Eastern Bhutan - Ati Jong Ati Jong

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.

FACTS ABOUT EASTERN BHUTAN

Tashigang is also called “The Jewel of the East”,

The semi-nomadic people of Merak and Sakteng also fall under the Tashigang district.

Tashigang is home to the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary.

The road approaching Mongar is one of the most spectacular journeys in the country.

Most of the Lhuntshe district is part of the environmentally protected areas of Bhutan.

The people of Trashiyangtse have incredible skills in woodworking and paper-making.

Pemagatshel translates to “Lotus Garden of Happiness”.

Lhuntshe is the ancestral home of our Kings and hosts several of the sacred sites of pilgrimage in the country.

Tashiyangtshe is popular for flora, fauna, Chorten Kora, Gomphu Kora, Painting School, Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, and Black Necked Crane

Lhuntshe contains parts of Wangchuck Centennial Park in the north, Thrumshing La National Park in the south, and Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary in the east.

MONGAR

Mongar marks the gateway to eastern Bhutan, characterized by steep cliffs, deep gorges, and dense conifer forests. The region is renowned for its skilled weavers and unique textiles, while Bon and Buddhist practices coexist prominently. Mongar is also famous for woodworking, particularly in the Khenkhar Geog, known for crafting wooden items such as Ara containers, bowls, and musical instruments. Recently, the district has gained recognition as a “Birding Capital,” with the highest bird density around Sengor, Yonkola, and Lingmithang.

SENGOR & YONKOLA

A short 26 km stretch of broad-leaved forest between Sengor and Yonkola in eastern Bhutan is hailed by birders as the “Birding Capital of the World.” This lush forest paradise is home to a remarkable diversity of bird species, making it a must-visit destination for birdwatching enthusiasts seeking rare and exotic sightings in their natural habitat.

KURICHU HYDROPOWER PLANT MONGAR

The Kurichhu Hydropower Plant is located at Gyalpozhing, Mongar, on the Kurichhu River in Eastern Bhutan. It is a run-of-river scheme, with a dam of height 55 m (from its deepest foundation) and with the silhouette of mountain beneath , makes this place worth a visit.

DAMETSE MONASTRY MONGAR

This monastery was founded in the 16th century by Anita Cheten Zangmo the granddaughter of Terton Pema Lingpa. It is today the biggest seat of the Peling Buddhism in Eastern Bhutan.The monastery is also famous as the origin of Drametse Ngachham, a mask dance sequence with beautiful choreography that has been recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the oral and intangible cultural heritage of the world.

LHUNTSE

Lhuntse, one of Bhutan’s most remote dzongkhags (altitude 600–5,800 m), is scattered across eight blocks in the northeastern corner of the kingdom. Known as the spiritual home of Bhutan’s kings, it also hosts many sacred pilgrimage sites and vibrant Bon rituals. Key places to visit include Khoma, Gangzur, and Takila villages.

GANGZUR VILLAGE 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.

KHOMA VILLAGE 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.

TAKILA GURU STATUE

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.

TRASHIGANG

Trashigang, Bhutan’s largest district, is home to scenic villages like Radhi, Merak, Sakten, and Rangjung, and enjoys a mild, pleasant climate. The Dangmechu River flows through the region, and the 650 km² Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary shelters diverse flora and fauna. Trashigang features ancient monasteries, offers glimpses of nomadic Brokpa life in Merak and Sakten, traditional Tshangla culture, and local experiences like Radhi women at work or tasting the local Ara beverage. The district is known for its unspoilt beauty and friendly, hospitable people.

RADHI VILLAGE

Radhi village, often called the “Rice Bowl of the East,” is famous for its lush rice fields and skilled weavers. With around 200 households, the villagers grow rice and, during off-agricultural seasons, create fine raw silk and bura textiles using traditional back-strap looms and natural dyes. Radhi is renowned for producing some of Bhutan’s most authentic, high-quality silk textiles.

MERAK & SAKTENG

Long closed to outsiders, the remote regions of Merak and Sakten are known as the “twin jewels of the East.” Visitors can trek to the sacred Jomo Kuengkhar mountain, witness unique yak dances, or enjoy the nomadic opera Ache-Lhamo. Here, travelers experience the Brokpa people’s simple generosity, traditional yak-skin garments, and timeless tales of the yeti that are central to local lore.

RANGJUNG WOEDSEL CHOLING MONASTRY

The Rangjung Monastery, located in north Trashigang, serves as the religious headquarters of Dungsay Garab Rinpoche. It is the largest monastery complex in the region and stands as the spiritual hub of eastern Bhutan. The monastery not only hosts monks for daily practice but also attracts pilgrims from across eastern Bhutan, offering teachings, rituals, and a center for learning the Nyingma tradition. Its impressive architecture, serene surroundings, and sacred artifacts make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the spiritual heart of eastern Bhutan.

TRASHIYANGTSE

Trashiyangtse, the easternmost district of Bhutan bordering Arunachal Pradesh in India, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. The district is home to the Black-Necked Cranes and the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, which protects temperate fir forests and habitats for species like Bengal tigers and leopards. Locals are skilled woodworkers, and traditional crafts such as wooden bowl making and Bhutanese paper production thrive here. Trashiyangtse also hosts the Zorig Chusum institute, dedicated to teaching the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.

GOMPHU KORA

Gomphu means “Meditation Cave” and Kora means circumambulation. Hundreds of devotees visit this sacred please which comes alive once every year in spring. The people all over Eastern Bhutan descend on the narrow valley, dressed in their finery, to partake in the festivity to worship and to reaffirm their connection with the past. The festival even draws the the Dakpa tribe from neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh(India). Some say the Dakpas have done this for more than a millennium, beginning shortly after Guru Padmasambhava Sanctified the place in 8th century AD and prophesied that devotees will flock to Gomphu Kora for eons to celebrate the triumph of good over evil

CHORTEN KORA

Chorten Kora was built in the 18th century by Lama Ngawang Lodro. Modeled after the famous Boudhnath stupa inNepal, it tool 12 years to construct the stupa which was consecrated by Chief abbot of Bhutan, Je Yonten Thaye. A popular belief is that when stupa is constructed , a pious dakini princess from Arunachal Pradesh in India entombed herself within to meditate on behalf of all beings. Every year the stupa is a venue for two popular festivals-the Dakpa Kora & Drukpa Kora. These festivals are attended by Dhakpa tribe from Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutanese from all over Eastern Bhutan.

BUMDELING WILDLIFE SANCHURY TRASHIYANGTSE

Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, in north-eastern Bhutan, spans 1,545 sq. km with a 420 sq. km buffer zone across Trashiyangtse, Lhuntse, and Mongar districts, bordering Tibet and India. It shelters around 100 mammal species, including snow leopards, Royal Bengal tigers, and red pandas. Each winter, about 150 black-necked cranes migrate here, while the sanctuary is also home to over 130 butterfly species, with more expected. Beyond its rich biodiversity, it houses significant religious sites like Rigsum Gompa, Singye Dzong, and the scenic Dechenphodrang Lhakhang.