Sacred Destinations of Bhutan
The valley of Bumthang has some of the oldest Buddhist temples and sacred sites in its vicinity thereby making this valley a religious center of Bhutan. Beautiful natural sceneries and its many old forts makes it one of the must visit hot spots of the nation
Places to Visit
Jakar Dzong
built in 1549 as a monastery by the great grandfather of Zhabdrung (Who unified the country) and later in 1646 it was built by the Trongsa Penlop(Governor) has repaired as monastery fortress (Dzong). In 1683 the main Tower and repaired it. In 1897 it was badly damage by the earthquake. Here in this dzong when the monk bodies shift from Trongsa dzong for the summer residence, they perform a ceremony commemorating the defeat of the Tibetan invaders from Lhodrak in 1644.
Wandue Choling Palace
Historic seat of Bhutan’s reining Wangchuk dynasty, and one of the finest examples of domestic architecture in the country. It was built in 1855 by the founder of Wangchuck Dynasty, Black regent” Jigme Namgyal, Wangdue choeling was where the first and second King’s held court; and where third king grew up and absorbed the lessons of statecraft and court procedure.
Jambay Lhakhang
one of the most important and oldest monastery in the country, It was built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Geombo in 659AD to pin down an Ogress. It is believed to be built on the left knee of the Ogress; it is one among the 108 temple built by the Tibetan King in and around the Himalayan kingdom. It was built in the same day as Kyichu monastery in Paro
Kurjey Lhakhang
Monastery was founded in 746AD by the precious master (Guru Rinpoche) during his first visit to Bhutan. Complex consists of three temples against the hillside facing south. Oldest temple was built in 1652 by the Trongsa Penlop (Governor) Minjur Tempa, on the rock with an imprint of Guru. His eight manifestations are displayed on the altar. The ceiling is decorated with a magnificent mandala, in 1900 the second temple was built by the first king Ugen Wangchuck, and third new one was built by the Royal Queen Mother ASHI KEZANG CHOODEN WANGCHUCK.
Tamshing Lhakhang
Tamshing Lhendrup Choeling( temple of good message) Built in 1501 by the Terton Pema Lingpa with the help of KHANDROM (FEMALE CELESTAILS BEINGS).
It contains painting of fundamental interest for the history of painting in the region. The inner walls contain the original un-restored images that were painted by Treasurer discover himself.
Kunchusum Lhakhang
also known as TSILUNG; the temple dates back to 7th century, it was restored by the treasurer discover in 15century. The temple is famous for its bell, which bears an inscription from the 8th century. It was stolen from Tibet. When the bell is rung(“sound of Buddhism”) it is believed, it can be heard as far as Tibet.
Mebartso(Burning Lake)
Lies in the third valley of Bumthang,tang, where the tang river form a narrow gorge, where terton( treasure reveller ) pema lingpa revealed Treasure in the early fifteen century whish were concealed by Guru Rinpoche when he visited Bhutan in 746 A.D
Ura Valley
52kms away from the jakar town toward east across a pass at 3600mtrs, if the weather permits we could see the highest peak of the kingdom, GANGKAR PUNSUM 7542 mtrs. URA valley lies at 3200 mtrs, URA’S main livelihood is raising sheep and yaks. The introduction of potato farming a little more than a decade ago has brought a certain degree of prosperity to the people living in the harsh climate of this valley. Above village a new temple dedicated to GURU Rinpoche was inaugurated in 1986.