CHERI MONASTERY

Category Bhutan
By KINGA NAMGYAL
Last Updated August 25th, 2024

THINGS TO DO IN THIIMPHU EP 14: CHERI MONASTERY

Greetings Travellers,

As Bhutan is a mountainous country, hiking is a daily part of the locals and more so for the people living in the villages and far from the core town areas. My name is Kinga and this blog will briefly highly another key hiking place in Thimphu if that is what you like to do when in Bhutan.

Cheri Monastery, also known as Chagri Dorjeden Monastery, is a significant spiritual site located about 15 kilometers north of Thimphu, Bhutan. Founded in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the monastery holds great historical and religious importance as it was the first monastic establishment in Bhutan by the Zhabdrung. The monastery is perched on a steep hill and is accessible via a picturesque hike through dense forests, crossing a wooden bridge over the Wang Chhu River. The hike, which takes about an hour, offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, making it a popular day trip for both locals and tourists.

Most part of the hike is uphill and the difficulty level is moderate. The footpath are big enough and comfortable to walk so you shouldn't have problem. However, if you have a lifestyle disease like diabetes, high blood pressure or physically not fit, then it will be difficult to hike to the place. Get in touch to discuss more about it.

The site where Cheri Monastery was built had long been considered sacred, with legends suggesting that Guru Rinpoche and other saints had meditated in the area. Zhabdrung personally consecrated the monastery, dedicating it to Shakya Gyalpo, the Buddha of Compassion, and used it as his retreat center. It was here that Zhabdrung spent years in meditation and where he began the process of unifying Bhutan under a central religious and political authority. Cheri Monastery thus became a cornerstone in the establishment of the Drukpa Kagyu school of Buddhism in Bhutan, laying the groundwork for the country's unique cultural and religious identity.

Some of the important relics you will get to see are the 3 years meditation room of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (unifier of Bhutan), sang chap (toilet used by Zhabdrung, late 68th Jekhenpo residence.

The place is open for public both local and tourists alike. However do check with the tour operators for opening and closing hours, restrictions if any or for other details.

WELCOME TO BHUTAN!