This beautiful country which boasts, with out boasting, zero carbon pollution is beginning to wake up. The doves that live in the eaves above our room are cooing and the sleeping dogs have yet to bark. Upon opening the balcony door which looks out and onto the quickly running Bumthang Chuu River and the city of Jakar in the province of Bumthang the waft of AN UNBELIEVABLE FRAGRANCE pounds the senses. Tashi revealed it's Juniper and Hemlock incense that's burned at dawn throughout the country to appease the Gods. By 10am the smoke is full force looking like fires or clouds or thick fog blanketing the lowest parts of the valley. Poundingly delicious!
The hotel is situated on the side of a mountain and the views are panoramic. Getting there is mind scrambling with muddy potholes that are so deep, I swear the bottom of the car is scraping while our brains are battered around like the inside of a two year old's favorite rattle!
Our first 'moment' was to the temples in the surrounding Bumpthang area. The second of the series was to Kurjey Lhakhang. Located above Jambay Lhakhang, it consists of 3 temples. The first (and below) was built in 1652 and is the location where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th century.
The second is built on the holy site where Guru's meditation was so strong, his image was emblazoned onto stone.
The 3rd was constructed by the Royal Queen Mother in honor of her spiritual guide who is karmically destined to become a spiritual leader.
Entrance gate to the 3 temples: Kurjey Lhakhang
108 stupas or chortens (a mound-like or hemispherical structure containing relics that is used as a place of meditation) encircle the temples symboloize the 108 joints of the human body.
Tashi leads the way!
Naturally, photos aren't allowed inside, but WE were!
I love this shot of Teshi at the entrance steps.
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