Jele Dzong
Ridge-top temple at about 3,490 m above Paro and the first camp on the Druk Path trek
Jele Dzong, also written Jela or Drela, sits on the ridge east of Paro town at about 3,490 m. It is the first major landmark on the Druk Path, the multi-day trek between Paro and Thimphu, and trekkers usually camp just below it on their first night. There is no road to the top, so everyone arrives on foot or on a pony.
History
The temple is credited to Lam Ngawang Choegyal, brother of Drukpa Kunley and a holder of the Ralung lineage from Tibet, who also founded Druk Choeding in Paro town and Dobji Dzong. Its best-known episode came soon after Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal reached Paro in 1616. When forces sent by the Tibetan ruler Tsang Desi moved against him, local supporters took him up to Jele for safety. Tradition says he met the protector Palden Yeshey Goenpo here and received a prophecy of victory, and Paro people explain the name as the meeting place. The sixteenth Je Khenpo, Sherub Singye, enlarged the small temple in the early eighteenth century.
Inside
The main image is Shakyamuni, flanked by a large Maitreya and other figures including Manjushri and Avalokiteshvara made under Sherub Singye. Trek accounts describe much of the outer fortress as ruined, while the temple is in use and has a small monastic school linked to Rinpung Dzong.
The walk
Day walkers start from the road head above the National Museum and climb steeply through forest for about two to three hours. On a clear morning the ridge looks down on the Paro valley and out to snow peaks including Jomolhari. Carry warm layers and water, go slowly at this height, and remember that a licensed Bhutanese guide must accompany you on the trail.
Highlights
About 3,490 m on the ridge above Paro
First camp on the Druk Path trek
Where Zhabdrung is said to have met Palden Yeshey Goenpo