Overview
Immerse with Buddhist Monks
Up in the hills above Thimphu, with spectacular views of the city below, lies a hidden monk village with the 12th-century temple of Dodedrak at the centre. Spend a night in the temple’s guest room to pursue a higher level of spiritual wellness, through traditional Bhutanese prayer and rituals with the residing monks. The monastery is presently home to 180 student monks pursuing certificates in higher studies of Buddhism.
Built by Chief Abbot Yonten Thaye, Dodedrak Monastery has on display within its two altar rooms, original 900-year-old paintings and ancient statues and beneath the altar rooms, a small museum housing hundreds-years-old monastic artifact. The roof of the alter rooms are filled with remarkable mandalas. There are two rock wall paintings at the entrance of the area of the temples. The extraordinary shapes of the stone walls are believed to be natural and with the help of colours, the painted wall tells the history of Dodedrak. The second painted wall is the vision of Dodedrak and it shows what the area looks like today.
While staying at this one-of-a-kind guesthouse, you will have the chance of seeing the exquisite and rare langur (Hanuman monkeys) which inhabit the forest around the monastery.
Facts
At a glance
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One room
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Traditional Bhutanese cuisine
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Traditional spiritual rituals
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Experiences
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![Doderak Monestary Guesthouse Thimphu praying]()
Pray with the Monks
Sit in on and participate in the Monks traditional practices, learn how to play ceremonial instruments, mold the sugar sculptures seen on many altars as offerings, among other things
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![Butter Lamp offering Bhutan]()
Butter Lamp Offering at Monastery
The offering of butter lamp is the offering of wisdom and light of knowledge to eradicate darkness or ignorance. The traditional practice of preparing a butter lamp starts from washing one’s hand, wearing a mask to protect from contaminating the butter lamp through one’s breath, making the wick out of pure cotton and cleaning the chalices with a clean piece of cloth reserved for this or fresh mosses from the trees, which was commonly used in old times.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
