spiritual · Trongsa, Bhutan
Chendebji Chorten on the Pele La road
After you cross Pele La at about 3,390 m and drop east through forest and yak pastures, the road comes down to a small valley where Chendebji Chorten stands by the river. It is a large white stupa with painted eyes looking out in four directions, much more like the stupas of Kathmandu than the square Bhutanese chortens you see elsewhere. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Shida, and tradition says it was raised to cover the remains of a demon killed at this spot.
There is a smaller Bhutanese-style chorten beside it, and a few prayer wheels. Walk around clockwise, spin the wheels, and look at the eyes on the dome. It takes 15 minutes to see, but most drivers stop longer here for tea, and some roadside places serve simple lunches. The village of Chendebji is about 1.5 hours from Trongsa and about 2.5 hours from Phobjikha.
This is a free stop with no entry ticket, but small offerings at the chorten are welcome. Photography is fine outside. If you are travelling in the reverse direction, from Trongsa west to Phobjikha, it makes a good break before the climb to Pele La. Ask your driver to stop; it is easy to drive past if nobody mentions it.
Good for
Questions people ask
Good to know
Where is Chendebji Chorten
It stands beside the Lateral Road in the small Chendebji valley, between Pele La and Trongsa, about 1.5 hours west of Trongsa and about 2.5 hours east of Phobjikha by car. It is on the main route most travellers use between Phobjikha and Bumthang, so it needs no detour. Ask your driver to stop for 30–45 minutes.
Why does Chendebji Chorten look like a Nepali stupa
It was built in the 18th century by Lama Shida in the Nepali style, with a round dome and painted eyes, like the great stupas of Kathmandu. Tradition says it was built over the remains of a demon killed here. A smaller chorten in the Bhutanese style stands beside it, so you can compare the two styles.
Is there an entry fee at Chendebji Chorten
No. Chendebji Chorten is a free roadside stop with no ticket. You can walk around it, spin the prayer wheels and take photographs outside. Small offerings are welcome but not expected. Simple tea stalls and restaurants nearby make it a good place to break the drive between Pele La and Trongsa.
