Difficulty in getting quality stones is hampering the reconstruction of Lhakhang Kaap in Haa. The renovation works are being carried out in four phases. The first two phases have been completed and the third phase is underway.
Lhakhang Kaap is being reconstructed in a traditional manner using just wood and stone. No concrete is being used. “The quality of stone has to be good,”says the Project Engineer, Tashi Gyeltshen adding that finding good quality stones has not been an easy task.
A site found to be rich in good quality stones has been identified near Chelela. But the Project Engineer says it would take time to process extraction approval. To ensure the smooth flow of the work, the project has decided to procure stones from a quarry in Dawakha.
But all wood related works have been completed.
The two storied Kaap Lhakhang will have four other Lhakhangs – a Zhabdrung Lhakhang, a Guru Lhakhang, a Mithuepi Lhakhang and a Goenkhang built on its four sides.
The reconstruction works started last year and is expected to be complete next year.
Lhakhang Kaap is an important place of worship for the people of Haa. It currently houses close to a hundred monks.