Dalay Goenpa (Nalanda Buddhist College)
Dalay Goenpa or Dalida is as well-known as Nalanda Nalanda Buddhist College in Bhutan. Located below Talo Monastery and above Walakha, about a 25-minute drive from the main highway to Punakha. Gyalwang Shakya Rinchen Rinpoche the 9th Je Khenpo founded the Nalanda Monastery in 1757 as a substitute for the Bhutanese who made great effort to travel to India to visit ancient Nalanda University in India. In 1991 His Majesty gave permission for Nalanda Monastery to become a Shedra. Then in 1992 two lopens (teachers) began the Shedra with 20 monks. Over time the number of lopens and students increased. In 2018 there were 6 lopens and 125 students that range from 8 to 28 years old.
Near Dalay Goenpa (Nalanda Buddhist College)
More to see around Punakha.
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Temples & Monasteries
Chimi Lhakhang
The temple, adorned with hundreds of prayer flags, graces the edge of a picturesque plateau overlooking fertile rice fields and river below.
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Restaurants
Chimi Lhakhang Cafeteria
A glass-walled cafeteria by Chimi Lhakhang looking over village houses and rice terraces. Bhutanese and Indian buffet with red rice; dessert, tea and coffee included.
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Sight
Drive from Punakha to Paro
Drive from Punakha to Paro: Takes about Approx.(3 to 4 Hrs).Distance covered is 128 KM.
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Stupas & Chortens
Khamsum Yulley Chorten
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chörten, perched atop Nyizergang hill, is a sacred site accessible via a 40-minute uphill hike.
