Phajoding Monastery
Phajoding Monastery
4.5
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It takes about three hours to hike from Thimphu to this monastery, a popular destination for its statues and views.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
48 reviews
Excellent
30
Very good
16
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
sherabtenzin360
Thimphu, Bhutan78 contributions
Feb 2017 • Friends
It is a great experience for me and my team hiking to Phajoding. It took us 2 hours to get there from Motithang Takin Preserve. It was during winter and we couldn't see 18 lakes of Phajoding. However, wonderful view of Thimphu city rewarded us.
Written March 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tzveta S
Los Angeles, CA30 contributions
Oct 2018
I guess past lives are true as when I met the principle of the school there (it is a home for underprivileged kids) I couldn't stop crying. Personal story on the side: it is an amazing place. Stay overnight: the 5am view is worth it! You ARE on top of the world. And you ARE appreciating the beauty of ALL. Found in 13th century by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo (Tibetian lama who spread Buddhism in Bhutan) it is one of the most special places to visit in Bhutan (a meditational site and a pilgrim destination). Actually there is a few buildings there and they are currently undergoing re-construction. Each one has it's special function and meaning. It's a place where a beautiful Green Tara statue and some very important Bhuddist manuscripts (original from Tibet) are kept and preserved.
It is a 3 hour hike but it is well worth it. And again: try to arrange with your guide to stay overnight. The monastery needs donations and attention and you would not regret it as it will be sure to give back. Namgay, the principle, is young, friendly, with a great sense of humor and the monks will treat you the best tea around :)!
It is a 3 hour hike but it is well worth it. And again: try to arrange with your guide to stay overnight. The monastery needs donations and attention and you would not regret it as it will be sure to give back. Namgay, the principle, is young, friendly, with a great sense of humor and the monks will treat you the best tea around :)!
Written December 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AD Tours & Travels
Thimphu, Bhutan31 contributions
Sep 2017 • Friends
There are lots of monastery in Bhutan and this is one of those. Near Thimphu town which will require a bit of walking but if you are a die-hard monastery visitor then recommended.
Written September 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nomad_Nitin
Chennai (Madras), India27 contributions
Jun 2016 • Solo
This 3.5 hour climb amidst thick forest cover is simply awesome. It tires you out but worth every minute you spend on the trail.
it starts from Mothithang which means you need to hire a cab to reach here (some 9 kms from market center). the climb is too steep and ascends fast from 2500 m at starting point to some 3600m at the top. route also happens to be the exit path to the "Druk Path" trek and one may meet many fellow trekkers on the way.
Many people do not Know / attempt it but comes highly recommended if you love spending time out in nature.
it starts from Mothithang which means you need to hire a cab to reach here (some 9 kms from market center). the climb is too steep and ascends fast from 2500 m at starting point to some 3600m at the top. route also happens to be the exit path to the "Druk Path" trek and one may meet many fellow trekkers on the way.
Many people do not Know / attempt it but comes highly recommended if you love spending time out in nature.
Written June 16, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RBan26
Bengaluru, India649 contributions
Dec 2012 • Couples
This was perhaps the best of all the spots in Thimphu. The eternity of the place touched us a lot. Had been to the same place in childhood some 17 years ago, there had been hardly any changes. A must watch while your stay at Thimphu.
Written November 22, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dharam18
Pune, India18 contributions
Jan 2018
Bhutan is a loand of Monasteries and this one is really a good addition to it. Its peaceful and serene.
Written September 21, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jigme
Thimphu, Bhutan67 contributions
May 2018
Take a hike to Phajoding Monastery which is a hike uphill from the Thimphu City. It takes you up the mountain trails and its about a 4 - 7 hour walk depending on your physical condition. It is also possible to visit this place when on the Druk Path Trek (the 4-5 days) between Paro and Thimphu.
Written July 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anitapmumbai
Mumbai73 contributions
May 2017 • Family
we visited Cheri Monastery on our first day in Bhutan.. on hindsight this made sense.. as it gave us a feel of a trek (none of us have trekked in years) in preparation for Tiger's Nest on the last day. the trek took about an hour or so.. not too many visitors to this place.. so it's nice and peaceful.. as a bonus we came across some mountain goats on the way and got to play a bit with the monastery's domestic goats.. on the way down did a picnic lunch by the river at the start of the trek..
Written June 30, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dewash c
Thimphu, Bhutan36 contributions
Dec 2015 • Friends
Walking for about four hours from the road to the monastery is quite difficult but once you get to the top it is the best sight ever. Got to see the spectacular view of Thimphu city late at night and early in the morning. The vegetation changes as you go higher and higher.
You feel at peace.
You feel at peace.
Written July 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelingman074
Ipswich, MA187 contributions
Dec 2015
Disabuse yourself that this is a 30-40 minute hike. Count on three hours--or more if you take is slowly. The return trip can be done in about 90 minutes, more or less. We met only one person on the hike up, a monk, and were joined only by three packhorses who made better time than we did. The valley below unfolds as you ascend. The monastery houses about 60 monks who are of varying ages. Each must study for four years before moving on to the next level. I believe the main structure was built in the 17th Century. The wide-plank floors, worn with centuries of ware, are stunningly beautiful in their simplicity. We did not continue to the ridge as we ran out of time. I believe from the monastery to the ridge line, from which you have commanding views of two different valleys is about 45 minutes. White Tiger's Nest is certainly more spectacular, I enjoyed the quiet of the hike and the absence of the crowds, noise and clutter Phajoding that can mark a visit to the former.
Written December 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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