The mystical Lion Fortress SINGYE DZONG was founded by Khandro Yeshey Tshogyel and concealed as Ter (Treasure) by Guru Padmasambhava or Guru Rimpoche. It has been prophesized that it will be opened only at its appropriate times which may be when this generation of people dies down. The word dzong is referred to as a fortress. The fortress is considered as one of the most sacred places in Bhutan for the buddhists.
The eight dzong at Singye Dzong are Rinchen dzong, Tsemo Daong, Dawa Dzong, Dulwa Daong, Namkha Dzong, Dakri Dzong and Pema Dzong. The eight fortresses are believed to be the eight manifestations of Guru Rimpoche which is the principle form of Guru unveiling the inner most nature of mind. All of these fortresses are transformed and embedded on rocks by Guru Rimpoche. Therefore, they are nor real fortresses so to say at present era whereby one can go inside and feel the interiors. It will open only in future times to come.
According to legend, in the mid 8th century, Guru Rimpoche attempted to suppress the demon king, Khikharathoed, who escaped from Tiber to Khenpajong and established his demon kingdom there. Guru Rimpoche followed the demon king and finally subdued him at Khenpajong. Guru Rimpoche then moved to Singye Dzong and undertook intense meditation. Legend also has it that whoever visit Singye Dzong cave would be liberated once from hell if that person is destined to go to hell.
Singye Dzong got further importance in the religious context when treasure discovered Zilnon Namkha Dorjee in the 19th Century discovered a treasure from this site called “Tse-drup Chimi-Sogthig”. It contained important religious scriptures originated from the Buddha Amitayus who bestows blessings to cure disease, ward off evil, war and grant longevity.
The place where Singye Dzong is located is filled with mysterious and inexplicable natural features Guru Kujey (ku-meaning body and Jey- meaning imprints) and imprints of Khandro Yeshey Tshogyel (one of the two consorts of Guru Rimpoche) on rocks. There is another rock which is said to have 108 mythical Garuda (vulture like giant bird) imprisoned by Guru Rimpoche within the rock. The garudas were subdued by Guru Rimpoche when they were attempting to fill the world with chaos and disorders.
The place has magical feelings not only for the Buddhist visitors but also for hikers due to the pristine environment and natural landscapes. It is located at an altitude of 4482 meters above sea level, it is comparatively colder than other places. The best time to visit the fortress is between September and October as these months see scanty rainfall and snowfall.