Kyichu Lhakhang Paro
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Kyichu Lhakhang Paro

4.5
·402 reviews·, Bhutan

One of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred temples, steeped in legend and offering a profound sense of peace.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Kyichu Lhakhang Paro

Kyichu Lhakhang Paro

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

One of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred temples, steeped in legend and offering a profound sense of peace.

4.5
(402 reviews)

"A very beautiful, sacred and old Buddhist temple. This temple has a large garden with different fruits and flowers."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees when visiting this sacred site.

📸 Garden Photography

Photography is prohibited inside, but the gardens are perfect for capturing memories.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Ancient Main Temple

The Ancient Main Temple

Main chapel

Explore the 7th-century structure with original murals and statues, a true glimpse into Bhutan's spiritual past.

Instagram
The Miracle Orange Tree

The Miracle Orange Tree

Courtyard

Witness the legendary orange tree that bears fruit year-round, a symbol of the temple's sacred power.

Reddit
Prayer Wheels and Gardens

Prayer Wheels and Gardens

Temple grounds

Spin the prayer wheels for blessings and wander through vibrant gardens filled with flowers and wisteria.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Tranquility

Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and experience the serene atmosphere. Many visitors find the temple most peaceful outside peak hours. TikTok

Respectful Attire and Photography Rules

Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Photography is not allowed inside the main temple, but the gardens and prayer wheels offer great photo opportunities. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche shared a powerful, but simple message on Mindfulness at the #bhutaninnovationforum :"My teacher (Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche) asked me this question at Kyichu lhakhang (Paro) when I was about 9 years old. He asked me if I had a head...I looked right and left, and said yes. Then he asked me if I had feet, I answered the same. He named several parts of my body, and I ...
@kelsangwangdi3
8.4K likes • 134.5K views

🎯 Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees when visiting this sacred site. Instagram

📸 Garden Photography

Photography is prohibited inside, but the gardens are perfect for capturing memories. Reddit

Sun circled with rainbow as Kyabje Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche reach Paro Kyichu for annual Drupchen sponsored by Royal Mother. #kyabjenamkhainyingporinpoche #namkhainyingporinpoche #drupchen #blessed #fyp #gurukhyentseözer #bhutantiktok
@gurukhyentseozer
1.1K likes • 16.3K views
A very special and blessed morning spent at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. 🙏So grateful to my amazing guide @t_dendup of @blzbhutantours, who brought me to this majestic seventh-century temple, revered as one of the most magnificent sites of worship in Bhutan. 🙏Deeply thankful to have had the opportunity to visit Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche‘s home and shrine, to the Vajrayana...
dominique_stelling_lifecoach
70 likes • 821 views

🙏 Follow Local Devotion

Observe locals praying to understand the rituals respectfully. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Wander through the beautiful gardens and admire the prayer wheels. Instagram

༻Kyichu Lhakhang Paro སྐྱིད་ཆུ་ལྷ་ཁང་། ~Buddhist Temple in Bhutan 🇧🇹🙏 #instagram #reels #videography #instareels #reelsvideos #i#bhutandairies #traveldiaries #instadiaries #instavideo #instalikes #instadaily #instatravel #videogram #videooftheday #fypreelsinstagram
_kyangzo____
306 likes • 13.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees when visiting this sacred site. Instagram

📸 Garden Photography

Photography is prohibited inside, but the gardens are perfect for capturing memories. Reddit

🙏 Follow Local Devotion

Observe locals praying to understand the rituals respectfully. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Wander through the beautiful gardens and admire the prayer wheels. Instagram

✨ Seek Inner Peace

Embrace the tranquil ambiance for a truly spiritual experience. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.5
(402 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Kyichu Lhakhang for its profound peace, ancient beauty, and spiritual significance. Many are captivated by the 'miracle' orange tree and the serene gardens. While photography is restricted inside, the overall experience is described as deeply moving and a highlight of any trip to Paro. Reddit

"I fell in love with the entrance door and the yellow flowers blooming over it .
Inside the courtyard to the temple is an orange tree which gives fruits 365 days a year, considered a miracle tree.
the oldest temple and the most beautiful temples in Bhutan I have seen during my stay, the roses blooming bigger than my palm.
I followed a locals as they prayered so that I don't do it the wrong way.
Very peaceful as there weren't many tourist so the place was to us.
Photography isn't allowed inside the temple but one can get good pics in the garden and around the prayer wheel."

Mallika Jamy

"Charming old temple with stunning gardens filled with Chinese roses, wisteria, flowers, orange trees full of oranges in April that they say are miracles as they don’t appear anywhere else in Bhutan. 7th century temple with original murals and statues."

Rebecca Murray

"It was a blessing for me and my wife to visit this beautiful and peaceful temple during our recent visit to Bhutan. It is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.

The temple is amidst a beautiful garden /orchard. Do not miss to see two orange trees, which bear fruits throughout the year.

There is no entry ticket. Photography is not permitted within the temple. However, one can take pictures all around the temple."

Arun Gupta

What People Like

Peaceful atmosphere
Ancient architecture
Miracle orange tree

What People Dislike

No interior photography

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Kyichu Lhakhang is located north of Paro town. It's easily accessible by taxi or as part of a guided tour. Many visitors include it in their Paro sightseeing itinerary. Instagram

The temple is a short drive from Paro International Airport, making it a convenient stop for day-trippers or those arriving in Paro. Instagram

While possible, it's a pleasant walk that takes about 30-45 minutes. Taxis are readily available if you prefer a quicker journey. TikTok

Ask your driver to take you to 'Kyichu Lhakhang' or 'Kichu Lhakhang' in Paro. It's a well-known landmark. TikTok

Yes, there is usually ample parking space available for visitors' vehicles. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no entry ticket required to visit Kyichu Lhakhang. It's a free-to-enter sacred site. Reddit

The temple is generally open from sunrise to sunset, but it's best to confirm exact timings with your guide or local sources. TikTok

Yes, Kyichu Lhakhang is open daily for visitors and devotees. TikTok

No advance booking is necessary as there is no entrance fee. You can visit spontaneously. Reddit

Visitors are expected to dress modestly and behave respectfully within the temple premises. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is strictly prohibited inside the main temple to preserve its sanctity and original murals. Reddit

You can take excellent photos in the temple gardens, around the prayer wheels, and of the exterior architecture. Reddit

The entrance door with yellow flowers and the courtyard with the miracle orange tree are popular photo spots. Reddit

Yes, you can use your phone camera for photos in the permitted areas outside the main temple. Instagram

Drone usage is generally not permitted at religious sites in Bhutan without special permission. Instagram

🎫 🙏 Onsite Experience

It's one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan, built in the 7th century to subdue a demoness and spread Buddhism. Instagram

Dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees, out of respect for the religious site. Instagram

You can observe locals praying and spin prayer wheels. Following local customs respectfully is encouraged. Reddit

It can get busy, but visiting early or late often provides a more peaceful experience with fewer tourists. TikTok

The atmosphere is deeply peaceful and spiritual, offering a serene environment for contemplation. Reddit

🍽️ 🍊 Food & Dining

There are local eateries and restaurants in Paro town, a short drive from the temple, offering Bhutanese cuisine. Instagram

Food and drinks are not permitted inside the main temple or its immediate prayer areas. There are cafes and restaurants in the vicinity. Reddit

Don't miss trying Ema Datshi (chilies and cheese), Phaksha Paa (pork), and Kewa Datshi (potatoes and cheese). Instagram

While not directly within the temple, there are often small stalls or shops selling refreshments nearby. TikTok

It's best to consume your own food and drinks outside the temple grounds to maintain the sanctity of the site. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Kyichu Lhakhang offers a gentle introduction to Bhutanese culture for families. While photography is restricted inside, the vibrant gardens with their unique flowers and the 'miracle' orange trees provide engaging visual interest for children. Reddit The open courtyard allows kids to move around respectfully while parents soak in the peaceful atmosphere. TikTok

It's a good idea to explain the basic concept of a temple and prayer wheels to children beforehand to enhance their understanding and appreciation. The short duration of a visit also makes it suitable for younger attention spans. Remember to dress everyone modestly to ensure entry into the temple areas. Instagram

🧘 Solo Travelers Seeking Serenity

For solo travelers, Kyichu Lhakhang is an ideal sanctuary for introspection and peace. The relatively few tourists outside peak hours, especially in the early mornings, allow for a deeply personal experience. Reddit You can spend time quietly observing the devotion of locals, spinning prayer wheels, and meditating in the serene gardens. TikTok

This is a place to disconnect and absorb the spiritual energy. The absence of photography inside encourages you to be fully present. Consider engaging with a local guide for deeper insights into the temple's history and legends, enriching your solo journey. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legend of Kyichu Lhakhang

Kyichu Lhakhang is steeped in ancient legend, believed to be one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. The purpose was to subdue a powerful demoness whose body spanned across Tibet and the Himalayas. Kyichu Lhakhang was strategically built on her left foot to immobilize her and facilitate the spread of Buddhism throughout the region. Instagram+1

This historical context adds a profound layer to the temple's spiritual significance. It's not just a place of worship but a site where ancient beliefs and the establishment of faith are intertwined. The very ground it stands on is said to be part of a grander, mythical narrative. Instagram

Today, the temple remains an active place of worship, drawing devotees who seek blessings and spiritual merit. The enduring legend contributes to its aura of sacredness and makes it a compelling destination for those interested in Bhutan's rich cultural and religious history. Instagram

Architectural Marvels and Spiritual Ambiance

The architectural style of Kyichu Lhakhang is a testament to traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship. The complex features two main temples: the original 7th-century structure and a later addition from 1968. Visitors are struck by the ornate carvings, vivid murals depicting Buddhist deities and stories, and intricate woodwork that adorns the buildings. Reddit

Surrounding the temples are numerous prayer wheels that visitors can spin, each rotation believed to send prayers and good wishes into the world. The grounds are also home to chortens and ancient orange trees that are said to bear fruit year-round, a phenomenon considered a sign of the temple's sanctity and a 'miracle tree' by locals. InstagramReddit

The overall atmosphere within Kyichu Lhakhang is one of profound peace and spiritual tranquility. The combination of ancient architecture, the gentle hum of prayer wheels, and the serene natural surroundings creates an environment conducive to quiet contemplation and reverence, making it a deeply moving experience for visitors. Reddit

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