Drametse Lhakhang

Dramtse Lhakhang meaning, (‘the peak without enemy’) is a sixteenth-century monastery straddling in a steep and narrow mountain ridge. It is considered one of the largest and most important Nyingma Monastery in Eastern Bhutan. The monument was founded by a highly accomplished Anim (nun) named Choten Zangmo in the 16th century, the granddaughter of the famous religious master Terton Pema Lingpa (the Treasure Discoverer). It houses a full range of spiritual treasures and other sacred objects and is the source of spiritual inspiration to the people of Drametse and neighbouring communities. Drametse is a key spiritual center of eastern Bhutan, The local people from Mongar and Trashigang gather at Drametse Lhakhang to witness the annual religious festival, celebrated every year on the 10th day of Bhutanese calendar and locally known as Kaggsol Chenmo, Trel Da Tshechu and Daw Drugpai Choep. The Drametse Ngacham (Mask Dance of the drums) was established by Lam Kuenga Gyeltshen. It is considered a sacred dance of the Drametse community that takes place twice a year in the courtyard of the monastery, thus has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.