Chimi L’hakhang Temple

Visit a one-of-a-kind temple — the Chimi L’hakhang Temple or better known as the Fertility Temple.

The Fertility Temple is a Buddhist monastery that can be found in Punakha, on top of a round hill. The 14th Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Choegyel in 1499, after the maverick saint Drukpa Kunley or the “Divine Madman” blessed and built a chorten on the site.

The monastery is quite famous in the country as a fertility inducing magnet, with the promise that anyone who wishes to conceive will find guidance in the temple. Hence, the temple attracts thousands of pilgrims — all hoping to be blessed with a child or a wang or blessing from the saint with the “magic thunderbolt of wisdom.” Aside from couples trying to conceive, the temple also attracts couples with newborns, so that a local lama or Buddhist teacher can bestow a resounding forename on the child. Aside from the pilgrims, the temple is also a popular tourist attraction, thanks to its somewhat unconventional use of the phallic symbol throughout the temple’s designs and architecture.

Location

The temple is located in Punakha.

Opening Days and Hours

The temple is open every day.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance to the temple is free.

How to Get There

You can fly into Bhutan via the country’s sole international airport in Paro.
From the Paro city centre, you can rent a car and travel for four hours going to Punakha.
From the Punakha city centre, you can then rent a car or motorbike and travel to the temple.

Suggested For

Backpackers/solo travelers
Couples
Group of friends
Families

Time to Spend

Rafting tours take an average 1 to 2 hours.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

You can visit the temple any time of the day.

Food

There are a number of restaurants located around a kilometre away from the temple, including the Chimi L’hakhang Cafeteria and Lobesa Village Restaurant.