Plizio Visual Lab
Tango Monastery
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
Tango Monastery is located about 14 kilometers north of Thimphu and serves as one of Bhutans most significant centers for higher Buddhist studies. The name Tango literally means horse head, referring to a rock formation at the site believed to be a manifestation of the deity Hayagriva. While the site was originally founded in the 13th century by Phajo Drukgom Zhigpo, the current impressive structure was built in 1688 by the fourth Desi, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye. The three-story monastery building houses numerous sacred statues and exceptional murals. Since 1966, Tango has functioned as the Bhutanese monastic college, where advanced students study Buddhist philosophy and meditation. The hike to the monastery leads through beautiful oak and pine forests and takes about an hour. Tango is closely associated with the neighboring Cheri Monastery, and together they form a key spiritual and meditative retreat area in the Thimphu region.
- Location: Bhutan
- Top sights: Soshi Goenpa Lhakhang · Dramagang Lhakhang · Druk Ralung Shedrup Choeling Monastry
- Nearby: Laya (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 3 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 5 | 12 | 32 | 60 | 108 | 153 | 259 | 207 | 134 | 51 | 3 | 3 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The historic Buddhist center can be visited, although access to the inner prayer halls often depends significantly on the current monastic activities and the monks' studies.
Typical hours
The complex is usually open to respectful visitors during the daytime, but it is best to carefully plan the climb for the morning to avoid the extreme heat or sudden rainfall.
Photography
Photographing the impressive exterior grounds is fully permitted, but capturing images inside the temples and during religious ceremonies is generally strictly and totally forbidden.
Time needed
Due to the absolutely necessary hike up to the high-altitude monastery, you should allocate a total of at least a very active half-day for the ascent, the sightseeing, and descent.
Combine with
This excellent excursion can be wonderfully combined with a visit to the nearby Cheri Monastery, which is situated on a neighboring hill and provides a very similar spiritual atmosphere.
Getting there
The starting point is best reached with a hired vehicle from Thimphu, followed directly by an approximately one-hour, fairly steep hike ascending through the dense, beautiful mountain forest.
Insider tip
Wear highly sturdy footwear for the demanding climb and remember to wear conservative clothing that fully covers shoulders and legs to meet the strict local monastic rules.
Geography
Facts
- Founded in the 13th century
- Current building dates to 1688
- Monastic college since 1966
- Name translates to horse head
- Located 14km north of Thimphu
- Built by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Tango Monastery (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is the path to the monastery tiring?
It is a moderate uphill hike of about 45-60 minutes through oak forests.
What is the significance of the monastery?
It is an important Buddhist institute for higher studies and meditation.
Can tourists enter?
Yes, visitors are welcome as long as they dress and behave respectfully.
When was it founded?
The original form dates to the 13th century, with the current building from the 17th.
Is there drinking water on the path?
It is recommended to bring your own water as there are few outlets at the top.
Tango Monastery: where is it located?
Tango Monastery is located in Bhutan.
Tango Monastery: what is there to see?
Highlights include Soshi Goenpa Lhakhang, Dramagang Lhakhang, Druk Ralung Shedrup Choeling Monastry.
Tango Monastery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Sep, Oct.
Tango Monastery: why is it worth visiting?
Tango Monastery is located about 14 kilometers north of Thimphu and serves as one of Bhutans most significant centers for higher Buddhist studies.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Bhutan →
Nearby cities
Thimphu
Thimphu is the capital and largest city of Bhutan, known for its blend of traditional culture and modernity without traffic lights.
Laya
An isolated high-altitude village at 3800 meters, home to the semi-nomadic Layap people known for their unique conical bamboo hats.
Sirajganj
A major river port and transportation hub on the Jamuna River, connecting northern Bangladesh with the rest of the country.
Khulna
Khulna is a major industrial city that serves as the gateway to the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest.
Tsimasham
Tsimasham is the headquarters of Chukha district, strategically located along the main highway between Thimphu and the Indian border.
Lhamoizingkha
Lhamoizingkha is a subtropical border town in Bhutan, situated on the banks of the Sunkosh River in an area with lush vegetation.
Khuruthang
Khuruthang is a planned new town serving as the commercial hub for the Punakha district, just south of the historic dzong.
Bogra
One of the oldest cities in Bengal, known as the 'Capital of North Bengal' and famous for its archaeological heritage.
History & landmarks
Cheri Monastery
The first monastery in Bhutan, built in 1620.
Buddha Dordenma
A gigantic Buddha statue towering over Thimphu.
🗺️
Phajoding Monastery
A massive monastery complex high above Thimphu, reached by a steep hike.
Dochula Pass
A scenic mountain pass featuring 108 memorial chortens.
Gasa Dzong
A historic mountain fortress built in the 17th century to protect against attacks from the north.
Sundarbans
The largest contiguous mangrove forest in the world is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the endangered Bengal tiger.
Bangabandhu Bridge
One of the longest bridges in South Asia, crossing the Jamuna River to connect eastern and western Bangladesh.
Bagerhat
Bagerhat is a historic town in southwestern Bangladesh, home to a UNESCO-listed 15th-century mosque city built by Khan Jahan Ali.
Nature
More places
Changangkha Lhakhang
One of the oldest temples in Thimphu, established in the 12th century.
Dechen Phodrang Monastery
This historical monastery was the original site of the Tashichho Dzong until it was relocated.
National Memorial Chorten
A prominent monument in Thimphu, built in 1974 to honor the third King of Bhutan.
Tashichho Dzong
A Buddhist monastery and fortress on the northern edge of Thimphu, serving as the seat of the Bhutanese government since 1952.
Semtokha Dzong
The oldest surviving fortress in Bhutan, built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
🗺️
Bjemina Industrial Estate
An industrial estate near the capital Thimphu, focusing on light industries, wood processing, and construction materials.
National Seed Centre Paro
An important facility for preserving agricultural diversity and providing high-quality seeds to Bhutanese farmers.
Paro Rice Terraces
The fertile slopes of the Paro Valley are adorned with intricate rice terraces, creating a golden landscape in autumn.