Tamshing Lhundrup Choeling Monastery, affectionately known as Tamshing Monastery, nestled in the heart of Bumthang, is a true gem for its age, beauty, and its intimate ties to Pema Lingpa, a revered Bhutanese saint, cultural icon, and spiritual treasure revealer, also known as a terton. The roots of this sacred space trace back to 1501 when Pema Lingpa, at the age of 51, personally constructed the monastery with love and devotion. You can find it about five kilometers from Chamkhar town in Choekhor Gewog.
The monastery’s centerpiece is the Guru Rinpoche statue, believed to be crafted by khandroms (dakinis), and adorned with zung (inner relics) revealed by Pema Lingpa from various sacred places. The temple’s wall paintings, exceptionally preserved, stand as some of the oldest in Bhutan. Among its treasures is an iron net, crafted by Pema Lingpa at the tender age of 8, blessed with prayers that promise the cleansing of sins and defilements for anyone who comes in contact with it or carries it while circumambulating the temple.
Tamshing also boasts being the birthplace of sacred peling dances, showcased annually in Bhutan’s vibrant Tsechus (festivals). The Phalachoedpa, a three-day festival in the eighth month of the Bhutanese calendar, unfolds within its sacred courtyard.
Beyond its festive charm, Tamshing serves as a daily sanctuary for local communities and a spiritual pilgrimage site for thousands of visitors and tourists. Helmed by H.E Lhalung Sungtrul Rinpoche, the 11th direct incarnation of Pema Lingpa, the monastery houses a vibrant community of over 90 monks. Their role extends far beyond the temple walls, as they actively engage in religious ceremonies, community services, and compassionate counseling, leaving an indelible mark on the daily lives of the surrounding communities and the people of Bhutan.
