Blog Layout
Dodeydrak Monastery
Sonam Dendup • June 6, 2020
On a Spiritual Path to Dodeydrak
One of the most idyllic places to learn in depth and understand monastic life is to hike to the Dodeydrak Monastery located high in the mountains of Thimphu. Overlooking the Thimphu city, the Monastery still remains remotely located with not many visitors and hardly any tourists. It is a 2 hours 30 minutes hike uphill and while this can be enjoyed as a day excursion, however it is recommended you stay at least one night at the Monastery Guesthouse. The hike is on an ancient trail with breathtaking view of multi-colored rhododendrons painting the Chirpine forest in spring and while other times you will see a variety of species of birds and butterflies as you walk along the pine leaves-carpeted trail. Spectacular views of TashiChho Dzong, Wangdi Tze Dzong, and Dechen Phodrang will present itself as you climb further with Thimphu city peeping in occasionally from among the trees.
The 12th century Monastery is a complex of small temples that serve as a Buddhist Institute for learning and the resident students are all monks - young and old. You will have the opportunity to interact with the monks and their teachers, exchange life stories, learn about Buddhism and meditation and watch them as they go about their daily life. You can also sit in with them in the temples during their evening and morning prayers, or during any rituals and ceremonies that are conducted every now and then. It is also a humbling experience to share a meal with the monks at their dining hall. If you are visiting on a weekend, you can also play a game of football/soccer with the monks.
There is a cave nearby from where holy spring water drips and drinking this water, locals believe, washes away sins and promotes good health and prosperity. The Monastery has a guesthouse that welcomes all, otherwise, camping a little further away from the monastery provides mesmerizing view of the valley with beautiful sunrise and sunsets.
The hike and overnight stay at the Monastery is categorized under the remote and ancient hidden trails and an off the beaten path experience.
Through this undisturbed tropical, sub-tropical and Alpine regions of virgin forests, waterfalls and lakes, highland nomadic villages, undisturbed nature and views of the Greater Himalayas and Snow Capped Peaks, Bhutan offers some of the best trekking experiences all year round.
The view from there is the panoramic sight of almost all the tallest Himalayan Mountain of Bhutan like majestic Gangkar Puensum, formidable Table Mountain and Tiger Mountain. As it is located at the top, the view of the Himalayan ranges is better than anywhere in the area, even as compared to famous Dochula Pass.
For Bhutanese, Gross National Happiness means a good government that creates an enabling environment for people to pursue happiness in a meaningful way. The result is a country at peace with itself, and people at peace with themselves!
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Clinging on a huge rock towards the north end of the Tang valley lies the Thowa Drak Hermitage just like the famed Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro. From the valley or road point it is a stiff 3 hours hike uphill through the serene and peaceful forest. Sweeping views of the Tang valley and the landscape can be enjoyed along the way with a bird’s eye view from the main site.
A quick visit to the Swiss Cheese Factory and Brewery is a refreshing alternative after visiting many temples and religious sites in the Bumthang valley. The Factory was started in the late 1960’s by a Swiss national Mr Fritz Maurer who visited Bhutan and settled in Bumthang.