Trashigang DzongkhagThings to do

Things to do in Trashigang Dzongkhag

  1. Trashigang Dzong

    The dzong is on a high promontory that overlooks the confluence of the Drangme Chhu and the Gamri Chhu. It was built in 1667 by Mingyur Tenpa, Bhutan's third desi. The entire eastern region was governed from this dzong from the late 17th century until the beginning of the 20th century.

    This dzong is unusual in that both the administrative and monastic bodies face onto a single dochey (courtyard). As always, the gorikha (porch) has paintings of the Four Guardian Kings.

    Inside the Kunrey Lhakhang is a statue of the deity Gasin-re or Yama, the wrathful aspect of Chenresig. He is a protector of the faith, the god of death and the king of law, and the one that weighs up the goo…

    reviewed

  2. Rural Handicrafts Sales Centre

    The Rural Handicrafts Sales Centre is a showroom for Khaling’s National Handloom Development Project, so is the place to pick up woven kiras, table runners and scarves, particularly if you can’t make it to the weaving centre in Khaling. Kiras aren’t cheap (Nu 4000 to 16,000) but bear in mind that an elaborate piece can take up to six months to weave.

    reviewed

  3. Choden Restaurant

    The road continues its descent past fencelike prayer flags (the Bhutanese equivalent of road safety barriers) and through fields of corn and mustard, past the road-crew camp at Ningala, finally reaching the substantial village of Yadi (1480m). The Choden Restaurant here is a good place to break for a cup of tea and a look at the village lhakhang just across the road.

    reviewed

  4. Karmapa Restaurant and Bar

    The garden of the Druk Deothjung Hotel is a favourite place to savour a cold beer. If you prefer something more Bhutanese in flavour, try the Karmapa Restaurant and Bar but drink quickly, because the entire town starts to close at 20:00.

    reviewed

  5. Pema Bakery

    Next-door to the Druk Deothjung Hotel, this bakery serves bread and pastries, as well as a good range of imported goodies from Pringles to Coffee Mate.

    reviewed

  6. TT Restaurant

    For a quick meal of rice, ema datse (chillies with cheese) and meat try this busy place, downstairs in the back of the Hotel Seldon.

    reviewed

  7. Handicrafts Shop

    The small handicrafts shop at the Druk Deothjung Hotel is your last place to load up on souvenirs.

    reviewed