Tree worship is an ancient practice spanning cultures, with various species revered for their sacred connections. The sal tree (Shorea robusta) is prominent, as legend states Buddha was born under one and passed into nirvana in its shade. This tree embodies Buddha’s path from birth to enlightenment. The bodhi tree, or peepal (Ficus religiosa), under which Buddha attained enlightenment, also holds immense meaning.
In Bhutan, certain trees hold deep spiritual significance intertwined with Buddhist beliefs and legends.
Bhutan remains blessed with many enlightened Buddhist figures who spent time in the country or settled there as prophesied. Many of these beings subdued troublesome local deities, converting them into protective forces for communities. Almost all of Bhutan’s significant ancient trees are believed to be the walking sticks once carried and planted by these important beings during their journeys across the kingdom.
The cypress tree, Bhutan’s national emblem, is perhaps the most venerated. Known as the “tree of life,” it symbolizes longevity and is planted outside monasteries, dzongs, and holy sites. In centuries past, Bhutan was even referred to by Tibetans as “the country of cypress.” Its fragrant timber is preferred for crafting Buddhist reliquaries and building temples.
Bhutan’s national trees are found in various regions, each with unique significance. We will explore the different species of sacred trees in Bhutan, which are imbued with symbolic importance by Buddhist legends.
The Sacred Cypress: Bhutan’s Living Heritage
One of Bhutan’s botanical epithets is Tsenden Köpéjong – the country bestrewn with tsenden (cypress). As the national tree, the Bhutan Weeping Cypress (Cupressus corneyana) holds the highest place in Bhutanese botanical hierarchy, both in its physical height and its association with sacred events and personalities.
These majestic trees defy conventional wisdom, growing in the most unlikely places and reaching extraordinary heights of over 80 meters. Their massive bulbous trunks span up to 14 meters in girth. The tallest stands sentinel on the path to Beyul Langdra, while the most massive guards Pangrizampa Temple. Due to their fast-growing nature, they are also commonly planted in urban settlements.
Sacred stories entwine with these ancient giants. Many are said to have sprouted from the walking staffs of revered figures, like the large cypress next to Kurje temple, believed to be Guru Rinpoche’s transformed walking stick. Some were even planted upside down, defying scientific understanding. At Kurje, the tree’s guardian is believed to be Shelging Karpo – the local deity subdued by Guru Rinpoche after misery befell King Sindhu Raja.
The Baylangdra cypress tells an equally fascinating tale. Locals point to a distinctive vantage point where the tree’s forked top clearly shows where a palm would rest against a walking stick – proof, they say, of its origin as Guru’s staff. This sacred tree is believed to house holy relics and confer blessings equivalent to five monasteries.
Every year, on the 15th day of the 8th Bhutanese month, during ‘Tsenden tsechu’, all 35 households of Bay chiwog gather around their majestic cypress. They spend the entire day in the Tsechu atmosphere, circumambulating the prayer wheels that surround the tree. Community members take turns sponsoring this annual festival.
It’s common to find these gigantic cypresses growing beside old religious or secular establishments, reaffirming their important status in Bhutanese cultural surroundings. For social historians, these trees serve as crucial markers of historically significant places.
Beyond their spiritual significance, tsenden wood plays a central role in Bhutanese traditions – used in incense making, sang fumigation rituals, and funeral pyres, prized for its aromatic nature, high-intensity burning, and ease of lighting. The cypress also features prominently in the lyrics of many folk and religious songs, cementing its significant place in Bhutan’s cultural heritage.
Significant Trees Across The Kingdom
Bumthang’s Sacred Trees
Cypress tree at Kurjey Lhakhang
- Scientific Name: Cupressus corneyana
- Common Name: Bhutan Weeping Cypress
- Family: Cupressaceae
Nestled within the sacred grounds of Kurjey Lhakhang in Chokor, Bumthang, at an altitude of 2,685 meters, stands a majestic cypress tree. This towering tree is a central feature of one of Bhutan’s most important spiritual sites. It reaches an impressive height of 46.3 meters, with a stout trunk diameter of 204.5 cm at breast height.
According to legend, this ancient cypress sprouted from a walking stick planted by the renowned Guru Rinpoche himself during his visit from Nepal around 810 AD. Having borne witness to centuries of devotion and pilgrimage at this revered lhakhang, the tree is an enduring testament to the region’s profound spiritual heritage.
Walnut tree at Zhabjeythang Lhakhang
- Scientific Name: Juglans regia
- Common Name: Walnut
- Family: Juglandaceae
Near Zhabjeythang Lhakhang in Chokor, there is a historic walnut tree standing at an elevation of 2,800 meters. The tree, reaching 17.5 meters in height with a diameter of 58 cm, was planted by Trongsa Tshongpen Dolong. He received the walnut seed as tshok from Lhasa when attending Moenlam Chenmo, bringing it all the way to this present location. Dolong’s father, Karma Lhawang, is known for bringing Rangjung Kharapani from Lhalung in Tibet to Bhutan.
Though the tree was originally forked from its base, one fork has since died, and while its trunk is now rotten, the remaining branch continues to bear soft-shelled nuts.
Chhukha
Rubber Tree at Meritsemo
- Scientific Name: Ficus elastica
- Common Name: Rubber Tree
- Family: Moraceae
In 1774, Scottish diplomat and adventurer George Bogle planted a rubber tree at Meritsemo during his historic mission to establish Tibet-Bhutan relations. Standing at an elevation of 1,248 meters in Bongo gewog, Chhukha dzongkhag, this living relic reaches 43 meters in height with a massive trunk diameter of 529 cm at breast height. It remains the sole survivor of four fig trees Bogle planted at key trading posts – Chhukha, Gengu, Meritsemo, and Pasakha – which served as resting places for merchants journeying to Tibet.
Today, though its trunk is rotten and supported by prop roots with some broken branches, the tree is revered as Lhashing by local residents, continuing to stand as a living monument to Bhutan’s historic trade relations.
Dagana
Cypress tree in Peling
- Scientific Name: Cupressus corneyana
- Common Name: Bhutan Weeping Cypress
- Family: Cupressaceae
Revered as Lhashing by the local community, this cypress in Peling, Dagana, is believed to have grown from the walking stick of Zhabdrung Jigme Chogyel [1862-1904]. Standing at an elevation of 1,994 meters in Tseza gewog, the tree reaches 57.2 meters in height with a trunk diameter of 271.3 cm.
Though its trunk is now hollow, core samples from the remaining solid wood suggest an intriguing history – 82 years counted within just 29.2 cm of the measurable section, with an estimated 105.8 cm of the core length lost to decay.
Khasi Tree at Bartsa
- Scientific Name: Ficus glaberrima
- Common Name: Khasi
- Family: Moraceae
Local tradition holds that this ancient Khasi tree in Bartsa grew from the walking stick of the 12th Je-Khempo Kuenga Jamtsho [1761-1771]. Located at 1,674 meters elevation in Kana gewog, Dagana dzongkhag, the tree stands 9.3 meters tall with a trunk diameter of 131 cm. Though storms have left it damaged and hollow, making core sampling impossible, the tree endures as a living connection to Bhutan’s religious heritage.
Khasi tree at Khabisa
- Scientific Name: Ficus glaberrima
- Common Name: Khasi
- Family: Moraceae
Another storied Khasi tree, believed to have grown from the walking stick of Zhabdrung Jigme Chogyel, stands in Khabisa gewog of Dagana dzongkhag. At an elevation of 1,654 meters, this massive tree reaches 33.4 meters in height with a substantial trunk diameter of 321 cm.
Though its hollow trunk and heavily buttressed base prevented core sampling, the tree continues to serve as a testament to Bhutan’s spiritual legacy.
Gasa
Spruce Tree at Resu Gate
- Scientific Name: Picea spinulosa
- Common Name: Spruce
- Family: Pinaceae
During a Tibetan invasion of Bhutan, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel is said to have used this spruce tree at Resu Gate to turn back the advancing army. Through his powers, he made the tree and nearby rocks appear as armed soldiers, convincing the Tibetan forces they were outnumbered and forcing their retreat.
Located at 3,772 meters in Laya gewog, Gasa dzongkhag, the tree stands 17.3 meters tall with a trunk diameter of 115 cm. Core samples reveal 236 years of growth within 14.8 cm of the measurable 57.5 cm length. The people of Laya continue to honor this sacred tree with annual rituals to appease the local deity.
Haa
Black Juniper at Wangtsa
- Scientific Name: Juniperus pseudosabina
- Common Name: Black Juniper
- Family: Cupressaceae
Following a prophecy to construct Densa at the current site, the 13th Je-Khempo of Bhutan, His Holiness Yonten Thaye (1771-1775), brought two walking sticks from Katsho Goempa in Haa. At 2,845 meters elevation in Wangtsa, Katsho gewog, one of these sticks – peculiarly planted upside down – grew into this black juniper that now reaches 18.5 meters in height with a trunk diameter of 123 cm. Core samples from the tree indicate 200 years of growth within 18 cm of the measurable 62.5 cm length.
Blue Pine at Jangakha
- Scientific Name: Pinus wallichiana
- Common Name: Blue Pine
- Family: Pinaceae
This historic blue pine marks the site of Ap Chundu’s legendary victory over Tibetan forces in Jangakha, Bjee gewog of Haa. Using his supernatural powers, Ap Chundu created illusions of massive troops that lured the Tibetan army into a gorge, securing a decisive victory. He planted this tree on the battlefield to commemorate the triumph. Rising 45.6 meters at an elevation of 2,817 meters, with a trunk diameter of 135 cm, the tree remains a potent symbol.
Though its trunk is now rotten, core samples reveal 134 years within 62.2 cm of the measurable 67.5 cm length. Local residents continue to honor Ap Chundu with annual rituals at the tree every 15th day of the 11th month in the Bhutanese calendar.
Black Juniper at Takchu Goempa
- Scientific Name: Juniperus pseudosabina
- Common Name: Black Juniper
- Family: Cupressaceae
During his visit to Takchu Goempa in Haa’s Eusu gewog, Zhabdrung Rimpoche Choglay Yeshe Nguldrup [1851-1918] planted this black juniper upside down at the community’s request, with a prayer that dharma would flourish if the tree survived.
Located at an elevation of 3291 meters, the tree grew to 9.7 meters with a trunk diameter of 43 cm. Core samples from the now-dead tree showed 156 years of growth within 19.5 cm of the measurable 21.5 cm length. In 2016, His Majesty the 5th Druk Gyalpo planted a new sapling nearby to replace this historic tree.
Black Juniper at Katsho
- Scientific Name: Juniperus pseudosabina
- Common Name: Black Juniper
- Family: Cupressaceae
In the 15th century, after completing his three-year, three-month, and three-day retreat at Sakhakha above Katsho Lhakhang, Drupthop Ngawang Pelzang planted this juniper sapling below Katsho Goempa.
Standing at an elevation of 2,917 meters in Katsho gewog, Haa, the tree has grown to 19.4 meters in height with a trunk diameter of 73 cm. Though its historical significance remains intact, attempts at core sampling revealed a rotten trunk, making it impossible to determine its precise age.
Black Juniper at Bangina
- Scientific Name: Juniperus pseudosabina
- Common Name: Black Juniper
- Family: Cupressaceae
Local legend tells of a mysterious treasure discovered by Terton Rigna Lingpa in a Tibetan lake that flew to Bhutan, eventually reaching Shekhadra Lhakhang in Haa. The treasure manifested itself on this juniper tree in Bangina, Eusu gewog, where villagers witnessed smoke by day and fire by night. After proper rituals, the treasure was finally housed with a tsip.
Though the tree now appears dead, it reached 14.9 meters in height with a trunk diameter of 53 cm at its location of 2,991 meters elevation. Core samples revealed 184 years of growth within 25.4 cm of the measurable 26.5 cm length. The tree’s spiritual significance continues through an annual Gatey Chjur ritual, where villagers offer Sekha on the 15th day of the 11th month.
Bhutan Weeping Cypress at Khawchung
- Scientific Name: Cupressus corneyana
- Common Name: Bhutan Weeping Cypress
- Family: Cupressaceae
Terton Pema Lingpa planted this cypress upside down at Khawchung Lhakhang in Zamling, creating one of Lhuntse’s most remarkable trees. Located at 2,594 meters in Gangzur gewog, the tree has grown to an impressive 42.2 meters with a massive trunk diameter of 260 cm, splitting into three distinct forks.
Though its exterior appears healthy, the top is dead and the trunk has rotted internally. Core samples indicate 340 years of growth within 72.3 cm of the measurable 130 cm length, offering a glimpse into its centuries-old history.
Lhuntse
Bhutan Weeping Cypress at Tshompaling
- Scientific Name: Cupressus corneyana
- Common Name: Bhutan Weeping Cypress
- Family: Cupressaceae
A fascinating legend surrounds this towering cypress in Tshompaling, telling of Khikha Rathoe and his magical wooden bird. As he flew over the Lhuntse area, wooden nails fell from his bird, and from one of these nails grew this magnificent tree.
Standing at a remarkable 76.9 meters in Gangzur gewog at an elevation of 1,533 meters, with a trunk diameter of 262 cm, it ranks among Bhutan’s tallest documented trees, embodying both natural grandeur and mystical heritage.
Bhutan Weeping Cypress at Goenkar Lhakhang
- Scientific Name: Cupressus corneyana
- Common Name: Bhutan Weeping Cypress
- Family: Cupressaceae
The story of this cypress intertwines with Lama Choney Rangdol from Njalam Dung, who built Goenkar Lhakhang in Goenpa Karpo. Upon returning from a pilgrimage to Lhasa, the Lama witnessed a mysterious fire at the site where the Lhakhang now stands. The tree grew from his walking stick, used during his return journey from Aja Ney in Mongar, accompanied by the local deity Luma Takdung.
Rising 43.1 meters at 2,294 meters elevation in Khoma gewog, Lhuntse, with a trunk diameter of 126 cm, the healthy tree carries a unique prophecy – any natural branch breakage is believed to bring misfortune to the head Lama of the Lhakhang. Core samples reveal 187 years of growth within 55.5 cm of the measurable 63 cm length.
Bhutan Weeping Cypress at Zarthang
- Scientific Name: Cupressus corneyana
- Common Name: Bhutan Weeping Cypress
- Family: Cupressaceae
At Zarthang Lhakhang in Menbi gewog, Lhuntse, a unique cypress with an unusual flat crown stands – a living testament to its peculiar origins. Lama Karma Rabzur, root guru of the 16th Karmapa, planted his walking stick upside down at this site at 2,493 meters elevation. The tree’s distinctive flat top, which locals believe to be the stick’s roots, inspired the Lama to build Zarthang Lhakhang and settle there.
Now reaching 29 meters in height with a trunk diameter of 199 cm, the tree shows signs of age with a rotting trunk and crown. Core samples indicate 178 years of growth within 37.3 cm of the measurable 99.5 cm length.
Paro
Campbell’s Magnolia at Gorina
- Scientific Name: Magnolia campbellii
- Common Name: Campbell’s magnolia
- Family: Magnoliaceae
At Gorina Lhakhang in Wangchang gewog of Paro, a historic magnolia traces its origins to the walking stick of Zhabdrung Jigme Norbu [1831-1861]. Standing at 3,039 meters elevation, the tree has grown to 13.7 meters in height with a trunk diameter of 53 cm. Though extensive rot prevented core sampling to determine its exact age, its connection to Zhabdrung Jigme Norbu places its planting within Bhutan’s significant religious period of the mid-19th century.
Bhutan Weeping Cypress at Namkhar
- Scientific Name: Cupressus corneyana
- Common Name: Bhutan Weeping Cypress
- Family: Cupressaceae
Phajo Drugom Zhipo’s walking stick grew into this towering cypress at Namkhar Lhakhang, Paro. Located at 2,280 meters elevation, this healthy tree reaches an impressive height of 65.6 meters with a trunk diameter of 185.5 cm. Core samples reveal 188 years of growth within 44.3 cm of the measurable 92.75 cm length. The tree remains an important spiritual site, where villagers gather to perform traditional rituals during Lomba celebrations.
Punakha
Wolly-leaved Oak at Kabi Chorten
- Scientific Name: Quercus lanata
- Common Name: Wolly-leaved Oak
- Family: Fagaceae
During a meditation session, Lama Drupka Kuenley confronted malicious spirits by throwing burning twigs into their midst. After vanquishing the spirits, he built a chorten where the twigs fell – from which this oak tree is said to have sprouted.
Standing at 20.1 meters with a massive trunk diameter of 231.5 cm at Kabi Chorten Nyingpo Lhakhang in Kabjisa, Punakha, the tree now shows its age with dead branches and a hollow trunk that prevented core sampling. It survives at 1,774 meters elevation as a living link to this dramatic spiritual encounter.
Chir Pine at Chimi Lhakhang
- Scientific Name: Pinus roxburghii
- Common Name: Chir Pine
- Family: Pinaceae
Another of Lama Drupka Kuenley’s walking sticks transformed into this chir pine at Chimi Lhakhang in Sopsokha, Punakha. Though leaning northward, the tree remains healthy at 18.9 meters tall with a trunk diameter of 85.1 cm. Located at 1,335 meters elevation in Bap gewog, core samples reveal 189 years of growth within 36.5 cm of the measurable 42.55 cm length.
Samdrup Jongkhar
Indian Banyan at Kebsi
- Scientific Name: Ficus bengalensis
- Common Name: Indian Banyan
- Family: Moraceae
This massive banyan in Kebsi-Deothang, Samdrupjongkhar reaches 24.5 meters skyward at 779 meters elevation. Local lore claims it houses an entire division of army, monks, police, and nine sibling snakes. The site, originally called “Ibse” (resting place), was believed to be where Tshongpoen Norbu Zangpo rested during his trading journeys.
The heavily branched tree’s extensive root system has spread beneath nearby buildings, causing structural damage. Its cultural significance is reflected in the evolution of the place name from Ibse to modern-day Kebsi.
Thimphu
Bhutan Weeping Cypress at Pangrizampa
- Scientific Name: Cupressus corneyana
- Common Name: Bhutan Weeping Cypress
- Family: Cupressaceae
After Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel dreamed of a raven atop a tree, he witnessed the same vision the next day on this cypress at Pangrizampa. This prophetic encounter inspired him to begin spreading dharma from this location. The massive tree stands 59.2 meters tall with an extraordinary trunk diameter of 479.4 cm at 2,408 meters elevation in Kawang gewog, Thimphu.
Bhutan Weeping Cypress at Changzamtog
- Scientific Name: Cupressus corneyana
- Common Name: Bhutan Weeping Cypress
- Family: Cupressaceae
When villagers sought a sacred relic (Zung) for their new chorten, Lama Drupka Kuenley offered his walking stick. The cypress now rises 52.4 meters from the chorten’s center at 2,415 meters elevation in Changzamtog, Thimphu – believed to be that very walking stick transformed.
Blue Pine at Lungten Zampa
- Scientific Name: Pinus wallichiana
- Common Name: Blue Pine
- Family: Pinaceae
Phajo Drugom Zhipo planted his walking stick upside down at Lungten Zampa, Thimphu, where it grew into this 20.3-meter blue pine. Standing at 2,336 meters elevation with a trunk diameter of 104.3 cm, core samples date the tree to 141 years of growth.
Trashigang
Bhutan Weeping Cypress at Tashicholing
- Scientific Name: Cupressus corneyana
- Common Name: Bhutan Weeping Cypress
- Family: Cupressaceae
This forked cypress with a hollow trunk in Rasong village, Khaling, grew from the walking stick of Gyalsey Ganapati (1685-1710), who served as both Desi and Je Khempo in 1705.
Rising 64.3 meters at 2,220 meters elevation, with a massive trunk diameter of 397 cm, the tree holds deep significance for Khalingpas who believe harming it brings death. Core samples reveal 204 years of growth within 52.3 cm of the measurable 198.5 cm length.
Bhutan Weeping Cypress at Omba Lhakhang
- Scientific Name: Cupressus corneyana
- Common Name: Bhutan Weeping Cypress
- Family: Cupressaceae
In a vision, Guru Rinpoche instructed Lama Sonam Bongla’s second reincarnation to find his walking stick on Omba Ney cliff. The Lama and his mother discovered this cypress the next morning, at the site where Guru Rinpoche meditated for two months.
Now a healthy tree rising 24.3 meters at 2,158 meters elevation in Omba village, Toedsho gewog of Trashi Yangtse, it has a trunk diameter of 42 cm and shows 84 years of growth. Nearby stands a five-forked Schemia wallichii tree, believed to be a Mandala offering.
Roxburgh Fig Below Muktangkhar
- Scientific Name: Ficus oligodon
- Common Name: Roxburgh Fig
- Family: Moraceae
Two stories surround this sacred fig in Bartsham, Trasigang: either it grew from Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel’s walking stick, or he rested beneath it while traveling from Ramjar to Trashigang dzong.
Though more than half dead, the 218-year-old tree stands 2.1 meters tall with a trunk diameter of 36.5 cm at 1,209 meters elevation. Protected by a stone wall, locals tell of a recent incident where a man lost his hand to explosives months after cutting a branch – reinforcing their belief that harming the tree brings misfortune.
Chir Pine at Tsharong Ney
- Scientific Name: Pinus roxburghii
- Common Name: Chir Pine
- Family: Pinaceae
During his journey to help Tibet’s King Thrisong Doetsen, Guru Rinpoche visited sacred sites across Trashi Yangtse, Lhuntse, and Mongar. At journey’s end, he planted his walking stick at Tsharong Ney – marking his complete pilgrimage of all Neys.
The healthy pine now grows from a cliff in Mangkhar, Udzorong gewog of Trashigang, reaching 7.3 meters with a trunk diameter of 25 cm at 1,799 meters elevation. Core samples date it to 89 years.
Trashi Yangtse
Bhutan Weeping Cypress at Dechen Phodrang
- Scientific Name: Cupressus corneyana
- Common Name: Bhutan Weeping Cypress
- Family: Cupressaceae
Guru planted this cypress at Trashi Yangtse’s Dechen Phodrang Lhakhang after subduing a local deity and meditating there for a year. Standing 78.9 meters tall at 2,056 meters elevation in Bomdeling gewog, with a massive trunk diameter of 223 cm, the tree appears healthy despite its rotten core. Core samples indicate 139 years of growth within 33.9 cm of the measurable 111.5 cm length.
Trongsa
Bhutan Weeping Cypress at Nabji
- Scientific Name: Cupressus corneyana
- Common Name: Bhutan Weeping Cypress
- Family: Cupressaceae
Guru’s walking stick transformed into this cypress at Nabji Lhakhang, where he once gathered King Nowoche and King Sindha to make peace, marking the spot with their handprints in stone. The tree rises 40 meters at 1,270 meters elevation in Nabji gewog, Trongsa, with a trunk diameter of 135 cm. Core samples show 134 years of growth within 54.6 cm of the measurable 67.5 cm length.
Wangdue Phodrang
Bhutan Weeping Cypress at Jarogang
- Scientific Name: Cupressus corneyana
- Common Name: Bhutan Weeping Cypress
- Family: Cupressaceae
Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel’s walking stick grew into this revered cypress at Jarogang Lhakhang in Wangdue Phodrang. Though its top is broken and dead with exposed roots, the tree reaches 32.1 meters at 940 meters elevation in Athang gewog, with a trunk diameter of 187 cm. Core samples reveal 164 years of growth within 30.6 cm of the measurable 93.5 cm length.
Jackfruit at Jarogang
- Scientific Name: Artocarpus heterophyllus
- Common Name: Jackfruit
- Family: Moraceae
A local woman’s gift of jackfruit to Zhabdrung Rinpoche became this historic tree when he planted its seed in Jarogang village, requesting future harvests be shared with him. Now standing 15.5 meters tall with a trunk diameter of 186 cm at 941 meters elevation in Athang gewog, Wangdue, the aging tree shows its years with a hollow, rotting trunk and dead crown.
Bhutan Weeping Cypress at Gella
- Scientific Name: Cupressus corneyana
- Common Name: Bhutan Weeping Cypress
- Family: Cupressaceae
In the 14th century, Kuenphen Longchen Rabjam planted his walking stick upside down at Gella, praying that as the tree grew, so would Bhutan’s Peling tradition flourish. Now a forked cypress rising 32.2 meters at 3,030 meters elevation in Gangtey gewog, Wangdue, its massive trunk spans 246 cm diameter. Though its crown is dead with exposed, rotting roots, core samples date the tree to 381 years within 50.5 cm of the measurable 123 cm length.
Bhutan Weeping Cypress at Zhabja
- Scientific Name: Cupressus corneyana
- Common Name: Bhutan Weeping Cypress
- Family: Cupressaceae
When locals sought Guru Rinpoche’s help to subdue a demon at Zhabja, he left behind his walking stick which grew into this cypress. Rising 49.2 meters at 2,499 meters elevation in Dangchu gewog, Wangdue, the tree appears mostly healthy despite some dead branches and trunk rot. Its trunk measures 114 cm in diameter, with core samples showing 200 years of growth within 52 cm of the measurable 57 cm length.
Bhutan Weeping Cypress at Bay Langdra Ney
- Scientific Name: Cupressus corneyana
- Common Name: Bhutan Weeping Cypress
- Family: Cupressaceae
This towering cypress at Bay Langdra Ney, believed to be Guru Rinpoche’s walking stick, reaches an extraordinary 94.6 meters with a massive trunk diameter of 427.4 cm. Standing at 2,360 meters elevation in Kazhi gewog, Wangdue, its hollow trunk, now filled with stones and concrete, is said to contain sacred relics. Though its crown is dead, the tree remains a spiritual anchor, drawing locals for annual rituals on the 15th day of the 8th Bhutanese month.
Sacred Trees Planted by His Majesty
In a profound ceremony marking the 400th anniversary of Zhabdrung’s arrival in Bhutan and honoring the Royal Birth, His Majesty The King joined the Zhung Dratshang, led by His Holiness the Je Khenpo, in planting 400 trees around Punakha’s Thangzona on April 19th.
This symbolic planting brought together nine specially chosen species, each carrying deep religious and cultural significance:
- Tsenden (Sacred Cypress): Bhutan’s revered national tree
- Nyasheshing (Jamun): Valued for its fruit-bearing nature
- Chemshing: Source of holy prayer beads
- Tsampakha Shing: Its transparent-petaled seeds serve in religious offerings
- Jangchushing (Sacred Fig): The sacred tree of Buddha’s enlightenment
- Elaeocarpus: Source of sacred Rudraksha beads
- Ornamental species: Jacaranda, Royal Poinciana, and Wild Cherry
The Tsugla Lopen of the Zhung Dratshang emphasized Buddhism’s deep reverence for trees as life-givers, noting that their planting generates merit benefiting the entire nation. This tradition of environmental respect, maintained by the Zhung Dratshang since Zhabdrung’s time, continues to support activities enhancing Bhutan’s natural environment for all sentient beings.
The ceremony, featuring saplings sourced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, concluded with His Holiness the Je Khenpo, the Lopens, and Lam Netens offering Tendrel Lekdhar to His Royal Highness The Gyalsey, marking a renewal of Bhutan’s commitment to preserving its pristine natural heritage.
