Paro Kyichu Lhakhang and Ancient Temple Circuit
Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred temples dating to the 7th century, then explore the cluster of ancient shrines, prayer wheels, and meditation caves in the lower Paro Valley that form a continuous pilgrimage circuit.
- 1
Kyichu Lhakhang Temple
One of the 108 temples said to have been built by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in 659 CE to pin down a demoness — a small, intimate temple with a famous orange tree and an ancient prayer wheel.
- 2
New Kyichu Temple
The modern companion temple built alongside the ancient one in 1968 by the Queen Mother, housing a beautiful Guru Rinpoche statue and traditional murals painted by skilled craftspeople.
- 3
Dungtse Lhakhang
A rare circular three-storey temple dedicated to the iron-chain-bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo, its interior walls painted with remarkable Buddhist mandalas and cosmic imagery.
- 4
Chimi Dorje Mani Wall
A long wall of carved mani stones (prayer stones inscribed with Buddhist mantras) stretching alongside the road, each one placed here by a devotee as an act of merit-making.
- 5
Zuri Dzong Hill Shrine
A smaller dzong on a forested hilltop above the valley, accessible by a short steep trail, offering solitude and sweeping views — a favorite pilgrimage spot for local devotees.
- 6
Traditional Farmhouse Visit
Stop at a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse to see the distinctive architecture — whitewashed walls, wooden window frames, phallus paintings for good luck, and storage of dried chilies on the rooftop.