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!

Area

Punakha

Type

Culture & People

History

Grade

Standard

Who

Adults

Difficulty

Moderate

Duration

Full Day

The Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery is located in the hills above Punakha and is usually left off an itinerary, but is well worth exploring and meeting the nuns (elsewhere in Bhutan you will likely only see monks). Continue to the Nalanda Buddhist College is known locally as Daley Goenpa or Dalida and literally means 'insatiable giving'. It was founded in 1757 has about 125 monks living and learning in the college. It has a superb inner shrine room and main alter. You then head for the walking element of the day, and it is all the way downhill to Punakha through rural villages and farms. You get a fantastic view of Punakha Dzong as you approach from the steep valley above.

Tours Featuring This Experience

Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.

Epic Bhutan

This slow-paced itinerary introduces you to one of Asia’s slightly more unusual destinations…the relatively unknown Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, revered for its precariously positioned hilltop monasteries and ancient fortresses, as well as its dramatic mountain landscapes. Experience Bhutan’s natural beauty whilst staying at some of the best properties around.

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Recommended Hotels Nearby

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

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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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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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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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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&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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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.

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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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.

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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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