The hike to Chimi Lhakhang is a sacred temple that attracts visitors worldwide. Set 1,400 meters above sea level, it's only a 20-minute walk from the main highway, surrounded by lush rice fields and traditional Bhutanese homes. The 1.5-kilometre hike is not just about the views. If you're lucky, you'll see farmers doing plantation work or harvesting, which is another level of experience.
As you make your way to the temple, you'll pass through the village of Sopsokha, where phallus paintings adorn the walls of houses. This tradition dates back to the legendary Drukpa Kunley, the "Divine Madman." These colourful symbols protect the home and bless it with fertility. Phalluses are painted on the walls of the houses, and wooden phalluses hang from doorways. Even the little shops along the route are filled with phallus-themed souvenirs, reflecting the temple's playful yet powerful influence.
Arriving at Chimi Lhakhang, visitors are invited to participate in unique rituals and receive blessings, including the famed wooden phallus used to ward off evil spirits. Surrounded by a peaceful landscape, with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze and trees like pomegranate and bamboo adding to the tranquility, the temple's three-coloured stupa—white, red, and black—serves as a stunning tribute to Bhutan's rich spiritual heritage.
A visit here is more than just a hike; it's a journey into the heart of Bhutanese tradition and divine teachings that continue to inspire.