling of the room look attractive to see.
Another important temple within the monastery is the Jampa Lhakhang, which houses a monastic school where young monks are taught to live a life based on Buddhist teachings. These monks, always dressed in traditional maroon robes, spend their time doing study and meditation.
Watching crimson-clad monks playing long tube like horns, called dungchen in Dzongka, is one of the most amazing sights to enjoy here. The prayer rituals followed by the monks include chanting and playing musical instruments. Drums, gongs, trumpets, and many other musical instruments when played create an amazing environment within the monastery complex.
There are about 15 monastic residences also in Phajoding Monastery. Monks live in these quarters. The food supply for these monks comes from the Thimpu city. Many buildings within the monastery are in dilapidated state now. The World Monuments Fund (WMF) has already added these monastery buildings to its watch list of global sites under threat. There are plans to start the renovation work for these buildings in the near future.
Phajoding Goemba (Monastery) near Thimphu is one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan. This monastic and meditation complex is a perfect place to experience traditional Buddhist customs and practices. Once, this was one of the richest monasteries of Bhutan. Today, Phajoding Monastery is known to have a number of temples, meditation houses and monk quarters within its boundaries, all displaying the fine Bhutanese architectural style.
Phajoding Monastery lies outside and above Thimpu, about 3640 meters (12,000 feet) above sea level. You can reach the monastery by walking 5 km uphill from youth center in Motithang. The trek from Thimpu to Phajoding Goemba is a tough ascent for most of the visitors. The trek passing through shady pine forests is stony and slippery at some places. It usually takes three hours to hike to the Phajoding Monastery. After reaching the top, the visitors are rewarded with stunning views of the Thimphu Valley.
This big Phajoding monastic complex dates back to 13th century and was founded by Todgen Pajo. The saint established the monastery as a site where he could meditate peacefully. Most of the buildings that you see within the complex today date back to mid-18th century, and were constructed by Shakya Rinchen, the ninth Je Khenpo.
As you enter into the monastery through a colorfully painted wooden door, you might feel like moving some centuries back in time. The white walls of the buildings in the complex appear to be in contrast with the green and brownish background of the surrounding trees and mountainsides.
There are a total of 10 lhakhangs (temples) in Phajoding Monastery. The main temple is the Khangzang Lhakhang. The altar room in this temple has golden Buddha and bodhisattva images. Image of Shakya Rinchen is also there in the temple. Colorful ribbons hanging on the ceiling of the room look attractive to see.
Another important temple within the monastery is the Jampa Lhakhang, which houses a monastic school where young monks are taught to live a life based on Buddhist teachings. These monks, always dressed in traditional maroon robes, spend their time doing study and meditation.
Watching crimson-clad monks playing long tube like horns, called dungchen in Dzongka, is one of the most amazing sights to enjoy here. The prayer rituals followed by the monks include chanting and playing musical instruments. Drums, gongs, trumpets, and many other musical instruments when played create an amazing environment within the monastery complex.
There are about 15 monastic residences also in Phajoding Monastery. Monks live in these quarters. The food supply for these monks comes from the Thimpu city. Many buildings within the monastery are in dilapidated state now. The World Monuments Fund (WMF) has already added these monastery buildings to its watch list of global sites under threat. There are plans to start the renovation work for these buildings in the near future.
When to Go
Odds n' Ends
Photography is not allowed inside the monastery. Also make sure you remove your shoes and hats before you enter important religious rooms within the monastery complex. Visitors are also expected not to disturb the tranquility of site, specially the areas where monks live and meditate.
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