Khurjey Lhakhang (Jakar) FAQs In 2024

What is the significance of Khurjey Lhakhang in Bhutanese culture?

Khurjey Lhakhang, located in the Bumthang district of Bhutan, holds great historical and religious significance. It is considered one of the most sacred monasteries as it is believed to be the site where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) left his body imprint on a rock while meditating in the 8th century. The temple complex is a revered pilgrimage site for Buddhists and an important symbol of Bhutan's embrace of Tibetan Buddhism.

Tourists visiting Khurjey Lhakhang can expect to see a complex comprising three temples surrounded by 108 chortens (stupas) that form a wall around the complex, creating a unique architectural feature. Inside, visitors can view the sacred rock with Guru Rinpoche's body imprint, intricate wall paintings, statues, and relics. The atmosphere of the site is serene and provides a deep insight into Bhutanese spiritual life.

The best time to visit Khurjey Lhakhang is during the autumn and spring months when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear, offering good visibility for enjoying the temple's architectural beauty and the surrounding landscape. These seasons also coincide with various Bhutanese festivals, which can be an added attraction for tourists.

Bhutan typically has a minimum daily package for tourists that includes accommodation, food, transport, and guide services. While individual attractions may not have separate entrance fees, it is best to check with your tour operator if the daily package includes visits to places like Khurjey Lhakhang and if any additional fees apply.

Yes, the Khurjey Lhakhang Tshechu is a religious festival held annually in honor of Guru Rinpoche. Visitors can attend this vibrant festival, which features religious masked dances, prayers, and rituals. It provides tourists with a unique opportunity to experience Bhutanese culture, spirituality, and community life.

Tourists should dress modestly when visiting Khurjey Lhakhang, as it is a place of worship. Men and women should wear long pants and shirts with sleeves. Traditional Bhutanese attire, known as gho for men and kira for women, is also appropriate. It is important to remove hats and shoes before entering the temples.

Photography and videography are sensitive subjects in many religious sites in Bhutan. At Khurjey Lhakhang, photography may be allowed in the courtyard but is typically prohibited inside the temples, out of respect for the sacred space and the religious artifacts. Always check for signs or ask your guide for permission before taking photos or videos.

Khurjey Lhakhang is located in the town of Jakar in the Bumthang Valley. Visitors typically fly to Paro and then take a domestic flight to Bathpalathang Airport in Bumthang or travel by road with a tour guide. The road journey can be long, as Bumthang is about a 10-hour drive from Paro, but it offers scenic views of the Himalayan landscape.

Yes, there are several accommodation options ranging from guesthouses and traditional Bhutanese lodges to luxury resorts in the Jakar area close to Khurjey Lhakhang. It is advisable to book accommodations well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons and local festivals.

Tourists are welcome to observe the daily prayers and rituals. However, participating in specific spiritual practices should be done with the guidance of a lama or a monk, and always with respect for local customs and traditions. It is also possible to receive blessings and attend teachings, depending on the temple's schedule and the availability of religious figures.

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