Eastern Bhutan

The Eastern Bhutan Shrouded under the layers of mysterious aura is one of the least explored regions of the royal Kingdom of Bhutan. Endowed with the mesmerising beauty, Eastern Bhutan is surrounded with daunting hills and scenic gorges. For the tourist who thrives to learn more about the tradition and religious aspect of Bhutanese Kingdom Eastern Bhutan with its mystic charisma has become the favoured part of Bhutan because of its astounding trekking routes to less trodden destinations. Eastern Bhutan with its surreal beauty has ensnared the heart of many adventurer and nature lover. Eastern Bhutan is unscathed by the modernized society making it an ideal destination for the travellers who relish to be far from the madding crowd but amidst the mysticism of Mother Nature.

The spectacular beauty of Eastern Bhutan can be relished throughout the year but the best time to venture upon the astounding trekking routes is considered during spring season (April to May) and autumn season (October to mid December) as the sky remains clear and the surrounding valley is bursting with the vibrant colour riot of blooming flowers.

Places to visit around Central Bhutan

Mongar

On the road between Thimphu to Trashigang, Mongar the oldest educational hub is situated. Mongar blessed with diverse ecosystems lies between the varied altitudes from 1,300 ft to 13,000 ft. There are many places in and around Mongar which has hyped the interest of tourist travelling to Eastern Bhutan because of the pictorial views among them is Mongar Dzong. Mongar Dzong is situated on a hilltop above the Mongar Town and was built in 1930. Mongar Dzong is one of the newest dzong of Bhutan. Tourist can see the use of ancient technique to build the Mongar Dzong. Drametse Lhakhang was built in 16th century is another notable site of Mongar. Drametse Lhakhang is the most important religious centre of Eastern Bhutan located at an altitude of 4,430 ft at a distance of 18km from Mongar on the way to Trashigang. Drametse Lhakhang is known for housing many spiritual treasures and sacred objects. Travellers during their Mongar trip can experience the exquisite collection of vast flora and fauna of Bhutan since the serene Mongar District is the gateway towards Thurmsingla National Park. Thurmsingla National Park is known for its vast collection of avifauna. The diverse ecosystem of Thurmsingla National Park which ranges from subtropical to alpine region creates an ideal breeding ground for the exotic birds. Mongar with its surreal beauty and monumental Dzongs is an amazing base for starting the astounding voyage towards exploring the phenomenal beauty of Eastern Bhutan.

Trashigang

“The Jewel of the East” Trashigang shrouded dense alpine woods is a mesmerising pictorial place situated 80 km away from Mongar. Altitude of Trashigang is ranges between 2,000 ft to 13,000 ft and located above the roaring Drangme Chhu. The traditional two storey buildings flanked across the road of Trashigang creates a serene and picturesque ambiance. Trashigang the largest town of East Bhutan has become an ideal base for venturing upon the less trodden roads leading towards the rustic settlements sketched across the hills. Trashigang was once an important centre for trading goods in Tibet. Trashigang Dzong is one of the important places to visit. An ancient dzong Trashigang Dzong is situated overlooking the confluence of Drangme Chhu and Gamri Chhu. The dzong was built in 1667 by Mingyur Tenpa, Bhutan's third Desi King. Trashigang Dzong is listed under the heritage sites of Bhutan and is one of the 20 dzongs which survived the hard race against time. Trashigang Dzong is the venue ground of annual tsechu. Another favoured destination of Trashigang is Gom Koras. Founded in 8th century Gom Koras or Gompa Kora is one of the most revered destination of Bhutan. It is situated at a distance of 24 km from Trashigang. Famous for its meditation cave, where it is believed Guru Padmasambava had meditated to vanquish an evil spirit Gom Koras has become a pilgrimage centre. The two storey temple of Gom Koras houses many sacred relics and artefacts. Some of these artefacts are many centuries old. Trashigang with its tranquil ambiance and rich historical past has become a must visit destination for the tourists wants to explore the lesser known parts of Eastern Bhutan.

Lhuntse

Lhuntse, the ancestral home of The Royal Family is situated in the far north eastern region of Bhutan. Formerly known as Lhuntshi, Lhuntse is a historically affluent district of Bhutan. Lhuntse is situated at a distance of 77 km from Mongar. Being the least developed Dzongkhag; people have left Lhuntse in search of modern lifestyle making Lhuntse as a ghost town. Picturesque Lhuntse rich with its flora and fauna has become a favoured destination for people to undertake trekking amidst the diverse ecosystem. The altitude of Lhuntse ranges from 2,600 ft to 18,700 ft. Lhuntse along with its vibrant ecology has many scenic destinations which has hyped the interest of travellers visiting this place. Founded in 1543, Lhuntse Dzong is a Buddhist monastery which is popularly known as Lhundub Rinchentse. Lhuntse Dzong is situated on a ridge overlooking the meandering river stream of Kuri Chhu. Having a great collection of many scared relics installed by Desi King Tenzin Rabga, Lhuntse Dzong is also the venue ground for the annual Lhuntse festival. The beautiful gorge and valley surrounding Lhuntse Dzong offers astounding trekking routes through the virid woods. A sleepy Gangzur Village is around 2 km away from this Dzong which is famous for pottery and the women are renowned for being skill artists. Khoma Village is another exciting destination for a traveller who relishes the artistic skills of Bhutanese folks. It is too located at a distance of 2 km from Lhuntse Dzong in another direction. Khoma village is famous for the weaving the finest material called Kishuthara with the most intriguing design. The uphill journey towards this peaceful settlement takes the visitor through the verdant valley sketched with rich pine forest. The essence of royal past can still be felt in the lone streets of Lhuntse. Lhuntse with its astounding trails and rich history has become a must visit destination of Eastern Bhutan.