Bhutan: Chendebji Chorten

Another spectacular point of interest on the way to Trongsa is the Chendebji Chorten, around 41km west from the city. This is a giant stupa built in the 18th century and modeled after the Boudhanath and Swayambhunath stupas in Kathmandu in Nepal – with distinctive eyes painted at the four cardinal points. According to legend, the chorten was constructed by Lama Lama Ngesup Tshering Wangchuk to subdue an evil spirit and trap it under stupa. The setting is very picturesque – at the meeting point of theee ridges and spectacular panoramas of mountains valleys in all directions. There are several other structures here besides the stupa – a traditional Bhutanese square chorten, a large prayer hall, and lots of colorful flags.