Tashi Ding is an active monastery in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. I recently visited to attend the cremation of my Tibetan master. The monastery was established in the 1600's. There are two holy caves visited by the master Guru Rinpoche located at the site. There is a stupa garden, two meditation halls, a prayer wheel house with an immense prayer wheel, as well as residences for the monks. On the walk up to the site is a little shop at which you can buy a traditional kata, or prayer shawl, to make an offering. Below the main site is one of the 8 great charnel grounds (burial sites) in the Buddhist tradition. The site is pretty high up and there is some steep walking, I recommend taking your time climbing the hill. Modest dress is most appropriate, generally long pants are best - not shorts.

We deliberately stopped in Tashiding to visit this ancient monastery, stayed at the wonderful new Rabney Residency hotel. In the morning we visited the monastery and our dream came true! But it should be noted that the monastery was closed, but 2 telephones were left on which you can call the monks. After only 10 minutes, the monk opened the doors for us and waited very patiently for us to perform all the rituals and enjoy the solitude. Tashiding is also known by Saint Chorten, known as Thong-WaRang-Dol, which literally means "Savior." It is believed that mere contemplation of this should wash away all the sins of believers.