Kuenzang Chholing Shedra

Phobjikha Valley


This Nyingma-school shedra (Buddhist college) of 300 student monks has a unique fledgling tourist outreach program. Contact the office at least a day before to arrange either a late-afternoon meditation class (not Sundays), to attend an early-morning prayer meeting or just to chat and learn more about the life of the monks. It's a rare chance to gain a deeper understanding of this essential part of Bhutanese life.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Phobjikha Valley attractions

1. Nyelung Drachaling

0.88 MILES

Travellers with a sense of the magical will want to visit this unassuming chapel, one of eight residences (ling) built by the 14th-century Nyingma…

2. Gangte Goemba

0.95 MILES

Gangte Goemba enjoys prime real estate, on a forested hill overlooking the green expanse of the entire Phobjikha valley. The extensive complex consists of…

3. Kumbhu Lhakhang

1.07 MILES

A dirt road leads from the Kuenzang Chholing Shedra up to the Kumbhu Lhakhang (Kumbhu means '100,000 statues'), a protector chapel and meditation-retreat…

4. Black-Necked Crane Information Centre

2.21 MILES

Your first stop in Phobjikha should be the information centre of the Royal So­ciety for Protection of Nature (RSPN), which has informative displays about…

5. Khewang Lhakhang

2.25 MILES

On the east side of the Phobjikha valley, opposite Tabiting, is the 15th-century Khewang Lhakhang, one of the oldest in the valley. It features three…

6. Damcho Lhakhang

4.14 MILES

South of Tabiting, the unpaved road down the west side of Phobjikha valley winds past Yusa village to this small but charming chapel, said to be the…

7. Army Training Centre

16.73 MILES

At the time of research this army base was the location for the Wangdue Phodrang tsechu in October, at least until the dzong is rebuilt.

8. Radak Neykhang

16.88 MILES

By the tall cypress trees of the Wangdue district court is this timeless 17th-century temple dedicated to an ancient warrior king. The anteroom has a…