Hilltop Nunnery Visit

This evening visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhendrup Lhakhang Nunnery which is home to a higher learning and meditation centre for nuns, as well as being home to some of the most impressive statues in Bhutan.

Area

Punakha

Type

Culture & People

Spiritual & Wellness

Grade

Standard

Who

Adults

Difficulty

Moderate

Located high up on a hill top surrounded by pine trees stands the beautiful temple of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang. The temple is full of striking statues including the 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, which one of the biggest in the country was the handiwork of entirely local Bhutanese artisans. The nuns here are provided with skill training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thangka painting. For guests who have a keen interest in the lives of the nuns who live here there is the option to have an hour-long interaction with the nuns which is followed by a Tshewang (blessing) ceremony. It is a prayer for personal empowerment, wish fulfilment and a healthy life. The prayer will last approximately 30 minutes, during which you will participate in the lighting up of butter candles as well. There is an extra charge for this which is paid directly to the nunnery.

Recommended Hotels Nearby

A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.

&Beyond Punakha River Lodge

Discover the beauty and deep serenity of Bhutan’s landscapes and culture with a stay at Punakha River Lodge. Offering glorious Himalayan views, the traditionally crafted lodge blends authenticity with luxury, for a unique and rewarding travel experience.

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Six Senses Punakha

Taking inspiration from the terraced farms of Punakha's valley, Six Senses Punakha is an elegant rustic retreat with excellent spas, dining and service.

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Dhensa Punakha

Dhensa Punakha is a luxury 24-suite boutique hotel located in the Punakha Valley in Bhutan. The resort enjoys a wonderful location surrounded by thick pine forest overlooking the valley, village houses and paddy fields.

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COMO Uma Punakha

Uma Punakha by Como is a stunning luxury boutique lodge overlooking the Punakha Valley in Bhutan. Uma Punakha provides fantastic accommodation for guests wanting to experience this less-visited area of Bhutan in style.

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Amankora Punakha

The Amankora Punkaha is built around a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse and offers fantastic views and the chance to be in tranquil isolation with stunning scenery. For this reason, it is our favourite Amankora property in Bhutan.

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More Experiences in This Area

Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.

Nalanda Buddhist College and Nobgang Walk

This fantastic experience combines the Sangchen Nunnery, the Nalanda Buddhist College and the Nobgang Village walk which takes you from the high hills above Punakha and winds gently down to the Punakha Dzong - you approach it almost vertically!

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A visit to Chimi Lhakhang

The Chimmi Lhakhang Temple is a temple of fertility dedicated to the Buddhist saint known as the Divine Madman. A short walk through paddy fields takes you to the temple and is popular with Bhutanese families wanting to start a family.

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Punakha Weekend Markets

Khuruthang Saturday Vegetable Market is located in the small town next to the Punakha Dzong. On Sundays, you can visit the Wangdue Market, about a 30-minute drive away. Wander around the stalls, selling local fruit and vegetables.

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