By: David Watkins   Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the fertility temple, is one of the most famous and most well-regarded temples in Bhutan. Situated on a hill in the mountainous farmland of Bhutan, there is rich, mysterious history surrounding this beautiful temple. The founder, Drukpa Kunley, is a revered religious figure in Bhutan, but […]

During the approach to Tigers Nest, it crossed our minds how nice it would be to fly up to the monastery on the back of a tiger. Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambahva) cheated in this regard- he didn’t have to hike up to the spot of the temple dedicated to him. Paro Taktsang is probably the most famous […]

History The Kunzangdrak Goemba, or monastery, was built in 1488 by Pema Lingpa, Bhutan’s greatest Treasure revealer. Situated on the edge of a cliff that some say looks like a bodhisattva in the Tang Valley of the Bumthang District, locals believe that it could only have been constructed by a superhuman being. Since it was […]

Tharpaling Monastery: The Land of Liberation  Latitude: 27.532422; Longitude: 90.688203 Tharpaling Monastery, otherwise known as “The Land of Liberation”, is a beautiful and unique monastery situated on a mountain overlooking Chumey Valley in Bumthang, Bhutan. Its mythic and historic founding is as intricate and interesting as the building’s appearance itself; the monastery harmoniously balances past and […]

Kurjey Lhakhang Background Made up of three separate buildings built by three different high-ranking government officials and royals, Kurjey Lhakhang stands magnificently in Jakar in the Chokor Valley of the Bumthang District. It is built on the side of a hill, with 108 stupas lining it. The first and oldest temple, called Guru Lhakhang, was […]

Jampey Lhakang Basic Information Location: Jakar, Chokor Valley, Bumthang District, Bhutan Built: 659 A.D.[1] [1] “Jambay Lhakhang.”     Historical Context In the heart of the Himalayas lies a supine demoness, pinned down to allow Buddhism to flourish in the region.  Before the story of the demoness, it is important to understand the context in […]

By Madison Miller Located in the former capital of Bhutan, the Punakha Dzong, or Pungtang Dewa Chhenbi Phodrang, meaning “the palace of great happiness or bliss” is both the second oldest and second largest dzong in all of Bhutan. Located on a stretch of land where the Pho chhu and Mo chhu converge, the Punakha Dzong […]