Just 5 km (3 miles) from Paro town and perched at 2,250 meters (7,381 feet) above sea level, Kyichu Lhakhang is one of Bhutan's most sacred and oldest temples. Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo built this temple in the 7th century, as it was part of a grand design to subdue a demoness whose body lay across the Himalayas. Kyichu pinned down her left foot, anchoring peace and opening the way for Buddhism's spread.

According to legend, Gyaza Kongjo (Bhrikuti) discovered the geomancy of this demonic form. Saints and spiritual masters who meditated here later honoured and expanded the temple, leaving their imprint through teachings and physical contributions, transforming the original modest shrine into the grandeur seen today.

A small fire damaged Kyichu 1839, but the 25th Je Khenpo Sherab Gyaltshen and Paro Ponlop Tshultrim Namgyal lovingly restored it. 1833 Je Khenpo commissioned new works to honour the temple's original spirit.

The temple hums with sacred life—brass prayer wheels spin under pilgrims' palms, butter lamps flicker near the Jowo Shakyamuni statue, and crimson-robed monks chant within sun-dappled courtyards. The Royal Queen Mother's ongoing patronage has preserved its murals and sanctity.

Visitors are asked to remove their shoes and step barefoot into this living thread of Bhutanese devotion—Kyichu is not just a place to see but to feel. A moment here is a step into Bhutan's spiritual soul.