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Karbandi Monastery

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Karbandi Monastery, also known as Karbandi Goemba, is situated at an elevation of approximately 400 meters overlooking the border town of Phuentsholing in southern Bhutan. Founded in 1967 by the Royal Grandmother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedron, the monastery serves as a significant spiritual landmark in the Chukha district. Its spacious compound provides dramatic panoramic views of the Bengal plains and the winding Torsa River below. The site is most famous for its eight elegant white chortens (stupas), which commemorate eight major events in the life of Gautama Buddha. Inside the main temple, visitors can find impressive statues of Guru Rinpoche and Shakyamuni Buddha, along with detailed murals depicting Buddhist deities and teachings. A popular local belief states that childless couples who pray at the monastery will be blessed with children, making it a frequent destination for pilgrims. The serene environment, characterized by ancient banyan trees and the rhythmic turning of prayer wheels, provides a stark contrast to the busy trading post of Phuentsholing. It remains a key cultural and religious site, showcasing traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship and the enduring legacy of the royal family’s patronage.

Location: Bhutan
Top sights: Zangdopelri · Bhutan Gate · Gurudwara
Nearby: Haa (11 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	8	10	13	16	18	20	20	20	19	16	13	9
Rain mm	5	13	36	91	173	263	397	304	239	92	5	3

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Karbandi Monastery sits on a hill above Phuntsholing and is open to visitors. The outdoor grounds and inner courtyard can be visited; the temple area is usually open, with shoes removed.

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Typical hours

The monastery is usually open during daylight hours, often from early morning to late afternoon. Holidays may have different hours; inquire at the monastery.

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Photography

Photography outdoors and on the monastery grounds is generally allowed. Inside the temple, photography may be restricted; ask for permission before taking pictures.

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Time needed

Allow about 1 hour to explore the monastery grounds and enjoy the view. For a meditative break or chatting with monks, plan for 1.5 hours.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with a descent into Phuntsholing and a walk along the Indian border. The town also features the Crocodile Park and various temples.

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Getting there

The monastery is accessible on foot from Phuntsholing via a steep path, or you can take a taxi up. There is a small parking area near the entrance.

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Insider tip

Visit the monastery in the late afternoon when the light is best for photos and the monks often have quiet prayer times. Bring water as the climb can be tiring.

Geography

Coordinates

26.87000, 89.38650

Facts

The monastery was established in 1967 by the Royal Grandmother.
It sits at an altitude of approximately 400 meters above sea level.
The complex features eight large white stupas representing Buddha's life stages.
It is located in the Chukha district, near the town of Phuentsholing.
The site offers views of the Bengal plains in neighboring India.
Ancient banyan trees are a notable natural feature of the monastery grounds.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Phuentsholing Mini Dry Port<1 km · NExplore →

Taktsang Monastery3 km · SExplore →

Bogra3 km · SWExplore →

Bhutan Ferro Alloys3 km · NExplore →

Rinpung Dzong5 km · NExplore →

Mahasthangarh5 km · SWExplore →

Kila Nunnery6 km · SExplore →

Drukgyel Dzong Ruins7 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Karbandi Monastery (8)

Zangdopelri

A Buddhist site in Bhutan, possibly a temple or meditation center.

Bhutan Gate

A monumental gate in Bhutan, serving as an entrance or landmark.

Gurudwara

A Sikh gurudwara in Bhutan, a place for prayer and community.

Buddhist Stupa altar with Buddha statue on lotus flower.

A Buddhist stupa altar featuring a Buddha statue on a lotus flower.

Jaigaon View Point

Viewpoint in Jaigaon, Bhutan, offering a panorama of the area.

Rinchending Gonpa

A Buddhist monastery in Bhutan, a place for meditation.

Rinchending Goenpa rin-chen-lding- dgon-p /

A Buddhist monastery in Bhutan, a place for meditation.

Radha Krishna Temple

A Hindu temple in Bhutan, dedicated to Radha and Krishna.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the monastery known for?

It is known for prayers for childless couples and the great view.

How is the view from there?

It has a broad view over Phuentsholing town and the Indian plains.

When was it built?

It was founded in 1967 by the Royal Grandmother Ashi Phuntsho Choden.

Are there gardens there?

Yes, the monastery is surrounded by a well-kept garden with subtropical plants.

How do you get there?

It is located right off the road leading from Phuentsholing inland.

Karbandi Monastery: where is it located?

Karbandi Monastery is located in Bhutan.

Karbandi Monastery: what is there to see?

Highlights include Zangdopelri, Bhutan Gate, Gurudwara.

Karbandi Monastery: when is the best time to visit?