Set in the tranquil farmlands of Kabisa in Punakha, Chorten Nyingpo Lhakhang is one of those quiet spiritual gems that travellers often miss, yet it holds remarkable history and a wonderfully serene atmosphere. Surrounded by terraced fields, traditional homes, and gentle forested slopes, the monastery invites you to slow down, breathe a little deeper, and glimpse the timeless rhythms of Bhutanese spiritual life.
A Monastery Rooted in Powerful Lineage
Chorten Nyingpo was founded in the 18th century by the great tertön Rigzin Jatson Nyingpo, a revered treasure revealer in Bhutanese Buddhist history. The lhakhang gets its name from its central chorten, believed to house sacred relics tied to important terma teachings. Over generations, this modest yet spiritually rich monastery has served as a centre of practice, rituals, and blessings for the local community, carrying forward the legacy of Guru Rinpoche’s profound teachings.
A Peaceful Setting in Punakha’s Countryside
Unlike the grand Punakha Dzong nearby, Chorten Nyingpo offers a softer, rural charm. The drive through Kabisa takes you past rice paddies, water mills, and farmers tending to their daily tasks. When you arrive, you’ll find a monastery embraced by nature, prayer flags dancing in the breeze, prayer wheels lining the path, and distant views of cultivated valley slopes. It’s an ideal spot for travellers who appreciate places that feel untouched, authentic, and deeply local.
A Living Monastic Community
Chorten Nyingpo is home to a vibrant monastic body, where young monks study Buddhist philosophy, rituals, and scripture. Visitors often enjoy witnessing this gentle rhythm of monastic life — the hum of afternoon prayers, the laughter of monks during their break, and the warm smiles of elders who come to offer butter lamps. It’s a place that feels genuinely lived-in, spiritual without being staged, and very much part of the daily heartbeat of Kabisa.
Inside the Lhakhang
The main lhakhang houses statues of Guru Rinpoche and other protective deities, alongside murals and relics that reflect Bhutan’s artistic heritage. The central chorten remains the spiritual focal point, believed to bestow blessings of peace and clarity. While small in scale, the interior carries a palpable depth — a space that feels both intimate and sacred.
A Lovely Addition to Your Punakha Itinerary
Chorten Nyingpo Lhakhang pairs beautifully with a day exploring Punakha. After visiting the iconic Punakha Dzong or hiking to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a stop in Kabisa offers a refreshing balance of culture, countryside, and calm. It’s perfect for families, elders, and anyone seeking gentle experiences without steep climbs. If you enjoy photography, the rural setting and vibrant prayer flags make it an especially rewarding stop.
Travel Tips
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Mornings and late afternoons offer the prettiest light for landscape and monastery photography.
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Dress modestly when entering the temple.
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Combine the visit with a short countryside stroll through Kabisa for a more immersive experience.
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No photography inside the lhakhang.
Chorten Nyingpo Lhakhang is a place where spirituality feels humble and alive, where the landscape and the monastery blend into one peaceful whole. If you’re looking to discover Punakha beyond its famous landmarks, this little sanctuary is well worth the detour.
