Dra Karpo: The Cliffside Sanctuary of Redemption

While the crowds head to the Tiger’s Nest, the soul-seekers of Bhutan find their way to Dra Karpo. Perched on a dramatic rocky outcrop in the Shaba region of Paro, this isn’t just a monastery—it’s a living testament to Bhutan’s spiritual endurance.

The Legend: Why it’s called the “Split Rock”

The name Dra Karpo literally means “Split Rock.” In the 8th century, the great master Guru Rinpoche meditated here. Legend says he miraculously split a massive rock into two to reveal and subdue an evil spirit hiding within.

Today, you can still see the “split” in the main altar room. The surrounding cliffs are like a holy canvas, covered in what pilgrims believe are the Guru’s handprints and footprints, etched forever into the stone.

The Ultimate Test: The 108 Kora

Dra Karpo is most famous for its Kora (circumambulation). It is widely believed that walking around the mountain can cleanse even the heaviest of sins—some say even as grave as killing one’s parents.