Kharbandi Goemba and the view over the plains
Kharbandi Goemba sits about 5 km above Phuentsholing, at roughly 400 m, on a bend of the old road towards Thimphu. It was founded in 1967 by Ashi Phuntsho Choden, the royal grandmother, who liked to spend winters in this warmer corner of the country. A garden of chortens surrounds the temple.
From the terrace you look down on the two towns pressed against each other, the braided channels of the Torsa and the flat green plains running south towards Hasimara and Jaldapara. On clear winter mornings the view stretches a long way. Many travellers stop on their way up to Thimphu rather than making a separate trip.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How far is Kharbandi Goemba from Phuentsholing?
About 5 km uphill from the town centre, 15–20 minutes by car. A taxi there and back with waiting time costs about ₹500–700. You can also stop on your way to Thimphu if your driver agrees, since it lies close to the road. Walking up in the heat is not much fun except in winter.
Who built Kharbandi Goemba?
It was founded in 1967 by Ashi Phuntsho Choden, grandmother of the Fourth King, who spent winters in the area. The monastery has paintings of the Buddha and Guru Rinpoche and a set of chortens in the garden. It remains an active place of worship, so visit quietly and follow the usual etiquette.
Is Kharbandi Goemba worth visiting?
It is worth an hour if you have time in Phuentsholing or want a stop on the climb to Thimphu. The view over the plains and the two border towns is the best around. It is not as grand as the dzongs further north, but it is calm and rarely crowded.
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