Kurjey Lhakhang
Located on the banks of the Chamkhar Chhu in the Choekhor Valley, Kurjey Lhakhang is one of Bhutan’s most sacred temple complexes. The site comprises three grand temples framed by an imposing wall crowned with 108 miniature chortens. The oldest building, constructed in 1652, is built directly over the rock cave where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the 8th century to cure a local king of a deadly illness, leaving a distinct physical impression (kur) of his body (jey) on the solid rock face inside the inner shrine.
Visiting Kurjey offers travelers a profound connection to the spiritual roots of Vajrayana Buddhism in the Himalayas. The temple complex is surrounded by towering, centuries-old cypress trees, which oral tradition holds grew from the Guru’s walking staff. Local guides recommend walking through the quiet courtyard in the morning as monks sound the ritual long horns (dungchen) and perform water offerings, followed by a walk around the sacred circumambulation path behind the rock cliff.
