Overview:

Lhuentse Dzong, also known as Kurtoe Dzong, is one of the most isolated and sacred dzongs in Bhutan. It is located in the small Lhuentse district in the north-eastern part of the country. Built in 1654 by the fourth Druk Desi Minjur Tempa, it is one of the oldest and most important dzongs in Bhutan. The 53-meter tall dzong plays an important role in the spiritual life of the people of Bhutan and is home to some of the country’s holiest relics. The building stands as a reminder of the cultural heritage and religious grandeur of Bhutan. Inside the main hall of the dzong, one can find the statues of the five ancestor saints of Bhutan. It is also an important center for Buddhist studies, various religious festivals, and important gatherings of the government. The annual religious festival, commonly known as the Lhuentse Tshechu, is one of the most important religious festivals in the country and is attended by people from all around Bhutan. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bhutan
Prominent Features:

1. Korphu Jakar Dzong: This ancient fortress, also known as the “Palace of the White Bird”, dates back to 1654 and is the main religious and administrative center of Lhuentse Dzongkhag. It is also the spiritual seat of Bhutan's State Oracle, who makes occasional prophesies and interventions. 2. Namgang Lhakhang: Located high in the mountains, this temple is the spiritual center of the region and is an important pilgrimage site. It is also said to be the home of the famous Mandarava, who was a Tibetan princess and a student of the 8th century Mahasiddha Padmasambhava. 3. Wangchuck Centennial Park: A national park located in Lhuentse Dzongkhag, it houses a variety of animals and plants that are unique to the region, as well as the famous Kori La Pass. 4. Drametse Lhakhang: A temple located in Drametse village, this is one of the oldest and most important temples in Bhutan. It is also the rituals for the famous Drametse Ngacham – a Buddhist dance performed with masks and cymbals every spring in Bhutan. 5. Kurjey Lhakhang: This temple complex is home to one of the most important religious sites in Bhutan. It contains the walled enclosure around three sacred temples that are said to have been built in the 8th century by the Tibetan King Trisong Deutsen. This national monument of Bhutan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The first Dzong (monastery-fortress) built in Lhuentse was Gongza Lhakhang in 1352. It was constructed by Lama Namkha Samdrup from Kongpo. The Dzong was later renovated by the great tertön, Dorji Lingpa in 1365. In 1616, Lam Shidagang and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, began the construction of Lhuentse Dzong. It was completed in 1645 and it became the only Dzong of its kind to be built in Bhutan. Lhuentse Dzong, this ancient fortress, is located in the spectacular valley of Lhuentse. It stands atop a ridge of a mountain, overlooking the winding Kuri Chhu River, at an altitude of 2800 meters. The five-story main temple of the Dzong consists of seven temples and houses three gompas which were constructed by Lam Shidagang. Lhuentse Dzong was damaged by a major earthquake in 1897, but it was restored and declared a national monument under the Bhutan Trust Fund for Cultural Preservation, in 1998. The Dzong was fully restored in 2005, to its original magnificence and glory. Today, Lhuentse Dzong is an important cultural and religious site as well as an architectural masterpiece of Bhutan. Its main temple, houses the statues of Tibetan Buddhist deities and ancient manuscripts that reflect the Buddhist culture and traditions of Bhutan. Visitors from all over the world come to visit Lhuentse Dzong, not only to marvel at its beauty but also to witness the rich culture and heritage of the country. You must visit one of these historical places in Bhutan on your Bhutan tour

Interesting facts:

1. Lhuentse Dzong is considered one of the most important dzongs (fortresses) of Bhutan as it is the ancestral home of the royal family. 2. The monastery was founded in 1552 by Lama Drakpa Kunley, and since then has housed some of the country’s most important religious and cultural treasures. 3. The dzong features the ancient Jomolhari Temple, dedicated to the mountain deity of the same name, as well as a three-story Thangthong Dewachen, or “White Palace”. 4. It houses several important religious relics such as the glimmering Yungdrung Thong Druk, as well as hundreds of handmade statues, murals, and other religious artwork. 5. The fort of Lhuentse Dzong is also surrounded by a massive wall constructed with stones and mortar. 6. The main statue of “Kurje Lhakhang” in Lhuentse monastery is led to believe to have been concealed in a gigantic rock, with the support of the former Queen Mother. 7. The town of Lhuentse also has two other monasteries called Gangzur and Khoma, which have an equally important history and religious significance. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bhutan with your friends and family.