There are two ways to visit  Dodeydrak Monastery. One from Samtenling side and another from the Dechencholing area. However, I have never experienced the way from Samtenling as myself reside at Dechencholing area. The journey starts with marvelous  views of whole Thimphu town, after few minutes walk/drive from the Dechecholing palace. No sooner you start climbing uphills towards the lhakhang, we will be blessed with Dechencholing Goenpa(temple). The motor road will take you till near the Dechencholing Goenpa and thereafter we need to walk.

Dechencholing Goenpa

As per the caretaker, the temple is build by Poli Khenpho, one of the venerated lama by  Her Majesty Ashi Phuntsho Choden Wangchuck. The temples' main relics/Nangten is kundung Chorden of the  Khenpo.

The way towards the Dodeydrak is perfectly suitable for those who loves hiking and enjoys the nature with the clean and fresh air which surely will refresh and energize ourself. We will also encounter horses carrying the rations for monastery as there is no motor road. Sometime, monks are carrying their own rations. However, the path towards the temple is perfectly safe and amazing.

The nature and amazing whole scene  of Thimphu is my favorite part of the journey and which tempts  me to plan for another one.

View of Thimphu

It might be happening with me only that from the middle of journey and look back we will see the beautiful Taba. The shape of Taba resembles the Raven Crown of our Beloved kings of Bhutan. Whenever I sees it, it gives me the immense joys and gratitude for our forefathers and monarchs for blessing us with this peaceful Pelden Drukpai's Gyelkhap.

The view of Taba where I sees it as shape of Raven Crown. 

On the way, we can find the great works done by the monastery and other voluntaries to keep the surrounding clean and traveller's  friendly. The several dustbins were installed and interestingly, they built the canopy where we can rest at the same time enjoy the views. It is perfect place to have dry picnic with family,  friends and loved one.

Through the trees and plants, there are beautiful and clean streams flowing towards the Thimphu. If you feels tried and thirsty, you will find the clean and drinkable streams towards about middle of journey to temple. I felt  so gratitude when I find the amazing bridge built so that traveller's like you and me won't be messed with muds and water.

You will be more amazed when you reach at the Dodeydrak Monastery, it is like your are teleported to another beautiful world when you enter the welcome gate of the monastery. The Monastery was prophesied by the 13th Chief Abbot Yonten Thaye the reincarnation of Channa Dorji (The god of power and energy). The Buddhist spiritual Text book has been uncovered from the cave when the cave has been broken where the Text book came out. Hence the name Dodeydrak.

You can find the Drupchu(Holy water) near above temple. There is also Museum displaying old and sacred monuments of the monastery. The Museum is a contribution by the monks when they left the monastery for the greater cause.The Museum is located at the ground floor of the above temple. 

Recommendation:

• Both Solo and Group journey are amazing. Going alone is safe and fun, however in group may be more amazing.
• Even though there is drinkable water on the way, I suggest to take your own water. Moreover, we can take Drupchu back with us
• Take something to eat. 
• Be sure that Camera/Phone be fully charge as there are amazing scene to be photographed
• Take a car till the Dechecholing Goepa because you will be tried when journey back to your place.