Wangditse Lhakhang
A hilltop temple above Thimphu, reached on one of the city's easiest walks
Druk Wangditse Lhakhang is said to have been built in 1715 as a seat of the Druk Desi, which makes it one of the oldest temples in Thimphu and a national heritage site. There is no road to it. A well made footpath from Sangaygang, the hill with the BBS tower, reaches it in about 45 minutes, and the trail is one of the gentlest hikes around the capital, through blue pine with the city opening up below.
The temple was damaged in the 2011 earthquake and closed for several years of restoration before reopening, so the paintwork inside is fresher than its age suggests. The walk out from Sangaygang is close to level for most of its length, which makes it one of the few hikes in Thimphu that does not involve serious climbing, and it can be continued down to Tashichho Dzong instead of returning the same way. The takin preserve is near the start of the path.
Highlights
Built around 1715
About 45 minutes on foot from Sangaygang
One of the easiest hikes around Thimphu
Practical Info
Address
Above Thimphu, reached on foot from Sangaygang (BBS Tower)
In This Destination
Thimphu District
Bhutan's capital district and seat of government
On the itinerary