Singye Dra Hike – Sacred Cave and Meditation Site in Paro

By: AD Tours on March 13, 2026

The Singye Dra Hike leads to a sacred site perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the breathtaking Paro Valley. This revered location is the abode of Khandro Singye Dogma, the lion-faced dakini, and houses a meditation cave associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). The site includes two temples and several other sacred pilgrimage points, making it an important spiritual destination for Bhutanese devotees and travelers alike.

According to legend, after completing his meditation at Paro Taktsang, Guru Padmasambhava was invited by locals at Dop Shari to help subdue a pair of demons. During his stay, he meditated at the Singye Dra cave, where he is said to have encountered Khandro Singye Dogma. The site also holds a statue of Sengdongma, gifted by the Fourth King of Bhutan, representing Guru Rinpoche’s wrathful emanation, which is believed to protect against obstacles, negative spirits, and black magic.

Historically, the original temple was destroyed by fire and later rebuilt under the guidance of Royal Mother Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck. The name Singye Dra—meaning “Lion’s Rock”—originates from a trulku’s vision of a lion-shaped rock at the site, reflecting the temple’s spiritual energy and strength.

It is a short hike but rewarding, taking about 30 minutes from the road end. The trail ascends gently through forested slopes before reaching the temple, offering stunning views of the Paro Valley along the way. Today, the site is maintained by the Zhung Dratshang, ensuring its preservation as a place of meditation, pilgrimage, and spiritual reflection.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Duration: 30–40 minutes uphill from the road end
Altitude: Approx. 2,300–2,400 meters
Highlights: Sacred meditation cave, Khandro Singye Dogma, Sengdongma statue, panoramic views of Paro Valley, and spiritually significant pilgrimage site.