Kurjey Lhakhang

Bhutan

In a cave here, the great saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan is said to have left the imprint of his body in solid rock — and around that holy mark, one of the kingdom's most sacred temple complexes grew.

Set in the sacred Bumthang valley, Kurjey Lhakhang is among the holiest sites in Bhutan, built around a cave where Guru Rinpoche is believed to have meditated and left a body imprint in the stone — "kurjey" meaning "body print." The complex gathers three temples of different eras, watched over by a towering cypress said to have sprung from the Guru's walking staff. Deeply revered and quietly powerful, it also carries royal significance for Bhutan's monarchy. Among the most sacred temples in Bhutan, Kurjey Lhakhang Bumthang is essential to things to do in Bumthang. Tied inseparably to Guru Rinpoche Bhutan, Kurjey Lhakhang Bhutan ranks high among places to visit in Bumthang. Plan your visit via the official Bhutan Tourism portal: bhutan.travel.

Best time to visit
March to May and September to November for pleasant weather; the summer Kurjey Tshechu adds masked dances and colour.

Walk a slow clockwise circuit of the three temples and the chortens, dress modestly and remove footwear to enter the shrines, go with a local guide who can share the Guru Rinpoche legend, and pause by the ancient cypress said to have grown from his staff.

This attraction can be easily woven into BreakBag Holidays' customised Bhutan tour packages, pairing Kurjey Lhakhang with Jambay Lhakhang, Jakar Dzong and the Bumthang valleys.

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