SOUTH EAST & SOUTH WEST
The road from Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar was completed in the early 1960s and thus opening the trade route with Indian States of Assam. Today the highway between Trashigang and SamdrupJongkhar serves as the most important lifeline in the east. People of Eastren Bhutan take the route through Samdrup Jongkhar to reach Phuentsholing via the Indian territories of Assam and West Bengal.The journey...
Trashi Yangtse Bhutan
Trashi Yangtse formerly a sub-division of Trashigang, is one of the newest districts. Yangtse offers exciting trekking opportunities and is one of the two locations where the elusive Black Necked Cranes can be spotted. Yangtse is also famous for the Chorten Kora, which is one of the only two chortens built in the typical Nepalese style as prophesied by Guru Rinpoche. Yangtse is also home to the traditional...
Trashigang
Trashigang means ‘Auspicious Mount’ and on this mount, overlooking the river Drangme Chhu, the Dzong(fortress) was built by Kudung Pekar Chophel in 1659. In the olden days, the Dzongpons (regional rulers) dominated the people of eastern Bhutan. Today the Dzong serves as the home of the monastic body and District Administration of Trashigang district. The town of Trashigang is about 500...
Lhuntse
Lhuentse is 77 kilometers from Mongar and is one of the most isolated districts in Bhutan. The landscape is spectacular with stark cliffs and gorges and dense coniferous forests. The region is notably famous for its weavers and special textiles and fabrics, generally considered to be the best in the country. The Kurtoe region of Lhuentse is also the ancestral home of the Royal dynasty.
Mongar
Mongar like Trashigang further east, is built on the side of a hill because valleys in Eastern Bhutan are too narrow for towns to develop on the valley floor. Mongar Dzong is modern compared to other Dzongs in the kingdom.
Bumthang
Bumthang is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan and is also the important religious destination for pilgrims from all over the country. The valleys of Trongsa and Bumthang are separated by Yutola Pass (Alt 11,500ft). Bumthang has an individuality that separates it from all other regions. Composed of four smaller valleys, the deeply spiritual region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious legend....
Trongsa
Trongsa town is located in the center of Bhutan. The Royal Family has strong links with Trongsa. Both the first and the second king ruled the kingdom from Trongsa’s ancient Dzong. The Crown Prince of Bhutan normally holds the position of Trongsa Ponlop prior to ascending the throne. The secular and religious center, the Dzong is an impregnable fortress and is itself a labyrinth of temples, corridors...
Wangdue Phodrang
This is the last town on the highway before entering Central Bhutan. Sitting on the top of a hill the formidable Dzong is the town’s most visible features. In the 17th century Wangdue played a critical role in unifying western, central and southern Bhutan. The town itself is little more than an enlarged village with well-provided shops and hotels. The road from Wangdue to Trongsa is one of the...
Punakha
Punakha is about three hours drive from the capital Thimphu and Punakha dzong is one of the largest dzongs in Bhutan. The road from Simtokha winds into pine forests and through small villages for 20 kilometers and then opens miraculously onto the northern ridge of the mountains of the mountains. Dochula Pass at 10,500 feet gives one of the most spectacular views of the Himalayas. Punakha Dzong is home...