Reasons why one should visit Druk Wangditse Lhakhang

The temple is reconstructed to its glory and is dedicated to His Majesty the King of Bhutan.

Sketch of Wangditse Lhakhang by Samuel Davis (1783)

Many people across the country didn’t know the sacramental significance of Druk Wangditse Lhakhang until February 5th 2020. On the morning of February 5th 2020, to mark the fourth birth anniversary of Gyalsey Jigme Namgyal, Royal Prince of King Jigme Kheser Namgyal Wangchuck and Queen Ashi Jetsun Pema Wangchuck. The temple is reconstructed to its glory and is dedicated to His Majesty the King of Bhutan. 

Since then, Druk Wangditse Lhakhang is visited by hundreds of hikers, pilgrims and tourists (before COVID-19 pandemic).     

There are numerous routes to reach Druk Wangditse Lhakhang. However, pilgrims have to hike to reach the temple as it's not accessible by roads. However, fret not as the hiking trail is well built. The Druk Wangditse trail is considered one of the easiest hiking routes around Thimphu. One can either start hiking from Sangaygang which is popularly known as BBS Tower or from and Zilukha Nunnery or Dechen Phodrang. Many nature enthusiasts choose to hike from BBS Tower. 

Architecture of Druk Wangditse Lhakhang

Under the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdoen Wangchuck, the Wangditse Lhakhang conservation project (WLCP) took five and half years to complete the entire renovation, until January 2020.

Wangditse Lhakhang and drawings of it were featured in Micheal Aris's book "Views of Medieval Bhutan"

The lhakhang was constructed using mud and stones brought from Dawakha, Paro and wooden columns from Punakha. The materials were transported from Samtenling to Wangditse using cable ropeway. The Goemba was reconstructed by the craftsmen and graduates of Institute of Zorig Chusum and volunteers from 20 dzongkhags including the team of labourers from Dorokha and Samtse.

Restoration works included enlarging the Lhakhang, adding a shakhor (surrounding structure), and cleaning and renovating the main Shakyamuni Buddha statue, Choeten Deshey-Gyed (eight kinds of stupas), and wall paintings. The architecture of the temple resembles the architecture of the dzongs (fortress) from far. After dawn, Druk Wangditse Lhakhang looks glorified and captivating especially from the northern part of Thimphu.

Importance of Druk Wangditse Lhakhang

• Legend has it that Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (1594-1651) sanctified the area where the three-storied Wangditse Lhakhang stands today when he was travelling from Pangrizampa to Paro through Wangditse, Choekhortse, Puemola pass, and Drela pass. Later it became the centre of religious and secular activities when the 8th Desi Druk Rabgye built the Wangditse Lhakhang in 1715 AD.
• Druk Wangditse Lhakhang is said to have been built in 1715, to serve as the seat of the 8th Druk Desi. It is among the oldest temples in Thimphu, and an important national heritage site today. 
• The inner chapel was also enlarged to house all choesungs (protective deities) of 20 dzongkhags.
• It is also the place of origin of Rigzhung studies in the country.
• The vicinity provides excellent views of the Samteling Palace, home of the fourth King, Tashichhoedzong and the whole of Thimphu Valley. 
  
  Crown Prince of Bhutan celebrates his 4th birthday 
• Best spot for yoga 
• Nature Enthusiasts
• Picnic Point
• Cycling Trail