Dechen Phodrang Tourism

Dechen Phodrang, meaning 'Palace of Great Bliss', is a Buddhist monastery located in the northern part of Thimphu, Bhutan. This historic site sits atop a hill with a stunning backdrop of the Thimphu valley and the surrounding mountains. It was originally the site of Thimphu's original Dzong (fortress-monastery) and has been the seat of Bhutan's state monastic body. Today, Dechen Phodrang is a monastic school with approximately 450 student monks enrolled in eight-year courses, which follow a comprehensive study of the Buddhist philosophy and text as well as monastic rituals. The monastery houses a number of sacred and ancient Bhutanese artifacts including 12th-century paintings, which are well preserved and illustrate stories from Buddhism's history. The site also offers splendid views of the Thimphu valley and is an excellent example of Bhutanese architectural traditions with its richly decorated buildings and intricate paintings.