About Cheri(Chagri) Monastery

Chagri/cheri Monastery is located in North Thimphu at an elevation of 285o m. It is the first monastery established by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel after reaching Bhutan. It was established in1620. And its now a major teaching and retreat center of the Drukpa Lineage. Zhabdrung has spent three years in strict retreat at Chagri and resided there for many periods throughout the rest of his life. It was at Chagri in 1623 that he established the first Drukpa monastic order in Bhutan.

This place was also visited by Padmasambhava in the 8th century. In the 13th century it was visited by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo the Tibetan Lama who first established the Drukpa Kagyu tradition in Bhutan. 

About the Hike

Difficulty: Fairly Easy
Starting Point: Dodena
End Point: Dodena
Distance: Roughly 5 km
Time Taken: 2-3 hrs

Its located about 15 km north of Thimphu city. Before we start the trek we need to drive for about 45 minutes from Thimphu until Dodena. Once we reach the base Dodena, will start with the hike. And the hike starts with crossing a cantilever bridge over Thim-Chu river. And once we cross the bridge there is a big stupa with many small prayer wheels around it. Towards the right side of the stupa, you will see the curving of Phajo Drukgom Zhigpo and his spiritual consort Khandro Sonam Plezom. And not far from that is the place where they have been meditating. And the beautiful meadows nearby along the river is said to be once a garden of Khandro Sonam Pelzom. 

And from this place is the real hike. It ascends with the mixed forest of oak, rhododendrons, and other shrubs. And it's also a good place to site birds and also Himalayan Black Bear can be spotted, so need to be careful. It's a beautiful hike under the trees, When you complete about 65% you will reach a resting place. There are a stupa and canopies around. So you can take a rest and then continue until we reach the monastery. 

After reaching there you can visit the temples and take a ring road which will take you to the top of the monastery. And from there the view is awesome. You will see the rivers flowing at the base and with all greeneries around. And also Tango Dorden Shedra and other places. Then we can walk down to the base through same trail There is no detour as such. 

Highlights of Hike

• The Trail it self
• View of from monastery
• Riverside at the base
• Gorals around the monastery