Kila Gompa Nunnery
Bhutan's first nunnery, perched at 3,700m, offering serene spiritual practice and breathtaking Paro Valley views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, lush surroundings
Kila Gompa Nunnery
Best Time
Pleasant weather, lush surroundings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Bhutan's first nunnery, perched at 3,700m, offering serene spiritual practice and breathtaking Paro Valley views.
"A beautiful, peaceful place with incredibly kind nuns and stunning views."
🚗 Bumpy Road Ahead
The detour road to the parking lot is rough. A 4WD vehicle is recommended for a smoother journey.
🧥 Dress for the Altitude
It's cold at 3,700m! Pack warm layers, especially if visiting in winter.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Avalokiteshvara Temple
Main temple hall
Dedicated to the Bodhisattva of Compassion, this sacred space offers a glimpse into deep spiritual devotion.
Nuns' Warm Welcome
Nunnery grounds
Experience the kindness of the nuns, who may offer blessings, sacred threads, tea, and snacks.
Panoramic Valley Views
Overlooking Paro Valley
Breathtaking vistas of the Paro Valley unfold from this serene mountain sanctuary.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Bumpy Ride
Embrace the Serenity and Altitude
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Bumpy Road Ahead
The detour road to the parking lot is rough. A 4WD vehicle is recommended for a smoother journey.
🧥 Dress for the Altitude
It's cold at 3,700m! Pack warm layers, especially if visiting in winter.
🚶 Short Walk to Nunnery
The road goes to the parking; a short, pleasant walk leads to the nunnery.
🙏 Respectful Visit
Be mindful of the nuns' spiritual practices. Dress modestly and speak softly.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Bumpy Road Ahead
The detour road to the parking lot is rough. A 4WD vehicle is recommended for a smoother journey.
🧥 Dress for the Altitude
It's cold at 3,700m! Pack warm layers, especially if visiting in winter.
🚶 Short Walk to Nunnery
The road goes to the parking; a short, pleasant walk leads to the nunnery.
🙏 Respectful Visit
Be mindful of the nuns' spiritual practices. Dress modestly and speak softly.
🥾 Hiking Option
Consider hiking from Chelela Pass for stunning views; it takes about 2 hours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Kila Gompa Nunnery for its profound peace, stunning natural beauty, and the warm hospitality of the nuns. The spiritual atmosphere and the opportunity to witness deep devotion are highlights, though the bumpy access road and high altitude require preparation. It's a unique detour offering a glimpse into Bhutan's rich Buddhist traditions.
"The nunnery is a historical one and is a detour from the road from Paro to Haa. The detour part of the road is pretty bumpy. It takes you all the way to the parking lot and it's a short walk to the nunnery.
The nuns were so nice and generous. We got to light a butter lamp and they blessed us by tying a sacred thread. They gave us tea and a snack.
The surroundings were so beautiful and peaceful.
The temple was dedicated to Avaloketeshwara."
Bharathi Mani
"Beautiful place in the road from Paro to Haa. We did a Hiking from this place to Chellela pas... Everything was amazing 😍"
Thalia Izabel González
"Kila Gomba Nunnery, often referred to as Bhutan's first nunnery, is nestled in the serene mountains above the Paro Valley at an elevation of around 3,700 meters (12,139 feet). This remote location makes it an ideal place for spiritual retreat and contemplation, but also presents challenges due to the harsh cold weather, especially in winter. For centuries, it has been a center of spiritual practice, where nuns dedicate themselves to prayers, meditation, and Buddhist teachings.
Historically, Kila Gomba also functioned as a college for nuns. However, in 2018, due to the extreme cold, the educational activities were moved to a lower altitude in the Paro Valley. Despite this relocation, the nunnery itself remains active, with around 20 nuns living there in the peaceful, high-altitude environment. They typically stay for periods ranging from one to two years, during which they engage in intense spiritual practices, reciting prayers, meditating, and deepening their connection to the Dharma.
Once the nuns feel prepared, many take on an even more rigorous spiritual journey. They cross over to the other side of the mountain, for "Lo Sum Choe Sum." This is a three-year solitary meditation retreat, a path of great dedication and strict discipline. During this time, the nuns are secluded from the world, focused solely on spiritual advancement through deep meditation and reflection. The practice of "Lo Sum Choe Sum" is one of the most profound and revered in Bhutanese Buddhism, signifying a high level of spiritual commitment.
Kila Gomba's isolation, spiritual energy, and the nuns' unwavering devotion make it a unique and sacred place in Bhutan's rich Buddhist tradition.
The motor road leads up to a parking area near Kila Gomba Nunnery, and from there, it's just a short walk to the site. Alternatively, you can hike from Chelela Pass, which takes about two hours and offers stunning views along the way."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kila Gompa Nunnery is located on the road from Paro to Haa, about 25 km from Bondey town. A detour road leads to the nunnery before reaching Chele La Pass. The road can be bumpy, so a 4WD is advisable.
Yes, a motorable road leads up to a parking area near the nunnery, from which it's a short walk to the site.
Absolutely! You can hike from Chelela Pass, which takes approximately two hours and offers spectacular views along the way.
Hiring a taxi or a private vehicle is the most convenient way. Ensure your driver is comfortable with the potentially rough detour road.
Public transport options are limited for such a remote location. It's best to arrange private transport for a comfortable visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically no entrance fee for Kila Gompa Nunnery, but donations are always appreciated to support the nuns and their practices.
The nunnery is generally open during daylight hours. It's advisable to visit during the day to experience its peaceful atmosphere and interact with the nuns.
No advance booking is required. You can visit Kila Gompa Nunnery spontaneously as part of your journey between Paro and Haa.
Yes, visitors often have the opportunity to light butter lamps as a form of prayer and offering.
While generally permitted, it's respectful to ask before taking photos of the nuns or inside the prayer halls. Be mindful of their spiritual practices.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the temple dedicated to Avalokiteshvara, witness the serene lifestyle of the nuns, enjoy the peaceful ambiance, and take in the stunning views of the Paro Valley.
The nuns are known for their kindness and generosity. Visitors often report warm interactions, including receiving blessings and sacred threads.
It's considered Bhutan's first nunnery and has been a center for spiritual practice for centuries, with some nuns undertaking rigorous three-year solitary meditation retreats.
Yes, due to its high altitude of around 3,700 meters, it can be very cold, especially during winter. Warm clothing is essential.
While maintaining respect for their practices, interactions are often possible. Some visitors have shared tea and snacks with the nuns.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views of the Paro Valley from the nunnery grounds are spectacular. The temple interiors and the serene atmosphere also offer great photographic opportunities.
It's best to ask permission before taking photos inside the prayer halls. Be respectful of the nuns' spiritual activities.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for both landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive valley views.
Capturing the serene expressions of the nuns, the intricate details of the temple architecture, and the vast mountain landscapes are popular choices.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful atmospheric shots, especially with the mist often present in the valley.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the beautiful surroundings and the kindness of the nuns. The chance to light a butter lamp or receive a blessing can be a memorable moment for children. However, be mindful of the high altitude and the cold, ensuring children are warmly dressed and hydrated. The nunnery is not a typical playground, so managing expectations for very young children is key.
🚶 Hikers and Nature Lovers
The area around the nunnery is also known for its serene environment, making it ideal for nature lovers. If visiting in summer, you might even be lucky enough to find mushrooms on the way. The combination of a spiritual site with accessible hiking trails makes Kila Gompa a compelling stop for those who appreciate both nature and culture.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual Journey of the Nuns
What sets Kila Gompa apart is the path many nuns undertake after their initial stay: the 'Lo Sum Choe Sum.' This is a profound three-year solitary meditation retreat, a path of immense dedication and strict discipline where nuns seclude themselves from the world to focus solely on spiritual advancement. This rigorous practice highlights the deep commitment and spiritual fervor found at Kila Gompa, making it a truly unique and sacred place in Bhutanese Buddhism.
Visitors often speak of the profound peace and spiritual energy emanating from the nunnery, attributing it to the nuns' unwavering devotion. The opportunity to witness or even participate in small ways, like lighting a butter lamp, offers a tangible connection to this ancient tradition.
Navigating the Terrain: Roads and Trails
For those who prefer a more active approach or wish to soak in the stunning Himalayan scenery, hiking is an excellent alternative. A popular option is the hike from Chelela Pass, which takes approximately two hours. This trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains, making the journey itself a rewarding experience. Cyclists also find trails in the area, adding to the adventurous appeal of visiting Kila Gompa.
Once you reach the parking area, it's just a short, pleasant walk to the nunnery itself. This final stretch allows you to transition from the journey to the serene environment of the monastery, preparing you for the spiritual and visual delights that await.
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