Nalanda Buddhist Institute, Bhutan, Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Punakha District, Bhutan

Nalanda Buddhist Institute, also called Daley Goenpa or Dalida, is a shedra below Talo Monastery and above Walakha, about a 25-minute drive from Punakha's main highway. Its upper lhakang, a single-storey building enlarged to two storeys by the 50th Je Khenpo, Jambashinyen, holds a clay statue of founder Gyalwang Shakya Rinchen and clay figures of the eight Indian pandits. A library and classroom built in 2010 serve 125 monks aged 8 to 28.

The monastery was founded in 1757 by Buddhist master Gyalwang Shakya Rinchen, who selected the site after eight vultures circled above it, a sign considered auspicious in Buddhist tradition. This founding story reflects the deep spiritual connection between the location and Himalayan Buddhist beliefs.

The institute is named after the renowned ancient university of Nalanda in India, honoring that center of Buddhist learning. Visitors can observe young monks gathering in debate groups, their voices rising in rhythmic discussion as they challenge and question each other's understanding.

The best time to visit is during the dry season when mountain paths are easier to access and visibility is clearer. Keep in mind this is an active learning site, so visitors should dress respectfully and maintain quiet behavior to honor the monks' work.

The name Nalanda means "insatiable giving". The upper temple (lhakang) began as a single-storey building and was raised to a second storey by Je Jambashinyen, the 50th Je Khenpo. In the lower shrine room of the upper temple stand eight clay statues made by the founder himself, representing the eight great scholars of Nalanda University in India.