Journal · Bumthang
Kurjey Lhakhang
Three temples in a row where Guru Rinpoche is said to have left the print of his body in a rock.
The story
Legend says the local king, Sindhu Raja, fell gravely ill after his life force was stolen by an angry local god. Guru Rinpoche came, meditated in a cave here and won the god over, leaving the print of his body in the rock. Kur means body and jey means print.
The temples
The oldest temple is built around that rock. The second was built in 1900 by the first King, Ugyen Wangchuck. The third was added in 1990 by Ashi Kesang Choeden Wangchuck. The remains of the first three kings rest here.
Before you go
Walk here from Jambay Lhakhang along the farm track. It takes about half an hour.
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.