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Singye Dzong is a sacred site of Guru Rinpoche’s enlightened activity located in Khoma Gewog under Lhuentse Dzongkhag at an altitude of more than 4482 meters above sea level. The Dzong is called Singye Dzong since the Dzong rock resembles a lion. The Singye Dzong was discovered by Khandro Yeshey Tshogyal.

A visit to Nering Senge Dzong, according to the descriptions of sacred sites, is said to free oneself from being born in lower realms and fulfill whatever wishes and prayers one has for life. However, Singye Dzong Neykor is considered one of the most arduous and sacred pilgrimages in eastern Bhutan. Yet, the journey to Singye Dzong will be a rewarding pilgrimage in your life.

Singye Dzong is one of the three holiest Neys of Guru Rimpoche in Bhutan, the other two being Paro Taktsang and Baylangdra Ney.

How to Trek to Singye Dzong

Singye Dzong is located near the Tibetan border in Lhuentse, within the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary. Singye Dzong is a three-day hike from Khomazam of Khoma village.

There are no shops after passing Khoma village so one must carry provisions for the entire pilgrimage. However, you can hire horses from the locale. Take horses from the Tsango and Relmoteng communities and begin the journey from there. A one-way horse ride can cost Nu 3,500 or more. Anyone wishing to hire horses may consult Mr. Sithar Tshering, Gup of Khoma Gewog at 17704198 or Mr. Pema Tshering, Mangmi at 17303515 before one week in advance to make necessary arrangements.

The journey has wooden bridges, a wide footpath, signage, and resting places. One is accompanied throughout the trip by the swift-flowing river that starts from one of the Singye Dzong lakes.

On the first day, you will halt a night at Khomagang or Tsekang (2733) after walking for more than seven hours. From Tsikhang, the second-day trek ends at Thangkarmo (3045m) after traveling for more than 7 hours. Singye Dzong is a 9-hour walk from Thangkarmo on the third and final day trek.

Also Read: How to Trek to Aja Nye

Singye Dzong Route Map

1. Khoma village to Momling: 2 hours;
2. Momling to Changshingdung: 1 hour;
3. Changshingdung to Khomagang: 3 hours; or Changshingdung to Tsekang: 4 hours. First night halt.
4. Khomagang/Tsekang to Tsekang Gongma: 2 hours 30 minutes/1 hour 30 minutes;
5. Tsekang Gongma to Chuna: 2 hours 30 minutes;
6. Chuna to Thangkarmo: 3 hours 30 minutes. Second night halt.
7. Thangkarmo to Toto Draphu: 2 hours;
8. Toto Draphu to Terja: 2 hours 30 minutes;
9. Terja to Duksum: 1 hour;
10. Duksum to Singye Dzong: 3 hours 30 minutes. Final destination.

Khoma Village > Khomagang or Tsekang > Thangkarmo > Singye Dzong

The Six Wondrous Marks of Senge Dzong

In his Liberative biography, Terton Ratna Lingpa (1403-1478) mentions the six wonderful marks as follows:

“On the right, the Pema Dzong of Heroes resembles a standing golden Vajra. What a huge wonder that this is the sacred place where the unchanging reality, the absolute essence, can be attained! On the left, the Rinchen Dzong of heroines resembles a mound of the five precious jewels. What a magnificent wonder that it is the sacred site to practice Tsalung and the technique route, and where one can achieve effortlessly! The white-cliff Senge Dzong in the center, which resembles a King on his throne, is the sacred site for completing the four types of enlightened activity and for fulfilling one’s every wish, what a wonderful wonder! The sacred place where one can have an unending bliss-emptiness experience and expand one’s experienced vision higher and higher is the front hill, which resembles a queen making an offering. What a wonderful gift it is to be able to achieve the siddhis! In the foreground of the Yui (turquoise) Dzong of Nering, a river bearing the eight qualities runs smoothly. Its source is inexhaustible by nature. What a wonderful miracle that consciousness becomes fresh naturally here! This sacred place has the appearance of a flowering lotus. It is a sacred place where sky-farers flock indefinitely and where gods and demons converse. What a wonderful miracle that it causes sadness toward samsara! These six types of wondrous marks, I noticed them in these ways as I studied”.

The Importance of Singye Dzong

Singye Dzong is one of Guru Rinpoche’s eight great Yang Oen Caves where he performed accomplishment practices for three months and blessed the place as the place of His enlightened activity. It is also the sacred place from where Guru Rinpoche took the form of Dorje Drolo and flew to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) on a flaming tigress. A visit to Singye Dzong, according to the descriptions of sacred sites, is said to free oneself from being born in lower realms and fulfill whatever wishes and prayers one has for his life.

Singye Dzong gained religious significance and popularity when treasure discoverer Zilnon Namkha Dorji unearthed a treasure Tse-Drup-Chimi-Sogthig from the Singye Dzong’s vicinity in the 19th century. The treasure contains religious scripts of Buddha Amitayus, including cures for disease, evil, and war, as well as ways to prolong life.

Also Read: The Importance of Tango Choying Dzong

Sacred Relics to See at Singye Dzong

• Eight sacred Dzongs;
• A Duethroe;
• The body image of Guru Rinpoche;
• The imprint of Khandro Yeshey Tshogyal;
• The rock where Guru imprisoned 108 mythical Garudas;
• Khandro Yeshey Tshogyal’s Draphu;
• A flat rock where all the animals were believed to have gathered to receive teachings from Guru Rinpoche;
• A rock that turns red whenever a person dies in Kurtoe;
• Phurpa Terma (daggers) which Guru Rinpoche discovered from Singye Dzong.

Also Read: Guru Rinpoche in Bhutan: His Visits to Bhutan and Sacred Sites

Historical Significance of Singye Dzong

According to King Sindhu Raja’s biography, Guru Rinpoche arrived at Bumthang for the second time via Khempa Jong and Nering Singye Dzong’s cave from Tibet. Guru Padmasambhava came with a mission of subduing the demon King Khikharathoed, who had fled Tibet and established his demon kingdom in Khempajong in the eighth century.

Guru Rinpoche finally subdued the demon King Khikharathoed at Khempajong, then moved to Singye Dzong and undertook intense meditation.

The history of Singye Dzong states that Guru Rinpoche spent three months undertaking accomplishment practices and blessed the place as the place of His enlightened activity. According to the description given to Tshangkha Rinpoche Lama Norbu Wangchuk by Rahor Choedrak Rinpoche, Singye Dzong is one of the most sacred places of Guru Rinpoche’s enlightened activity. The Tamboura, a Lute, a condensed biographical supplication to Khandro Yeshe Tshogyal – authored by Pema Garwang Lodoe Thaye, also mentions Senge Dzong’s sacredness. Khandro Yeshey Tshogyal discovered Singye Dzong.

Senge Dzong is one of Guru Rinpoche’s eight great Yang Oen Caves where he performed accomplishment practices. Yangdzong, Chimphu, Kharchu, Sheldrak Monkha Nering, Taktshang Sengephug, Shampo Gang, Drakmar, and Yama Lung are the eight magnificent Yang-oen rocky caves where Guru Rinpoche meditated, according to the Guru’s Chronicle of Golden Rosary.

Also Read: Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), the Sacred Place of Guru Rinpoche’s Enlightened Mind

Description of Senge Dzong

There are eight sacred Dzongs. They are Singye Dzong, Gawa Dzong, Rinchen Dzong, Tsemo Dzong, Dulwa Dzong, Namkha Dzong, Drakri Dzong, and Pema Dzong. Singye Dzong and Gawa Dzong are the two main fortresses.

All these Dzongs are in the form of rocks said to be transformed and embedded by Guru Rinpoche. Though they are not real Dzongs in the present era, it is said that the stones will open up and become Dzongs when prophecy befalls. The eight Dzongs in the form of rocks are believed to be the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche. There is a Duethroe, a cremation ground in each Dzong. It is believed that laying on the ground and performing an artificial cremation ceremony will receive Wangku from Guru Rinpoche.

The Singye dzong is filled with mysterious and inexplicable features such as the body image of Guru Rinpoche, the imprint of Khandro Yeshey Tshogyal, and the rock where Guru imprisoned 108 mythical Garudas who wanted to fill the world with chaos and disorders. You can also see Khandro Yeshey Tshogyal’s Draphu, the cave where Khandro meditated.

On the opposite side of Singye Dzong, is a flat rock where all the animals are believed to have gathered to receive teachings from Guru Rinpoche. Since all animals could not fit on this rock, they had another rock nearby. On both stones, one could see different footprints of various animals. You can see another Nye in rock form the Guru Chhipgar (guru’s saddle) and Jaachung Gongdo (Garuda’s egg).

Other features seen are Guru Rinpoche’s religious texts and items embedded in the rocks, a mountain enriched with valuable items, and a rock turning red. This rock is believed to change its color to red whenever a person dies in Kurtoe. It is said that the redder color covers the stone, the greater the number of people who are said to have died.

The other important sites around the Singye Dzong vicinity are four Lakes namely Yumtharma, Tshokar (White Lake), Tshonag (Black Lake), and Terdha Latsho.

Singye Dzong Monastery

There is a monastery built near the Singye Dzong. Phurpa Terma is the most important relic of Singye Dzong. Many treasures discovered by Guru Rinpoche himself from the Singye Dzong Lake can be seen in the monastery. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche revealed five Phups (religious daggers) from the lake after conquering the lake demon (lake deity). The daggers discovered by Guru Rinpoche are still viewed as the main relics of Singye Dzong.

Among the five Phups, one appears to be without a wing. When the next eon comes, it is believed that the same lake will resurface at the Singye Dzong and all five Phups will be drowned again. Guru Rinpoche will then return to this location to reveal the treasures (Phubs) in complete form.

Currently, the area has a mediation center that accommodates 12 monks in a three-year retreat, and two main monasteries are Gawa Dzong and Singye Dzong.

Best Time for Singye Dzong Trek

May to the second week of October is the season during which it is advisable to visit Singye Dzong. The best season for the Singye Dzong pilgrimage runs from September to November. The last week of September to the second week of October is the best season as there shall be no rainfall and snowfall. However, due to mud in the summer and snow during the winter and spring, the only time the paths are accessible is during October. Be aware of the bears. Many tour operators arrange Singye Dzong Neykor for Bhutanese pilgrims under the Tourism Council of Bhutan’s Druk Neykor program. All visitors must obtain a travel permit from Khoma Gup and before obtaining the permit one must undergo proper medical checkups to prepare for the trip. 

Please Note: Singye Dzong is restricted to foreigners. The site is not open to tourists, and foreigners need a special permit from the Department of Culture to visit Singye Dzong.

You can contact the caretaker Sangay Tshering at 17561618.

Accommodation at Singye Dzong

Tarayana Foundation, with the sponsorship of Richard Blum, the founder, and chairman of the American Himalayan Foundation has built a six-quarter guesthouse below the Khoma Gewog office to assist economically disadvantaged pilgrims. Around 40 people can be accommodated in the free facility with bedding and cooking services.

For accommodation along the way to Singye Dzong, you can take your tents or stay in a guesthouse. There is a guesthouse in Tsekang, a day’s walk from Khoma, two at Thangkarmo to halt on the second day, and around four to five at the Singye Dzong area. To avoid accommodation problems you are advised to carry your own tent, especially during the peak season.

What to Bring on a Singye Dzong Pilgrimage Trek

One is advised to carry warm clothes and a good sleeping bag to Singye Dzong. The routes are mostly wet, so everyone should take a good trekking boot and comfortable walking shoes. The use of shoe gaiters is highly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Singye Dzong Located?

Singye Dzong is located near the Tibetan border in Khoma Gewog under Lhuentse Dzongkhag at 4482 meters above sea level within the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary. Singye Dzong is a three-day hike from Khoma village.

Who discovered Singye Dzong?

The Singye Dzong was discovered by Khandro Yeshey Tshogyal. Later, a treasure discoverer Zilnon Namkha Dorji unearthed a treasure Tse-Drup-Chimi-Sogthig from the Singye Dzong’s vicinity in the 19th century.

Why is Singye Dzong important?

Singye Dzong is one of Guru Rinpoche’s eight great Yang Oen Caves where he performed accomplishment practices for three months and blessed the place as the place of His enlightened activity. It is also the sacred place from where Guru Padmasambhava took the form of Dorje Drolo and flew to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) on a flaming tigress.

Who built Singye Dzong?

Singye Dzong is not a real Dzong and is in the form of rocks said to be transformed and embedded by Guru Rinpoche. Though they are not real Dzongs in the present era, it is said that the stones will open up and become Dzongs when prophecy befalls.

What do people do to preserve the Singye Dzong?

To preserve Singye Dzong, people engage in various activities that balance conservation with the sacred nature of the site. The site is not open to tourists, and foreigners need a special permit from the Department of Culture to visit the holy site. This helps maintain the site’s sacredness and prevents over-tourism. To preserve its sacredness, the government has no immediate plans to connect Singye Dzong with a road. The local community is educated about the importance of preserving Singye Dzong and participates in activities promoting its conservation. These diverse efforts demonstrate the commitment of the local community and the government to preserving Singye Dzong, ensuring its spiritual significance and natural beauty for future generations.

What do people think about Singye dzong?

People think of Singye Dzong as one of Guru Rinpoche’s eight great Yang Oen Caves where he performed accomplishment practices for three months and blessed the place as the place of His enlightened activity. They also believe that a visit to Singye Dzong is said to free oneself from being born in lower realms and fulfill whatever wishes and prayers one has for his life. However, Singye Dzong Neykor is considered one of the most arduous pilgrimages in Bhutan. Yet, the journey to Singye Dzong is a rewarding pilgrimage in one’s life.

What sacred relics are found in the Singye dzong?

The Most Sacred relics at Singye Dzong are:

• Eight sacred Dzongs;
• Phurpa Terma (daggers) discovered by Guru Rinpoche;
• The body image of Guru Rinpoche;
• The imprint of Khandro Yeshey Tshogyal;
• Khandro Yeshey Tshogyal’s Draphu;
• The rock where Guru imprisoned 108 mythical Garudas;
• A flat rock where all the animals were believed to have gathered to receive teachings from Guru Rinpoche;
• A Duethroe;
• A rock that turns red whenever a person dies in Kurtoe.

When was Singye Dzong built?

Singye Dzong was not built but is in the form of rocks transformed and embedded by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century.

How do people promote the Singye dzong?

People promote Singye Dzong through various means, including the Royal Government of Bhutan having a dedicated contact number for Singye Dzong, providing information and facilitating visits, the support for pilgrims by the local communities of Khomagang and Denchung villages, and the local tour operators and travel agencies offering guided tours and trekking packages to Singye Dzong, making it more accessible to visitors.

How can I get permission to visit Singye Dzong?

Foreigners need a special permit from the Department of Culture to visit the site. You must also obtain a travel permit from the Khoma Gup before visiting Singye Dzong. This permit is required for all visitors, including locals and foreigners.

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