Aja Ney is one of Bhutan’s most sacred pilgrimage sites, nestled deep in the remote eastern Himalayas of Mongar District. The name “Aja” is derived from the fact that it is believed to be the sacred place where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) left the imprint of his body (Aja means “body print” in some dialects). It is said that Guru Rinpoche meditated here for three months in the 8th century, leaving 100 sacred body imprints on a rock face.

The pilgrimage to Aja Ney is challenging, often requiring a multi-day trek through dense forests and over rugged terrain, but it is highly rewarding. The site also features a self-arisen syllable “Om” on a rock, a sacred waterfall, and other holy spots. Aja Ney offers an extraordinary spiritual journey into a pristine wilderness, providing a powerful connection to Bhutan’s tantric Buddhist roots and the profound devotion associated with Guru Rinpoche.