UTEP Lhakhang
A serene Bhutanese temple on the UTEP campus, a unique gift symbolizing international friendship and offering a peaceful cultural escape.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Specific open days
UTEP Lhakhang
Best Time
Specific open days

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Bhutanese temple on the UTEP campus, a unique gift symbolizing international friendship and offering a peaceful cultural escape.
"Blown away by this location, it's absolutely a gem and one of my favorite places in El Paso!"
🎯 Check Opening Hours First
The Lhakhang has very limited hours, often just Wednesdays and the first Saturday. Plan accordingly!
🚶♀️ Explore UTEP Campus
The temple is a gem within the beautiful UTEP campus. Take time to wander and enjoy the surroundings.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Lhakhang Temple
University of Texas at El Paso Campus
A stunning Bhutanese temple, a symbol of friendship and a peaceful sanctuary on campus.

Bhutanese Architecture
UTEP Lhakhang Temple
Admire the intricate and vibrant design, a rare glimpse into Bhutanese artistry in the US.
Campus Serenity
UTEP Campus Quad
Experience a moment of tranquility amidst the bustling university grounds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Access
A Peaceful Campus Gem
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Opening Hours First
The Lhakhang has very limited hours, often just Wednesdays and the first Saturday. Plan accordingly!
🚶♀️ Explore UTEP Campus
The temple is a gem within the beautiful UTEP campus. Take time to wander and enjoy the surroundings.
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the beauty, but be mindful of its sacred nature. Ask permission if unsure.
🆓 Free Cultural Experience
Enjoy this unique cultural site at no cost. A true hidden gem!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Opening Hours First
The Lhakhang has very limited hours, often just Wednesdays and the first Saturday. Plan accordingly!
🚶♀️ Explore UTEP Campus
The temple is a gem within the beautiful UTEP campus. Take time to wander and enjoy the surroundings.
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the beauty, but be mindful of its sacred nature. Ask permission if unsure.
🆓 Free Cultural Experience
Enjoy this unique cultural site at no cost. A true hidden gem!
💻 Virtual Tour Option
If you can't visit in person, check out the virtual tour online!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently amazed by the beauty and peacefulness of the UTEP Lhakhang Temple, often calling it a hidden gem and a favorite spot in El Paso. Its unique Bhutanese architecture and its status as a symbol of international friendship are highly praised. However, many find the temple's very limited opening hours to be a significant drawback, leading to disappointment when they arrive to find it closed.
"This is a beautiful place. You can enter from the main gate of UTEP.
I am blown away with this is location it’s absolutely a gem of a place. I can say this is one of my favorite places in El Paso. Unfortunately it was closed the day I was there, if you have a chance don’t miss this place. The location, university everything is fantastic about this place."
Vijay devara
"Amazed at the beauty of this temple on loan from Bhutan. Truly a gem to treasure and admire."
Andres Alvarado
"let me in"
Aaron Atkins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Lhakhang Temple is located on the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) campus. You can typically enter from the main gate and follow signs or ask for directions to the Centennial Museum area, where it's situated.
Parking is available in designated lots on the UTEP campus. Check UTEP's parking regulations for visitor information, as fees or permits may apply depending on the day and time.
While it's a significant walk, it is possible. However, it's more convenient to drive or take public transportation to the UTEP campus and then walk to the temple.
Yes, UTEP is served by several El Paso public bus routes, making it accessible via public transportation. Check the Sun Metro schedule for routes and times.
The Lhakhang is often associated with the Centennial Museum. Asking campus security or information desks for directions to the Centennial Museum or the Lhakhang will usually guide you.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Lhakhang Temple at UTEP is generally free. It's a cultural gift to the university and the community.
The Lhakhang has very specific and limited hours. It is typically open on Wednesdays from 11 am to 1 pm and on the first Saturday of the month from 11 am to 1 pm. Always verify current hours before visiting.
Unfortunately, no. Due to its specific operating schedule, you must plan your visit around its limited open days and hours.
It's advisable to check the Centennial Museum's schedule or UTEP's official calendar for any holiday closures, as it may be closed on university holidays or during special events.
If you arrive when it's closed, you can still admire its exterior and the surrounding campus. Some sources mention a virtual tour is available online.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always best to be respectful of the space and any visitors who may be meditating or praying. Avoid flash photography if it seems disruptive.
The exterior of the temple itself is highly photogenic, showcasing its unique Bhutanese architecture. The surrounding campus also offers scenic backdrops.
University campuses often have strict rules against drone usage. It's highly recommended to check UTEP's official policies regarding drones before flying one on campus.
Selfies are generally acceptable, but as with all photography, be mindful of the environment and other visitors.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. The key is to capture the vibrant colors and intricate details of the Bhutanese design.
🎫 🏛️ History & Culture
The Lhakhang Temple was a gift from the people of Bhutan to the University of Texas at El Paso, symbolizing friendship between the two cultures. It was originally part of the 2008 Smithsonian Folklife Festival.
The gift represents a cultural exchange and a lasting symbol of goodwill between Bhutan and the United States, specifically El Paso and UTEP.
The Lhakhang at UTEP is noted as being the only one of its kind in the entire United States, making it a unique cultural landmark.
'Lhakhang' is a term in Tibetan and Dzongkha (Bhutan's national language) that refers to a temple or monastery.
The Druk, or Thunder Dragon, is a prominent symbol of Bhutan, featured on its national flag and representing the country's name, Druk Yul (Land of the Thunder Dragon).
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember that the temple has very limited hours, so plan your visit carefully to avoid disappointment. Consider it a short, enriching stop during a broader exploration of the UTEP campus. The surrounding campus grounds can also offer space for kids to move around before or after your visit.
🎓 Students & Academics
It's also a fantastic spot for photography enthusiasts and those interested in unique architectural styles. The temple's story as a gift from Bhutan adds an interesting layer to its significance within the university's history and its role as a symbol of international relations.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be mindful of the limited visiting hours and the sacred nature of the site when planning your photo sessions. Early morning or late afternoon light might offer softer, more dramatic lighting conditions, but always adhere to any posted photography guidelines.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story Behind the Gift
This temple is not only a place for quiet reflection but also a vibrant educational resource. It offers students and visitors a tangible connection to Bhutanese culture, art, and spirituality, right in the heart of El Paso. Its presence on campus highlights UTEP's commitment to diversity and global understanding.
Visitors often express awe at finding such a unique cultural artifact in an unexpected location. The Lhakhang serves as a peaceful sanctuary, providing a moment of calm and introspection amidst the academic environment. Its story underscores the power of cultural diplomacy and the lasting impact of thoughtful international gestures.
Experiencing the Lhakhang: Visitor Insights
However, a recurring theme in visitor experiences is the challenge of accessing the temple due to its limited opening hours. Several individuals mention arriving only to find it closed, emphasizing the importance of checking the schedule beforehand. [^Review2] When open, the Lhakhang provides a serene environment for contemplation and appreciation of its cultural significance.
For those unable to visit in person, a virtual tour is available, offering a way to experience the temple's beauty remotely. This accessibility ensures that the Lhakhang's cultural impact extends beyond its physical location, allowing a wider audience to appreciate this unique Bhutanese treasure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit