Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Narpo

In Dumchu valley in Haa stand two sacred temples, Lhakang Karpo and Lhakhang Narpo. Legend has it that in the 7th century, the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo crafted 108 monasteries in one day. Unbeknownst to many, the king also built other subsidiary monasteries. Among them were the Lhakang Karpo and Lhakang Narpo (black and white temple). The central figure of worship at the Lhakhang Karpo is a statue of the Amitabha Buddha (Sangye Tshepamey). These lhakangs, among the oldest in the country, also serve as the seat of Ap Chundu, the protective deity of Haa valley. Locals believe that offering prayers to Ap Chundu brings good fortune in business and wealth. These lhakangs stand as silent storytellers, narrating tales of divine interventions and the timeless connection between the spiritual and the material worlds.