Trashigang Travel Guide
Trashigang, perched at an elevation of 1,200 meters, is the largest district in Bhutan and serves as a gateway to the eastern Bhutan, offering visitors a mix of historical, spiritual, and natural attractions. It serves as a key gateway to eastern Bhutan and is known for its stunning landscapes, traditional Bhutanese architecture, and rich cultural heritage. The town is situated at the confluence of the Drangme Chhu and Goril Chhu rivers, providing a picturesque backdrop for visitors.
How to get to Trashigang?
Trashigang is accessible by both road and air. The journey to Trashigang itself is an experience, offering breathtaking views of Bhutan’s mountainous terrain. The nearest airport is in Yongphula, making it relatively easier for tourists to visit this eastern gem. The tourist can travel by Road too taking you through lush valleys, cliffs, and charming villages, making the trip memorable for every traveler.
Best Time to Visit Tashigang
The best time to visit Trashigang is October to December and April to May. The annual fest Trashigang Tshechu takes places somewhere around November and December where people from all over Eastern Bhutan come and take part in folk singing and dancing. The climate is also very pleasant at this time.
Top attraction in Trashigang
Trashigang Dzong
Trashigang Dzong built in 1659, is one of the Dzongs prophesized by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the founder of Bhutan and played instrumental role in the unification of eastern Bhutan. It also defended external invasion from Tibet. Presently the Dzong is used as the seat for Rabdey and Administration of Trashigang Dzongkhag.
Khaling Blind School
Khaling Blind School, is a prominent institution located in Khaling, Trashigang District, Bhutan. Established in 1973 by Norwegian Missionaries to provide education and support for visually impaired students, the school plays a crucial role in ensuring that children with visual impairments have access to quality education and opportunities for personal development. The school teaches students across Bhutan in levels pre-primary to class six. When the students reach class seven they integrate with the local school in Khaling. The school offers a range of services, including specialized teaching methods, skills training, and rehabilitation programs designed to enhance the students’ independence and integration into society. Through its dedicated efforts, Khaling Blind School helps to empower students, improve their quality of life, and promote inclusivity within the broader community.
National Hand loom Weaving Centre Khaling
The national handloom center at Khaling is a good option for shopping authentic Bhutanese textiles created with age-old indigenious techniques of dying and weaving. Lying a few kilometers off the small Khaling town, this center is a good place to understand the overall production process of Bhutanese textiles.This cultural center is a must-visit for those interested in Bhutanese craftsmanship, especially weaving. You can see artisans at work, purchase unique textiles, and learn about the weaving techniques that have been passed down through generations.
Rangjung Woesel Choeling Monastery
Rangjung Woesel Choeling Monastery is located in Eastern Bhutan under Trashigang district at Rangjung. The monastery was founded by His Eminence Dungsey Garab Dorje Rinpoche in the year 1989 with few monks and nuns. The objective of monastery is to provide a conducive haven for the study of Buddha dharma as expounded in the Dudjom New Treasure Lineage and carry out dharma activities for the benefit of the Buddhist community in and abroad the country. It has a flourishing community with branches monasteries and retreat centers.
Radhi Village
Radhi is located some 27 km east of Trashigang Dzongkhag on a north facing slope. It is partly a dry Chirpine belt in its lower part and the upper part is covered with a cool broadleaf forest. It is drained mainly by two small rivers systems, namely Chongdiri in the east and Yudiri in the west.The main agricultural crops that are grown by people of Radhi are paddy, maize, soya bean, potatoes and vegetables, which are mostly used for household consumption except for rice which is mostly sold. Radhi is often known as the ‘Rice Bowl of the East’ because of its fertile rice fields that supply most of the grain to eastern parts of the country.Tourists can find the unique culture of eastern Bhutan essence, and famous textiles produced in Radhi using the traditional back-strap loom and traditional dyes.
Gom Kora
This is a beautiful ancient temple with a very strong cultural heritage. It is believed that this is the place where Guru Rinpoche, an 8th century Buddhist master from Bhutan, once meditated to fight away the demons. This magnificent temple is surrounded by hordes of banana trees and rice fields. Situated on a little alluvial plain adjacent to the river and hills, this temple is unique and splendid in its own way. The temple is one of the biggest tourist attraction here and is an important pilgrimage for the people of Bhutan.
Things to do in Trashigang
- Cultural Immersion: Visit local villages like Radhi and Phongmey to experience traditional farming and Bhutanese textile weaving.
- Trekking: Enjoy scenic hikes and nature walks around the dzongs and monasteries. The surrounding landscapes, with their terraced fields and mountain views, make for great trekking spots.
- Photography: Capture the stunning views of Bhutan’s rugged mountain landscapes, sacred temples, and traditional Bhutanese architecture.
Explore the Unique Traditional Village of Trashigang
Trashigang, in eastern Bhutan, is home to unique traditional villages like Merak, Sakteng, Khaling, and Radhi, each showcasing Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage. Merak and Sakteng are known for the Brokpa people’s yak-herding lifestyle and unique attire, while Khaling is famous for its traditional weaving. Radi, the “rice bowl of the east,” produces high-quality silk, and Rangjung is spiritually significant with its monastery. These villages offer a glimpse into Bhutan’s preserved traditions, natural beauty, and warm hospitality, making them a treasure trove for cultural exploration.
Cultural and Spiritual Experience
Trashigang offers rich cultural and spiritual experiences through its traditional weaving villages, unique Brokpa culture in Merak and Sakteng, and serene monasteries like Rangjung Woesel Choeling. Visitors can enjoy vibrant festivals, traditional dances, and authentic Bhutanese hospitality, making it a culturally immersive destination.
Accommodation at Trashigang
In Trashigang, accommodation options are fewer compared to other dzongkhags, but the available homestays and farmhouses offer a unique and comfortable experience for guests. These accommodations, often family-run, provide an authentic Bhutanese cultural immersion. Visitors can enjoy personalized services, local cuisine, and the opportunity to experience rural life in tranquil surroundings, making the stay both comfortable and memorable. Some of the hotels and in Trashigang are:
Weather and Temperature in Trashigang
Trashigang, located in eastern Bhutan, experiences a temperate climate, with distinct seasons:
- Spring (March to May): The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). This is a great time to visit for pleasant weather and blooming landscapes.
- Summer (June to August): The summer season is monsoon time, with rainfall expected, especially in July and August. Temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), making it relatively warm but humid.
- Autumn (September to November): The weather is cooler and dry, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), making it ideal for travel with clear skies and crisp air.
- Winter (December to February): Winters are cold, with temperatures dropping to 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F) during the day and sometimes dipping below freezing at night. Snowfall is rare but can occur in higher altitudes.
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Tours and Trekking Trail in Trashigang
Trashigang, located in eastern Bhutan, is known for its scenic beauty and cultural significance, making it a popular destination for trekking and touring. The most popular trekking in Trashigang is Merak Sakteng Trek which allows trekkers to experience a unique semi-nomadic lifestyle and culture in one of the most scenic pastoral valleys in Bhutan.