Dongkala stands at almost 4,000 meters above sea level and commands a view over Thimphu, Paro and Chukha Valleys. It also stands on the mouth of Paro valley (site of Bhutan’s only international airport) and thus, this place is where the airlines also seek blessings for safe operations.

As a frequent flier, I always seek the blessings of this temple for a safe and successful journey. Of late, I have been travelling a lot for work. I took three to-and-fro flights out of Paro in a single month. So, I felt I owe a visit to this marvellous temple overlooking half of the Bhutanese territory. I wanted to pay my homage and gratitude for the awesome trips I just had.

One thing that I like about Dongkala is that it invokes all the protector deities in both the Nyingma and the Drukpa Kagyu tradition. From my mom’s side I have a long list of Nyingma dharmapalas, while from my father’s side I have to invoke the dharmapalas from the Kagyu tradition. Hence, I feel super protected – the maximum protection one can get.

Beyond that Dongkala is home to the sacred Ter statue discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa from Mebar Tsho in Bumthang. And hence, I feel blissful just to be in its presence in the main hall of Dongkala. There is also the Talking Guru statue and the memorial stupa containing the mortal remains of the founder of Dongkala – Terton Tshering Dorji. This stupa and the Ter statue are where you seek blessings for any projects or aspirations you might have.

If one goes on a clear day you can see all the tall mountains of Bhutan from Jumolhari to Gangkhar Puensum, and even the peak of Kanchenjunga (Gangchen Jin-Nga in Bhutanese/Sikkimese/Tibetan, which means Five Treasures Peak).

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