Understand
[edit]Singye Dzong is not a Dzong (fortress) but a sacred valley in Lhuentse district near the Tibetan border. The temple there was founded by Yeshi Tsogyal, and Guru Rinpoche visited the region on his second visit to Bhutan. However, partly due to the fact that the valley is located in a sensitive area near the border and also partly due to Bhutan wishing to preserve the sanctity of its sacred sites, the valley is not open for tourists.
Due to mud in the summer and snow during the winter and spring, the only time the paths are accessible is during October.
History
[edit]According to the history, Guru Padmasambhava came to Singye Dzong to subdue the demon King Khikharathoed, who had fled Tibet in the 8th century. He spent three months undertaking accomplishment practices before subduing the demon, and finally blessed the place as "the place of His enlightened activity".
Landscape
[edit]Flora and fauna
[edit]Climate
[edit]Himalayan
Get in
[edit]A three-day walk from the village of Khoma.
Fees and permits
[edit]Special permits are required, but tourists are not allowed to visit the area.
Get around
[edit]on foot
See
[edit]Do
[edit]Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]All provisions must be carried in. After Khoma, there are no shops. Pack horses to carry the provisions can be arranged locally.
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]The monastery in the valley itself offers simple accommodation, but it is often full. There is no accommodation during the three day trek, except simple shelters.
Lodging
[edit]Camping
[edit]Backcountry
[edit]Stay safe
[edit]Watch out for bears.
Respect
[edit]- Circumabulate sacred objects in a clockwise direction.
- Do not burn garbage in the area.
- Very important - do not take photographs inside the temples.
Go next
[edit]