[2025 Punakha Attraction] Travel Guide for Chimi Lhakhang Temple (Updated May)

| Mysterious Bhutan: What is there to do? Before going to Bhutan, my impression of this small South Asian country was very vague. I only knew that Tony Leung and Carina Lau held their wedding here, and I had seen photos of the Tiger's Nest Monastery online, but I couldn't name it... - Bhutan only has one international airport, and there are only a handful of cities with direct flights. The most convenient way is to fly from Bangkok, with round-trip tickets costing more than USD 900. You must have a guide when traveling in Bhutan, otherwise buying tickets and entering scenic spots will be a problem. In addition, there is a sustainable development fee of USD 100 per day... In short, it is very inconvenient and expensive. - What is there to do in such a mysterious country? I went there for four and a half days, and here are the four most impressive things in my mind: - 1️⃣ Visiting Dzongs "Dzong" is the county-level administrative unit of Bhutan, and the Dzong is the administrative center of each Dzong. Because Bhutan does not have any tall buildings, the Dzongs are the most eye-catching and majestic buildings in various places. Figures 1–8 show Punakha Dzong, the old capital of Bhutan. This Dzong is built at the confluence of two rivers, and there are even free-range chickens 🐓 inside. - 2️⃣ Experiencing Buddhist culture Buddhism is the state religion of Bhutan. When traveling in Bhutan, I asked the guide to help me identify which Buddhas were deities every day. Gradually, I remembered that the one with the bare chest was Drukpa Kunley, the one with the small mustache was Padmasambhava, and the one with the red hat and big beard was Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who unified Bhutan. The one holding the iron chain is Thangtong Gyalpo, the Iron Bridge Lama... Figure 9 is Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the "Divine Madman" Drukpa Kunley. He promoted the reproductive worship of Bhutan. Now there is still a 25 cm wooden 🍆 in the temple. Bhutanese people will walk around the temple three times carrying this 🍆 to pray for children. - 3️⃣ Experiencing Bhutanese cuisine Unlike its South Asian neighbors, the main ingredient in Bhutanese cuisine is not curry, but cheese. The national dish, Ema Datshi, is a stew made with chili peppers and cheese. I also like another dish, Sikam Paa, made with dried pork belly. - 4️⃣ Experiencing Tshechu Tshechu is the birthday of Padmasambhava, and it is held in different Dzongs every month. The largest ones are the Paro Tshechu in mid-April and the Thimphu Tshechu in early October. During the festival, there will be folk performances for several consecutive days. I will share them separately in the next post～ - You can also go hiking in the mountains, play archery, and enjoy hot stone baths in Bhutan... In fact, there are quite a lot of experiences to be had. Moreover, Bhutan's traditional culture is very well preserved. Men and women still wear traditional gho and kira. Now that the world is becoming more and more homogenized, Bhutan can be considered "living in its own world." - Feel free to ask any questions about traveling in Bhutan in the comments section～ -

#JanuaryGoodPlaces2025 Chimi Lhakhang Located in the Punakha Valley, Chimi Lhakhang is a temple dedicated to Drukpa Gunley, the "holy mad monk" of Bhutan. The temple is surrounded by rice fields and farmhouses, which is very picturesque. Qiemi Lakang is famous for its fertility-praying ceremony, and many infertile couples come here to pray for children. Temples are a symbol of Bhutan's religious culture.

#getgoing2025 Chimi Lhakhang, often referred to as the “Fertility Temple,” is a revered Buddhist monastery situated in the Punakha District of Bhutan. Established in 1499 by the 14th Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Choegyel, the temple is dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, affectionately known as the “Divine Madman.” Historical Significance Drukpa Kunley was a 15th-century Tibetan saint renowned for his unconventional teachings and practices, which he termed “crazy wisdom.” He is believed to have subdued a demoness at the site where Chimi Lhakhang now stands, marking it as a place of spiritual importance. Architectural Features The temple is modest in size, square-shaped, and elegantly designed with a golden roof. It is surrounded by a row of prayer wheels, and its exterior walls are adorned with beautiful slate carvings of saints’ images. Cultural Significance Chimi Lhakhang is particularly renowned for its association with fertility. Couples seeking blessings for children often visit the temple, where a local lama offers blessings using a wooden phallus, symbolizing fertility and good fortune. Visiting Chimi Lhakhang The temple is accessible via a short hike through rice fields and a small village, offering visitors a glimpse into rural Bhutanese life. The surrounding area is also known for its numerous houses and shops decorated with phallus symbols, reflecting the local culture and reverence for Drukpa Kunley. For those interested in experiencing Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions, Chimi Lhakhang offers a unique and insightful visit.

I have seen many of the ancient Lacans that symbolize the origin of the Dharma and the magnificent Zongbao, which symbolizes the authority. There is also a Lacan appearance that is very different. That is Chimi Lhakhang.