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Kyichu Lhakhang
Singye Wangmo • May 20, 2020
The Oldest Temple in Bhutan
The Kyichu Lhakhang/temple is one of the oldest temple in Bhutan and has been visited and blessed by numerous renowned Buddhist saints over the centuries. The temple enjoys a peaceful and serene location away from the main town and though the structure is simple but abounds in many tantric and mythical wonderful stories that will take you back to the times of demons and saints and their battles.
The temple was built in the early 6th Century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo credited for introducing Buddhism to Tibet and he is believed to be a manifestation of the Buddha of Compassion (Avalokiteshvara) of whom the Dalai Lamas are similarly believed to be a manifestation of.
The Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the 108 temples built by King Songtsen Gampo to subdue a giant ogress that was preventing the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayas. After subjugation, the body of the ogress was laid across the Himalayas (of Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal) and the King built 108 temples over the body of which the Kyichu Lhakhang is said to be constructed on the left foot of the ogress. The Lhakhang was visited by Guru Rinpoche and many saints over the years and is a treasure house of many ancient relics, artifacts and statues of prominent Buddhists figures.
Through this undisturbed tropical, sub-tropical and Alpine regions of virgin forests, waterfalls and lakes, highland nomadic villages, undisturbed nature and views of the Greater Himalayas and Snow Capped Peaks, Bhutan offers some of the best trekking experiences all year round.
The view from there is the panoramic sight of almost all the tallest Himalayan Mountain of Bhutan like majestic Gangkar Puensum, formidable Table Mountain and Tiger Mountain. As it is located at the top, the view of the Himalayan ranges is better than anywhere in the area, even as compared to famous Dochula Pass.
For Bhutanese, Gross National Happiness means a good government that creates an enabling environment for people to pursue happiness in a meaningful way. The result is a country at peace with itself, and people at peace with themselves!
To Experience True Zhemgang
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Clinging on a huge rock towards the north end of the Tang valley lies the Thowa Drak Hermitage just like the famed Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro. From the valley or road point it is a stiff 3 hours hike uphill through the serene and peaceful forest. Sweeping views of the Tang valley and the landscape can be enjoyed along the way with a bird’s eye view from the main site.
A quick visit to the Swiss Cheese Factory and Brewery is a refreshing alternative after visiting many temples and religious sites in the Bumthang valley. The Factory was started in the late 1960’s by a Swiss national Mr Fritz Maurer who visited Bhutan and settled in Bumthang.