Remote valleys and living traditions
Eastern Bhutan sees far fewer visitors than the west. Long roads wind through deep valleys to towns such as Mongar and Trashigang, and the region’s languages, textiles and festivals differ from those of western Bhutan.
Places to know
- Mongar: an eastern town reached after a long drive from Bumthang, with Mongar Dzong.
- Trashigang: Trashigang Dzong and a busy regional market town.
- Lhuentse: the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family, known for fine weaving.
- Trashi Yangtse: known for the large Chorten Kora.
- Samdrup Jongkhar: the southern border town through which the east connects to India by road.
Travelling here
Journeys to the east need time. Our East to West Cultural Tour crosses the region and ends overland at Samdrup Jongkhar, which requires a confirmed border crossing and onward travel arrangements.
The photograph on this page is an illustrative detail of Bhutanese temple art. It was not taken in eastern Bhutan.
