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Drametse Lhakhang – Detailed Holiday Tour and Travel Guide

Drametse Lhakhang

Located 18 km from Mongar on the highway towards Trashigang, Drametse Lhakhang is one of the largest and most important monasteries of Eastern Bhutan. Nestled on the hem of a rocky terrain at an elevation of 1350mt is an essential Nyingma Monastery. Drametse Lhakhang was built in the 16th century under the commandment of Ani Choten Zangmo, the granddaughter of the famous Bhutanese saint Pema Lingpa. The Lhakhang is deeply associated with Terton Pema Lingpa and the Peling tradition of Buddhism. Peling tradition symbolizes the aura of the Bhutan Monarchy. The word “Drametse” in Bhutanese language stands for “peak without enmity”.

This Lhakhang is best visited with the help of Bhutan Holiday’s well-planned tour itinerary. For a free travel quote, fill up the inquiry form or call our above-mentioned numbers.

Drametse Lhakhang Attractions

Drametse Lhakhang is said to house a wide range of spiritual treasures and other sacred objects and is the source of spiritual inspiration to the people of Drametse and neighboring communities. The complex consists of a three-story temple in the center of a courtyard surrounded by residential quarters, offices, and classrooms on the periphery. The thick walls of the buildings, made out of stone laid in clay mortar, are coated with characteristic white and red-pigmented lime wash.

In the interior of the Lhakhang, carved, painted wood columns support painted beams and the building’s unique “flying” roof, a low-pitch roof that extends far beyond the edge of the walls without being attached to them. The interior of Drametse Lhakhang never ceases to amaze travelers, which shows the ancient culture and tradition of Bhutanese religion. The three storeys monastery includes a chapel on the ground floor with the statue of Guru Rinpoche in the center, a Kudung stupa of Ani Choten Zangmo, and a statue of Pema Lingpa.

On the middle floor, visitors can see the chapel which is adorned with the statue of the defender divinity Palden Lhamo and Tandrin (Hayagriva), and on the top floor, the chapel houses Goenkhang Chenmo (chapel of protecting deities) with statues of three local protector divinities Pekar, Drametse and Tsong Tsoma, and Tsheringma Lhakhang, houses images of long- life deity, and also five versions of the Himalayan protector Tsheringma. This Nyingma Buddhist site predates the 17th-century consolidation of Bhutan into a single kingdom and remains the seat of the living lineage of the famous religious master Terton Pema Lingpa.

Why Visit Drametse Lhakhang

Drametse Lhakhang is the place where the Mask Dance of the Drums originated in the 16th century. The dance of the drum now is listed under the UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The dance of the drum held every year in Drametse Lhakhang is to pay tribute to the great revered saint Guru Padmasambhava. Tourists can enjoy the splendid Mask Dance at this Lhakhang.

Taking a stroll around the white-washed Lhakhang or inside the wooden floored corridor, the tranquil ambiance with the soothing sound of monks chanting the prayer engulfs anyone with the feeling of serenity. Drametse Lhakhang with its age-old tradition still followed by the young monks has been preserving the ancient form of dance and artifacts within its mural-covered walls.

How Do You Get to this Lhakhang

By Road- This beautiful Lhakhang is approximately 20 km from the village named Mongar. From any other nearby city, you can quite easily reach this Buddhist religious site as it is well connected with all of them.

By Air- The sole international airport of Bhutan is located in Paro. Once you land at this international airport, you can easily get a car to reach Lhakhang. You can even board a flight to this Lhakhang’s nearest domestic airport.

By Train- Bhutan is not connected through the railway with its nearby countries. Hence, the nearest railway stations to this Lhakhang are located in India namely NJP, New Alipurduar Junction, and Hasimara railway station.

Best time to visit Drametse Lhakhang

Drametse Lhakhang can be visited throughout the year but if the travelers want to make most of their trip to Mongar, late spring from April to May when the valley is bursting with the color riot of vibrant rhododendron and juniper is considered to be the best time to visit Drametse Lhakhang of Mongar.

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