Mandi i'm off: Bumthang

First visit today was to one of the earliest temples founded in the 8th century and it seems to be popular with the older pilgrims that visit the valley.

During the walk to the Kurjey monastery,I was interested to see the weed that could be seen growing everywhere was somewhat familiar,so I took a few photos.

The inner sanctum of Kurjey was closed for a private visit by the Kings aunt,and since it is not only one of the oldest but the place where all the Kings of Bhutan are cremated ( Well the dead ones anyway.) it seemed to be fair.We continued our walk along the river bank,crossed the suspension bridge which needed a little care and back along the other bank to Tamshing Monastery where 95 young monks mostly aged under 15 years and all from poor backgrounds where the parents could not afford any other education for them where busy making temple offerings and decorations.

Also visited the 16th century Jambay monastery but foreigners are not allowed inside the temple here,this one sits in a commanding position overlooking the small town,they were also originally fortresses as well. Another creationof the Guru Rimpoche, this guy apparently built 108 temples in a single day,he arrived in Bhutan from Tibet riding a Tiger and his supernatural powers are unlimited.This is the great Lama whose 12 year old reincarnation blessed me at Ganjey temple in Phobjikha.

Then a break from temples and monasteries,we visited the Wangdicholing Palace founded by the first Kings father and now,yes you guessed it a monastery.

An interesting titbit is that Bumthang women are considered to be the most beautiful in the Kingdom and the current Kings father,the 4th King married 4 sisters from here on the same day,they each have there own palace.This King abdicated in favor of the current King, the 5th to enable democracy to happen in 2008.

I rather think the 4th Kings honeymoon would have been somewhat interesting.

Founded in 8 th century.