Kyichu Lhakhang

Kyichu Lhakhang is held by tradition to be one of the 108 temples built in a single night by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century to pin down a demoness lying across the Himalaya, with this one placed on her left foot. Whatever the dating, it is among the oldest religious buildings in the country and remains an active place of worship rather than a monument: pilgrims circle it turning the wheels in the outer gallery, and the inner sanctum holds a seventh-century Jowo Sakyamuni figure. A second temple was added in 1968 in matching style. In the courtyard are two orange trees said to fruit year round. The atmosphere is quiet and working, and the visit is short.

What you actually see

• The old temple - the seventh-century foundation and its sanctum.
• Prayer wheel gallery - pilgrims circumambulating the building.
• The Jowo figure - the ancient statue in the inner shrine.
• The orange trees - the courtyard trees of local tradition.

When to go

March to May and September to November for clear weather in the valley. Mornings bring the most pilgrims and the most atmosphere. The temple is open year round.

Honest expectations

Photography inside is forbidden and shoes come off at the door. The building is small and the visit takes under an hour. It is an active temple, so quiet and modest dress are expected. Access is with a guide as part of the standard package.

Nearby

Paro Rinpung Dzong lies south; Drukgyel Dzong is further up the valley.