Situated in the Dzongkhag of Pemagatshel, upon a dagger-shaped mountain, Yongla Goemba is one of the oldest and holiest shrines in Eastern Bhutan. One of the more interesting historical facts about the temple is that during the Duar War, the Trongsa Poenlop (Feudal Lord) Jigme Namgyel, father of the First King Ugyen Wangchuck, used it as a base of operations in order to launch raids upon the British troops. There are various other shrines and temples in the region including the 15th century temple Kheri Goemba and the Lektiri Goemba in Goemba Singma village. Unfortunately, the Lhakhang was severely damaged by the 6.1 magnitude earthquake that struck the entire country on 21st September 2009. Visiting the Gonpa in 2009, His Majesty announced that the Gonpa will be restored to its glory with immediate effect. The re-construction of the Gonpa began in 2012 and the construction is in full swing at the moment.
