Dechen Phodrang

A large monastic school north of Thimphu that serves as one of the main training centers for young monks in Bhutan. Originally an ancient meditation site predating the arrival of the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was converted into a monastic school housing approximately 450 student monks ranging from ages 6 to 20 who study Buddhist scripture, philosophy, Dzongkha language, and ritual arts. Dechen Phodrang also houses a collection of 12th-century paintings and statues that are among the oldest surviving artworks in the Thimphu Valley.