Bumthang Jambay Lhakhang Ancient Temple Circuit
Visit Jambay Lhakhang — one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in 659 CE by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo on the same day as Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro, one of 108 temples constructed simultaneously across the Himalayas to pin down a demoness, with 1,300 years of unbroken worship.
- 1
Jambay Lhakhang Temple
One of the oldest continuously functioning temples in Bhutan, a single-storey whitewashed building housing a Future Buddha statue — visited by devotees who have maintained the butter lamps here for over thirteen centuries.
- 2
Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival Ground
The courtyard where the spectacular Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival takes place — featuring the Tercham fire dance performed by naked masked dancers at night, one of the most extraordinary religious performances in Bhutan.
- 3
Kurjey Lhakhang
The three-temple complex built where Guru Rinpoche meditated in a cave in 746 CE, leaving an imprint of his body (kurjey) in the rock — the most sacred single site in Bumthang and a major pilgrimage destination.
- 4
Guru Rinpoche Body Imprint Cave
The cave within Kurjey Lhakhang complex where Guru Rinpoche's body imprint is preserved in the rock face, surrounded by butter lamps and offerings from pilgrims who come from across Bhutan to receive blessing.
- 5
Mebar Tsho Burning Lake
The sacred lake a short drive from Jambay, where Terton Pema Lingpa dived into the water in 1475 holding a burning lamp and retrieved hidden treasures — the lamp was still burning when he emerged, convincing skeptical witnesses.
- 6
Ancient Pilgrimage Path
The traditional path connecting the valley's ancient sites, worn by thirteen centuries of pilgrims, passing stone shrines, prayer flags, and the small stupas erected at sacred points along the valley floor.