Jele Dzong, at an altitude of 3450m/11,319ft, was built in the 15 th  century by Ngawang Choegyel, the great grandfather of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namygyel, the unifier of Bhutan. Under the Tibetan invasion, Zhabdrung escaped from Paro to Thimphu across the Jele Pass. It is believed that he was accompanied by Mahakala, the protective deity of the country, until Jele Dzong where they separated as he was then considered safe on the remainder of his journey to Thimphu. The name Jele therefore comes from je meaning separation. Jele Dzong is currently in ruins. In the medieval times, Jele Dzong served as a night halt for travelers to restock food and rest.

The 2-3 hours’ hike begins at Damchena, an hour’s drive from Paro. Most of the walk is through mixed coniferous forests and often you will see white langurs, Himalayan musk deer and monal peasant. You will also see the magnificent view of the sun setting over the Himalayan peaks if you reach early. The trek trail is rather gradual climb till the dzong and if the weather is clear the Paro valley can be seen with the Mt. Jomolhari and other snowcapped mountains behind the valley.