Exploring the Hidden Gems of Eastern Bhutan
Table of Contents
Introduction
Eastern Bhutan, with its six districts, is a region that remains largely undiscovered by most tourists and local tour operators. The historical challenge of accessing this area was primarily because the only airport in Bhutan was located in Paro in the west. This meant that reaching eastern Bhutan required travelers to backtrack across the country on the only highway available. However, recent developments, including new entry and exit points at Samdrup Jongkhar and easy access through the Guwahati International Airport in India, have opened up eastern Bhutan to visitors. This article aims to showcase the beauty of the Mongar district and its surroundings, inviting all kinds of travelers, from adventurers to cultural enthusiasts, to explore these lesser-known destinations.
Discovering Eastern Bhutan
Eastern Bhutan is surrounded by Tashigang, Lhuntse, Pema Gatshel, Samdrup Jongkhar, and Tashi Yangtse. Each district offers a unique experience:
Lhuntse: The Hidden Paradise
Lhuntse, located 78 km from Monger (approximately a 3-hour drive), is one of Bhutan’s most isolated districts. The landscape is breathtaking, with towering cliffs, deep river gorges, and dense forests. The region is renowned for its weavers, who produce some of the country’s finest textiles. The Kurtoe region of Lhuntse is also significant as it is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s monarchy.
Tashi Yangtse: A Cultural Hub
Trashiyangtse is a rapidly developing town and serves as the administrative center of the district. Nestled in a small river valley, it offers picturesque walks in the surrounding countryside. The town’s dzong, built in the late 1990s, overlooks the town and is a must-visit. Trashiyangtse is famous for its wooden containers and bowls, which make for affordable and attractive souvenirs. The Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students study Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts, is also located here.
Samdrup Jongkhar: The Gateway to the South
The completion of the road from Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar in the 1960s opened up trade routes between the eastern half of Bhutan and the south, as well as across the Indian border. While there isn’t much to see in this area, the bustling market that straddles the border is worth a visit. Samdrup Jongkhar serves as a convenient exit town for tourists planning to visit the neighboring Indian state of Assam.
Tashigang: The Eastern Junction
Trashigang, situated in the far east of Bhutan, is the country’s largest district. The town, perched on a hillside above the Gamri Chu River, was once a thriving trade center with Tibet. Today, it serves as a hub for the east-west highway, connecting to Samdrup Jongkhar and Assam. Trashigang is also known for its unique traditional dress, worn by the semi-nomadic people of Merak and Sakteng, who primarily trade in this town.
Pema Gatshel: A Rural Gem
Pemagatshel is Bhutan’s smallest district, located on the trade route between Trashigang and Assam. It is a rural district with scattered gypsum mines. The village in Pema Gatshel is renowned for its skilled craftsmen, particularly in the art of making musical instruments.
Mongar: The Gateway to Eastern Bhutan
The journey from Bumthang to Monger, crossing the 4,000m high Thrumsing-la pass, offers breathtaking scenery. Mongar, the second-largest town in the subtropical east, is built on a gently sloping hillside. Despite being constructed in the 1930s, Mongar Dzong showcases traditional Bhutanese architecture without the use of plans or nails, illustrating the enduring nature of this architectural style.
Conclusion
Eastern Bhutan offers a wealth of cultural and natural wonders waiting to be discovered by intrepid travelers. The recent improvements in accessibility make it easier than ever to explore these hidden gems and experience the authentic way of life in Bhutan.
