Trekking trail to Phajoding and Dungtso

To take a pause from the usual living and get equipped with the armor of trekkers and wandering into the nature has invariably become my patience. If we are to live an artful life, reconnecting our soul with the nature is what I take as an essential key. Hiking and trekking has been a self mending set up that gives us a room to reflect, recharge, reconnect and restore our spiritual living.

The fragrant offering of morality

Phajoding (Phajo-Phajo Drugom Zhipo, Ding-The sacred site) literally interprets as “The sacred site of Phajo Drugom Zhigpo”. There are many temples which were constructed in line after the site being blessed by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo in 13^th century and it is known to be one of the sacred meditational sites of Phajo Drugom Zhipo in Bhutan. Phajoding is unofficially called as “A refuge for underprivileged boys” as it serves as the Buddhist monastery for many orphaned monks in the country. There is holy water (Drupchu) and many other astonishing blessed rocks apart from striking temples tagged with amazing myths revealing the realistic gesture. Getting at the peak of the site gives us a panoramic view of the capital city, Thimphu.

It is about 5km away from the terminal point of Motithang above Takin preserve and takes about 3 hours to climb the zigzag uphill of Phajoding. Numbers of canopies are found on the way to rest our tensed limbs and it is very relaxing walk to dive deep through thick blue pines. The hustle Thimphu bids bye and serene approach of Phajoding greets us with promising nature of tranquility. Actual Phajoding monastery is located at about 3600 masl.

The journey for hikers doesn’t end here at Phajoding. The presence of more fascinating lake called “Dungtso” and other 17 lakes beyond the stupa just above the Thuji Drak Lhakhang, overlooking the capital city is more captivating. It is about 6 hours round walk to the lake and I bet none of the hikers will regret the hike towards lake. Journey towards lake drives us through the world of fantasy. The yak, rhododendron shrubs and unique landscapes value adds our hike. However, altitude sickness is the most tragic thing that rejects most hikers to turn back from the half way. So, I recommend future hikers to take ample of sweets and some medicines to suppress the sickness.

Lakes-“The Granaries of wealth” is with a myth that it bestows the seekers with a wealth. After hours of walk through the factory line of 17 lakes located at above 4000 masl, Dungtso-“The Trumpet Lake” awaits us at the extreme of our journey displaying its grand majestic view. It is breathtaking view for all and it sums up the beauty of all the 17 lakes.

Cheers! Pelden#Olox#Dorji