Domendrel Tsho is a sacred place where Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye offered mandala offerings to consecrate the Palace of Sikkim’s King Chador Namgyal. The lake is one of the best short-day trips under Thimphu Dzongkhag at an elevation of 4047 meters. Domendrel Tsho distance is 4 km from Tango Monastery in upper Thimphu.
The lake is also one of the best places for a day hike, one-night camping, or glamping excursions like a Drakey Pangtsho hike. However, a pilgrimage to Kheng Buli Tsho is one of the best pilgrimage hikes in Bhutan.
Also Read: Mebar Tsho, the Burning Lake where Pema Lingpa discovered Hidden Treasures
How to Hike to Domendrel Tsho
The hiking route starts from Dodena, the base of Tango-Cheri Monastery and it takes 4-5 hours from the base. Drive from the capital city of Thimphu toward Dodena, the base of Tango-Cheri Monastery. From the base hike to Tango Monastery. You will take one and a half hours from the Dzongkha Meditation Center to reach the famous Domendrel Tsho. You would take 4-5 hours to hike from the base to Domendrel. Some hikers can experience mountain sickness so you must carry sweets and necessary medicines if required. You would have walked almost 10 km at the end of the hike.
Along the way, you will have a visual treat of lush vegetation. Though the hike could be steep, it is rated moderate in difficulty. You can see the amazing view of Thimphu city from the top. On the clearer days, when you’re lucky, you can also have the opportunity to see the breathtaking views of Gasa Dzong and Punakha Dzong.
The hilltop is gorgeous with breathtaking views. It is a peaceful retreat away from the regular hustle-bustle, making it ideal for meditation practices.
Although many do carry offerings, it’s advised to carry incense as an offering to the deity. please avoid pouring milk into the lake or any water sources. You’re also advised not to defile the lake and the surroundings as the history of defiling the lake can be a disastrous hike in your life.
Also Read: How to Hike to Kabji-Hoka Tsho, a Lake with an Opening to Stop Overflowing
Historical Significance of Domendrel
The historical significance of Domendrel is not the lake but the stone stacked like the shape of Mendrel which translates to Mandala Offering. It is the place where the Gyalse offered mandala offerings during the consecration ceremony.
According to legend, the son of the first monarch of Sikkim (‘Dren Jong’, rice valley), Chador Namgyal, was a close friend of Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye in the 17th century AD. One day, the former invited the latter to Sikkim for the consecration rites of the former’s Palace at ‘Dren Jong’ (present-day Sikkim).
Despite being unable to attend due to his advanced age, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye set an auspicious time for the consecration ceremony, during which he threw some grains into the air and made a ‘Sorr…’ noise. Simultaneously with that noise, certain grains of good fortune and tremendous auspiciousness are supposed to have mysteriously descended straight into the Palace of his close friend, Sikkim’s first king, as mentioned above.
However, the Tsho at the Mandala Offering became famous as the Domendrel Tsho. The Tsho or the lake is also known for the tragic incident in the lives of 6 young boys who went hiking to Domendrel Tsho and lost 2 of their friends to starvation. The six boys lost their ways after unknowingly infuriating the local deity by defiling the lake in 1996. They are said to have reached Punakha Dzongkhag. Even the movie “6 Boys” was based on a true event in 2003.
Sacred Relics to See at the Domendrel
The boulders on this hilltop are generally in the shape of ‘Mandala Offerings,’ thus, the holy location is known as ‘Do Mendrel.’
There are also two lakes (Lha Tsho) of God and Naga. They are claimed to belong to our Protector deities Pal Yeshey Goenpo and Tandin. According to another history, these two lakes are believed to be the palace of Nep Bak Yoepa, another protector deity of wakefulness and conscientiousness.
The meditation houses of Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye’s parents can be seen around these lakes.
You can also see a temple on the hilltop above the lake.
Also read: The Sacred Relics found at Buli Tsho, a Promised Lake of Buli Moenmo Kuntu Zangmo
Best Time for Hiking to Domendrel Tsho
Though you can hike any time of the year, summer would be tough. The rain is unexpected and can fall any time of the day making the hike not so noteworthy. The peak winters can also be harsh for hiking although snow-capped hikes can be a must for some ardent hikers. You can choose to hike during the spring and autumn seasons as these seasons offer glandular views of mountains and spectacular views of rich flora.
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