Dra Karpo Nye
Sonam Dendup • May 23, 2020
Pilgrimage to the White Cliff
Dra Karpo Nye is a holy pilgrimage site (Nye) located above the Paro- valley, about a 15 minutes drive towards the mountains away from the Paro – Thimphu highway. This is also one of the sites visited and blessed by Guru Padmasambhava and is considered a must visit in one’s lifetime for a Buddhist. It is believed that just by visiting the site and circumambulating the rocky hill can cleanse one of all sins and defilement. While the best practice is to circumambulate the hill 108 times which takes about 4 days, one can also do it 13 rounds if pressed for time, and one can find redemption for any sins including the killing of one’s own parents which is considered the greatest sin.
For the devout, circumambulating the Nye can provide the the highest level of spiritual satisfaction by accumulating the highest merit and absolution from the worst sins.
The visit to Dra Karpo Nye can be enjoyed as a half day excursion with a picnic lunch overlooking the beautiful valley and villages below.
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.