The Significance of Jela Dzong

The journey towards the most popular Druk Path Trek starts with a short climb up to Jela Dzong. Jela Dzong is perched on top of the mountain and its isolated from Paro Valley. The iconic dzong has become many local and tourist favorite landmarks.

The Significance of Jela Dzong

JELA DZONG

The journey towards the most popular Druk Path Trek starts with a short climb up to Jela Dzong. Jela  Dzong is perch on top of the mountain and it's isolated from Paro Valley. The iconic dzong has become many local and tourist favourite landmarks. There is no road to the fortress, one will either need to hike or take a pony ride. The trail ascends to the Dzong taking 2 hours The trail continues steeply up through the forest. When the weather is clear Paro valley can be seen with snow-capped mountains behind from the vicinity of the Dzong.

History about Drela Samten Choekhor (Jela)

 

Drela Samten Choekhor or Jela was built by Drukpa Kuenley’s brother Lam Ngawang Choegyal (1464-1540) the 14th holder of Druk Ralung in 15th century A.D when great Ngawang Choegyal arrived in Paro. He built the first Drukpa Kagyu place in Paro Tshongdu in 1525 A.D. Then after he built Dobi Chokorgang and Dolpa Shar Samtentsemo.

Drela Samten Choekhor in ancient times was the important monastic centre for the dual system of Governance in Bhutan. When Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal was 24 years old he came to Paro on pilgrimage and stayed at Druk Kagyu Choeding and he was not allowed to stay there because of the Tsangpas war. Suddenly Zhabdrung left the place via Hungrel Dzong and Damchenthang Stupa through the highway of Thimphu and arrived at Drela (JELA).

When he was staying in the Dukhang of Drela Samten Choekhor, he encountered Bhutan's protective deity Palden Yeshey Goenpo face to face. He received a prophecy in the temple that he would win from the Tsangpas war. Because of this, even today, the Parops call Drela Samten Choekhor as Jela, the meeting of the place of Pal Yeshey Goenpo and Zhabdrung Rinpoche. The temple was quite small when Zhabdrung Rinpoche visited. The temple was extended from the front by 16th Je Khenpo Sherub Singye in the first quarter of the 18th century A.D.

The treasure of the temple is Buddha Shakyamuni in the centre, Maitreya Buddha in the right, Buddha of the light in the left which is huge statue. To the right of Buddha is the standing Manjushri and to the left is two armed Avalokiteshvara. Both these statues were made by the Je Khenpo Sherub Singye. There are also small old statues of Guru Padmasambhava and Ngawang Chogyal to be seen.

 In this temple, if we worship the protector of Dharma Yeshey Goenpo, we are protected and safeguarded. From ancient times onwards, the Bhutanese people and the Dharma protector Yeshey Goenpo had a special Dharmic bond. There are stories that from time immemorial the Yeshey Goenpo has protected Bhutanese and got the victory from others. The lamas say that even today each Bhutanese has one re-incarnate Choechong Yeshey Goenpo. Today there is a monastic school in this temple which is affiliated with Paro Rinpung Dzong.

Jela Campsite
The Jela campsite is becoming popular among local campers and tourists, especially while trekking Druk Path Trail. If you wish to Trek DRUK PATH TREK, Contact Druk Asia to plan your adventure with one-night camping at Jela Campsite.  


Related Posts

Five-Star Hotels Lead the Way in Bhutan’s Green Certification...

Bhutan takes a major step in sustainable tourism with the launch of the Bhutan Green Hotel Standard, encouraging hotels...

Sep 16, 2025 11:32

Bathing Carnival Bhutan: A Fresh Celebration of Wellness, Culture...

Discover Bathing Carnival Bhutan 2025 in Pemagatshel—a unique festival celebrating water, wellness, culture, and nature...

Sep 12, 2025 16:46

Punakha’s Popular Riverside Retreat, Dzomlingthang Undergoes...

Discover Dzomlingthang, Punakha’s riverside retreat along the Mo Chhu. A beloved picnic spot near Punakha Dzong, now...

Sep 03, 2025 14:12

Beyond Phobjikha Why Khotokha is Bhutan’s Hidden Gem

Khotokha Valley in Wangduephodrang is a serene wetland sanctuary, home to endangered Black-necked Cranes and recognised...

Aug 28, 2025 09:50

From Double-Digit Growth to Global Awards: The Story of Guwahati...

Discover how Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, ranked 12th in India, is soaring with record...

Aug 11, 2025 10:33

Gangtey-Phobji: A Thriving Haven for Cranes and Eco-Tourism

Gangtey-Phobji, Bhutan’s largest Ramsar site, is a vital wetland sanctuary for the endangered black-necked cranes that...

Jul 23, 2025 10:04

Latest

News

First Multidisciplinary Breast Clinic Opens in Thimphu

Bhutan has opened its first multidisciplinary breast clinic in Thimphu, inaugurated by Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck. A...

Sep 15, 2025 17:16

Why Everyone Will Soon Flock to Bhutan’s Skies (And You Can Go First)

Be one of the first to stargaze under Bhutan’s crystal-clear Himalayan skies! Join a cosmic journey from October to April with telescopes,...

Sep 05, 2025 10:42

Features

Passion and Purpose: From Eastern Bhutan to the World’s Toughest Trek

Discover the inspiring journey of Yeshi Dorji, a Bhutanese trekking guide who has conquered the world’s toughest trails while sharing the...

Sep 08, 2025 13:59

Passion and Purpose: Buddhas, Rockets, and the Road Less Travelled

Nestled on the slopes of Bhutan’s Trongsa district, the quiet village of Chendipji looks much the same as it did sixty years ago—stone...

Aug 14, 2025 15:18

Business

High Altitude, Higher Ambitions: Bhutan Enters the Wine World

Bhutan has officially stepped onto the global wine stage with the debut of The Himalayan, a record-breaking 7.57-litre bottle auctioned by...

May 23, 2025 16:38

Most Popular Bars in Thimphu

Discover Thimphu’s vibrant nightlife, where traditional Bhutanese drinks meet modern cocktails in the city’s top bars and lounges. Unwind...

Feb 10, 2025 16:14

Sports

NBA Stars Visit Bhutan: A Historic Slam Dunk for Local Basketball

For the first time in history, four NBA players have visited Bhutan, igniting nationwide excitement and inspiring a new generation of...

Aug 05, 2025 10:10

Zimbiri Makes History as First Bhutanese Woman Elected to SAFF Executive Committee

Zimbiri has made history as the first Bhutanese woman elected to the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Executive Committee, a landmark...

May 28, 2025 10:49

Tourism

Five-Star Hotels Lead the Way in Bhutan’s Green Certification Drive

Bhutan takes a major step in sustainable tourism with the launch of the Bhutan Green Hotel Standard, encouraging hotels nationwide to go...

Sep 16, 2025 11:32

Bathing Carnival Bhutan: A Fresh Celebration of Wellness, Culture & Community

Discover Bathing Carnival Bhutan 2025 in Pemagatshel—a unique festival celebrating water, wellness, culture, and nature with rituals,...

Sep 12, 2025 16:46

Lifestyle

Bhutan Celebrates World Music Day with a Soulful Gathering in Thimphu

Bhutan marked World Music Day with a vibrant concert in Thimphu, featuring over 90 artists despite the rain. Discover how music is shaping...

Jun 23, 2025 16:37

What's in a Name? Discover Bhutan's Unique Naming Tradition

In Bhutan, names are traditionally given by monks and not tied to family lineage. Visitors can experience a traditional naming ceremony at...

Jun 03, 2025 14:04

GMC

Innovate for GMC: A Platform for Bhutanese Youth to Lead Change

Innovate for GMC will bring 500 Bhutanese youth together this October to transform bold ideas into action, shaping Bhutan’s Gelephu...

Sep 16, 2025 16:50

His Majesty The King Leads 7,050 Volunteers in Building Gelephu Mindfulness City

His Majesty The King joined 7,050 volunteers in Gelephu for a nationwide community service to build Gelephu Mindfulness City, creating...

Sep 05, 2025 16:11

Subscribe to our newsletter

Never miss out on new happenings and news stories!

newsletter

Download Daily Bhutan Mobile App

Connecting with us just got easier!

android app
apple app