As you explore its incredible landscape, your eyes greet the sight of deep cliffs which stare down royally on the gorges below. The surroundings are covered with coniferous forests. Another reason which makes Mongar dzongkhag is famous for its weavers and the fine textiles woven by them, which are considered the best in the country.
One of the most famous tourist attractions of Lhuentse is Lhuntse Dzong. Also known as Lhundub Rinchentse among the local population, it is a magnificent structure overlooking the River Kurichu. It was built in the year 1654 on the very spot where a temple was built by Nagi Wangchuk (one of the Drukpa Lamas) in 1552. Inside, the dzong houses sacred artefacts which were installed by the 4th Druk Desi Tenzin Rabgay. You can see them engaged in this fine art, and can also purchase various pottery items if you want to.
A most impressive sight awaits you at the Takila mountain slope, where stands the colossal statue of Guru Padmasambhava (a Buddhist scholar, saint and philosopher, he is respected as the second Buddha by his followers). The statue surprises you with its height, as it looks down benevolently from a height of 173ft approx. The scenic surroundings serve as the perfect backdrop to the statue. From the mountain slope, you can get a wonderful view of the Tangmachu valley stretched out below. There is an interesting story surrounding the statue. It states that Lerab Lingpa, the famous Tibetan teacher and saint, prophesied that, “At one point of time, there will be a war of horses in Kurtoe valley. To prevent this war, a statue of Guru Nangsi Zilnoen should be built”. Another revered saint and philosopher, Lama Sonam Zangpo, a revered Yogi and teacher in Bhutan, advised that for ushering in prosperity and success in Bhutan and the world in general, it was necessary to build the statue there.
Another village which you should explore is the village of Khoma. The road leading to the village takes you over gracious slopes flanked by pine trees. This is another village famous for its signature woven textiles, known as the Kishuthara. You can spot the women seated in their beautiful little cottages, engaged in creating interesting designs and patterns. On your visit to the village, don’t forget to carry with your camera with you, as its spectacular location offers wonderful photography opportunities.
There is also the village of Kilung, which is inhabited by the Tshanglas who are believed to have settled here during the late 1880’s. There is a fascinating story surrounding it. It is believed that inside the temple, there is a sacred chain mall which was used to recapture a statue believed to have flown away from Lhuentse Dzong.
SOME OF THE TOP ATTRACTIONS ARE :
DUNGKAR NAKTSHANG
The place has the exact shape of a conch shell. Dungkar Choeje Lhakhang is considered to be placed on the steer of the Dungkar like the shape of the land. Dungkar village is the ancestral home township of our venerated monarch whereby Dungkar Choeje Lhakhang is the origin place of our “ Wangchuck Regime”.
Today Lhakhang is held by Choeje Tobgay, the offspring of Dungkar Choeje, Choeje Tobgay, and his clan reside on the 2nd floor of the Lhakhang. Lhakhang houses many religious monuments and “Terma” revealed by great Terton such as Terton Pema Lingpa and glorious Saint Desi Tenzin Rabgay. With financial assistance from the government, the annual proprietor of the Lhakhang coordinates Gurdra on the 28th & 29th of the 2nd month of the Bhutanese calendar, Gemjatshar starting from the 30th day of the 10th month till the 4th day of the 11th month of the Bhutanese calendar and Dungkar Tsechu (Terchham) from 8th to 11th day of 11th month of Bhutanese calendar for the wellbeing and long life of our venerated kings and all the sentient beings.
JANGCHUBLING LHAKHANG
Perched on a hillock in Gangzur geog in Kurtoe, the Jangchubling Lhakhang was built in the 18th century by Pekar Jamtsho who was from Paro. At the age of 27, he traveled to Trongsa and from there further east to Kurtoe. At Jangchubling, he built a small shrine and two stupas. In the 1940s Her Royal Highness, the late Ashi Wangmo, who became a nun and led a religious life, sponsored the establishment of a Shedra, a Centre for Buddhist teachings at Jangchubling.
With guidance from the 16th Karmapa, Ashi Wangmo was instrumental in transforming the sacred temple to its present grandeur. She administered the construction of the existing main Lhakhang and named it as Dargay Choling Lhakhang.
SINGYE DZONG
One of the most important sites of pilgrimage in Bhutan is a 3-day uphill walk from Lhuentse Dzong. It is located at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, the Precious
Tantric Master once meditated here. Singye dzong is the main sacred place where Guru Rinpoche meditated. Thousands of pilgrims visit every year. It is also located within the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary close to the Tibetan border. The closest communities to Singye Dzong are Khomagang and Denchung villages.
Currently, the area has a mediation center that accommodates 12 monks in a three years retreat, two main monasteries are Gawa Dzong and Singye Dzong. A journey to Singye dzong will be a rewarding experience.
KHINEY LHAKHANG
Is Located in Metsho geog in Kurtoe, the principal relics are the Buddha and Guru Rimpoche.
It is believed that the foundation for this temple was laid in 779 AD. Oral accounts say that the temple was built on the spot where a dog was found sleeping and hence it derived the name, Khiney Temple of the Sleeping Dog. Seven hundred years later, Terton Pema Lingpa renovated and installed many statues. The main deity of the temple is Drak Tsen.
Every year, on the 15th day of the 10th month of the Bhutanese calendar, many villages under Metshog Geog celebrate an annual festival called Festival at Khiney Lhakhang. It is an annual commemoration of the anniversary of laying the foundation of Khiney Lhakhang after renovation by Pema Lingpa.
