Kyichu Lhakhang

Kyichu Lhakhang, is an ancient Buddhist temple located in the Paro Valley of Bhutan. It is considered one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the country, and is an important site for pilgrimage and religious practice.

The temple was built in the 7th century by the Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo, who is believed to have built 108 temples throughout the region to subdue a giant demoness that was obstructing the spread of Buddhism. Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the two temples that he built in Bhutan, the other being Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang.

Kyichu Lhakhang has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries, with the most recent one being carried out in the 1970s by the third king of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The temple houses many sacred relics and artifacts, including an image of Jowo Sakyamuni, the Buddha, and a statue of Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion.

The temple is surrounded by a peaceful and serene atmosphere, and its architectural design is characterized by traditional Bhutanese elements, such as the use of wood and stone, colorful murals, and intricate carvings. It is a popular tourist attraction and is often included in tours of the Paro Valley.