Description
Cheri Monastery is located about 14 km from the centre of Thimphu and was built in 1620 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the man responsible for many of
[more]Cheri Monastery is located about 14 km from the centre of Thimphu and was built in 1620 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the man responsible for many of Bhutan's most historic dzongs and monasteries. At Cheri, he established the first Bhutanese body of Buddhist monks. In addition to the monastery which rises over several buildings on the mountain side, there is a small cave where the Shabdrung is said to have meditated in an attempt to ward off an invasion from neighbouring Tibet. Scattered across the hillside are many small meditation huts where Buddhist monks and students can seclude themselves for extended periods of meditation.
To get to Cheri, visitors will leave their cars at the foot of the mountain, cross a covered wooden bridge and ascend up a steep and rugged footpath. The monks feed a small colony of wild goats and rescued domestic goats which visitors are likely to be able to see.
Admission is by official permit.
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