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Tango Monastery is a beautiful and historically significant Buddhist monastery located in the northern part of Thimphu, Bhutan. Surrounded by thick forests and perched on a hill, the monastery is one of the most important centers for Buddhist education in the country. It is a place of peace, learning, and spiritual reflection. The hike to the monastery itself is an experience, offering stunning views of nature and quiet surroundings. Established in the 17th century, Tango continues to serve as a vital spiritual and academic center for monks in Bhutan.
Tango Monastery is about 14 kilometers from Thimphu city center. To reach the monastery, you must first drive to the base of the hill, near Dodena village. From there, it is a moderate hike of about 1.5 to 2 hours uphill to reach the monastery. The trail is well-marked and surrounded by pine trees and fresh mountain air.
If you're visiting Bhutan as a tourist, you will likely arrive at Paro International Airport, which is the only international airport in Bhutan. From Paro, it takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by car to reach Thimphu. From Thimphu, you can hire a taxi or use a tour guide service to reach Dodena, and then begin your hike.
The weather around Tango Monastery is generally cooler than the city due to its higher elevation. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons to visit. During these times, the skies are clear, temperatures are comfortable, and the surrounding forests are lush and green or beautifully colored with autumn leaves.
Summer (June to August) brings rainfall and slippery hiking trails, so it’s less ideal unless you are prepared. Winters (December to February) are cold and sometimes snowy, but the monastery looks stunning in a winter setting. Always check the weather before planning your hike.
Tango Monastery is generally open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, as it is a functioning monastic school and not a tourist-only site, access to certain areas may be limited. It is best to visit during daylight hours and preferably in the morning when the light is good and the hike is easier.
Visitors are encouraged to check with a local guide or the Tourism Council of Bhutan for current opening status and events at the monastery.
Tango Monastery is famous for being one of Bhutan’s premier monastic universities. It plays a central role in training young monks and future spiritual leaders of the country. It is also associated with many great spiritual teachers and has been an important religious site for centuries.
The monastery is known for its peaceful location, impressive Bhutanese architecture, and the spiritual energy that surrounds it. It is also the site where the reincarnations of the Gyalse Rinpoche, one of Bhutan’s most important religious figures, are identified and trained.
There is no formal entry fee to visit Tango Monastery, but donations are welcome and appreciated. Visitors should be respectful of the monks and the religious nature of the place. It is best to go with a guide who can explain the history and significance of the site.
Photography is allowed in outdoor areas, but it is usually restricted inside the monastery buildings. As a general rule in Bhutan, modest dress and quiet behavior are expected in all religious places. Always walk clockwise around temples and spin prayer wheels respectfully.
Tango Monastery was founded in the 13th century by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, a Tibetan saint who brought the Drukpa Kagyu tradition of Buddhism to Bhutan. The current structure was built in 1688 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye, the 4th Temporal Ruler of Bhutan. The word "Tango" means “horse head,” and it is believed that the hill where the monastery sits resembles the shape of a horse’s head.
The architecture of the monastery is traditional Bhutanese, with whitewashed walls, intricately carved windows, and a tiered, golden-tipped roof. The central tower or “utse” houses statues, relics, and ancient scriptures. The monastery also features paintings and carvings that depict Buddhist teachings and Bhutanese mythology.
