Monastery · Buddhist
Cheri Monastery
Founded by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal·1620 CE·Thimphu
Bhutan's first monastery, founded in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal on a forested hillside near Thimphu.
Dedicated to
Founded by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal
Period
1620 CE
Hours
Daylight hours
Admission
Free
Neighborhood
Cheri foothills
Cheri Monastery holds a unique place in Bhutanese history as the first monastery established by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan, in 1620. It sits on a hillside above the upper Thimphu valley, reached by a short but steep hike from the road. The monastery is still an active meditation center, and the surrounding forest is quiet and well-preserved. A visit pairs naturally with nearby Tango Monastery for a half-day of walking and monastery visits north of the capital.
Folio III
Situation
Coda