TASHIDING MONASTERY

Founded in 1641 by Ngadak Sempa Chempo, one of the three men who brought Buddhism to the region, Tashiding Monastery is a major pilgrimage site. Located on a hill at 1,465 meters above sea level, it belongs to the Nyingma current of Tibetan Buddhism. Known as Thong Wa Rang Dol, or "savior by the mere sight of it", the pilgrimage is supposed to purify anyone who goes there. Monks live there in small traditional houses next to the monastery. There is a very special atmosphere here where magic and spirituality are mixed.