Lhakhang karpo/ White Temple
Tashi Wangmo • June 18, 2020
Lhakhang karpo/ White Temple
Lhakhang Karpo is located on the foothills of Meri Puensum, the three towering mountains whose enormous size and mythical story will make its presence felt to anyone who visits the Lhakhang. According to legend, the current site of the temple was chosen by a white pigeon which was sent from Tibet by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gyembo (7th century) to look for a place to build 2 Temples. King Songtsen Gyembo is 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 architecture of the White Temple lives up to its name with the walls painted in all white color and the design of the temple is done in a way that it depicts the true essence of traditional architecture.
Currently the Temple serves as the official residence of the Haa monastic body so, during your visit one can enjoy an opportunity to exchange a few words with the monks and have photographs. Though it is restricted to visit the Lhakhang at night but the best view of the Temple can be seen at night when the Temple is lighted and with the backdrop of the mountains making it picturesque.
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!
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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.