Thousands of young Bhutanese join monastic schools each year. Their days follow a rhythm that has changed little in centuries.
Before dawn
The day begins early, often before 5 am, with prayers and chanting in the assembly hall. Young monks memorise long texts by heart, reciting them aloud until every word is perfect.
Study and practice
Mornings are spent studying scripture, philosophy, ritual arts, astrology or the making of sacred objects. Older monks learn the complex choreography of cham — the masked dances performed at festivals.
Daily life
Meals are simple and shared. Monks take turns cooking, cleaning and caring for the temple, and there is time for football and laughter too — monastic schools are lively places.
The Central Monk Body
Bhutan's state monastic body, led by the Je Khenpo, spends summers in Thimphu's Tashichho Dzong and winters in Punakha Dzong, moving between them in a colourful procession.
Meet the monks
With our Night at the Monastery experience you can join evening prayers, share a meal and wake to the sound of horns at dawn.
Header photo: Arian Zwegers from Brussels, Belgium, CC BY 2.0
