Zilukha Nunnery or Thangthong Dewachen Nunnery is located in Zilukha, Thimphu above Tashichoedzong. The place has a popular Nunnery of around 70-80 nuns inside the compound above the roadside going towards Dechenphodrang and Takin reserve center and Sangaygang viewpoint. it is also known as Zilukha Anim Dratsang. It is a Buddhist monastery. It was built in 1976 by Thangtong Gyalpo and Drubthob Rikey Jadrel. Thangtong Gyalpo developed smelting iron to create enormous chain links in Tibet and Bhutan. Around 58 suspension bridges were built by him in Bhutan and Tibet. He also designed and built many large and unusual stupas across Tibet and Bhutan including the Zilukha nunnery.
Born in upper Tsang, Tibet. Thangtong was a unique lama. He established remarkable engineering marvels under the difficult terrain of Bhutan and Tibet.
Zilukha nunnery plays a vital role in providing the Thimphu residents with their religious needs. You can see two golden deer facing a Dharma wheel. This is common in Buddhist monasteries and temples and refers to the first teaching of Buddha which took place in Sarnath Deer Park near Varanasi, India. The setting in motion is the first turning of the Dharma Wheel. The 8 spokes of the Dharma wheel represent the 8 paths to enlightenment, which must work together. The right understanding, attitude, speech, action, work, effort, mindfulness, and meditation.
You can interact with nuns in the monastery. They have their living rooms above the Monastery. you can walk around the compound of the Zilukha nunnery and interact with the nuns. Keep in mind to remain silent inside the vicinity. Do not disturb the residents during their prayer time. Prayers are performed every morning and evening hours.
Local people visit the Zilukha Nunnery to offer prayers. You can light butter lamps provide religious offerings and ask the caretakers to recite prayers if you are busy and can effort to do so at your home.
You can check out places nearby areas of Zilukha Nunnery
Motithang Takin Preserve is located just a six-minute drive from Zilukha Nunnery. Just below Sangaygang View Point Thimphu. Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. It is preserved there to provide tourists to see the animal. Bhutan is a wildlife reserve area for Takin. Originally a mini-zoo, it was converted into a preserve when it was discovered that the animals refrained from inhabiting the surrounding forest even when set free.
Sangaygang View Point Thimphu has located just 10 minutes drive from Zilukha Nunnery. It is just above the nunnery. Local people name as BBS Tower or Sangaygang. The viewpoint is at an elevation of 2685 m, which offers a panoramic view of Thimphu city. Sangaygang viewpoint Thimphu is best for enjoying the morning and evening walks. Moreover, you will find a mini Gym before you climb uphill. During evening hours you can enjoy the sunset and you can see the beauty of the light of the whole city.
Dechen Phrodrang will take a 5-minute drive towards the north and above Tashochoedzong. It’s a Buddhist monastery. In 1971 it became a monastic school. It has around 500 student monks who undergo eight-year courses. You can visit monks reciting prayers in the hall. On the hilltop, you can see a small monastery where you can find Bhutanese artifacts. You will find 12th-century paintings monitored by UNESCO. You will see the statue of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal on the upper floor. You can see Sakyamuni Buddha on the ground floor.
Thimphu Fortress or Tashichhoedzong is located near Thimphu downtown. Just 2 km from Thimphu town. It is on the western bank of the Wang Chu or Thimphu river. It is now the office of the head of Bhutan’s civil government(Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Home and Culture Affairs). It has also of King since the creation of the monarchy in 1907. On the northern side is the office of the Monastic body where the Chief Abbot of Bhutan office is located.
Additional Thimphu sightseeing places are given below.
The Bhutan Buddha or Buddha Dordenma sits atop a hill overlooking the whole of Thimphu valley in Kuensel Phodrang which has become the top Thimphu sightseeing in Thimphu. Bhutan Buddha in Thimphu places to see is on topmost priority. The project was approved by His Majesty the Fourth King and His Holiness the Je Khenpo. Bhutan Buddha Statue was initiated by Lam Tshering Wangdi and Singaporean Businessman Peter Teo is the main sponsor of the project. The statue is for pilgrimage for Buddhists from all over the world. The great Bhutan Buddha statue is in Thimphu. It is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue facing Thimphu Valley. It is located in Kuenselphodrang, just a 6 km drive from the main town. It started construction in the year 2006. It was completed in the year 2015 celebrating the 60th anniversary of fourth king Jigme Singye Wangchuck. It measures 169 feet (52 m) and contains 100,000 8-inch-tall replicas of Buddha Dordenma itself and 25,000 12-inch-tall gilded bronze Buddhas.
Simply Bhutan Museum is located in Thimphu near the Youth Hostel. It is just 8 8-minute car drive from Thimphu town. It is a “live” Museum where the tourists can see the life of a traditional Bhutanese lifestyle.
The most stunning is to see a mud-rammed house from the medieval period of Bhutan. The interior of Simply Bhutan is filled with preserved ancient household items. The living museum’s main objective is to promote and preserve ancient traditions and culture.
The National Memorial Chorten Bhutan or Thimphu Memorial Chorten is located in the core area of Thimphu. It is walkable from the main town. The stupa was built in 1974 in memory of the third King of Bhutan Jigme Dorji Wangchuck by his wife. In 2008 the National Memorial Chorten Bhutan went into renovation. It is also known as “the most visible religious landmark in Bhutan”. The stupa is not meant for human remains, unlike other stupas. The Chorten or stupa is a representation of the mind of the Buddha.
The Royal Textile Museum Bhutan or Royal Textile Academy is a national textile museum. It is located very near to Taj Tashi Hotel and Authentic Handicraft shops. It was established in the year 2001. It has a huge collection of antique textile artifacts. Weaving in Bhutan is the culture and tradition. RTA the aim is to preserve and promote this living art of Bhutan to international and domestic markets. The Royal Textile Museum Bhutan was instituted in May 2005 under the royal guidance of Majesty Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck.