Changangkha Lhakhang is a popular 12th century temple perched on a hill around 2.5 kms from Thimphu Clock Tower. It can easily be reached through a short walk and as you walk towards the temple, you can watch it from a distance standing right on top like a fortress.
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During the day time, you will see parents visiting temple to get auspicious names for their babies and blessings for the children. In the evening, you will find people taking rounds around the temple on a pilgrim path (back kora) that circles the temple.
Road leading to the Lhakhang leads to the stairs whose steps line up to the temple entrance. We walked up to the temple in evening and by the time we reached, inner sanctum had closed. Beautiful lamps were glittering inside the compound as we took a walk around calmly.
After spending some time inside the temple, we took a walk around the pilgrim path that surrounds the temple and sat there to enjoy the beautiful views of Thimphu Town. You get to experience the bird eye view of the whole town as you sit on the bench right next to the temple entrance. You get a sense of peace and calmness as Thimphu town unfolds right in front of you.
How to reach Changangkha Lhakhang
Situated around 2.5 kms from Thimphu Clock Tower, it’s a uphill walk for around 45 minutes. Coming down will take lesser time as you will be descending fast on the slope. You can also book a cab from Clock Tower which will drop you on the road from where you can walk steps to reach the temple in 5 minutes (Charges ~ Nu. 200 one way). There is no entry fee but try to visit before sunset as temple closes in the evening. Click here for the directions.