Spiritual · Trongsa, Bhutan
Tea stop at Chendebji Chorten
Break the drive between Pele La and Trongsa at an 18th-century white stupa built in the style of Kathmandu's Boudhanath, set on a riverside meadow with a mani wall and a small Bhutanese-style chorten beside it.
Photo: Stephen Shephard · CC BY-SA 3.0 · CommonsChendebji Chorten stands 41 km west of Trongsa at 2,430 m, beside the Nikka Chhu. It was built in the 18th century by Lam Oensey Tshering Wangchuk, reportedly to subdue the demon Ngala; legend says it covers the body of an evil spirit. Unlike the square Bhutanese chortens, it has a round dome with painted eyes, in the Nepali style of Boudhanath.
A smaller chorten in Bhutanese style was built beside it in 1982. A mani wall carved with prayers runs along the meadow. Walk around both clockwise and spin the prayer wheels. The chorten is on the old Chorten Lam, a path linking religious sites along this valley, and a small festival is held here in the 9th lunar month.
Many drivers stop at the cafe nearby for tea and a simple lunch. It is a good place to stretch your legs after the long climb to Pele La at 3,420 m and the descent through dwarf bamboo and fir forest. From here it is about 1.5 hours to Trongsa.
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Photo: Christopher J. Fynn · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
Comfort
Central Bhutan to Bumthang, 12 nights
Private car with driver
Questions
Before you book
Why does Chendebji Chorten look like Boudhanath?
It was built in the 18th century in the Nepali style of Boudhanath, with a round dome and painted eyes, unlike most Bhutanese chortens. Bhutan has a few such stupas, including Chorten Kora in Trashiyangtse.
How far is Chendebji from Trongsa?
About 41 km, or 1–1.5 hours by road. It is a natural break on the drive from Phobjikha or Punakha via Pele La.
Is there food at Chendebji?
Yes, a simple cafe near the chorten serves tea and set lunches of rice, vegetables and datshi. Many drivers plan the lunch stop here.