It looks like Tibet, but it’s in Aragon: the Buddhist temple of Huesca lost in the mountains

When you think of Aragon, you often think of its imposing medieval castles, its Romanesque churches and its vast lands marked by history. But what many people don’t know is that this Community hides places as unexpected as they are surprising, where spirituality and tradition merge in unparalleled landscapes. One of these enclaves is the Buddhist temple Dag Shang Kagyu in Huesca, a corner that seems to have come straight from the Himalayan mountains, transporting visitors to a universe of calm and reflection.

Located in the small town of Panillo, this spiritual centre is much more than just a temple: It is a haven of peace and a gateway to Tibetan Buddhist philosophy in the heart of the Aragonese Pyrenees. Since its founding in 1984, it has become a meeting point for practitioners and curious people looking to disconnect from the fast pace of modern life and immerse themselves in an ancient tradition. Surrounded by mountains, lush nature and an overwhelming silence , this place invites contemplation and learning, offering a unique experience without having to travel to Asia.

THE ORIGIN OF THE DAG SHANG KAGYU BUDDHIST TEMPLE IN HUESCA

The Dag Shang Kagyu Buddhist temple in Panillo, Huesca, is one of the reference centres of Tibetan Buddhism in Spain. Although it was founded in 1984, it was in the seventies when followers of Buddhism in Spain travelled to France to meet Kyabje Kalu Rinpoche.

There, the travelers fell in love with this religious movement and asked Kyabje Kalu Rinpoche to found a Buddhist temple in our country. From there, they began to study the best location, until, finally, this master of the Kagyu tradition decided to settle in Panillo, isolated from large cities and in a peaceful environment conducive to spiritual practice.

Since its founding, the Dag Shang Kagyu Panillo Buddhist Centre has grown both in infrastructure and influence. Today, it has an impressive temple decorated with the colours and symbols of Tibetan Buddhism, a large 17-metre-high stupa and various spaces for meditation and study. In addition, the complex houses a shedra or monastic school where teachings are given to both monks and lay people interested in delving deeper into Buddhist philosophy.

WHAT TO DO AT DAG SHANG KAGYU BUDDHIST TEMPLE

The Buddhist temple of Huesca is a space open to the public, where both occasional visitors and regular practitioners can participate in different activities:

Walks and contemplation : The surroundings of the temple offer hiking trails and quiet spaces where visitors can enjoy nature, reflect or simply absorb the energy of the place.

Guided tours : These take place on weekends and holidays at 11.30am. During the tour, the guides explain the history of the temple, Buddhist philosophy and the architectural elements of the complex. In order not to disturb the calm that prevails in the temple, it is recommended to dress respectfully and remain silent.

Daily Practices : Visitors can attend guided meditation sessions and traditional Tibetan Buddhist rituals called “Pujas,” which involve recitation, visualization, and meditation. These practices are designed to foster mental calm and spiritual connection.

Courses and retreats : Throughout the year, the centre organises introductory courses on Buddhism, as well as meditation retreats of varying lengths. Some of these retreats require prior registration and are taught by resident or guest teachers from the Tibetan tradition.

For those who want a more immersive experience, the Dag Shang Kagyu Panillo Buddhist Center has accommodations on its premises, allowing you to spend a few days in complete harmony with Buddhist philosophy and the natural environment.

HOW TO GET TO THE DAG SHANG KAGYU BUDDHIST CENTER IN PANILLO

Located in the small town of Panillo, approximately 10 kilometers from Graus, the Dag Shang Kagyu Buddhist temple is accessible in several ways.

The easiest way to get there is by car. From Huesca, the best option is to take the A-22 towards Siétamo, then take the N-123 exit in Graus and continue along the same road. The journey time is one hour and 20 minutes.

If you are leaving from Zaragoza , take the N-330 towards Villanueva de Gállego, and head towards Huesca. From there, the route is the same via the A-22 and N-123. The journey time is just over two hours .

If you start the route from the city of Teruel , you have to go to Zaragoza and from there, take the same roads. Being the furthest city, it takes three and a half hours to reach the Buddhist temple.

If you choose public transport, please note that there is no direct bus to Panillo. However, on the temple’s own website there is a forum for car sharing and visitors who need it can leave a comment to get transport or to offer one or more seats.

Visiting the Dag Shang Kagyu Panillo Buddhist centre is a unique experience that allows you to disconnect from daily stress and connect with an ancient tradition in an idyllic setting. A trip to the heart of Tibetan Buddhism without leaving Aragon.