Phajo Gonpa Gomde, a serene retreat center in Lauri Gewog, Samdrup Jongkhar, serves as a sacred space for long-term spiritual practice. Nestled beside the 17th-century Sangchen Lhundrup Tsemo monastery, it is surrounded by breathtaking views of the Brahmaputra River, known locally as the Jomo River. The retreat center and the monastery are located atop Phajo Gonpa village, creating an atmosphere of profound tranquility and devotion.

However, the dormitory at Phajo Gonpa Gomde was severely damaged by an earthquake in 2009 and further rendered uninhabitable by storms in 2014. To preserve the Dharma and support the practices of Khedrup Rinpoche’s students, a new single-story dormitory with three units, kitchens, and washrooms was reconstructed in 2024. Beginning in January 2025, this facility will enable four dedicated practitioners to embark on lifetime retreats, continuing the rich tradition of spiritual cultivation at Phajo Gonpa Gomde.
Phajo Gonpa Gomde is a vital center dedicated to the preservation and practice of the Pema Lingpa lineage, one of the most revered spiritual traditions in Bhutan. Rooted in the teachings of the 15th-century treasure revealer Pema Lingpa, this lineage emphasizes the discovery of hidden spiritual treasures (terma), meditative practices, and the cultivation of wisdom and compassion. The Pema Lingpa tradition is integral to Bhutanese culture and spirituality, and Phajo Gonpa Gomde continues to uphold its teachings through retreats and dedicated practice.
Phajo Gonpa Gomde is deeply rooted in the Pema Lingpa lineage, serving as a hub for the preservation and practice of this sacred tradition. Originally established as a yogic center by the Third Khedrupchen in the 18th century, it continues to embody the spirit of spiritual discipline and devotion.
To fully realize its potential as a retreat center, further development is needed, requiring mobilization of funding. Each dormitory unit is estimated to cost approximately USD 8,000, with plans to construct a total of five units. These units will collectively accommodate up to 10 practitioners, including couples, offering them an immersive environment to deepen their spiritual practice within the Pema Lingpa tradition.
The expansion of Phajo Gonpa Gomde will ensure it remains a vital sanctuary for practitioners and a beacon of the Pema Lingpa lineage for generations to come.

 

Also known as Sangchen Lhundrup Tsemo, the monastery is located under Lauri gewog, Samdrup Jongkhar and was originally founded in late 17th century by the great Yonphu Choje lineage Phajo Karma Tshewang. The monastery is located atop of Phajo Gonpa village that commands a spectacular view of Jomo river (Brahma Putra) and Jomo Kukhar mountain range. The monastery is a revered place of worship for Phajo Gonpa community and devotees around.

The monastery was handed over to Khedrupchen Rinpoche in 2014 and since then, Rinpoche has transmitted the Gomchen’s (yogis) to practice Pedling tradition and Dudjom tersar lineage which are unbroken lineages of Padma Sambhava. Latshap(regent) Ngawang Sherab is taking care of the monastery in Rinpoche’s present. The monks and yogis engage with pujas and ceremonies for more than 50 days every year for the benefit of sentient beings and the nation.