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Bumthang District

Kurje Lhakhang

The site has three temples which has a body impression of Guru Rinpoche left behind after he meditated there and subdued evil spirits the chief of which was Shelging Karpo. Kurje means body impression. Guru Rinpoche visited Bumthang in 746 AD at the invitation of the local king, The Chakhar Gyalpo.

The oldest temple was built in 1652 by Chogyal Migyur Tenpa, the first Choetse Chila (governor of Trongsa province). The second temple was built in 1900 by the first King Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuck on the spot where Guru left his body imprint, and the third temple was built in the 1990s under the commanded of Queen Mother Ashi Kesang Choeden Wangchuck. The first, second, and the third temple contain respectively the three Buddhas (the past, present, future), a 12-metre tall statue of Guru Rinpoche, and Khenlop Chosum (Guru Rinpoche, King Thrisong Duetsen, and Pandit Santarakshita).

Koenchosum Lhakhang

Kenchosum Lhakhang, whose roots trace back to the 7th century, was later restored in the 15th century by Terton Pema Lingpa. Legend speaks of a sacred lake beneath the temple site, from which Pema Lingpa discovered treasures before constructing the temple above. The name 'Kenchosum'—meaning 'Three Divines'—comes from the belief that three small Buddha statues (of past, present, and future) miraculously flew to the site from Khini Monastery in Kurtoe.

A large ancient bell, resting on a stone pedestal in the courtyard, is one of the temple’s treasured relics. It’s said that when rung, its sound once echoed all the way to Lhasa, Tibet. During the 17th century, Tibetan invaders attempted to steal it, but the bell cracked when dropped and remains at the temple today. Inside the sanctuary, the central figure is Vairocana Buddha, flanked by Avaloketeshvara and Guru Rinpoche, with the revered Jowo Jampa as the temple's main relic.

Mebar Tsho(Burning Lake)

Mebar Tsho, or the Burning Lake, is a revered site in Bhutanese spiritual lore. It is believed that Terton Pema Lingpa, following Guru Rimpoche's divine guidance, dove into its depths to uncover hidden treasures. In front of gathered villagers, he leapt into the water holding a burning butter lamp. Astonishingly, he returned with sacred relics—and the lamp still alight.

This miraculous event affirmed his divine connection and cemented the lake’s sacred status. The chest and scroll he retrieved were terma—spiritual treasures meant to guide future generations. The still-burning lamp became a symbol of truth and enlightenment. Ever since, Mebar Tsho has remained a place of pilgrimage and deep reverence.

Jampa lhakhang

Jambay Lhakhang, built in 659 AD by Tibetan King Songtsen Goenpo, is one of 108 temples said to have been constructed in a single day. These temples were built to subdue a demoness believed to obstruct the spread of Buddhism. Jambay Lhakhang holds a powerful spiritual legacy, resting as a sacred symbol of this ancient mission.

Later, Guru Rinpoche preached the profound teachings of the Kagye cycle from its roof to King Sintu Raja and his court. The temple, deeply tied to Bhutan’s spiritual heritage, was restored by Sendhu Raja after Guru Rinpoche revived his life force. Today, it stands as a beacon of devotion and divine energy.

Tamshing Lhakhang (Temple of the Good Message)

Tamshing Lhakhang, also called Tamshing Lhendup Chholing, stands at the northern end of the valley, facing the sacred Kurje Lhakhang. Founded in 1501 by the great Terton Pema Lingpa, it holds immense spiritual significance as the most important Nyingma monastery in Bhutan.

Legend says Pema Lingpa constructed the temple with the aid of Khandroms—celestial female beings—who helped craft its sacred statues. This monastery is not only a center of deep religious practice but also a living testament to Pema Lingpa's divine vision and spiritual legacy.

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