We often get to see some of the oldest monasteries constructed throughout Bhutan. One of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries is Kyichu Lhakhang, often referred to as Kyerchu Temple. Kyichu Lhakhang, a structure from the 7th century, is located in Lango Gewog in the Paro Valley. In Kyichu Lhakhang, there are two twin temples. Songsten Gampo set Kyichu Lhakhang’s first foundation. Later, in 1968, Ashi Kesang Choden, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, gave the order to build the temple’s second foundation. Kyichu Lhakhang, a historically significant monument, has long been considered one of the Paro Valley’s must-see locations, along with its picturesque surroundings.
Kyichu Lhakhang can be visited comfortably if travelers go for a Bhutan Package Tour that includes facilities from pick-up, sightseeing, and hotel booking to Drop so that travelers don’t require bearing the hassle of booking them.
One of the 108 temples established by Songtsen Gampo, the first Buddhist King of Tibet, to conquer the enormous demoness that was preventing the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayas, according to an ancient Bhutanese tale, was Kyichu Lhakhang. According to legend, Kyichu Lhakhang was constructed on the left foot of the devil.
Numerous prominent Buddhist saints have blessed and visited the Kyichu Lhakhang over the years, including Guru Rimpoche in the eighth century, Lam Kha Nga, and Phajo Dugom Zhigpo. Many of them also contributed to the outside of Kyichu Lhakhang’s expansion. Je Sherub Gyeltshen, who lived in the 18th century, was one of these individuals. He increased the size of the sanctum of Kyichu Lhakhang’s Jowo Temple and added numerous additional statues.
It is said that Kyichu Lhakhang is one of 108 temples that were built overnight across Tibet and the borderland by Songsten Gampo in the 7th century. When the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo built the revered construction in the year 659, it is thought that Kyichu Lhakhang was a modest structure. However, Buddhist saints and monks later transformed it into the magnificent temple it is today. According to legend, Padmasambhava also known as Guru Rinpoche visited Kyichu Lhakhang as a pilgrim in the seventh century and is said to have hidden teachings in several locations throughout the temple.
The best way to reach Kyichu Lhakhang is by hiking. From Paro, it is an approx 1hr hike to reach Kyichu Lhakhang. The distance between Paro to Kyichu Lhakhang is 5 km. Foreign national can reach the Lhakhang through India’s Jaigaon and then Phuentsholing. They can also land at Paro International Airport and from there comfortably reach the monastery by a car.
Tourists who wish to visit this grandiose ancient Buddhist Monastery should note the timing of Kyichu Lhakhang. Travelers can visit Kyichu Lhakhang anytime between 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 5 pm throughout the week. To visit Kyichu Lhakhang Bhutan Holidays offers a tailor-made package tour to stay at Paro at an affordable price.
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