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Chimi Lhakhang – Detailed Tour and Travel Information

Chimi Lhakhang in Bhutan

Chimi Lhakhang sited on the round hilltop of Lobesa Valley is the famous fertility temple in Punakha, Bhutan. Chimi Lhakhang was built in 1499 by the 14th Drukpa, Ngawang Chogyal, to honor the Divine Madman the maverick saint Drukpa Kunley. The Lhakhang is 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) from Punakha, close to the village of Sopsokha. From there, it takes 20 minutes to walk down a muddy, dusty trail past mustard and rice fields to reach the hillock where the monastery and chorten are located

Chimi Lhakhang History and Facts

In accordance with a tradition from Bhutan, the Divine Madman used his “magic thunderbolt of wisdom” to tame a demon from the surrounding Dochula and imprison it beneath a rock close to Chimi Lhakhang, where a Chorten presently sits. In the Chimi Lhakhang’s main sanctum, a wooden replica of the lama’s thunderbolt has been crafted and maintained. One of the must-see locations in Bhutan is Chimi Lhakhang, which boasts a view of the paddy fields and undulating hills and has a peculiar culture and tales.

Chimi Lhakhang is popularly known as the Fertility Temple and is mainly visited by childless couples. But is still a mystery about the tradition of seeking fertility blessings since there are no written records and even oral sources to provide scant information on the tradition followed in Chimi Lhakhang.

Who Is Drukpa Kunley?

A respected saint named Drukpa Kunley, commonly referred to as the Madman of the Dragon Lineage, constructed Chimi Lhakhang in 1499. Drukpa Kunley was famous for having a unique method of enlightenment, unlike other saints. Records show that Drukpa Kunley refers to himself as “The Fertility Saint.” Even Kunley is said to have worshipped the phallus in the past and encouraged other monks to disregard conventional wisdom.

Things to Do In Chimi Lhakhang

  • Be the part of unique blessing technique in Chimi Lhakhang
  • Trekking through the paddy field enclosing Chimi Lhakhang
  • Travelers need to be prepared to see the images of phalluses adorning the walls of Chimi Lhakhang as they are the symbol of good luck

Things to See In Chimi Lhakhang

  • Statue of Kunley, in a monk’s robe, in a reclining position with a ceramic statue of his dog Sachi on the main altar of Chimi Lhakhang
  • Murals of Zabdrung, Sakyamuni Buddha and Chenrezig
  • Images of phalluses painted on the various wall of Chimi Lhakhang

Hike to Chimi Lhakhang

Chimi Lhakhang or the Fertility Temple is located at a 30-minute walking distance from the main road. Visitors can follow the trail which leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning “field”. It then follows a tiny stream downhill to Yoaka and across more fields before making a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang. The astounding view of the paddy field covered in golden and yellow hue has left many visitors spellbound.

Timing of Chimi Lhakhang in Punakha Valley

Travelers can visit Chimi Lhakhang in Punakha Valley anytime between 9 am to 5 pm and there is no entrance fee required to visit Chimi Lhakhang

How to Reach Chimi Lhakhang?

The most convenient way to reach Chimi Lhakhang is by directly hiring a car from Punakha. Another option to reach Chimi Lhakhang is hitchhiking and trekking. The distance between Punakha to Chimi Lhakhang is 29 km. International visitors can board a flight to Paro International Airport and then get a car to this Lhakhang. Alternatively, they can also enter Bhutan by car through Phuentsholing town. To visit Chimi Lhakhang Bhutan Holidays offers a tailor-made package tour to stay at Punakha at quite an affordable price.

Hotels near Chimi Lhakhang

Being one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Bhutan, there are many options for accommodations near this religious site. Visitors can either stay in homestays, resorts, and budget hostels in Punakha. With Hotel Booking services of Bhutan Holidays, travelers can easily choose a place to stay in Punakha according to their liking and budget.

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