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Destination in Bhutan
Historically, Bumthang is the most important district (dzongkhag) in Bhutan. It’s is the cultural heartland of the country, home to some of the most ancient Buddhist sites. The district has four gewogs or administrative blocks: Chhoekhor, Chhume, Tang, and Ura.
The scenic valleys of Bumthang are famed for their natural beauty because of which the district attracts a large number of tourists each year. Tourists compare Bumthang to Switzerland, for its low-lying valleys and pasturelands.
The district center is Jakar and over it sits the sprawling and sparkling Jakar Dzong – ‘Castle of the White Bird’. And a babbling river – Chamkhar Chhu- runs by the town. Apart from the Jakar Dzong (built in 1677), Bumthang also features the old Wangdichholing Palace built in 1857.
Built in 659 AD by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, Jampa Lhakhang is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan. Another significant temple in the valley is Kurjey Lhakhang, an important place of pilgrimage. The temple was built around a rock on which Guru Padmasambhava left an imprint of his body while meditating there in the eighth century.
Bumthang is also known for the famous lake called Mebar Tsho or the Burning Lake in Tang where the great treasure revealer Terton Pema Lingpa discovered the sacred spiritual texts and relics hidden in the eighth century by Guru Padmasambhava.
The district has breweries, wineries, fruit and honey-based cottage industries, and the popular Swiss Dairy Farm. The regional cuisine includes buckwheat pancakes called Khuli and buckwheat noodles called Puta. Bumthang also produces Yathra, a handspun weave made of yak hair and sheep wool.
Places of Interest: Jakar Dzong, Wangdichholing Palace, Jampa Lhakhang, Kencho Sum Lhakhang, Lhodrak Kharchu Dratshang, Tak Rimochen, Kurje Lhakhang, Tharpaling Goemba, Tamzhing Lhakhang, Thukten Shedrup Dargay Choling Goemba, Mebar Tsho.
Located in the extreme northwest, Gasa is the true Abode of the Himalayas. Its divine glaciers and sky-piercing peaks share northern frontiers with Tibet. The region experiences long harsh winters and short beautiful summers. Bhutan’s two major rivers, the Phochhu and the Mochhu, originate from the glaciers of Gasa.
The major cultural hallmark is the beautiful Gasa Trashi Thongmoen Dzong, built in 1648 and named after the region’s protecting deity Trashi Thongmoen. The Dzong is circular in shape and has three watch towers at strategic points.
Gasa is famous for its natural hot springs, which are known for their medicinal prowess. The soaking ponds attract huge number visitors, both locals and tourists, each year. The region has a great floral and faunal diversity including the country’s national animal -- Takin -- and the national flower -- Blue Poppy. Others animals found include Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Blue Sheep, and Mountain Goats.
The country’s most formidable trekking route, the Snowman Trail, runs through Gasa. People rear yaks, but their major source of income is the highly valued medicinal animal-plant cordyceps sinensis. Their annual festivals include the Auwlay, celebrated in the fall, and Bongko, celebrated in the spring.
Places of Interest: Gasa Trashi Thongmoen Dzong, Hot springs, Throe Lhakhang, Dung Goemba, Drophel Choling, Sebji Goemba, Yonzho Lhakhang, Jangchuk Choling, Bumpa Lhakhang, Tshodzong Lhakhang, Dzongridra Lhakhang, the ruins of Tenzin Drugyal Nagtshang.
Haa perhaps is the most mysterious and mythic of the twenty districts. It’s the ancestral home of the Royal Grandmother, Her Royal Highness Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck.
This western most district adjoins the districts of Paro, Chhukha, and Samtse covering an area of 1,706.8 square kilometer. People of Haa grow wheat, potatoes, barley, and millet. They are a bunch of hardy highlanders with a set of unique customs and traditions.
They celebrate their new year – known as Lomba - much earlier than people in other parts of country. During the celebrations a unique dish called Habi Hoento is much cherished. The dish is basically a dumpling of buckwheat filled with pungent grated turnip, dried turnip greens, mushroom, garlic, onion, and cabbage.
The people of Haa practice shamanistic traditions alongside Buddhist practices. The most significant of the shamanistic traditions is the annual ceremony to honor the guardian deity of the valley – Ap Chhundu.
The Wangchu Lo Dzong, the former district center, was built in 1915 to replace the older Dumchog Dzong which was destroyed by fire. Another towering fortress, the Dobji Dzong, was built in 1531 by Ngawang Chogyal. It sits atop a ridge and can be seen from the road to Chhukha.
Places of Interest: Wangchu Lo Dzong, Dobji Dzong, Haa Town, Lhakhang Karpo, Lhakhang Nagpo, Tagchu Goemba, Shekhar Drak Temple.
This remote district with a population of about 15,000 people is the spiritual home to Bhutan’s beloved kings. Known also as Kurtoe, the district boasts some of the most sacred sites of pilgrimage in the country.
Its majestic fortress, the Lhuentse Dzong, was built in 1552. It was enlarged in 1966 and renamed Lhundub Rinchen Tse Dzong. The other two places of significance are the Choeje Nagtshang and the famed Singye Dzong, one of the most important sites of pilgrimage in Bhutan.
The present lineage of Bhutan’s royal family comes from the House of Dungkar in Lhuentse from where Jigme Namgyel, the progenitor of the Wangchuck dynasty, set out to conquer and unify the country in the late 19th century.
The Jangchubling Monastery is another important religious seat. It was founded in the 18th century, and the daughter of Bhutan’s first king, Her Royal Highness Ashi Wangmo lived out the end of her days as a nun at the monastery.
The people of Lhuentse are mostly paddy farmers. They also grow maize, millet, barley, wheat, and buckwheat.
Lhuentse is celebrated for its fine textile tradition and some of the best weaves in the country come from Khoma village. This highly sophisticated and exquisite silk textile is called the Kishuthara, and is a major attraction for tourists. The textiles are available in most handicraft shops in the capital.
The people of Lhuentse still practice many shamanic bon rituals, the most significant being called Choedpas, a mask dance performance similar to other major festivals of western and central Bhutan. The region is also renowned for its rich folk songs.
Places of Interest: Lhuentse Dzong, Dungkar Nagtshang, Choeje Nagsthang, Singye Dzong, Kilung Lhakhang, Jangchubling Monastery, Khinyel Lhakhang, Khoma Village.
Mongar district presents a spectacular landscape with stiff cliffs, vertiginous ravines, and dense conifer forests. Known as Zhongar in earlier times, it is one major district of eastern Bhutan.
It borders Bumthang, Lhuentse, Pemagatshel, and Trashigang districts. Mongar is fabled for its famous weavers who produce some of the finest textiles and fabrics, often considered to be the best in the country.
Among its important religious sites is the Drametse Monastery, built in the 16th century by the daughter of Bhutan’s most renowned treasure revealer, Terton Pema Lingpa. The Drametse Ngacham or the ‘Dance of the Drums’ originates from this monastery. The dance is today listed under UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
The Aja Ney is another popular sacred site where pilgrims from other parts of the country frequent. The Ney is believed to be blessed by Guru Rinpoche where a sacred rock bearing the 100 renditions of the syllable ‘Aa’ is a major attraction.
The people of Mongar grow paddy, maize, potatoes, and fruits. Some sections of the people still practice Bonism. For example, Kharphud, a Bon ritual to appease local deities and spirits is an annual feature in some regions of the district.
Places of Interest: Mongar Dzong, Zhongar Dzong (in ruins), Drametse Monastery, Aja Ney, Yagang Lhakhang, Jarung Khashor Choeten, Kurizampa Choeten, Korila Choeten, Kurichhu Hydroelectric Dam.
Paro, where Bhutan’s only international airport is located, is famed for its fertile valleys, ancient religious sites, and its hard-working no-nonsense inhabitants. The district is known as the rice bowl of Bhutan from where the country’s staple red rice comes.
Paro’s historical significance cannot be under-stressed for it was here many battles were fought and schemes fomented. Its strategic location, bordering Tibet, made it the core of old politics.
One of the most impressive fortresses of Bhutan -- Paro Dzong – sits atop a scenic knoll. It was built by Zhanbdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1649 and it helped the Bhutanese immensely in defending their country’s sovereignty. And just above it is the country’s National Museum called the Taa Dzong.
Among its holy sites are the Taktshang Monastery, Dungtse Lhakhang, Kyichu Lhakhang, and Ragoedrak Lhakhang. The Taktshang Monastery, or ‘Tiger’s Nest Monastery’, sits on a vertiginous rock cliff, some 3,000 feet above the valley floor. Legends say that Guru Padmasambhava flew to the cliff on the back of a tigress where he meditated for three months. However, it was only in 1684 that the monastery was built and the name ‘Taktshang’ given by the fourth Deb Raja Gyalsey Tenzin Rabgye.
The ruins of Drukgyal Dzong or the ‘Victory Fortress’ is another fascinating site. Among the oldest and the grandest, The Drukgyal Dzong was built between 1647 and 1649 during the time of Zhabdrung to commemorate the victory of the Bhutanese over the Tibetan forces. Exactly three hundred and two years later, the victory fortress was swallowed by flames zeroing most of it right to the ground it once stood proudly on. The people of Paro are known for their industriousness and no-nonsense attitude to life. Like their neighbors in Haa, they also celebrate their new year a bit early. Families come together during the occasion and prayers are conducted to ward off evil and bring good fortunes. The five-day Paro tsechu is a major tourist attraction. It’s one of the biggest religious celebrations in the country. Paro also boasts several modern luxury hotels and resorts. The awesome seven-star Zhiwa Ling stands close by the upscale Amankora.
Places of Interest: Paro Rinchen Pung Dzong, Drukgyal Dzong (in ruins), Taa Dzong (National Museum), Taktshang Monastery, Goensakha Lhakhang, Gorina Lhakhang, Kila Goemba, Druk Choeding Lhakhang, Dungtse Lhakhang, Kyichu Lhakhang, Kunzang Chholing Lhakhang, Yutoe Goemba, Ragoedrak Lhakhang, Nangkar Goemba, Sangchokhor Goemba, Dzongdrakha Goemba, Tachog Lhakhang, Paro Town.
Punakha is historical heart of Bhutan. The district is witness to most momentous events in the country’s history. It was in Punakha that Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal first established the Chhoesid Nyiden, the dual system of government. In 1651, Punakha was named the capital of the newly unified country.
It was in Punakha, in 1907, where the Bhutanese people unanimously elected their first king His Majesty Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck. The first session of the country’s Parliament was also held in the Punakha Dzong in 1955. Punakha Dzong still serves as the winter residence of the national monastic body.
Punakha Dzong, also known as Punthang Dewa Chenpoi Phodrang or the ‘Palace of Great Bliss’, houses the sacred Machen Lhakhang, the sanctum where the relic of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal is preserved. It’s from this temple that the kings of Bhutan receive their blessings and ceremonial scarves for their coronation.
The district is home to several ancient temples like the Chimmi Lhakhang that honors Lama Drukpa Kunley, known across the entire Himalayan belt as the ‘Divine Madman’. Other holy sites include the Talo Sanga Choling, Nyeb Goemba, Tsehphu Monastery, and the recently built Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Choeten.
The people of Punakha are known as Punaps. They are a hard-working bunch of folks and speak the national language Dzongkha. Some parts of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park fall in the district. The climate is warm and humid with relatively cool winters. Rice paddy is the most popular crop of Punakha. The punaps also grow wheat, chilies, bananas, and persimmon. The Layaps and Lunaps of Gasa who live in the cold highlands migrate to Punakha in the winter.
Punakha Domchen is the major festival of the region and draws thousands of tourists each year. Other religious festivals include Talo Tsechu and Dado Tsechu.
Tourists also go rafting on the valley’s Mochu River.
Places of Interest: Punakha Dzong, Chimmi Lhakhang, Talo Sanga Choling, Nyeb Goemba, Tsephu Monastery, Dzongchhung, Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Choeten.
Samdrup Jongkhar is the commercial hub of eastern Bhutan. It shares border with the Indian town of Daranga, and is three-hour drive from Guwahati, the capital of the Indian state of Assam. The district is a sub-tropical belt with rich flora and fauna.
In 1837, the British Political Officer Captain Pemberton entered Bhutan from Samdrup Jongkhar. The area also saw frequent border skirmishes between the Bhutanese and the British India in the 19th century.
It was in Dewathang, about 18 kilometers from Samdrup Jongkhar town toward Trashigang, where Bhutan fought its last battle with the British in 1884. Jigme Namgyel, the father Bhutan’s first hereditary monarch, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck, led the Bhutanese troops and put up a strong resistance against the better equipped British.
There are two major ethnic groups in Samdrup Jongkhar – the Tshanglas and the Lhotshampas. The former are Buddhist and the latter Hindu. They are basically farmers growing mostly maize, paddy rice, oranges, and chilies.
Samdrup Jongkhar is aptly called the gateway to eastern Bhutan. As the ancient trading port, people from eastern Bhutan travelled to Samdrup Jongkhar to exchange goods and services with merchants from Assam.
The town is now opened to tourists as entry or exit point.
Places of Interest: Zangdopelri Lhakgang, Rock painting of Guru Rinpoche in Che Kilo, Samdrup Jhongkhar Dzong, Memorial Choeten in Dewathang.
Trashigang is one of the largest districts in the country located at the easternmost part of the map. It borders the northeast Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. With its temperate climate, the district is rich is flora and fauna.
Perhaps, the most fascinating landmark of this district is the dzong that sits atop a narrow spur overlooking the Dangmechhu River. The imposing fortress was built in 1667 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa and was the political stronghold of eastern Bhutan for a very long time.
Equally fascinating is the Trashigang town itself, a narrow perch along the steep cliffs and deep gorges. The district has several ancient temples and monasteries, and a wide range of ethnic groups who speak different dialects. Bhutan’s oldest seat of modern learning – Sherubtse College – is also located here.
There are brokpas of Merak and Sakten, the extreme highlanders rich in their own culture. Then there are the bramis, kurtoeps, and khengpas. However, the overwhelming majority are the Tshanglas who speak sharchopkha. The Tshanglas are the aboriginal settlers of the region.
The huge ethnic diversity gives this district some of the country’s unique cultural practices. For example, the Yak Cham or ‘Dance of Yaks’ and the Ache Lhamo dance are unique to the Brokpas. Brokpas are basically highland Yak herders and have their own dress, made of animal hair and yak hide.
The people of Trashigang brew a variety of alcohol, the most popular being ara. They are expert weavers and metal workers. For example, bura, a unique textile made from nettle plant, is woven in Radhi village. Ground maize is the staple diet of the people, although they also grow rice paddy and potatoes.
Places of Interest: Trashigang Dzong, Rangjung Woeserchholing Monastery, Borangtse Lhakhang, Yonphula Lhakhang, Chador Lhakhang, Thromang Lhakhang, Kanglung Zangtopelri, Yonphu Lhakhang, Merak and Sakten village, Sherubtse College, Yonphula Airstrip.
Created in 1992, Trashiyangtse is the newest district in Bhutan. It was formerly part of Trashigang. The district’s climate ranges from sub-tropical in the south to alpine temperatures in the north.
The people of Trashitangtse, known as the Yangtseps, are fun-loving Buddhist folks. The district is home several important monasteries and temples, including the Dongdi Dzong, now known as Trashiyangtse Dzong. Other popular temples are the Rigsum Goemba and the Gomphu Kora.
The district also features the famous Iron Chain Bridge over the Kholong River at Duksum built by the Tibetan King Dupthob Thangthong Gyalpo. Another popular landmark is the ruins of Tshenkharla Dzong, a castle like structure built by a Tibetan prince.
Like the neighboring district of Trashigang, Trashiyangtse also has diverse ethnic communities that speak different dialects. Apart from the majority Tshanglas, there are Bramis, Khangpas, and Kurtoeps.
The farmers of Trashiyangtse grow maize, rice paddy, wheat, barley, and buckwheat. They are also known for their expertise in wood work and traditional paper making. It has rich flora and fauna. And apart from Phobjikha in Wangduephodrang, Bumdeling in Trashiyangtse is another bigger winter roosting ground of the rare and endangered black-necked cranes.
Places of Interest: Choeten Kora Stupa, Gomphu Kora Lhakhang, Dongdi Dzong, Duksum Iron Chain Bridge, New Trashiyangtse Dzong, Omba Nye, Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, Institute of Zorig Chusum.
The seat of the Bhutanese government, the Thimphu district is a veritable mixture of modernity and tradition. It’s a sprawling capital city where people from all parts of the country live.
With a population of 110,000 people, the district boasts an urban sophistication not seen in other districts of the country. Apart from its many significant temples, dzongs, and monasteries, Thimphu also has other modern attractions like the Parliament House, the National Library, the Convention Hall, and the Heritage Museum, among others.
Among its major landmarks are the Tashichhodzong (which houses the office of His Majesty the King), the Changangkha Lhakhang (built by the illustrious Lama Phajo Drugom Zhigpo), the National Memorial Choeten, the Decehhenphu Monatsery, and the Pangrizampa Lhakhang.
The original ethnic residents of the district are mainly ngalongpas who speak the national language Dzongkha. There are also other ethnic groups like the bjobs. They are the highlanders of Dagala, Lingzhi, Soe, and Naro. The natives of Thimphu grow rice paddy, mushrooms, asparagus, and other cash crops.
In the capital itself, people from all across the country live and work. All major government offices (including the prime minister’s office), corporate headquarters, and other agencies are located in Thimphu.
The city of Thimphu perhaps is one of the fastest growing urban centers in the world. The city is rapidly expanding and hundreds of constructions are going on at any given time of the year. There are modern discotheques and traditional drayangs. There are traditional homes and there are modern five-star hotels.
Through the heart of the city flows the Thimphu River, and by its banks is located the biggest and idyllic park for children and adults. It makes an ideal spot for family picnics and gatherings. His Majesty the King’s modest palace also lies by the bank of the river just below the Tashichhodzong.
Places of Interest: Tashichhodzong, Pangrizampa Lhakhang, Cheri Monastery, Tango Monastery, Changangkha Lhakgang, Wangdue Tse Monastery, Chezig Samtencholing Lhakhang, Dechhenphu Monastery, Dodey Drak Monastery, Tashigang Goenba, Dechenphodrang Lhakhang, Samaringkha Drana Monastery, Samarzingkha Lhakhang, Phajoding Monastery, the National Memorial Choeten, Thadrak Goemba, Dochula Choetens, Gyalyong Tshokhang (Parliament House), National Library, Institute of Zorig Chusum, Drakstho Vocational Institute, Heritage Meusum.
Trongsa carries the old heartbeat of ancient Bhutan. The district is historically significant and has close connection to the lineage of Bhutan’s kings. This importance is reflected today in the fact that all Kings of Bhutan are first instituted as the Trongsa Penlop before they assume the Golden Throne.
The district has one of the rarest ethnic groups of Bhutanese called the Monpas. There are only 261 of them in the entire country and are considered to be among the oldest inhabitants of Bhutan. The largest ethnic group, called the Mangdips, speaks the Mangdipkha.
The sprawling red-roofed Trongsa Dzong, where the investiture ceremony of the Trongsa Penlop takes place, was built by Chogyal Minjur Tempa in 1647. The dzong is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family. The dzong houses the Zim Khang or sleeping quarters of His Majesty the second King Jigme Wangchuck.
The Ta Dzong or ‘Watch Tower’, which sits on a promontory above the town, was recently converted into the Monarchy Museum. Among the regions other significant structures are the Kuenga Rabten Palace, Nubji Lhakhang, Eundu Chholing Palace, Thruepang Palace, and the Chendebji Stupa.
Rice and maize is the staple of the region. The people grow maize, rice paddy, millet, and buckwheat. The Jigmi Singye Wangchuck National Park is home to several wildlife species like Red Panda, Golden Langur, Sambar, Musk Deer, Himalayan Black Bear, and Bengal Tiger.
Places of Interest: Trongsa Dzong, Monarchy Museum, Chendebji Stupa, Kadam Lhakhang, Innchholing Lhakhang, Drala Goemba, Kuenga Rabten Palace, Langthel Waterfall.
Popularly known as the ‘sha’ region, Wangduephodrang stands gateway to several other districts in eastern and southern Bhutan. It is also a multi-lingual district with several ethnic communities. The district’s climate ranges from sub-tropical in the south to temperate and almost alpine in the north.
The Wangduephodrang Dzong is one of the most fascinating fortresses in the country. It’s perched on a ridge overlooking the Punatshangchu and Dangchu Rivers and was built by the Zhabdrung himself in 1639.
The district is home to more than a dozen significant religious sites, including temples and monasteries. One of them is the popular Gangtey Monastery, also known as Gangtey Sanga Choeling Goemba. The monastery is located in Phobjikha, the famous winter roosting grounds for the endangered black-necked cranes.
Most people in Wangduephodrang speak the national language – Dzongkha. The people are known for their fondness for archery, the national game of Bhutan. The region is also known for ancient ballads.
Like many other districts in the country, Wangduephodrang also presents rich biodiversity in terms of flora and fauna. The district is a birder’s paradise with more than 390 species of birds found in the region. Some rare birds like the White-Bellied Heron and Spotted Eagle are found only in Wangduephodrang.
The people of Wangduephodrang grow rice paddy, wheat and other cereals. They also grow potatoes abundantly.
Places of Interest: Wangduephodrang Dzong, Dolong Goemba, Rinchenling Shedra, Nyizergang Lhakhang, Tashila Ropeway, Phobjikha Valley, Gangtey Monastery.
Destination in Bhutan
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Bumthang
Historically, Bumthang is the most important district (dzongkhag) in Bhutan. It’s is the cultural heartland of the country, home to some of the most ancient Buddhist sites. The district has four gewogs or administrative blocks: Chhoekhor, Chhume, Tang, and Ura.
The scenic valleys of Bumthang are famed for their natural beauty because of which the district attracts a large number of tourists each year. Tourists compare Bumthang to Switzerland, for its low-lying valleys and pasturelands.
The district center is Jakar and over it sits the sprawling and sparkling Jakar Dzong – ‘Castle of the White Bird’. And a babbling river – Chamkhar Chhu- runs by the town. Apart from the Jakar Dzong (built in 1677), Bumthang also features the old Wangdichholing Palace built in 1857.
Built in 659 AD by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, Jampa Lhakhang is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan. Another significant temple in the valley is Kurjey Lhakhang, an important place of pilgrimage. The temple was built around a rock on which Guru Padmasambhava left an imprint of his body while meditating there in the eighth century.
Bumthang is also known for the famous lake called Mebar Tsho or the Burning Lake in Tang where the great treasure revealer Terton Pema Lingpa discovered the sacred spiritual texts and relics hidden in the eighth century by Guru Padmasambhava.
The district has breweries, wineries, fruit and honey-based cottage industries, and the popular Swiss Dairy Farm. The regional cuisine includes buckwheat pancakes called Khuli and buckwheat noodles called Puta. Bumthang also produces Yathra, a handspun weave made of yak hair and sheep wool.
Places of Interest: Jakar Dzong, Wangdichholing Palace, Jampa Lhakhang, Kencho Sum Lhakhang, Lhodrak Kharchu Dratshang, Tak Rimochen, Kurje Lhakhang, Tharpaling Goemba, Tamzhing Lhakhang, Thukten Shedrup Dargay Choling Goemba, Mebar Tsho.
Gasa
Located in the extreme northwest, Gasa is the true Abode of the Himalayas. Its divine glaciers and sky-piercing peaks share northern frontiers with Tibet. The region experiences long harsh winters and short beautiful summers. Bhutan’s two major rivers, the Phochhu and the Mochhu, originate from the glaciers of Gasa.
The major cultural hallmark is the beautiful Gasa Trashi Thongmoen Dzong, built in 1648 and named after the region’s protecting deity Trashi Thongmoen. The Dzong is circular in shape and has three watch towers at strategic points.
Gasa is famous for its natural hot springs, which are known for their medicinal prowess. The soaking ponds attract huge number visitors, both locals and tourists, each year. The region has a great floral and faunal diversity including the country’s national animal -- Takin -- and the national flower -- Blue Poppy. Others animals found include Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Blue Sheep, and Mountain Goats.
The country’s most formidable trekking route, the Snowman Trail, runs through Gasa. People rear yaks, but their major source of income is the highly valued medicinal animal-plant cordyceps sinensis. Their annual festivals include the Auwlay, celebrated in the fall, and Bongko, celebrated in the spring.
Places of Interest: Gasa Trashi Thongmoen Dzong, Hot springs, Throe Lhakhang, Dung Goemba, Drophel Choling, Sebji Goemba, Yonzho Lhakhang, Jangchuk Choling, Bumpa Lhakhang, Tshodzong Lhakhang, Dzongridra Lhakhang, the ruins of Tenzin Drugyal Nagtshang.
Haa
Haa perhaps is the most mysterious and mythic of the twenty districts. It’s the ancestral home of the Royal Grandmother, Her Royal Highness Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck.
This western most district adjoins the districts of Paro, Chhukha, and Samtse covering an area of 1,706.8 square kilometer. People of Haa grow wheat, potatoes, barley, and millet. They are a bunch of hardy highlanders with a set of unique customs and traditions.
They celebrate their new year – known as Lomba - much earlier than people in other parts of country. During the celebrations a unique dish called Habi Hoento is much cherished. The dish is basically a dumpling of buckwheat filled with pungent grated turnip, dried turnip greens, mushroom, garlic, onion, and cabbage.
The people of Haa practice shamanistic traditions alongside Buddhist practices. The most significant of the shamanistic traditions is the annual ceremony to honor the guardian deity of the valley – Ap Chhundu.
The Wangchu Lo Dzong, the former district center, was built in 1915 to replace the older Dumchog Dzong which was destroyed by fire. Another towering fortress, the Dobji Dzong, was built in 1531 by Ngawang Chogyal. It sits atop a ridge and can be seen from the road to Chhukha.
Places of Interest: Wangchu Lo Dzong, Dobji Dzong, Haa Town, Lhakhang Karpo, Lhakhang Nagpo, Tagchu Goemba, Shekhar Drak Temple.
Lhuentse
This remote district with a population of about 15,000 people is the spiritual home to Bhutan’s beloved kings. Known also as Kurtoe, the district boasts some of the most sacred sites of pilgrimage in the country.
Its majestic fortress, the Lhuentse Dzong, was built in 1552. It was enlarged in 1966 and renamed Lhundub Rinchen Tse Dzong. The other two places of significance are the Choeje Nagtshang and the famed Singye Dzong, one of the most important sites of pilgrimage in Bhutan.
The present lineage of Bhutan’s royal family comes from the House of Dungkar in Lhuentse from where Jigme Namgyel, the progenitor of the Wangchuck dynasty, set out to conquer and unify the country in the late 19th century.
The Jangchubling Monastery is another important religious seat. It was founded in the 18th century, and the daughter of Bhutan’s first king, Her Royal Highness Ashi Wangmo lived out the end of her days as a nun at the monastery.
The people of Lhuentse are mostly paddy farmers. They also grow maize, millet, barley, wheat, and buckwheat.
Lhuentse is celebrated for its fine textile tradition and some of the best weaves in the country come from Khoma village. This highly sophisticated and exquisite silk textile is called the Kishuthara, and is a major attraction for tourists. The textiles are available in most handicraft shops in the capital.
The people of Lhuentse still practice many shamanic bon rituals, the most significant being called Choedpas, a mask dance performance similar to other major festivals of western and central Bhutan. The region is also renowned for its rich folk songs.
Places of Interest: Lhuentse Dzong, Dungkar Nagtshang, Choeje Nagsthang, Singye Dzong, Kilung Lhakhang, Jangchubling Monastery, Khinyel Lhakhang, Khoma Village.
Mongar
Mongar district presents a spectacular landscape with stiff cliffs, vertiginous ravines, and dense conifer forests. Known as Zhongar in earlier times, it is one major district of eastern Bhutan.
It borders Bumthang, Lhuentse, Pemagatshel, and Trashigang districts. Mongar is fabled for its famous weavers who produce some of the finest textiles and fabrics, often considered to be the best in the country.
Among its important religious sites is the Drametse Monastery, built in the 16th century by the daughter of Bhutan’s most renowned treasure revealer, Terton Pema Lingpa. The Drametse Ngacham or the ‘Dance of the Drums’ originates from this monastery. The dance is today listed under UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
The Aja Ney is another popular sacred site where pilgrims from other parts of the country frequent. The Ney is believed to be blessed by Guru Rinpoche where a sacred rock bearing the 100 renditions of the syllable ‘Aa’ is a major attraction.
The people of Mongar grow paddy, maize, potatoes, and fruits. Some sections of the people still practice Bonism. For example, Kharphud, a Bon ritual to appease local deities and spirits is an annual feature in some regions of the district.
Places of Interest: Mongar Dzong, Zhongar Dzong (in ruins), Drametse Monastery, Aja Ney, Yagang Lhakhang, Jarung Khashor Choeten, Kurizampa Choeten, Korila Choeten, Kurichhu Hydroelectric Dam.
Paro
Paro, where Bhutan’s only international airport is located, is famed for its fertile valleys, ancient religious sites, and its hard-working no-nonsense inhabitants. The district is known as the rice bowl of Bhutan from where the country’s staple red rice comes.
Paro’s historical significance cannot be under-stressed for it was here many battles were fought and schemes fomented. Its strategic location, bordering Tibet, made it the core of old politics.
One of the most impressive fortresses of Bhutan -- Paro Dzong – sits atop a scenic knoll. It was built by Zhanbdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1649 and it helped the Bhutanese immensely in defending their country’s sovereignty. And just above it is the country’s National Museum called the Taa Dzong.
Among its holy sites are the Taktshang Monastery, Dungtse Lhakhang, Kyichu Lhakhang, and Ragoedrak Lhakhang. The Taktshang Monastery, or ‘Tiger’s Nest Monastery’, sits on a vertiginous rock cliff, some 3,000 feet above the valley floor. Legends say that Guru Padmasambhava flew to the cliff on the back of a tigress where he meditated for three months. However, it was only in 1684 that the monastery was built and the name ‘Taktshang’ given by the fourth Deb Raja Gyalsey Tenzin Rabgye.
The ruins of Drukgyal Dzong or the ‘Victory Fortress’ is another fascinating site. Among the oldest and the grandest, The Drukgyal Dzong was built between 1647 and 1649 during the time of Zhabdrung to commemorate the victory of the Bhutanese over the Tibetan forces. Exactly three hundred and two years later, the victory fortress was swallowed by flames zeroing most of it right to the ground it once stood proudly on. The people of Paro are known for their industriousness and no-nonsense attitude to life. Like their neighbors in Haa, they also celebrate their new year a bit early. Families come together during the occasion and prayers are conducted to ward off evil and bring good fortunes. The five-day Paro tsechu is a major tourist attraction. It’s one of the biggest religious celebrations in the country. Paro also boasts several modern luxury hotels and resorts. The awesome seven-star Zhiwa Ling stands close by the upscale Amankora.
Places of Interest: Paro Rinchen Pung Dzong, Drukgyal Dzong (in ruins), Taa Dzong (National Museum), Taktshang Monastery, Goensakha Lhakhang, Gorina Lhakhang, Kila Goemba, Druk Choeding Lhakhang, Dungtse Lhakhang, Kyichu Lhakhang, Kunzang Chholing Lhakhang, Yutoe Goemba, Ragoedrak Lhakhang, Nangkar Goemba, Sangchokhor Goemba, Dzongdrakha Goemba, Tachog Lhakhang, Paro Town.
Punakha
Punakha is historical heart of Bhutan. The district is witness to most momentous events in the country’s history. It was in Punakha that Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal first established the Chhoesid Nyiden, the dual system of government. In 1651, Punakha was named the capital of the newly unified country.
It was in Punakha, in 1907, where the Bhutanese people unanimously elected their first king His Majesty Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck. The first session of the country’s Parliament was also held in the Punakha Dzong in 1955. Punakha Dzong still serves as the winter residence of the national monastic body.
Punakha Dzong, also known as Punthang Dewa Chenpoi Phodrang or the ‘Palace of Great Bliss’, houses the sacred Machen Lhakhang, the sanctum where the relic of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal is preserved. It’s from this temple that the kings of Bhutan receive their blessings and ceremonial scarves for their coronation.
The district is home to several ancient temples like the Chimmi Lhakhang that honors Lama Drukpa Kunley, known across the entire Himalayan belt as the ‘Divine Madman’. Other holy sites include the Talo Sanga Choling, Nyeb Goemba, Tsehphu Monastery, and the recently built Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Choeten.
The people of Punakha are known as Punaps. They are a hard-working bunch of folks and speak the national language Dzongkha. Some parts of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park fall in the district. The climate is warm and humid with relatively cool winters. Rice paddy is the most popular crop of Punakha. The punaps also grow wheat, chilies, bananas, and persimmon. The Layaps and Lunaps of Gasa who live in the cold highlands migrate to Punakha in the winter.
Punakha Domchen is the major festival of the region and draws thousands of tourists each year. Other religious festivals include Talo Tsechu and Dado Tsechu.
Tourists also go rafting on the valley’s Mochu River.
Places of Interest: Punakha Dzong, Chimmi Lhakhang, Talo Sanga Choling, Nyeb Goemba, Tsephu Monastery, Dzongchhung, Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Choeten.
Samdrup Jongkhar
Samdrup Jongkhar is the commercial hub of eastern Bhutan. It shares border with the Indian town of Daranga, and is three-hour drive from Guwahati, the capital of the Indian state of Assam. The district is a sub-tropical belt with rich flora and fauna.
In 1837, the British Political Officer Captain Pemberton entered Bhutan from Samdrup Jongkhar. The area also saw frequent border skirmishes between the Bhutanese and the British India in the 19th century.
It was in Dewathang, about 18 kilometers from Samdrup Jongkhar town toward Trashigang, where Bhutan fought its last battle with the British in 1884. Jigme Namgyel, the father Bhutan’s first hereditary monarch, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck, led the Bhutanese troops and put up a strong resistance against the better equipped British.
There are two major ethnic groups in Samdrup Jongkhar – the Tshanglas and the Lhotshampas. The former are Buddhist and the latter Hindu. They are basically farmers growing mostly maize, paddy rice, oranges, and chilies.
Samdrup Jongkhar is aptly called the gateway to eastern Bhutan. As the ancient trading port, people from eastern Bhutan travelled to Samdrup Jongkhar to exchange goods and services with merchants from Assam.
The town is now opened to tourists as entry or exit point.
Places of Interest: Zangdopelri Lhakgang, Rock painting of Guru Rinpoche in Che Kilo, Samdrup Jhongkhar Dzong, Memorial Choeten in Dewathang.
Trashigang
Trashigang is one of the largest districts in the country located at the easternmost part of the map. It borders the northeast Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. With its temperate climate, the district is rich is flora and fauna.
Perhaps, the most fascinating landmark of this district is the dzong that sits atop a narrow spur overlooking the Dangmechhu River. The imposing fortress was built in 1667 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa and was the political stronghold of eastern Bhutan for a very long time.
Equally fascinating is the Trashigang town itself, a narrow perch along the steep cliffs and deep gorges. The district has several ancient temples and monasteries, and a wide range of ethnic groups who speak different dialects. Bhutan’s oldest seat of modern learning – Sherubtse College – is also located here.
There are brokpas of Merak and Sakten, the extreme highlanders rich in their own culture. Then there are the bramis, kurtoeps, and khengpas. However, the overwhelming majority are the Tshanglas who speak sharchopkha. The Tshanglas are the aboriginal settlers of the region.
The huge ethnic diversity gives this district some of the country’s unique cultural practices. For example, the Yak Cham or ‘Dance of Yaks’ and the Ache Lhamo dance are unique to the Brokpas. Brokpas are basically highland Yak herders and have their own dress, made of animal hair and yak hide.
The people of Trashigang brew a variety of alcohol, the most popular being ara. They are expert weavers and metal workers. For example, bura, a unique textile made from nettle plant, is woven in Radhi village. Ground maize is the staple diet of the people, although they also grow rice paddy and potatoes.
Places of Interest: Trashigang Dzong, Rangjung Woeserchholing Monastery, Borangtse Lhakhang, Yonphula Lhakhang, Chador Lhakhang, Thromang Lhakhang, Kanglung Zangtopelri, Yonphu Lhakhang, Merak and Sakten village, Sherubtse College, Yonphula Airstrip.
Trashiyangtse
Created in 1992, Trashiyangtse is the newest district in Bhutan. It was formerly part of Trashigang. The district’s climate ranges from sub-tropical in the south to alpine temperatures in the north.
The people of Trashitangtse, known as the Yangtseps, are fun-loving Buddhist folks. The district is home several important monasteries and temples, including the Dongdi Dzong, now known as Trashiyangtse Dzong. Other popular temples are the Rigsum Goemba and the Gomphu Kora.
The district also features the famous Iron Chain Bridge over the Kholong River at Duksum built by the Tibetan King Dupthob Thangthong Gyalpo. Another popular landmark is the ruins of Tshenkharla Dzong, a castle like structure built by a Tibetan prince.
Like the neighboring district of Trashigang, Trashiyangtse also has diverse ethnic communities that speak different dialects. Apart from the majority Tshanglas, there are Bramis, Khangpas, and Kurtoeps.
The farmers of Trashiyangtse grow maize, rice paddy, wheat, barley, and buckwheat. They are also known for their expertise in wood work and traditional paper making. It has rich flora and fauna. And apart from Phobjikha in Wangduephodrang, Bumdeling in Trashiyangtse is another bigger winter roosting ground of the rare and endangered black-necked cranes.
Places of Interest: Choeten Kora Stupa, Gomphu Kora Lhakhang, Dongdi Dzong, Duksum Iron Chain Bridge, New Trashiyangtse Dzong, Omba Nye, Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, Institute of Zorig Chusum.
Thimphu
The seat of the Bhutanese government, the Thimphu district is a veritable mixture of modernity and tradition. It’s a sprawling capital city where people from all parts of the country live.
With a population of 110,000 people, the district boasts an urban sophistication not seen in other districts of the country. Apart from its many significant temples, dzongs, and monasteries, Thimphu also has other modern attractions like the Parliament House, the National Library, the Convention Hall, and the Heritage Museum, among others.
Among its major landmarks are the Tashichhodzong (which houses the office of His Majesty the King), the Changangkha Lhakhang (built by the illustrious Lama Phajo Drugom Zhigpo), the National Memorial Choeten, the Decehhenphu Monatsery, and the Pangrizampa Lhakhang.
The original ethnic residents of the district are mainly ngalongpas who speak the national language Dzongkha. There are also other ethnic groups like the bjobs. They are the highlanders of Dagala, Lingzhi, Soe, and Naro. The natives of Thimphu grow rice paddy, mushrooms, asparagus, and other cash crops.
In the capital itself, people from all across the country live and work. All major government offices (including the prime minister’s office), corporate headquarters, and other agencies are located in Thimphu.
The city of Thimphu perhaps is one of the fastest growing urban centers in the world. The city is rapidly expanding and hundreds of constructions are going on at any given time of the year. There are modern discotheques and traditional drayangs. There are traditional homes and there are modern five-star hotels.
Through the heart of the city flows the Thimphu River, and by its banks is located the biggest and idyllic park for children and adults. It makes an ideal spot for family picnics and gatherings. His Majesty the King’s modest palace also lies by the bank of the river just below the Tashichhodzong.
Places of Interest: Tashichhodzong, Pangrizampa Lhakhang, Cheri Monastery, Tango Monastery, Changangkha Lhakgang, Wangdue Tse Monastery, Chezig Samtencholing Lhakhang, Dechhenphu Monastery, Dodey Drak Monastery, Tashigang Goenba, Dechenphodrang Lhakhang, Samaringkha Drana Monastery, Samarzingkha Lhakhang, Phajoding Monastery, the National Memorial Choeten, Thadrak Goemba, Dochula Choetens, Gyalyong Tshokhang (Parliament House), National Library, Institute of Zorig Chusum, Drakstho Vocational Institute, Heritage Meusum.
Trongsa
Trongsa carries the old heartbeat of ancient Bhutan. The district is historically significant and has close connection to the lineage of Bhutan’s kings. This importance is reflected today in the fact that all Kings of Bhutan are first instituted as the Trongsa Penlop before they assume the Golden Throne.
The district has one of the rarest ethnic groups of Bhutanese called the Monpas. There are only 261 of them in the entire country and are considered to be among the oldest inhabitants of Bhutan. The largest ethnic group, called the Mangdips, speaks the Mangdipkha.
The sprawling red-roofed Trongsa Dzong, where the investiture ceremony of the Trongsa Penlop takes place, was built by Chogyal Minjur Tempa in 1647. The dzong is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family. The dzong houses the Zim Khang or sleeping quarters of His Majesty the second King Jigme Wangchuck.
The Ta Dzong or ‘Watch Tower’, which sits on a promontory above the town, was recently converted into the Monarchy Museum. Among the regions other significant structures are the Kuenga Rabten Palace, Nubji Lhakhang, Eundu Chholing Palace, Thruepang Palace, and the Chendebji Stupa.
Rice and maize is the staple of the region. The people grow maize, rice paddy, millet, and buckwheat. The Jigmi Singye Wangchuck National Park is home to several wildlife species like Red Panda, Golden Langur, Sambar, Musk Deer, Himalayan Black Bear, and Bengal Tiger.
Places of Interest: Trongsa Dzong, Monarchy Museum, Chendebji Stupa, Kadam Lhakhang, Innchholing Lhakhang, Drala Goemba, Kuenga Rabten Palace, Langthel Waterfall.
Wangduephodrang
Popularly known as the ‘sha’ region, Wangduephodrang stands gateway to several other districts in eastern and southern Bhutan. It is also a multi-lingual district with several ethnic communities. The district’s climate ranges from sub-tropical in the south to temperate and almost alpine in the north.
The Wangduephodrang Dzong is one of the most fascinating fortresses in the country. It’s perched on a ridge overlooking the Punatshangchu and Dangchu Rivers and was built by the Zhabdrung himself in 1639.
The district is home to more than a dozen significant religious sites, including temples and monasteries. One of them is the popular Gangtey Monastery, also known as Gangtey Sanga Choeling Goemba. The monastery is located in Phobjikha, the famous winter roosting grounds for the endangered black-necked cranes.
Most people in Wangduephodrang speak the national language – Dzongkha. The people are known for their fondness for archery, the national game of Bhutan. The region is also known for ancient ballads.
Like many other districts in the country, Wangduephodrang also presents rich biodiversity in terms of flora and fauna. The district is a birder’s paradise with more than 390 species of birds found in the region. Some rare birds like the White-Bellied Heron and Spotted Eagle are found only in Wangduephodrang.
The people of Wangduephodrang grow rice paddy, wheat and other cereals. They also grow potatoes abundantly.
Places of Interest: Wangduephodrang Dzong, Dolong Goemba, Rinchenling Shedra, Nyizergang Lhakhang, Tashila Ropeway, Phobjikha Valley, Gangtey Monastery.