- Address: Wangdue Phodrang District, Bhutan
- Date of foundation: 1613
- Religion: Tibetan Buddhism
The Gangtei Gompa Monastery - the largest in Bhutan - is located in the picturesque Pobhikha Valley at an altitude of 2,900 m under the Pele La Pass. This place is part of the national park of Bhutan, which is called "Park of the Black Mountains". Chernogous cranes, listed in the Red Book, live here: in winter they fly to the valley in search of a mild climate.
Legends and history of the monastery
In the beginning of the XVII century the monastery was founded by Gyalse Pema Tinley. Construction was conducted with the participation of local residents. Stones and wood were mined in the district, then they were used to create columns, beams, window and door openings. There is a legend that even a local guardian deity called Delepus helped with construction work, caused landslides in the hills and thus exposed stone ledges, allowing unimpeded access to the rock.
The large-scale reconstruction of the monastery began in 2000. The work was conducted under the leadership of the royal government of Bhutan , and it was decided to preserve the unique atmosphere and grandeur of this monument of architecture. For eight years there was a restoration of the shrine. The consecration ceremony was held on October 10, 2008, among the guests were members of the royal family and numerous pilgrims.
Monastery in our days
Today, the Gangtei Gompa monastery complex consists of five temples that surround the central tower. The buildings belong to the Tibetan architectural style, it is distinguished by natural materials, amazing clay frescoes and symbols of Tibetan Buddhism. In addition, on the territory of the complex there are living quarters of monks, meditation halls, guest house and school. The monastery has a unique collection of weapons and ritual attributes. Also here you can see Buddhist manuscripts and a 100-volume set of works, called Kanjur.
Annually in the monastery every tenth day of the month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, religious holidays are held, accompanied by costume performances. Many tourists at this time specially come to look at traditional costumes, dancing with drums, bright and colorful fairs.
How to get there?
Gangtei Gompa is located 130 km from the capital of Bhutan Thimphu . Since it is not allowed to travel the country by itself, there are no railways and domestic airlines, it is better to plan a trip to the shrine on a special excursion bus or car, accompanied by a personal guide.
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