Tachog Lhakhang, also known as Tamchog or Tachogang temple, is a monastery built by Drupthob Thangtong Gyalpo in 1433. It is located along the Paro-Thimphu highway, before Chhuzom and right after Isuna village.
Today, there is a tradition among the people of Paro to visit both Tachog Lhakhang and Lhading Goenpa in one day to cleanse the sins accumulated over 300 rebirths.
How to Reach Tachog Lhakhang
Tachog Lhakhang is on a hillock right above the Tamchog Chakzam, just a 10-minute walk from the Paro-Thimphu highway at Isuna. The temple is open to all visitors daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. The entry fee for adults is Nu 300.
History of Tachog Lhakhang
Drupthob Thangtong Gyalpo built Tachog Monastery in the 15th century.
According to history, Guru Rinpoche is said to have prophesied the arrival of Thangtong Gyalpo to this place. Accordingly, Thangtong Gyalpo traveled to this site from Phurdo Goenpa in the late 13th century.
It is said that while meditating there, Thangtong Gyalpo had a vision of Tachog Balaha, the spiritual horse of Guru Rinpoche, resting there. Inspired by this encounter, he built a temple and named it Tachog Lhakhang, meaning “Temple of the Hill of the Excellent Horse”. Over the years, the pronunciation has changed to Tamchog.
In the 17th century, Thimphu Dzongpon Au Tshering reconstructed the temple at the command of Gyalsey Tenzin Rabgye after it was destroyed by fire.
Tamchog Chakzam (Iron Bridge)
Tachog Lhakhang’s old bridge was built by Thangtong Gyalpo in 1433 using multiple lengths of iron chains anchored by stone gatehouses on both sides. The iron used in the bridge’s construction was mined locally, as the mouths of ore tunnels are still visible in the mountains above.
However, the historical iron bridge was washed away by a flood in 1969, though the recovered chains are still stored in the Lhakhang. In 2005, the suspension bridge was reconstructed using salvaged original chains, including the unused chains from other bridges built by Thangtong Gyalpo in Bhutan.
Currently, this sacred bridge is closed for safety reasons. A modern cable bridge built in the early 1970s is in use.
Paro Tachog Monastery
Tachog Lhakhang is a private temple run by the descendants of Thangtong Gyalpo. It is surrounded by beautiful orange and apple trees. Before reaching the temple, there is a stone chorten said to have the footprint of Guru Rinpoche.
This 3-story monastery houses several sacred relics. The ground floor is a temple dedicated to the wish-fulfilling Buddha Shakyamuni, with several volumes of ancient Buddhist scriptures. The first floor is a goenkhang dedicated to Ma Za Dam Sum, the three guardian deities. The second floor is the temple of Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara).
The monastery also houses several sacred relics of Thangtong Gyalpo:
- Iron chain pieces;
- Walking stick;
- Hand-carved statues;
- Throne;
- Murals of Thangtong Gyalpo.
Tamcho Lhakhang Festival
There is no formal Tshechu. However, the monks gather annually at Tachog Monastery to recite the Kanjur and Tenjur for the well-being of all sentient beings.
Best Time to Visit Tachogang Lhakhang
Tachog monastery can be visited throughout the year. Most visitors stop here while traveling from Paro International Airport toward Thimphu or from Phuentsholing toward Paro. You can visit the major pilgrimage sites of Paro with the Bhutan Pilgrimage Package.
Enjoyed reading this blog?
