Kurjey Lhakhang is one of the most sacred temple complexes in Bhutan, located in Choekhor Valley beside the Chamkhar River. Its name comes from kur, meaning body, and jey, meaning imprint, referring to the mark that Guru Rinpoche is believed to have left on the rock of a meditation cave. According to Bhutanese tradition, Guru Rinpoche came to Bumthang in the 8th century after King Sindhu Raja fell gravely ill. He subdued the local deity Shelging Karpo, restored the king’s life force and established Buddhism in the valley. The temple complex developed around the cave associated with this episode and now consists of three temples surrounded by 108 white chortens.

Each of the three temples has its own character. Guru Lhakhang, the oldest existing structure, was rebuilt in 1652 by Minjur Tenpa and stands directly over the sacred cave. Its inner sanctuary contains the rock associated with Guru Rinpoche’s body imprint, together with images of the Guru and his eight manifestations. A narrow passage inside the temple leads towards the cave, adding a distinctly intimate quality to the pilgrimage experience. Sampa Lhundrup Lhakhang, built by Ugyen Wangchuck in 1900 when he was still Trongsa Penlop, contains a towering statue of Guru Rinpoche surrounded by his manifestations. The upper sanctuary also contains rows of smaller images of the Guru. The third temple, Ka Goen Phur Sum Lhakhang, was consecrated in 1990 under the patronage of the Queen Grandmother, Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck. The compound also contains the cremation sites of Bhutan’s first three kings, while a large cypress tree behind the oldest temple is traditionally believed to have grown from Guru Rinpoche’s walking stick. Kurjey Tshechu, held annually in June, brings the complex to life with masked dances and the public display of a large thangka depicting the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche.

Kurjey Lhakhang is around 2.5 km beyond Jambay Lhakhang along the Choekhor Valley, making it easy to visit both temples on the same excursion. A paved road reaches the temple complex, followed by a short walk into the compound.

Altitude: Approx. 2,600 m
Distance from Jakar: Approx. 7–8 km| 15–20 minutes
Walking time: Short walk from the road