Lingzhi Yügyal Dzong, Buddhist monastery in Lingzhi Gewog, Bhutan
Lingzhi Yügyal Dzong is a Buddhist monastery in the Lingzhi region at 4150 meters (13610 feet) elevation with traditional Bhutanese architecture and fortress-like walls. The buildings stand amid mountain peaks and form a compact complex with religious and administrative spaces.
The monastery was founded in 1668 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa and served as a strategic post controlling the border between Tibet and Bhutan. Its construction came at a time when this high-altitude fortress was important for defending the region.
The monastery is where Buddhist monks and a Lama Neten live together and maintain the teachings of Buddhism. It also serves the local community as an administrative center for the Lingzhi region.
The monastery is only reachable through multi-day treks over mountain trails starting from Paro or Thimphu. Helicopter services offer a faster alternative to hiking, though this option is considerably more expensive.
The monastery combines religious functions with administrative duties and is known for prisoners participating in its ongoing restoration since 2005. This work program is unusual and shows a practical approach to maintaining the historic complex.
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