EASTERN BHUTAN (100-6000M)

East Bhutan comprises the districts of Mongar, Lhuntshe, Tashigang, Tashiyangtshe, Pemagatshel, and Samdrupjongkhar at the Southern border. If you want to see authentic Bhutan, no place will justify it like the East of Bhutan. The place is marked by raw natural beauty and a pristine environment. The onslaught of globalization has not yet taken place here. The people are warm and friendly and assure us that Happiness can be found in simple things which can be found anywhere and in anything.

14 Top Interesting Facts about Eastern Bhutan (Tashigang, Mongar, Lhuntshe, Tashiyangtshe, Pemagatshel, and Samdrupjongkhar)

  1. Tashigang is also called “The Jewel of the East”,
  2. The semi-nomadic people of Merak and Sakteng also fall under the Tashigang district.
  3. Tashigang is home to the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary.
  4. The road approaching Mongar is one of the most spectacular journeys in the country.
  5. A short stretch of 26 Km in Mongar between Sengor and Yonkola is considered “Birding Capital of The World”
  6. Mongar contains part of the Thrumshing La National Park, and Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary (the gewog of Sharmung). 
  7. Lhuntshe is the ancestral home of our Kings and hosts several of the sacred sites of pilgrimage in the country.
  8. Most of the Lhuntshe district is part of the environmentally protected areas of Bhutan.
  9. Lhuntshe contains parts of Wangchuck Centennial Park in the north, Thrumshing La National Park in the south, and Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary in the east.
  10. Tashiyangtshe is popular for flora, fauna, Chorten Kora, Gomphu Kora, Painting School, Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, and Black Necked Crane
  11. The people of Trashiyangtse have incredible skills in woodworking and paper-making.
  12. Pemagatshel translates to “Lotus Garden of Happiness”.

Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary

Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary is located in north-western part of Bhutan covering an area of 1,545 sq. km with 420 sq. km of buffer zone encompassing parts of Trashiyangtse, Lhuntshe, and Mongar district. It shares international borders with the Tibetan region of China in the north and India in the north east. The sanctuary is home to around 100 species of mammals, including globally endangered species such as snow leopard, Royal Bengal tiger and red panda. 

About 150 black necked cranes spend their winter in Bumdeling every year from mid-November to early March. Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary is also a paradise for butterflies: as of now 130 species have been recorded and another 120 are expected to inhabit this area. Besides natural beauty and diversity many significant religious and cultural places can be found inside the sanctuary, such as Rigsum Gompa, the mystic Singye Dzong and Dechenphodrang Lhaghang– maybe the most scenic monastery in the country.

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Khoma Village At Lhuntse​

Kishuthara , the exquisite and treasured women’s kira, also originates from Khoma village in Lhuntse. The women here are taught the art of weaving when they are barely about 7 years and a trip to Khoma village is greeted by row of women in makeshift textile.

cottage,weaving inticate design and patterns.Picking up a Kishuthara here will be much cheaper than buying one from the capital.

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Gangzur Village At Lhuntse​

 Gangzur Village is located in Lhuntse Dzonghag at a distance of two kilometers from Lhuntse Dzong. This village is famous for its pottery as many of the women here are renowned artisans adept at their craft.

It is also seen as a dying art and the Government is now making efforts to revive it through financial support. When visiting Gangzur Village it is worthwhile to take the time to watch the local women practicing their art.

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Merak And Sakteng At Trashigang​

Long closed to outsiders, the beautiful far flung regions of Merak and Sakten present Bhutan travellers with the unique opportunity to see two of the least known villages in the kingdom. They are called the twin jewel of the East.

Take a trek to the sacred mountain of Jomo Kuengkhar in Merak , witness the yak dances unique to the region or catch a performance of the famous nomadic opera, Ache-Lhamo. Experience the stark wilderness and the simple generosity of the Brokpa people, learn how their traditional garb is still fashioned from yak skin and listen to timeless tales of the yeti which form an inseparable part of Brokpa lore. 

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Takila at Lhuentse

With initiation by Druk Odiyana Project, the 154ft tall Guru Padma Sambhava statue Guru Nangsa Zelnen, was constructed at Takila under Menbi Gewog, Lhuntse, supposed to be the largest statue of Guru Rinpoche. The site is beautifully located on top of Takila Village. A wonderful sight to visit.

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