10 Things to Do in Kheri Lhakhang, Lhuntse, Bhutan
Tucked away in the remote eastern region of Bhutan, Kheri Lhakhang is a hidden gem of a temple that is sure to captivate all who visit. Located in the small village of Lhuntse, the temple is a sacred pilgrimage site for both Buddhists and Hindus. The temple is renowned for its stunning architecture and the breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan Mountains. Here are 10 things to do in Kheri Lhakhang, Lhuntse, Bhutan.
1. Explore the Temple Complex
The Kheri Lhakhang temple complex is a stunning sight to behold. The complex is comprised of two main temples, the Guru Lhakhang and the Kheri Lhakhang. The Guru Lhakhang is a two-storey temple that houses a large statue of Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. The Kheri Lhakhang is a three-storey temple that houses statues of the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche. The temple complex is also home to many other temples, shrines, and stupas.
2. Visit the Local Market
The local market in Lhuntse is a great place to pick up souvenirs and local handicrafts. The market is filled with stalls selling traditional Bhutanese items such as hand-woven textiles, jewellery, and masks. There are also a variety of food stalls offering delicious local cuisine.
3. Take a Hike
The surrounding area of Kheri Lhakhang is perfect for hiking. The nearby hills and mountains offer a variety of trails for all levels of hikers. The trails range from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. There are also plenty of stunning viewpoints along the way.
4. Visit the Thimphu Dzong
The Thimphu Dzong is a stunning fortress located in the nearby city of Thimphu. The dzong is a cultural and religious centre and is home to the Je Khenpo, the spiritual head of Bhutan. The dzong is open to visitors and is a great place to explore Bhutanese culture and history.
5. Go White Water Rafting
The nearby Mo Chhu River offers some of the best white water rafting in Bhutan. The river is fed by the glacial waters of the Himalayas, making it perfect for a thrilling rafting adventure. The rapids range from easy to challenging and are suitable for all levels of rafters.
6. Visit the Taktsang Monastery
The Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger's Nest, is one of the most iconic sites in Bhutan. The monastery is perched on the edge of a cliff, offering stunning views of the valley below. The monastery is believed to be the site where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th century.
7. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
A hot air balloon ride over the Himalayas is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The views of the snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, and verdant forests are simply breathtaking. Hot air balloon rides are available from the nearby city of Paro.
8. Go Camping
The nearby hills and forests are perfect for camping. There are plenty of camping spots to choose from, offering stunning views of the Himalayan Mountains. Camping is a great way to explore the area and to get in touch with nature.
9. Visit the Punakha Dzong
The Punakha Dzong is a stunning fortress located in the nearby city of Punakha. The dzong is a cultural and religious centre and is home to the Je Khenpo, the spiritual head of Bhutan. The dzong is open to visitors and is a great place to explore Bhutanese culture and history.
10. Take a Cooking Class
Bhutanese cuisine is renowned for its unique flavours and spices. Taking a cooking class is a great way to learn about the local cuisine and to try your hand at cooking some of the traditional dishes. There are a variety of cooking classes available in the nearby cities of Thimphu and Paro.
Kheri Lhakhang is a hidden gem of a temple in the remote eastern region of Bhutan. The temple complex is a stunning sight to behold and is a great place to explore Bhutanese culture and history. The surrounding area is also perfect for activities such as hiking, camping, and white water rafting. With so much to see and do, Kheri Lhakhang is a must-visit destination in Bhutan.