Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten is a stupendous stupa perched on top of a beautiful hill in the district of Punakha, Bhutan. The stupa stands for tranquillity and peace. Construction of this stupa took nine years and required its inauguration in 1999. It was built by Her Majesty Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, for universal peace and adequate protection and well-being of the Bhutanese people. If you plan to visit Bhutan with your friends and family, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten has to be on your list. Here, we will tell you everything you need to know about Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten, its attractions, the activities you can enjoy there, how to reach Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten and many more.
Beauty Of Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten
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Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten is a mesmerising structure to look at. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten is unique. Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck built it. It is said that, unlike other such structures, this chorten is designed as a tool of magic to ward off the opposing forces and spread peace and calm for all the people around it. Around it, one can see From the top, you can see well-manicured gardens with a vast Bodhi tree, prayer wheels in shelters, and a tiny temple. The Chorten is a marvel of architecture, and the artistic work is exquisite. Inside, you will see a massive sculpture of Vajrakilaya, the wrathful form of Buddha Vajrasattva, a protective deity. There are paintings and carvings of Buddhist deities, such as mandalas, you name it.
But that’s not all. At every level of the Chorten, one can get a majestic view of the valleys and hills that surround it. From outside, this Chorten looks as if it is floating in the air, between mountains and valleys, with a golden spire shining brilliantly in the broad daylight. The gardens surrounding the Chorten are well maintained, adding to its charm. It is a great place for meditation and feeling the calm from solitude.
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Activities At Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten
For travellers, there are the following range of activities that can be done at Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten –
Exploration and Photography: The Chorten and its surroundings have many elements that can be the perfect frames for your clicks. Take close-up shorts of Chorten’s architecture and the beautiful panoramic views of Punakha Valley. It is the kind of place where one can sit and think about how to apply what they have learned in their coursework or daily life. It is also the perfect place to practice some yoga and meditation.
Cultural Immersion: Inside the Chorten, there are murals and statues depicting Bhutanese culture and spirituality. Local guides will give more in-depth information about the Chorten’s purpose. You can take a leisurely walk amidst pine forests on the path to the Chorten, which is absolutely refreshing.
Nearby Attractions At Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
Explore the multiple attractions nearby to this place and spend a beautiful time on your trip.
1. Punakha Dzong
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The administrative centre of Punakha District, Punakha Dzong is one of the most beautiful and important dzongs in Bhutan. It is located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu. The architecture is absolutely stupendous, and the views from there are immense, both geographically and historically. There is a long and picturesque suspension bridge built above the Mo Chhu River. It is an adventurous experience to pass through it, with great scenic views. It is one of the major attractions near Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten.
Location: About 9 km from Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten
Timings: 9 Am to 5 PM
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2. Chimi Lhakhang
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Also known as the Temple of Fertility, Chimi Lhakhang is a Buddhist monastery in the Punakha district dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, who earned the affectionate title of the Divine Madman. Built-in 1499 by the 14th abbot of Ralung Monastery, the Drukpa Kagyu lama Ngawang Chogyal, Chimi Lhakhang, stands on a round hillock. Couples come here on a pilgrimage seeking fertility blessings. People also come with their newborns here to name their children. Do not forget to visit Chimi Lhakhang, while you are travelling to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten.
Location: About 20 km from Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten
Timings: 9 Am to 5 PM
3. Talo Village
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Talo is among the picturesque villages that give you a glimpse of life in Bhutan. It is situated at an altitude of 2800 metres along a ridge above the Punakha Valley and falls under Talo Gewog. Many monasteries and temples are located here. You can notice the old traditional Bhutanese houses to understand the cultural heritage of the place. Local life and culture are by far best experienced in this village. While you are visiting Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, make sure to visit this place as well.
Location: About 9 km from Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten
Timings: 9 Am to 5 PM
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4. Local Delicacies
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The Bhutanese cuisine is an amalgamation of varied flavours, strongly influencing the country’s geography and rich cultural heritage. Do try some while going to Punakha and visiting Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten. Ema Datshi is Bhutan’s national dish, a spicy stew made of chilli peppers and cheese. Phaksha Paa is a pork and red chilli dish usually eaten with rice. Red rice is the staple Bhutanese food, which has a nutty flavour and is considered to have many health benefits. Jasha Maru is a spicy chicken dish cooked with tomatoes and green chillies. Ara is a brewed liquor traditionally made from rice, maize, millet, or wheat.
How To Reach Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten
Reaching Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten itself is quite an adventure. This entire journey would start from the beautiful Punakha town, lying just about a drive of 3 hours from Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu. From here, another 30-minute drive will lead one to the chain bridge over the Mo Chhu River, considered the starting point for the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten hike.
It is an hour to 45 minutes of walking under lush rice fields, pine forests, and traditional farmhouses, offering beautiful sightings of the Punakha Valley as viewed from the top. The trails make this whole thing as rewarding as the destination itself. Extra comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and water will also be recommended for this scenic trek.
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Best Time To Visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten
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Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten is better explored in September-November and March-May. These seasons have the best weather for hiking and exploring due to the excellent weather conditions.
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Thus, the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten can be synthesized and categorized under architectural design, which is a counterpoint of cultural richness and spiritual profundity substantive within the State of Bhutan. Overlooking the scenic view of the yard, the ambience is silent and calm; thus, it is one site one should not miss to visit while in Bhutan. Right from the hike to get there, to the products and services offered by the destination, to the physical structures, to all other contemporaries making it, are indeed in perfect harmony to make the trip unforgettable. So place your visit to experience this first hand and book your trip to Bhutan with us today.
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Cover Image Credit: David Broad for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten
How significant is Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten?
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten consciously provides peace and harmony; it has good architecture and it entails Bhutanese spirituality.
How strenuous is the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten trek?
The trail is moderate in the level of challenging and takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to do. This trekking is rather easy going and is perhaps appropriate for almost all tourists with median health fitness.
Is there a practice where people are allowed to take a close view of chorten?
Yes, local guides can be made available and would address the main need for the visit by elaborating on the significance and history of the chorten.
Are there any restrictions on entry to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten during any particular season of the year?
You can choose to go on a scenic hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten throughout the year, anytime during the day utilising the sunlight, between 6 am till 6 pm. However, it is better to visit when the weather is comfortable, that is in the Spring and Autumn seasons.
Are there any entry charges for visiting Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten?
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten is open from 6 AM to 6 PM and no entrance fees is charged. However, one may donate any amount they can for the maintenance of the chorten through donations is highly appreciated.
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