Simtokha Dzong

Simtokha Dzong

Simtokha Dzong is the oldest temple in Bhutan, built between 1626 and 1627 by Ngawang Namgyel. The temple enshrines Guru Rinpoche. Today, this Simtokha has been converted into a monastic college, where 200 students study Buddhism and Buddhist art.

The Bhutanese are deeply devoted to Buddhism. Young boys, typically around the ages of five or six, are sent here to be taught and to learn and pass on the teachings of Buddhism. In Bhutan’s theocratic system, this is a very important matter. As for children recognized as reincarnated lamas, they begin their monastic lives at the age of three or four. This religion, which blends Mahayana Buddhism with Tibet’s indigenous beliefs, became widespread in Bhutan after the migration of many Tibetan monks to the region in the 17th century. Currently, Bhutan is led by the Red Hat sect (the royal family are all adherents of the Red Hat sect), and its religious leader is called the Je Khenpo, who holds a status equal to that of the king. On the west side of the monastery is an ancient temple built at an altitude of 3,000 meters (constructed in 1748), called Phajoding. From here, besides purifying one’s spirit, you can also enjoy a panoramic view of Simtokha and the surrounding mountain ranges.