Begin trek from Paro- Jele Dzong- Jangchulakha || Drukpath Trek
Transfer to the trail head at Damchena village (2900m), where you will meet your trekking crews and horses for carrying your luggage. After your horses arrive and begin loading, you can start the trek with your guide. The trail begins the climb immediately through pristine forests of spruce, hemlock and rhododendron. After trekking for about 2-3hrs and covering about 5km, you arrive at Jele or Jela Dzong, located on an open promontory at about 3480m.
Historically known as Drela Samten Choekhor or simply Jela, this sacred site was constructed by Lam Ngawang Choegyal in the 15th century AD. It is said that Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan in the 17th century, is said to have spent time here on his journey between Thimphu and Paro. During his stay, he had a vision of Bhutan's protective deity, Palden Yeshey Goenpo, and received a prophecy, which is how the name "Jela," meaning "encounter," came about.
The temple was originally small but was expanded in the 18th century AD by the 16th Je Khenpo Sherub Singye. Furthermore, a major renovation was carried out in 2014. The main statue in the temple is a 4-meter-tall statue of Buddha.
After visiting the temple, continue your walk, which is more gradual and mostly follows the contours of the ridge, until you arrive at Yak Pasture, where your camp will be set up. It is approximately 10 kilometers from Jela Dzong and takes around 3 hours to reach the campsite at 3750 meters.
Historically known as Drela Samten Choekhor or simply Jela, this sacred site was constructed by Lam Ngawang Choegyal in the 15th century AD. It is said that Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan in the 17th century, is said to have spent time here on his journey between Thimphu and Paro. During his stay, he had a vision of Bhutan's protective deity, Palden Yeshey Goenpo, and received a prophecy, which is how the name "Jela," meaning "encounter," came about.
The temple was originally small but was expanded in the 18th century AD by the 16th Je Khenpo Sherub Singye. Furthermore, a major renovation was carried out in 2014. The main statue in the temple is a 4-meter-tall statue of Buddha.
After visiting the temple, continue your walk, which is more gradual and mostly follows the contours of the ridge, until you arrive at Yak Pasture, where your camp will be set up. It is approximately 10 kilometers from Jela Dzong and takes around 3 hours to reach the campsite at 3750 meters.
