Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple)

One of the two iconic temples of Haa Valley, Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) is believed to have been built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo as one of 108 border-taming temples to pin down a demoness obstructing the spread of Buddhism. Dedicated to Chenresig (Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion), the white-walled temple sits in the valley alongside its counterpart, the Black Temple, and together they are Haa's most sacred landmarks.