Kurjey Lhakhang is the most sacred site in Bumthang and one of the most important religious places in all of Bhutan. The complex sits on a flat terrace north of Jakar and is made up of three temples set side by side, the oldest dating from 1652 and built directly over the meditation cave of Guru Rinpoche, the Indian sage who brought Buddhism to Bhutan.
A great cypress tree grows next to the oldest temple — said to have sprung from Guru Rinpoche's walking stick when he planted it in the ground. The complex is enclosed within a wall set with 108 chortens. Visitors can usually enter the second temple to see the murals; the holiest cave shrine is reserved for Buddhists.