Lhuntse Dzong

Overlooking the Kuri Chhu River and sitting graciously on a spur towards the end of a narrow valley, Lhuntse Dzong in Lhuentse district is a religious marvel in Bhutan. Previously known as ‘Kurtoe’, this dzong was built in 1654 by Trongsa Penlop, Chogyal Minjur. The dzong was built on the site of an ancient temple that was built by Nagi Wangchuk in around 1552.

As the legend goes, this site was discovered by Khedrup Kuenga Wangpo, who was the successor of Tetron Pema Lingpa. Khedrup Kuenga Wangpo was asked to find a ridge that resembles to an elephant’s trunk. He later found this spot and named it as Kurtoe Lhuentse Phodrang.

Lhuntse Dzong has five main temples. Three of these temples have Padmasambhava as the main deity. The other two temples are dedicated to Mahākāla and Amitāyus, who is also revered as the Buddha of Infinite Life. There is also a temple dedicated to Avalokiteśvara within the dzong.