Jele Dzong (Bhutan)

Bhutan is a fascinating country. The Dzongs, their strategic and improbable locations, are just as fascinating. These ancient fortresses, now converted into religious and administrative centres are to be found all over the country.

Jele Dzong is located above the town of Paro . If the Dzong seems near, almost within leg reach so to speak, the hiking path leading to it will quickly prove the opposite to be true. Allow a good 6 to 7 hours walk return if you start out on foot from the superb Paro Dzong. The hike will take you above Paro Dzong, then behind the old watchtower now converted into the national museum. You will pass through several farms and archery fields before you reach a superb conifer and rhododendron forest. The climb is progressive. Do not hurry as you feel the altitude quite quickly (you will reach about 11500 feet high by the end).

Once at the Dzong ( actually undergoing a complete renovation), I suggest you do not rest straight away, but rather continue along the crest to the spot where dozens of prayer flags are unfurled (about 437 yards farther up). If you are lucky and the weather is fine, you will have a clear and matchless view on Chele-la pass, the peak of Mount Jhomolhari and the mountains that mark the frontier with Tibet!