PARO DRA KARPO

One of Bhutan’s holiest places, the little monastery known as “Dra Karpo” (split Rock), is perched atop a small hill in the Paro valley. If you can circle Dra Karpo 108 times, it’s said that even your worst transgressions will be forgiven.

From the little town of Paro, Shaba, you must go 5 km on a dirt road to get to Dra Karpo. About 7 km separate Shaba from Paro town. From Dra Karpo, you can see the Paro valley in all its glory.

Divine vitality permeates Dra Karpo’s atmosphere. For those looking for solitude, the location is ideal for a weekend vacation. It is also one of the Paro attractions with the fewest tourists.

Why is it worth?

In this cave, Guru Rinpoche, the Tantric Guru who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan, meditated. Many of his body prints are still visible as proof.

The tourists should also check out a specific cave where one must squeeze through a small opening between two rocks to determine whether their actions are righteous or immoral.

One can witness Guru Rinpoche’s amazing footprint inside the cave.

There are numerous hermitages in the area of Dra Karpo. Some hermits have spent their entire lives secluding themselves from the outer world in the pursuit of the truth.

To have a sublime spiritual experience, go to Dra Karpo in Paro.