Misc
Table of Contents
Phobjikha Valley
Phobjikha valley is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of black necked cranes, migrating from the Tibetan plateau. Information about the black neck crane can be obtained at the Black Necked Crane Information Centre. You can also take the Nature Trail hike that will bring you around the valley and as close as possible to the black neck crane.
Wangdue Phodrang
The district of Wangdue Phodrang is famous for its fine bamboo work, stone carvings, and slate which is mined up a valley a few kilometers from its capital town, also named Wangdue Phodrang. It also shares its name with its Dzong, which is perched on a spur at the confluence of two rivers. The position of the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong is remarkable as it completely covers the spur and commands an impressive view both up and down the valley. Wangdue Phodrang is also home to the Gangtey Gonpa, which dates back to the 16th century.
Deothang
Located at south-seatern Bhutan, Deothang is the site of a famous 19th century battle fought during the Bhutan War, in which the forces of Jigme Namgyal defeated the British.
Trashigang
Trashigang lies in the far east of Bhutan, and is the country’s largest district. Trashigang town, on the hillside above the Gamri Chu (river), was once the center for a busy trade route with Tibet. Today it is the junction of the east-west highway, with road connections to Samdrup Jongkhar and then into the Indian state of Assam.
Although Transhigang is the biggest of Bhutan’s twenty districts in terms of population, it sees very few tourists.
Built in 1659, the Trashigang Dzong serves as the administrative seat for the district as well as the home of the monk body. The Dzong commands a remarkable view over the surrounding countryside, standing at the extreme end of a rocky outcrop far above the river gorge.
Merak
Go on a day excursion to Merak and you will have an intimate insight into the lives of the tribes known as the Brokpas, the semi-nomadic people, whose way of dress is unique in Bhutan. Learn how these proud communities, which form a rich part of Bhutan’s ethnic diversity, have survived with their cultures intact to this day. Brokpas inhabit some of the most rugged terrains in the country. Their economy depends heavily on yaks, and although Brokpas are gradually entering the cash economy, a greater part of their livelihood still depends on ancient bartering practices.
Lhuntse
Lhuntse is one of the most isolated districts in Bhutan. The region is famous for its weavers, and their distinctive textiles are generally considered to be the best in the country.
Located in the Kurtoe region of Lhuntse, Dungkar Naktshang is the ancestral home of the monarchy. Visit the palace to get an intimate insight into the life of the early days of Bhutan’s monarchy.
Lhuntse Dzong, perched high on a hill overlooking the Kurichu valley, is one of the most picturesque in Bhutan. The Dzong has two divisions known as Dzong Thogma and Dzong Wogma. The Thogma or the upper part belongs exclusively to the monk body, while the district administration occupies the Wogma. There is an old song that praises the glory of this Dzong. Your guide will probably sing for you.
Statue of Guru Rinpoche, Takila
Visit the newly built World’s tallest statue of Guru Rinpoche at Takila in Tangmachu. The construction of the enormous statue of Guru Rinpoche in the form of Guru Nangsey Zilneon was started in 2008 and it’s been just completed recently. The statue was built with the donations from devotees within and as well as from outside the country.
This 148 feet bronze statue despite becoming the tallest statue of Guru Rinpoche in the world, it is also one of the most prominent structures in the Buddhist world, as well as a place of pilgrimage for devotees from all over the world, plus an attraction for the tourists visiting Eastern Bhutan - built to ensure continued peace in the world, stands high and handsome on the hillock overlooking Kurichu Valley.
Khoma
The Khoma village is a clustered hamlet consisting of about a dozen houses. The people of Khoma are well known for weaving and they depend on it for their livelihoods. They also work in their fields and eat whatever they produce, and when there is no work, their time is committed for social gatherings and drinking. You can take part in the friendly archery contest with the locals in the morning and have a lot of fun with several customs and practices attached to the activity apart from being an archer in the middle of nowhere. In the afternoon, explore the village and have intimate insight into their rural ways of living.