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Kharbandi Monastery, a Temple on the Precious Hill in Phuentsholing

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  • Post last modified:March 9, 2025
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Kharbandi Monastery, also known as Rinchending Goemba, is a Buddhist monastery perched 400 meters above sea level on a precious hill of Rinchending below the Phuntsholing –Thimphu Highway. The Royal Grandmother, Ashi Phuntsho Choden built the monastery in 1967.

With its deep historical significance and breathtaking views of Phuentsholing town and the plains of Jaigaon, West Bengal, the temple has become one of the best pilgrimage sites and a popular tourist attraction in Phuentsholing among Indian tourists.

Whether you seek spiritual solace or want to immerse yourself in Bhutan’s stunning natural beauty, Karbandi Monastery is a must-visit place in your Bhutan travel itinerary. So, on your Phuentsholing sightseeing, don’t miss Rinchending Goemba. The picturesque scenery, lush surroundings, serene ambiance, and breathtaking views make the Karbandi Gompa worth visiting in Phuentsholing.

How to Reach Kharbandi Monastery

The Karbandi Monastery in Phuentsholing is located at a distance of 1 kilometer from Phuentsholing. It takes 30 minutes to drive from the Indian border of Jaigaon. You can enjoy picturesque views of the lush surroundings while driving on a well-maintained road. The nearest major railway station to enter Bhutan is in Hasimara, India, about 18 kilometers from the border town of Phuentsholing while the closest airport is Bagdogra Airport, approximately 160 kilometers away.

Kharbandi Monastery

Sacred Relics to See at Karbandi Monastery

  • 10 feet high sculpture of Guru Rimpoche;
  • Statues of Shakyamuni Buddha;
  • Statues of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal;
  • Paintings that depict the life of Buddha Shakyamuni;
  • 8 great Buddhist stupas that commemorate eight important events in the life of Buddha.

Also Read: Guru Rinpoche in Bhutan: His Visits to Bhutan and Sacred Sites

Historical Significance of Kharbandi Monastery

Kharbandi Gompa was built by the Royal Grandmother, Ashi Phuntsho Choden in 1967. The Monastery was the winter residence of Ashi Phuntsho Choden.

Couples visit the monastery to seek fertility blessings. If couples with infertility visit the Karbandi monastery, they are believed to be blessed with a child. According to a legend, an Indian pilgrim prayed to be showered with the blessing of being a mother at Kharbandi Gompa and she was blessed with a child. After that miracle or coincidence, the Monastery has become a pilgrimage site for many couples.

Also Read: Zangdo Pelri Lhakhang, a Replica of Guru Rinpoche’s Paradise in Phuentsholing

Description of Kharbandi Goenpa

Kharbandi Monastery is one of the oldest Buddhist Temples in Bhutan. As you approach, the monastery’s wide gate welcomes the visitors. The serene atmosphere envelops you, inviting you to explore its peaceful surroundings.

The monastery has a beautiful garden of tropical plants and flowers dotted with eight white-washed Buddhist Chortens (stupas) commemorating eight important events in Buddha Shakyamuni’s life. The garden also features a long stretch of vibrant prayer flags, enormous prayer wheels, and traditional Bhutanese architecture.

Kharbandi monastery

Inside, the monastery features beautifully crafted statues and intricate murals depicting various aspects of Buddhist teachings. The main hall of the Karbandi Goenpa is adorned with an impressive 10-foot statue of Guru Padmasambhava, magnificent life-size statues of the Shakyamuni Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, and other Buddhist deities, and paintings portraying the life of Lord Buddha.

The shrine also has a separate room with burning butter lamps. Visitors can participate in lightning butter lamps and offer daily prayers as the monks carry out ceremonies inside the monastery with pounding drums, trumpets, and chanting.

Kharbandi Monastery also offers a panoramic view of Phuntsholing town, the plains of West Bengal, and the Jaigaon. The site is the perfect place to take bird-eye photos of the town, plains, and the mountains.

Kharbandi Monastery

Best Time to Visit Kharbandi Goemba

Karbandi monastery can be visited throughout the year and is open to anyone who wishes to visit from 7 am to 6 pm Bhutan standard time. The best time is early morning from 7 am to 9 am when the monks start chanting prayers. Visit the temple in the late afternoon or evening to see its golden rooftops bathed in magical sunlight, enhancing its beauty. You can visit the major pilgrimage sites of Phuentsholing, Chhukha with the Bhutan Pilgrimage Package.

Places to Explore in Phuentsholing

Phuentsholing, the second largest town in Bhutan, is a bustling border town that serves as an important entry point for travelers from India. Phuentsholing blends traditional Bhutanese architecture with modern infrastructure. Here are some of the popular attractions in Phuentsholing:

Zangto Pelri Lhakhang: Zangto Pelri Lhakhang, located in the heart of Phuentsholing, Bhutan, is a small temple representing the celestial abode of Guru Rimpoche.

Palden Tashi Chholing Shedra: is a Buddhist institute in Phuentsholing, Bhutan, dedicated to Buddhist education and spiritual learning.

Milerapa Lhakhang: Sangye Migyur Ling Monastery also known as Mila Serkhar Guthog Lhakhang is a nine-story replica of an 11th-century structure built by Milarepa in Tibet.

Bhutan Gate: a traditional Bhutanese gate that separates Bhutan from India, located in the Indo-Bhutan border town of Phuentsholing.

Phuentsholing Park: This is a popular destination in the town, with eucalyptus and sal trees, gazebos, a basketball court, and food stalls.

Amo Chhu Crocodile Breeding Centre: This is a wildlife conservation area in Phuentsholing, dedicated to breeding and studying crocodiles. The center houses two species of crocodiles: gharials and muggers. The center is open to tourists from 9 am to 5 pm.

Phuentsholing Vegetable Market: an integrated vegetable market designed to offer fresh produce in a more appealing environment for customers.

Amochu Suspension (Hanging) Bridge in Phuentsholing: Also known as the Hanging Bridge is one of the tourist attractions in Phuentsholing.


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