A working monastery at the far northern end of the Thimphu valley, about 3 km north of the city centre. The central lhakhang contains some of the finest murals in the Thimphu area — 13th-century religious paintings covering the entire interior. Young monks can be seen studying and practising in the courtyards throughout the day. Visitors are welcome but should enter quietly and respectfully, particularly during prayer sessions. The monastery offers excellent views back down the valley toward the city.
Dechen Phodrang Monastery
Active monastery serving as Bhutan's state monastic school
A story
Dechen Phodrang — "Palace of Great Bliss" — is the oldest monastery in Thimphu and now serves as Bhutan's primary monastic school. Over 400 young monks study here, following a curriculum that covers Buddhist philosophy, Dzongkha language, calligraphy, and traditional arts. The monastery's inner walls are covered with remarkable 13th-century murals.