Indosan Nipponji Temple

The different monasteries offer visitors a unique opportunity to peek into different Buddhist cultures and compare architectural styles. For example, the Indosan Nipponji Temple is an exercise in quiet Japanese understatement compared to its richly presented Bhutan neighbour. The most impressive is the Thai Monastery, a brightly coloured wat with shimmering gold leaf and manicured gardens. Meditation sessions are held here in the morning. The Tibetan KarmaTemple and Namgyal Monastery each contain large prayer wheels, and the brand new Tergar Monastery of the Karmapa (Black Hat sect) is a glory of Tibetan decorative arts. Other noteworthy monasteries include those from China, Burma, Vietnam and Nepal. Monasteries are open sunrise to sunset.