Chimi Lhakhang and Sopsokha Village

Overview

The temple dates back to 1499 and was built by Ngawang Chogyel on a site blessed by the "Divine Madman" after he famously subdued a demoness from Dochula with his "flaming thunderbolt." This history has made the temple a popular pilgrimage site for couples from all over the world seeking blessings for fertility. The surrounding Sopsokha village is equally famous for its traditional houses adorned with phallus paintings, a symbol meant to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck.

A walk to the temple takes you through lush rice paddies and the vibrant village, where you can see local life unfolding. Inside the temple, visitors are often blessed with a wooden phallus and a bow and arrow, both replicas of the tools used by Drukpa Kunley. The area offers a fascinating look at how ancient, eccentric spiritual traditions continue to flourish in the modern day.