Tamshing Lhakhang, Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Bumthang District, Bhutan
Tamshing Lhakhang is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Bumthang and sits on a hilltop overlooking the Chamkhar River valley. The complex displays traditional Bhutanese architecture with monk quarters arranged around a central courtyard where daily religious activities take place.
The monastery was founded in 1501 by Buddhist saint Pema Lingpa and preserves original wall paintings and statues from that founding period. These structures have shaped Bhutanese spiritual life across the centuries since their creation.
The monastery is known for its annual mask dances performed during the Phala Choedpa Festival, reflecting deep spiritual practices rooted in local traditions. These ceremonies show how faith and artistic expression are woven into the community's daily life and religious calendar.
Visitors should wear modest clothing with covered arms and legs when exploring the temple complex. The site requires respect for the monks and religious practices that occur daily in these spaces.
Pilgrims carry an iron blanket during their visit that was supposedly crafted by Pema Lingpa when he was eight years old. This distinctive practice is believed to cleanse visitors of past actions.
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