Cheri Monastery

Cheri Monastery – The First Monastery of Bhutan

Cheri Monastery, also known as Chagri Dorjeden Monastery, is one of the most sacred and historically significant sites in Bhutan, located about 15 km north of Thimphu city. Perched on a forested hill at the end of the Tango–Cheri Nature Trail, this monastery holds a special place in the spiritual heart of Bhutan.

It was founded in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan, and served as his first monastic establishment in the country. Cheri also became an important centre for meditation and monastic studies, laying the foundation for Bhutan’s monastic system that continues to this day.

The hike to Cheri Monastery is a serene experience — about an hour-long uphill walk through beautiful pine and oak forests, with views of the Wang Chhu River flowing below. Along the way, you’ll pass prayer flags fluttering in the breeze and small stupas that add to the spiritual ambience.

Inside the monastery, visitors can see ancient relics, murals, and statues, including a silver chorten containing the ashes of Zhabdrung’s father. The place exudes peace and devotion, making it ideal for meditation and reflection.

Cheri Monastery is not only a pilgrimage site but also a gateway to Bhutan’s spiritual legacy, where one can experience the quiet strength of Bhutanese Buddhism surrounded by nature’s calm.