Enjoy a short hike to Tango Goempa Monastery, initially built in the 13th century, and perfected by the 4th temporal ruler in 1688. Tango literally translates to ‘horse head’ in honour of the main idol, Hayagriva, consecrated in the Monastery. Legend states that a lama heard the echo of a horse neigh in the direction of the cliffs, only for the crags to take the form of the god Tandin, consumed by flames. It was prophesised that a monastery and temple would be built on the site and dedicated to meditation and prayer.
Walk through an iridescent violet and crimson rhododendron woodland for about an hour to the Monastery. Revealing a rich history with saints once meditating within its walls during times of war, today the Monastery serves as a Buddhist university with nearly 300 monk scholars in residence. Walk around the Drolay loop, pass by Drolay Goemba meditation centre and end with unparalleled views of the Cheri Monastery, surrounding mountain ranges and the city of Thimphu, meaning ‘the meadow of pearls’, before enjoying a picnic in the Jigme Dorji National Park.
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