Journal · Punakha
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
A temple on a ridge above the Punakha valley, reached by a lovely walk through rice fields.
The story
The Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck built it for the wellbeing of the country. It was completed in 2004, after about nine years of work.
The walk
Cross a footbridge hung with prayer flags, walk through rice and chilli fields, then climb for about 45 minutes through pines.
Before you go
Go in the morning, before the heat. Climb to the roof for the view back down the valley.
Sources
Checked October 2026. Where sources disagree, we say so or leave the detail out. Opening times and rules change, so your guide confirms on the day.