Prayer wheels
A bright row around it.
Christopher J. Fynn — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Christopher J. Fynn — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Christopher J. Fynn — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Christopher J. Fynn — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Christopher J. Fynn — CC BY-SA 4.0
Changangkha Lhakhang is a compact temple complex on the tip of a ridge that juts towards central Thimphu from the east, probably the oldest surviving temple in Bhutan's capital. It lies about 1.2 km in a straight line from the National Memorial Chorten. It was founded in the 13th century by Nyima, a son of Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, who brought the Drukpa Kagyu teachings to Bhutan. Its main parts and foundations long predate the unification of Bhutan in the 17th century. Parents often bring small children here to seek blessings. The white temple with red roofs and painted wooden windows rises on stone terraces among pines, looking out over Thimphu and its valley. A row of bright prayer wheels runs along it, with prayer flags and flowerpots by the entrance. The climb up is a short stone stair. Wear clothes that cover shoulders and knees, walk clockwise around the temple, and take no photos inside the halls. Most visitors to Bhutan pay a Sustainable Development Fee of USD 100 per person per night, and a licensed guide is required at dzongs and major temples.
A bright row around it.
Thimphu and its valley.
Stone steps among pines.
On a ridge above central Thimphu, Bhutan
National Memorial ChortenA white Tibetan-style Buddhist stupa in central Thimphu, built in 1974 in memory15 minutes walk4.6
Motithang Takin PreserveA small forest preserve on the hillside above Thimphu, home to the takin, Bhutan24 minutes walk3.7
Tashichho DzongA huge fortress-monastery on the Wang Chu river north of the capital Thimphu, tr24 minutes walkTo seek blessings for their small children.
It was founded in the 13th century.