Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham

When it happens

The Singye Cham is a single day. It is a separate festival from the Jambay Lhakhang Drup at the same temple, not one of its days.

Where it happens

Jambay Lhakhang is a temple, not a dzong (fortress). It stands in Choekhor, one of Bumthang’s four main valleys along with Ura, Chumey and Tang, on a plateau beside the Bumthang Chhu. It is among the country’s most venerated religious sites.

History

According to tradition, Jambay Lhakhang is one of 108 temples the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo built in a single day in 659 CE, raised to pin down a demoness who obstructed Buddhism. This temple is said to hold down her left knee.

Being there

Jambay Lhakhang is close to Jakar, the usual base for a visit to Bumthang.