Not all travellers visiting or passing through Thimphu make time to visit these unique sites, discovered by the more curious adventurer exploring Bhutan.
Pangri Zampa Monastery
With astro tourism steadily gaining interest amongst the global travelling community, a must-visit is a place of great significance for the Bhutanese royalty, as well as the locals. This is the Royal College of Astrology housed in the ancient Pangri Zampa Monastery, about 8km away from the national capital Thimphu. Astrologers in Bhutan get their training here from the Buddhist monks before going off to use these skills for the astrological needs of dzongs, monasteries, and temples scattered across the country.
The monastery’s history dates back over five centuries, but it’s noted for its distinction as Bhutan's Royal College of Astrology, since 2003. The institution has been tasked with the important role of divining the most auspicious dates for epic events in the lives of Bhutan's royals, such as coronations, royal weddings, child naming ceremonies, etc; it also provides predictions for key national events for the well-being of the country and also creates Bhutan’s yearly calendar, based on the study of the celestial bodies. For locals too it’s an important place to consult the monks for predictions on many aspects of their lives, such as careers, marriage, children, health, etc as, well as auspicious dates for important events in their life. As a tourist, even you can go in for a consultation about what the stars have in store for you and your future!
Astrological predictions aside, the monastery is steeped in historic and spiritual importance. Development of the complex took place in two phases over a century and this is marked by the two temples that straddle the site. The 15th throne holder of Tibet's Ralung monastery, Ngawang Chögyal (1465-1540) of the Drukpa Kagyu order, during a sojourn in Thimphu established the three-tiered Druk Phodrang temple sited in the northeastern corner of this monastic complex. Of interest here is the statue of the Buddha located in the sanctum on the top floor; the lower floors feature idols of several deities as well as altars raised to the fearsome guardian deities known as Yeshi Gonpo and Palden Lhamo.
Zhabdrung Rinpoche or Ngawang Namgyal (1594-1651) known as the unifier of Bhutan, arrived here in 1616 from Tibet led by a dream in which a black raven (which he believed was Mahakala, a pugnacious protector of the Buddhist dharma from evil forces). Following the raven, which landed on the massive cypress tree growing in the complex, the Zhabdrung came to believe it was his fate to come to this land because Mahakala provided him the sovereignty over Bhutan as a sacred legacy. Having brought him here the raven vanished. The temple the Zhabdrung raised while residing here is located on the southeast corner of the monastery. He lived on the top floor, which now houses a statue of him. While exploring this temple as an offering site, look for the mermaid statue said to represent the water goddess Menmo, the consort of Thimphu’s guardian deity, Genyen Jagpa Melen, residing at the nearby Dechenphug Lhakhang. Don’t miss visiting the 21 images of the goddess Tara in the adjoining Drolma Zhingkham Lhkhang commissioned by the Royal Grandmother.
Kabisa Choki Traditional Art School
Bhutan is fiercely protective of its traditional arts and crafts and one of the places which keeps this legacy alive is the art school established in the nearby village of Kebisa, a short distance from the Pangri Zampa Monastery. Tourists can enjoy the rare ambiance of rural living in Bhutan while exploring the Kabisa Choki Traditional Art School. The school is renowned for teaching students the Zorig Chusum- 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. You can watch the students at work as they are mentored on embroidery, paintings and weaving, and other forms of arts and crafts that fall under the umbrella of Zorig Chusum. It’s the prefect place to come visiting with kids and teens.
There are many hidden gems of cultural delights in Thimphu and its beautiful surrounds. Go for a bespoke tour which can provide some unique experiences, not always available to travellers in general. You will simply love it.