Nalanda Buddhist Institute was built in 1757 and is located in the western part of Punakha. This is the second Nalanda Institute, the original being in Magadh, in the state of Bihar, India in the present day.
The Nalanda Institute in India was a hub of knowldge in the ancient world but it was not easily accessible due to a lack of roads. Consequently, its sister school was built in Bhutan.
The institute overlooks the valley and a hike is required to reach there. The monks learn English there and have their class twice a day. English speaking visitors are also welcome to help them learn the language.
