Between an average altitude of 8,530 feet and 13,125 feet, this fascinating valley is the religious heartland of the nation and home to some of the oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. Here tales of Guru Padma Sambhava and his reincarnates, known as Lingpas, still linger in most nook and corners that have become now sacred ground.
Jambay Lhakhang
This monastery was built in 7th century of Tibetan King, Songtsen Gembo, believed
to be the reincarnation of the Buddha of compassion. It is one of the 108
monasteries built by him to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region.
Kurjey Lhakhang
Located above Jambay Lhakhang, the Kurjey Lhakhang consists of three temples.
The one on the right was built in 1652 on the rock face where Guru meditated
in the 8th century. Second temple is built on the site of a cave containing
a rock with the imprint of Guru's body and is therefore considered the most
holy. The present Royal Queen Mother recently built the third temples. 108-chorten
walls, symbolic of each joint of the human body, surround these three temples.
Tamshing Lhakhang
Located opposite Kurjey Lhakhang on the other side of the river, this temple
was founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa, the re-incarnation of Guru Padma
Sambhava. The monastery has very interesting religious paintings like 1,000
Buddhas and 21 Taras (female form of Bodhisattva). The temple was restored
at the end of the 19th century.
Jakar Dzong
Founded by great grandfather of Shabdrung, the Dzong was initially built as
a monastery in 1549. It was upgraded after the Shabdrung had firmly established
his power in 1646. The Dzong is now used as administrative center for Bumthang
valley.
Wall around the Kurjey
Kurjey Lhakhang
