Cheri Monastery (Chagri Dorjeden)
ལྕགས་རི་རྡོ་རྗེ་གདན་
The first monastery in Bhutan, founded in 1620 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. You cross a traditional wooden bridge and then hike uphill, where goral and monkeys are often seen in the forest.
Chagri Dorjeden Goemba sits at the end of the Thimphu Valley. Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal founded it in 1620 as the first monastery he established after arriving in Bhutan. It houses a silver stupa that holds the ashes of his father. From the parking area at the foot of the mountain, cross a wooden covered bridge hung with prayer flags, then follow a forest trail uphill for about an hour to reach the monastery. Goral (a type of wild goat) and monkeys are often seen along the way, and on the mountain there are meditation cells where monks practise retreat. The monastery is peaceful and seldom crowded, making it a good choice for those who enjoy hiking and quiet surroundings. It can be paired with Tango Monastery on the same day. Getting there: about 30 minutes by car from the city centre. Note: keep quiet and do not disturb monks in retreat, and photography is not allowed inside the temple.
Opening hours
Daytime (check on site)
Nearby sights
- Tango Monastery
- Tashichho Dzong
- National Institute for Zorig Chusum
- Folk Heritage Museum
- Motithang Takin Preserve
- Centenary Farmers Market
- Changangkha Lhakhang
- Clock Tower Square & Norzin Lam