About Phajoding Monastery

Phajoding Monastery is located above Thimphu valley at an elevation of 3700 m. Today Phaoding monastery is listed in the World Monuments Fund as an endangered cultural monument in 2010. The monastery comprises many temples and meditation  sites. 

 

Phajoding Monastery was founded in the 13th century by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo (1184-1251), a Tibetan lama who spread the  Drukpa Kagyu teachings of Buddhism in Bhutan.  Most of the buildings at Phajoding however were constructed in 1748 by  Gyelwa Shakya Rinchen (1710-1759), the 9th Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) of Bhutan.  There are a good number of monks who study here. 

As when we continue further up there is another monastery, Thujedrak which is perched on the cliff. It is the place where Phajo Drugom Zhigpo had mediated. The temple there dates back to 1749. 

About the Hike to Phajoding

Difficulty: Difficult
Starting Point: Above Takin Preserve in Motithang
End Point:Above Takin Preserve in Motithang
Distance: Roughly 10 km
Time Taken: 6-7 hrs

There are two routes to reach Phajoding; one above Takin preserve and another one from Sangaygang (BBS Tower). The first one is used mostly, as it is shorter though steeper. The hike is all uphill which takes about 3 hours. But the trails are wide, and the whole hike will be through the forest.  The good thing about this hike is you will see the change in vegetation as you hike. It starts with more blue pine and as you hike for about an hour you will see all the vegetation has changed to a mixed forest of Spruce, Hemlock, and Fir. Further, you hike up you will be inside rhododendrons and junipers.  If you continue to walk until Thujedrak, then you will just find dwarf junipers and rhododendrons (Rhododendron ferrugineum). This means you are literally above the tree line. 

Highlights of Hike

• View from Monastery
• The Trail