About Dra Zhi

Dra Zhi: There are places that amaze us with their beauty, and then there are places  that quietly transform something within us. Some destinations are admired through photographs, while others are experienced through silence, devotion, and a feeling that stays long after we leave. This is perhaps the best way to describe Dra Zhi, the four sacred cliffs

Like countless visitors to Bhutan, I was completely captivated the first time I saw Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery).

Yet, as Tiger’s Nest became increasingly known as one of Bhutan’s most visited landmarks, I found myself searching for something more secluded. I longed for a place where I could sit quietly, away from the footsteps of many visitors, and connect with the deep spiritual energy left behind by Guru Rinpoche.

That search led me to Dra Zhi—the Four Sacred Cliffs of Bumthang.

Hidden among the pristine valleys of Bumthang, often regarded as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, Dra Zhi offers a completely different experience. Here, the journey is not only about reaching a destination; it is about walking through landscapes blessed by centuries of meditation, devotion, and sacred encounters.

While Bumthang is renowned for revered sites such as Kurjey Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, Mebar Tsho (the Burning Lake), and Tharpaling Monastery, the Four Sacred Cliffs remain among its most profound yet lesser-known treasures.

According to Bhutanese Buddhist tradition, these cliffs were blessed by Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) during his visit to Bumthang in the 8th century. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche meditated at these sacred sites, subdued powerful negative forces, and transformed them into protectors of the Dharma, helping establish Buddhism in the region.

A pilgrimage to Dra Zhi is therefore not merely a journey of exploration—it is a journey into the spiritual soul of Bhutan.

The Four Sacred Cliffs of Dra Zhi

1. Choedrak – The Sacred Cliff of Chumey Valley

Located high above the beautiful Chumey Valley, Choedrak is one of the most revered meditation sites in Bumthang. The name is associated with Guru Rinpoche’s hidden treasures, which were later revealed by great treasure discoverers (Tertöns).

How to Reach Choedrak

Choedrak is situated at approximately 3,800 meters above sea level.

The journey begins by taking a diversion from the Chumey Valley, passing through charming villages, farmlands, and peaceful countryside. A rough road of about 6 kilometers leads towards Tharpaling Monastery, a sacred seat founded by the great Tibetan Dzogchen master Longchen Rabjam.

From Tharpaling Monastery, Choedrak can be reached by a beautiful uphill hike of around 30 minutes.

Sacred Treasures of Choedrak

Choedrak consists of two ancient chapels separated by a sacred chorten and a holy spring.

The Thukje Lhakhang houses a magnificent central statue of the thousand-armed Chenrezig, the Buddha of Compassion.

The Lorepa Lhakhang, named after the 12th-century Tibetan master who established the chapel, contains sacred relics including:

• The stone footprint of Guru Rinpoche
• The sacred stone skull of a Dakini (Khandroma)

A further climb takes visitors to Zhambala Lhakhang, dedicated to the God of Wealth. Pilgrims pray here at naturally formed circular grooves in the rock, seeking blessings for prosperity and abundance.

The area is also closely connected with Pema Lingpa, Bhutan’s great treasure revealer, who discovered several sacred treasures (terma) hidden by Guru Rinpoche in this region.

Continuing further, one reaches the place where Longchen Rabjam gave profound Dzogchen teachings, making Choedrak a destination of deep spiritual significance.

2. Kuenzangdrak – The Sacred Cliff of Tang Valley

Kuenzangdrak is one of the most important spiritual sites connected with Pema Lingpa, Bhutan’s renowned treasure revealer.

How to Reach Kuenzangdrak

Traditionally, pilgrims had to undertake a steep 45-minute to one-hour climb from Drangchel village. Today, a rough road has made access easier, reducing the walking distance to approximately 10 minutes.

Spiritual Importance

Pema Lingpa began constructing the monastery here in 1488, and many of his sacred relics are preserved at this site.

Kuenzangdrak is especially revered as the place where Pema Lingpa received visions of Kuntu Zangpo (Samantabhadra Buddha).

The monastery contains:

• Ancient meditation caves
• Sacred temples
• A holy spring believed to possess healing qualities

The first chapel, Wangkhang Lhakhang, has a circumambulatory path around it and houses sacred images including Chenrezig, Guru Nangsi Zilnon (Guru Rinpoche), and his disciple Namkha Nyingpo.

Behind the chapel lies the remarkable Khandroma Lhakhang, the meditation cave of Yeshe Tshogyal, Guru Rinpoche’s spiritual consort.

Built against a dramatic vertical rock face, the cave is blessed by naturally flowing holy water.

Visitors can also request to see sacred relics preserved by the caretaker, including:

• Wooden printing blocks
• The stone anvil bearing Pema Lingpa’s footprint
• Sacred statues including Tsheypamey

3. Shugdrak (Shukdrak Singye Dzong) – The Sacred Cliff of Upper Chhoekhor Valley

Among the four sacred cliffs, Shugdrak is one of the most mystical sites associated with Guru Rinpoche.

How to Reach Shugdrak

From Chhoekhor Valley, take the dirt road beyond Goling and Kharsa villages. After approximately 1 kilometer, reach the parking area and continue with a short 10-minute hike.

A series of ladders leads pilgrims upward, passing a small butter-lamp shrine before reaching the rock chapel.

Sacred Legends of Shugdrak

Shukdrak Singye Dzong is believed to be one of the earliest sacred places blessed by Guru Rinpoche in Bhutan.

According to tradition, when Guru Rinpoche was invited to Bumthang by King Sindhu Raja, he subdued the powerful demon king Maha Raja in his wrathful manifestation as Wangda Padma Thöthreng. The traces of this spiritual encounter are believed to remain throughout the region in the form of sacred footprints, handprints, and impressions left on rocks.

The sacred site is divided into three levels:

• Namkha Dzong at the summit
• Drakar Dzong in the middle
• Chungchen Khading Dzong below

Every element of this landscape—the cliffs, rocks, caves, and waterways—is considered blessed by Guru Rinpoche.

Visitors can witness sacred treasures including:

• Guru Rinpoche’s body, hand, foot, and boot impressions
• Meditation caves of Guru Rinpoche and Yeshe Tshogyal
• Self-arising sacred symbols
• Hidden treasures revealed by treasure discoverers

The site is believed to offer powerful blessings to those who visit with devotion, making offerings, circumambulating, or simply experiencing the sacred landscape.

4.Thowadrak – The High Cliff of Tang Valley

Thowadrak, meaning “High Cliff,” is perhaps the most dramatic of the Four Sacred Cliffs. Like Tiger’s Nest in Paro, the monastery appears to cling impossibly to the side of a towering cliff.

Located at approximately 3,400 meters, Thowadrak stands at the northern end of Tang Valley.

How to Reach Thowadrak

From Chumey, drive for about two hours towards the northern end of Tang Valley. After reaching a school, take a rough side road for approximately 6 kilometers and about 30 minutes drive through beautiful village until reaching a bridge.

From here, the journey continues on foot through a beautiful mountain trail. It takes about 3hours to reach the monastery

Sacred History of Thowadrak

Thowadrak is believed to have been founded by Mandarava, the Indian consort of Guru Rinpoche. Legend says that a wooden Garuda was left here after the Tibetan king Khikha Rathoe was expelled from Khenpajong Valley.

The site is also associated with Gelongma Pelmo, the Kashmiri princess who suffered from leprosy and is believed to have been healed after prolonged meditation here.

Later, in 1238, the great master Gyelwa Lorepa Dragpa Wangchuk built a lhakhang at this sacred site. Today, the monastery houses important relics associated with Gelongma Pelmo.

Sacred Wonders of Thowadrak

Visitors can see:

• The meditation cave of Guru Rinpoche and Gelongma Pelmo
• The holy spring (Drupchu)
• Guru Rinpoche’s stone throne
• The Dakini bathing place
• Sacred bamboo from Tsari Ney of Tibet

The surrounding landscape is incredibly peaceful. The only sounds are the rushing streams, mountain winds, and rustling bamboo forests. According to Buddhist texts, the upper valley is believed to conceal gateways to Bhutan’s hidden sacred lands (beyul).

The Spiritual Meaning of Completing Dra Zhi

In Bhutanese Buddhist tradition, completing a pilgrimage to all four sacred cliffs is considered highly meritorious.

Each cliff represents a place where Guru Rinpoche meditated, blessed the land, and transformed obstacles into spiritual protection.

Together, Dra Zhi represents the establishment of Buddhism in Bumthang and the enduring connection between Bhutan’s landscape and its spiritual heritage.

Many Bhutanese pilgrims undertake the Dra Zhi pilgrimage over several days, often combining it with visits to Kurje Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, and Mebar Tsho.

For those seeking more than sightseeing—for those searching for silence, reflection, and a deeper connection with Bhutan’s spiritual essence—Dra Zhi offers an unforgettable journey.

Here, the mountains do not simply surround you.

They speak to you.

And in their silence, one discovers a different Bhutan—the Bhutan of Guru Rinpoche, meditation caves, sacred cliffs, and timeless blessings.