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Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten is one of the most striking monuments in the Punakha Valley, perched on a hill above the Mo Chhu River. Built in 1999 by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, the chorten was created to promote peace, harmony and the wellbeing of all living beings. Unlike many Bhutanese monuments built as memorials, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten was commissioned as a sacred place of worship and protection. Its four-storey structure contains elaborate Buddhist paintings and statues, with each level representing different aspects of Vajrayana Buddhist teachings. Visitors can climb the internal stairways to the upper levels, where open balconies provide panoramic views of the Mo Chhu River, rice fields and surrounding mountains.

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten is approximately 12 km from Punakha town and can be reached by road towards Yebisa village. Vehicles stop near the trailhead, after which visitors cross a small footbridge and walk uphill to the chorten. The entire excursion generally takes around 2–3 hours, including the walk, time at the monument and return journey. The journey to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten is part of the attraction. The trail passes through farmland and wooded sections before opening onto beautiful views of the valley as the chorten comes into view. After reaching the monument, visitors can explore its richly decorated interior and climb to the upper levels for increasingly wide views across the Punakha Valley.

The trail is straightforward and suitable for most travelers with reasonable fitness. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially after rain, when sections of the path can become slippery.

Altitude: Approximately 1,500 m (4,920 ft)
Distance from Punakha: Approximately 12 km
Walking Time: 30–45 minutes each way
Difficulty: Moderate

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