Trashigang

In the far east of Bhutan, on the banks of Dangmechu, lies Trashigang, one of the larger districts of the country with total area about 3066.90 square kilometers. As a center of the eastern region it was once the center of a busy trade route with Tibet. Trashigang shares borders with Mongar in the west, Samdrup Jongkhar and Pemagatshel in the South, Trashi Yangtse in the north and Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh in the east. Trashigang is 555 km away from Thimphu, the capital city. Dangme Chhu, one of the largest rivers in the country passes through the District. The elevation ranges from 600 m to over 4500 m above sea level. The climate is mainly temperate.

Places of interest:

- Trashigang Dzong (the Fortress of the Auspicious Mountain) was built in 1659 by the third Druk Desi Minjur Tempa keeping with the prophesy of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Four Dzongchungs (mini-Dzongs) were also built in four cardinal directions but unfortunately they do not exist today. The entire eastern region was governed from this Dzong from the late 17th century until the beginning of the 20th century. The Dzong withstood numerous Tibetan invasions. Unlike the many other Dzongs of Bhutan Trashigang Dzong has only one courtyard. The entire Dzong was enlarged and a Goenkhang added by the fourth Druk Desi Tenzin Rabgye in the 1680s and in 1936 Sey Dopola the Trashigang Dzongpon back then and the great grandfather of Ashi Jetsuen Pema added an additional shrine and a large statue of Guru Rinpoche.

- Merak and Sakteng are part of the remotest places in Bhutan and have been recently opened up to tourists. Here one can witness the nomadic lifestyle of the people.

- Khaling Handloom Center

- Radi Village is the gateway to Merak and Sakten in the easternmost part of Bhutan.