CHERI GOMPA MONASTERY

It was the first monastery to be founded by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1619, and later became home to the country's first monastic community. Also known as the Chagri Dorjeden monastery, it is today a particularly important retreat for Buddhists: some 30 monks come here to meditate for three years, three months and three days. Be careful not to disturb them during your visit. In a richly decorated silver chörten inside the sanctuary, the Shabdrung transferred his father's ashes here.