Druk Wangyal Lhakhang is a memorial temple built in 2008 as a tribute to His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo under the patronage of Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. The temple also honors the Armed Forces’ victory in the 2003 Operation All Clear.
Built against the backdrop of the thick, pristine forest and the snow-covered Himalayan mountains, it stands just above the iconic Druk Wangyal Chortens at Dochula Pass, a renowned tourist attraction home to the 108 memorial stupas.
Druk Wangyal Lhakhang is part of the Druk Wangyal Complex. The complex features four prominent landmarks: the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, the annual Druk Wangyal Festival, and the Sixtieth Anniversary Park, which commemorates the Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
How to Reach Druk Wangyal Lhakhang
Druk Wangyal Lhakhang is situated 22 kilometers from Thimphu, on the road to Punakha. It takes approximately 45 minutes by car. The ticket costs Nu 250 per person, with a student discount.
History of Druk Wangyel Lhakhang
Under the initiative of Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the construction of the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang began in 2004. The Lhakhang was completed in 2008. It was built to honor His Majesty the Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and to commemorate the Armed Forces’ 2003 victory. Druk Wangyal monastery is also to mark 100 years of the Bhutanese monarchy.
In 2015, to commemorate His Majesty the Fourth King’s 60th Birth Anniversary, Her Majesty installed a magnificent golden butter lamp called Sithar Selwai Khoryug, meaning “Eternal Flame of Gratitude”. Standing 4.5 feet tall, it is the largest butter lamp in Bhutan, made of pure gold and fueled by 28 kilograms of butter in the Lhakhang.
Description of Druk Wangyal Lhakhang
Druk Wangyal Lhakhang lies on a hill opposite the Dochula Stupas. It is a 3-story structure. One of the temple’s unique features is its murals. Unlike traditional Bhutanese temple art, the paintings shown here feature modern themes, including the 4th King of Bhutan leading his army against militants, the royal family, a monk with a laptop, and even a Druk Air plane.
A gallery inside the Lhakhang highlights the history and contributions of Bhutan’s successive monarchs. At the altar stand three large statues of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Lord Buddha, and Guru Rinpoche.
The goenkhang houses beautiful images of the goen-chamdrol-sum (Goenpo, Pelden Lham, and the raven-headed Lagoen), the kingdom’s protective deities. They are accompanied by life-size statues of Tshering Chhenga (five sister deities).
An attic Lhakhang features murals of Rigsum Goenpo (Chenrizig, Jamyang, and Chana Dorji), Decho Khorlodom (Chakrasamvara), Duesum Sangay (past, present, and future Buddhas), and Tandin (deity or Hyagriva).
Festival of Druk Wangyal Monastery
The Dochula Druk Wangyel Tshechu is a one-day religious festival held annually on December 13. Introduced in 2011, this festival takes place outdoors in front of the Druk Wangyel monastery. The festival celebrates the victory of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and the Armed Forces in 2003.
Dochula Tshechu is unique for featuring contemporary storytelling dances performed by the Royal Bhutan Army and the Milarepa lifestory.
Best Time to Visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang
The best times to visit the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang are during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). However, we recommend visiting Dochula on December 13 to participate in the Druk Wangyal Tshechu festival. You can also explore the major pilgrimage sites of Thimphu with the Bhutan Pilgrimage Package.
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