Nunneries in Bhutan

Unlike the monasteries for men and boys that are beneficiaries of state or private support, nunneries in Bhutan receive no government funding. Private and community support is also extremely limited, leaving the girls and women in many nunneries vulnerable and neglected. Thus, their potential to serve society and contribute to its collective happiness is not being realized.

Overall, few of Bhutan’s nunneries provide a completely proper learning environment. There is great potential and a passion for nuns to receive good educations at nunneries. However, many lack standardized curriculum or evaluation systems. Above all, most do not have qualified teachers, who are committed and have the capability to provide a proper education, either for spiritual enrichment or for a productive lay life for those who decide to leave the nunneries.

Improving nuns’ living conditions and education will greatly assist in Bhutan’s drive to achieve “Education For All” within the framework of Gross National Happiness (GNH). A significant number of young women throughout Bhutan become nuns at some stage of life. As a result, it is critical they receive proper attention.

Nuns also play a crucial role in preserving Bhutan’s traditions and culture, essential to achieving GNH. This is a philosophy all about balancing material wants with spiritual needs. A woman who has spent some part of her life pursuing spirituality appears likely to live her own life in moderation and contribute to the happiness of others in a world where consumer ethics prevail.

Throughout the country, nuns serve as role models for grassroots women. This is especially significant now, as outside influences severely impact traditional values. Helping nuns benefits all women, girls and youth throughout Bhutan, especially in rural areas.

List of Nunnry in Bhutan
Sl. No Name of Nunnery Location Dzongkhag nuns
1 Thangthong Dewachen Nunnery Zulukha Thimphu 55
2 Shedup Cholling Nunnery Hontsho 45
3 Shenchen Orgyen Chodzong Nunnery Sisina 111
4 Jabto Ani Dratshang Shaba Paro 16
5 Tencha Goempa Gorina 41
6 Ugyen Gatsel Anim Dratshang Dorangthang Punakha 56
7 Upper Dorangthang  Punakha 15
8 Sangchen Dorji Lhundrup Nunnery Wolakha 85
9 Pema shedrup Dhargay Khandroling nunnery Dangchu Wangdiphodrang 26
10 Ngenlung Drakchakling Nunnery Phobjikha 41
11 Karma Drubdey Palmo Choskidhing Khang KingaRabten Trongsa 175
12 Samcholling Nunnery Samcholing 17
13 Shedrup Chokhorling Nunnery Tsamang Mongar 14
14 Sangay Choling Nunnery Tormashong 16
15 Jampa Chokhorling Nunnery Ridaza 16
16 Losel Yangchenling Yakpogang 75
17 Samtencholing Nunnery Wamrong Tashigang 26
18 Thekchog Kunzang Cholling Nunnery Khardung 87
19 Lhundup Choling Nunnery Jashar Pema Gatshel 32
20 Ugyen Thekchok Yangtse Nunnery Todpalung 25
21 Ugyen Phuntshok Choling Nunnery lower Chotpa 12
22 Pema Choling Nunnery Tang Bumthang 165
23 Ngagyur Shedrub Choeling Nunnery Tashiphu Gelephu 23
24 Shedup Cholling Nunnery Sershong  
24 Yoesel Choling Nunnery Panbang Zhemgang  
25 Ngajur Pema Chopheling Nunnery Pangbang 25
26 Sherab Yoesel Choling Nunnery Martshala Samdrupjongkhar 32
27 Ngajur Gaden Tshogyal Shedupling Shingkhalawri 25
28 Ugyen Samten Choling Keptang   
Total Nuns 1256